Playback and volume
Play, pause, skip, and adjust volume on supported AirPlay speakers such as HomePod, plus Sonos speakers in general.
A small Mac app
See what’s playing on your speakers.
Playstate shows and controls playback from HomePod, Sonos, and Music.app. It can also keep your Last.fm history up to date.
Free 30-minute trial, no card required · US$24 once · macOS 15+
Why I built it
Music playing on a HomePod or Sonos can be invisible to ordinary Mac scrobblers. Playstate follows supported speakers on your local network, so those listens do not have to be entered by hand.
What it does
Now-playing window
Keep the current artwork, track, artist, and playback state on your desktop.
Last.fm scrobbling
Submit qualifying plays from supported HomePod, Sonos, and Music.app playback.
A simple desktop view
Resize it, leave it visible while you work, or close it and use Playstate from the menu bar.
A few details
- Native macOS menu bar app
- Volume control for AirPlay and Sonos speakers
- No Playstate account required
- No subscription
- Works quietly in the background
- Music stays between your player and speakers
- Includes compatibility updates
US$24, once
Every feature is free for your first 30 minutes of listening — enough to see it follow your speakers. Then one payment keeps it, for good, on every Mac you own.
Questions
Which Mac do I need?
Playstate is a native menu bar app for macOS 15 or later.
Can it control speaker volume?
Yes. Playstate controls volume on supported AirPlay speakers such as HomePod, as well as Sonos speakers regardless of how they are playing.
Does it work with every music service?
Playstate follows supported playback reported by HomePod, Sonos, and Music.app. It does not integrate directly with every streaming service.
Do I need a Last.fm account?
Only for scrobbling. The now-playing window and playback controls work without one.
Is it a subscription?
No. A lifetime license is US$24, paid once.
Can I try it first?
Yes. The full app is free for 30 minutes of listening — that is 30 minutes of actual playback time, not 30 minutes on the clock, so you can spread it over as long as you like. No card is required.
What happens when the trial runs out?
Playstate keeps working, but it asks you to buy a license each time you open it. The US$24 purchase clears that for good.
What leaves my Mac?
Playstate talks to speakers on your network, Last.fm when you sign in, Apple for artwork matching, and Playstate occasionally to validate a license. Your music is not routed through Playstate.
Try Playstate on your Mac
30 minutes of listening, free. US$24 once if you keep it.
Try free for 30 minutes