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Umbra EQ

An open-source extension that gives each browser tab its own equalizer and bass boost.

Reviewed by Xplorekit's independent developer · Last checked · How we choose

Add to Chrome Open source · Chrome Web Store · Source on GitHub

Why it's a strong pick

Umbra EQ shapes the sound of one tab at a time, so music, a video and a call can each sound right. It is open source under the MIT license, and its code is public on GitHub. It uses Manifest V3, Chrome's current extension format. Its latest repo release, v2.4.1, is dated 28 July 2026. It is a young project from one maintainer, and we say so below.

What it does

The manifest describes it this way: "Give any tab its own equalizer. Boost bass, tame harsh audio, and save presets. Everything stays on your computer." You start it on a tab with "EQ This Tab". The README says it works with players such as Spotify and YouTube Music.

Key features

  • 11-band equalizer. Set frequency, gain and width for each band.
  • Bass boost. It works through the low bands.
  • Volume past 100%. The master volume can go higher, behind a limiter.
  • Presets and site rules. Save a sound and apply it to a site.
  • Per tab. Each tab keeps its own settings.
  • No account. The README says it is free, MIT-licensed, with no ads and no accounts. That is the author's own claim.

Who it's for

Umbra EQ is for people who want to shape or boost the sound of a browser tab, such as music, video or calls, without an account. It suits listeners who like to tune bass or soften harsh audio. If you only want louder sound, a simpler volume booster may be enough.

What permissions does Umbra EQ ask for?

Its source manifest asks for activeTab, tabCapture, storage and offscreen. It lists no host permissions. It needs Chrome 116 or newer. The tabCapture permission is how it takes a tab's audio, so Chrome shows a capture indicator. We read the source manifest, not the built one, so check the install prompt.

Does Umbra EQ collect my data?

Its PRIVACY.md, dated 13 July 2026, says: "The extension collects nothing, sends nothing, and contains no analytics or ads." It reads the active tab's address, title and favicon on your device. Presets sync across your own signed-in Chrome profiles. This is the developer's own statement, not an audit.

How mature is Umbra EQ?

It is young. It comes from one maintainer, and every commit we saw is from 2026. The latest repo release and commit are both dated 28 July 2026. That is recent, but the update pace is unproven. Check back before you rely on it for daily work.

Does it work on every site?

Not always. The README says some sites hand audio to a separate process, and those can be exceptions. You also start Umbra on each tab yourself. Try it on the site you use most before you build presets around it.

FAQ

Is Umbra EQ open source? Yes, under the MIT license.

Is it free? The README says it is free, with no ads and no accounts. That is the author's claim.

Does it need an account? The README says no.

Good to know

Raising the volume past 100% can distort sound. Move in small steps and leave the limiter on. Save a preset only after you listen to it on a few tracks.

Other media tools to compare

Umbra EQ is one of 4 picks in our media tools guide:

This is a third-party extension, not built or maintained by Xplorekit. We link to the official Chrome Web Store listing — install and permissions are entirely between you and the extension's own publisher.