Compare software

MediaMate vs Seam: catalog facts
MediaMate	Seam
Best for: Mac users who want cleaner volume, brightness and now playing overlays	Best for: MacBook users who want quick controls in the notch area
Paid Free download, with a license purchased through the Buy link on the site.	Paid One-time purchase of $19.90.
macOS	macOS
Compact replacements for volume and brightness HUDs Keyboard backlight control with its own HUD and shortcut All 3 strengths for MediaMate Compact replacements for volume and brightness HUDs Keyboard backlight control with its own HUD and shortcut Now Playing view in the notch	Features can be enabled one at a time Local voice transcription and translation All 4 strengths for Seam Features can be enabled one at a time Local voice transcription and translation Low CPU and memory use One-time price rather than a subscription
Requires macOS 13 or later Touch Bar Macs need a separate, less reliable mode All 3 limitations for MediaMate Requires macOS 13 or later Touch Bar Macs need a separate, less reliable mode Paid license	macOS only Paid app with no free tier mentioned
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for MediaMate wouter01.github.io/MediaMate Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Seam getseam.app Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.