Privacy Policy & Terms of Service
Effective Date: March 23, 2026 · Last Updated: August 28, 2026
1. Privacy Policy
1.1 Scope and controller
Hearably is a product of drylabs GmbH ("Hearably," "we," "our," or "us"). This policy covers the Hearably website, browser extension, Studio, accounts, billing, support, and any released Hearably apps. The legal entity details are published in our Imprint. Questions and data requests can be sent to privacy@hearably.app.
1.2 Audio and uploaded files
The Chrome/Edge extension's captured tab audio is processed on the user's device and is not uploaded to Hearably. The extension uses Chrome's tab capture and Web Audio APIs to build the DSP chain in an offscreen extension document. Hearably Studio decodes and processes files locally in the browser. Ordinary account, model-download, billing, support, and website-analytics network requests are separate from that audio path.
Hearably does not intentionally record or store the audio waveform handled by the extension or the content of a file opened in Studio. Local processing is not a hearing-safety, confidentiality, or regulatory certification.
1.3 Information kept locally by the extension
While the extension is running, it uses browser storage and in-memory state for settings, presets, authentication state, subscription status, capture state, and the multi-tab mixer. To render and control that mixer, the extension can read the open tab's URL, title, favicon, audible state, and tab identifier locally. Its content script runs on supported web pages and frames to detect <audio> and <video> elements and adjust their local volume. It does not use that script to read article text, form entries, passwords, or keystrokes.
Those tab URLs, titles, favicons, and media-element observations are not sent to Hearably by the current extension. Browser sync behavior and removal of extension storage are controlled by Chrome or Edge and by the user's browser-account settings; uninstalling the extension does not itself delete a separate Hearably cloud account.
1.4 Information sent to Hearably
- Account and support: Email address, display name, authentication records, messages you send, and presets you explicitly save to cloud services.
- Billing and entitlement: Selected plan, provider and subscription identifiers, payer email and payer identifier supplied by PayPal, payment/subscription status, checkout request identifier, source channel, originating Hearably website path, referral code, and—only when available from consented analytics—the Google Analytics client and session identifiers. Hearably does not receive your PayPal password or full funding-source details.
- Enterprise inquiries: Name, work email, company, team-size range, use case, inquiry details, consent timestamp, source path, and any campaign parameters submitted with the form.
- Optional uninstall feedback: If you choose a survey answer after uninstall, we store that answer with browser, operating-system family, extension version, language, days-installed value, shortened user-agent string, and Cloudflare-derived country code. The requesting IP address is used transiently for abuse-rate limiting and is not written to that survey table.
- Technical requests: Our infrastructure necessarily processes request metadata such as IP address, timestamp, route, and user agent to serve, secure, rate-limit, and troubleshoot requests. Application logs and provider records may retain portions of this metadata.
1.5 Website analytics and consent
We use a custom consent banner for Google Analytics 4. The Google tag is not loaded unless you select Allow analytics. If you consent, Google Analytics can receive page views, conversion events, client/session identifiers, approximate geography, and browser/device information, and it may set first-party _ga cookies. Advertising storage, advertising user data, and advertising personalization remain disabled by our tag configuration. You can change the choice through Analytics settings in the footer.
We also use Cloudflare Web Analytics for aggregate page-performance and traffic measurement. Cloudflare describes this service as privacy-first and states that it does not collect or use visitors' personal data. The operational checkout ledger and enterprise inquiry records described above are first-party service records, not proof of payment or GA4 conversion.
1.6 Browser permissions and site access
The released extension manifest requests the following capabilities. A procurement-readable matrix and data-flow description are available on our Security & Deployment page.
- tabCapture: Captures audio output from a user-selected tab for local DSP. Chrome displays a broad permission warning for this capability.
- offscreen: Hosts the Manifest V3 audio pipeline outside the popup.
- storage: Keeps settings, presets, authentication state, and transient capture state in the appropriate extension storage areas.
- tabs: Reads tab ID, URL, title, favicon, and audible state for capture eligibility and the local mixer.
- activeTab: Provides temporary access to the current tab after user interaction.
- alarms: Schedules local health checks and state reconciliation.
- contextMenus: Adds the user-invoked Enhance with Hearably action.
- sidePanel: Opens the extension's controls in Chrome's side panel.
The content script is declared for <all_urls> because media can appear on any site and in embedded frames. A user action is still required to start tab capture. If the user asks to enumerate output devices, the browser may request microphone permission to reveal device labels; the temporary microphone stream is stopped immediately and is not connected to the DSP, recorded, or uploaded.
1.7 Service providers and security
- Cloudflare, Inc. — Website delivery, Workers, D1, R2, KV, security, logs, and Web Analytics. See Cloudflare's Privacy Policy.
- Google LLC. — Google Analytics after consent. See Google's Privacy Policy.
- PayPal group companies. — Payment processing for new web and browser subscriptions. See PayPal's Privacy Statement.
- Stripe, Inc. — Processing for legacy subscriptions that remain on Stripe. See Stripe's Privacy Policy.
- Apple, Inc. — Store distribution or in-app purchase processing where an Apple app offers those functions. See Apple's Privacy Policy.
We use HTTPS, access controls, provider-managed secrets, input validation, rate limits, and an idempotent billing-webhook ledger. No SOC 2, ISO 27001, penetration-test, data-residency, on-premise, SSO, or regulatory-compliance certification is implied unless it appears in a separately signed agreement.
1.8 Retention and deletion
We keep account and service records while an account or subscription is active and for as long as reasonably necessary for security, support, billing reconciliation, dispute handling, legal obligations, and enforcement. Payment providers keep their own records under their policies. We do not promise a fixed deletion period where a legal or financial record must be retained.
You can request access, correction, export, objection, restriction, or deletion by emailing privacy@hearably.app. We may need to verify the request and may retain records that law or legitimate security and accounting needs require. You can withdraw optional Google Analytics consent at any time through the footer setting; this changes future collection and does not automatically erase provider data already collected.
1.9 International processing
Hearably is operated from Germany and uses international service providers. Depending on the service and request route, information may be processed outside Germany or the European Economic Area subject to the provider's contractual and legal safeguards. We do not claim that all Cloudflare, Google, PayPal, Stripe, or Apple processing stays inside the European Union.
1.10 Children's privacy
Hearably is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly create accounts for them. A parent or guardian who believes a child supplied personal information should contact privacy@hearably.app.
1.11 Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as the product or service providers change. The date above identifies the current version. Material changes may be communicated through the website, extension, account email, or another appropriate channel.
2. Terms of Service
2.1 Acceptance of Terms
By installing, accessing, or using Hearably, you ("User") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Service. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Hearably.
2.2 License Grant
Subject to these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use Hearably for personal, non-commercial purposes (Free tier) or commercial purposes (Pro/Lifetime tier). You may not reverse-engineer, decompile, modify, or create derivative works based on Hearably.
2.3 User Responsibilities
You are solely responsible for:
- Your use of Hearably and any consequences thereof, including audio playback at elevated volume levels.
- Ensuring that your use of volume amplification does not cause hearing damage to yourself or others. We strongly recommend keeping volume at safe listening levels. Hearably's distortion guard is an engineering safeguard, not a guarantee against hearing damage.
- Compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and third-party terms of service in your jurisdiction.
- Ensuring that your use of audio enhancement does not violate the terms of service of any website, streaming platform, or content provider.
- Any content you create, share, or distribute using Hearably's preset sharing features.
- Maintaining the security of your account credentials.
2.4 Prohibited Uses
You may not use Hearably to:
- Record, capture, redistribute, or circumvent digital rights management (DRM) protections on copyrighted audio content.
- Engage in any activity that violates applicable copyright, intellectual property, or content licensing laws.
- Disrupt, overload, or interfere with our servers or infrastructure.
- Resell, sublicense, or commercially redistribute the software without written authorization.
- Use the Service for any unlawful purpose.
2.5 Hearing Safety Disclaimer
WARNING: Prolonged exposure to loud audio can cause permanent hearing damage. Hearably enables audio amplification up to 800% of the original volume. While we implement a software-based distortion guard and look-ahead limiter, these are digital safeguards and do not constitute medical-grade hearing protection. You assume all risk associated with audio volume levels you select. We strongly recommend:
- Keeping sustained listening below 85 dB SPL.
- Taking regular breaks during extended listening sessions.
- Using the Night Mode feature for late-night listening to reduce dynamic range.
- Consulting a hearing professional if you experience ringing (tinnitus), muffled hearing, or ear discomfort.
2.6 Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, HEARABLY AND ITS CREATORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
- Hearing loss or hearing damage of any kind.
- Damage to speakers, headphones, amplifiers, or other audio equipment.
- Loss of data, revenue, or business opportunities.
- Interruption of service or audio playback.
- Any damages arising from third-party content played through the browser.
OUR TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID TO US IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR €50, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.
2.7 Disclaimer of Warranties
HEARABLY IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of harmful components. Audio quality and amplification results may vary based on your hardware, browser version, and system configuration.
2.8 Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Hearably and its creators from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from: (a) your use of the Service; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any rights of a third party; or (d) any hearing damage, equipment damage, or other harm resulting from your use of audio amplification features.
2.9 Subscription & Billing
Monthly Subscription: $4.99/month, billed monthly through PayPal for new subscribers. You may cancel the automatic payment in PayPal at any time; Pro access continues until the end of the current paid billing period.
Annual Subscription: $49.99/year, billed annually through PayPal for new subscribers. You may cancel the automatic payment in PayPal at any time; Pro access continues until the end of the current paid annual period.
Legacy Stripe Subscriptions: Existing Stripe subscribers remain billed under their current Stripe agreement until they cancel or choose to switch providers. We do not transfer payment mandates between providers without the subscriber's consent.
Auto-Renewal: Subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless cancelled before the renewal date. You will be charged the then-current subscription price upon renewal.
Refund Policy: We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on Pro subscriptions. Contact legal@hearably.app within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Refunds are returned through the original payment provider; processing times vary by PayPal and the funding source.
Price Changes: We reserve the right to modify pricing with 30 days' notice. Existing subscribers will not be affected until their next renewal period.
Chargebacks & Disputes: If you believe a charge is unauthorized, please contact us at legal@hearably.app before initiating a chargeback with your bank. Filing a chargeback without first contacting us may result in permanent account termination.
2.10 Termination
We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service at any time for violation of these Terms, without prior notice. Upon termination, your license to use Hearably ceases immediately. Sections 2.5–2.8 survive termination.
2.11 Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the European Union and the applicable laws of the jurisdiction in which Hearably is operated, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration or in the courts of competent jurisdiction.
2.12 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
2.13 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Hearably regarding the Service and supersede all prior agreements.