Alternatives · Utilities
f.lux alternatives
f.lux compared with 4 alternatives: BetterDisplay, MonitorControl, Twinkle Tray and HazeOver.
f.lux has a free plan. Paid plans start at $24 per device, one-time (Windows Corporate Edition). 3 of the 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
4 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| f.luxThis tool | Free plan · from $24 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| BetterDisplay | Free plan · from $21.99 one-time | Yes | macOS |
| MonitorControl | Free | Free | macOS |
| Twinkle Tray | Free | Free | Windows |
| HazeOver | Free trial · from $4.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
How each one differs from f.lux
- Free plan · from $21.99 one-time
BetterDisplay
Display scaling, brightness and DDC control for Mac
- BetterDisplay starts at $21.99 one-time purchase (Pro license, tax may apply). f.lux starts at $24 per device, one-time (Windows Corporate Edition).
- Only f.lux lists Windows and Linux apps.
- BetterDisplay can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Controlling an external monitor's brightness, volume and input from the Mac
- Free
MonitorControl
Free, open-source brightness and volume control for Mac displays
- MonitorControl is free. f.lux starts at $24 per device, one-time (Windows Corporate Edition).
- Only f.lux lists Windows and Linux apps.
- MonitorControl is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Mac users whose external monitor ignores the keyboard brightness keys
- Free
Twinkle Tray
Free brightness sliders for external monitors on Windows
- Twinkle Tray is free. f.lux starts at $24 per device, one-time (Windows Corporate Edition).
- Only f.lux lists macOS and Linux apps.
- Twinkle Tray is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Windows desktop users who want to dim external monitors from the taskbar
- Free trial · from $4.99 one-time
HazeOver
Mac utility that dims every window except the active one
- HazeOver starts at $4.99 one-time purchase. f.lux starts at $24 per device, one-time (Windows Corporate Edition).
- f.lux has a free plan. HazeOver does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only f.lux lists Windows and Linux apps.
- HazeOver can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- f.lux also covers display control.
Suits: Large or multiple displays, where the active window is easy to lose
Limits worth knowing in f.lux
- The Corporate Edition is for Windows only and in English only, at $24 per device for the first 10 devices and $12 for each one after.
- The vendor treats company-recommended or IT-managed use as commercial use that needs the paid corporate license.
- It is not designed for advanced color work; the vendor suggests disabling it while using apps such as Photoshop.
- Mobile support is limited: the iOS version needs a jailbroken device and the Android build needs a rooted phone.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to f.lux?
The alternatives to f.lux in this directory are BetterDisplay, MonitorControl, Twinkle Tray and HazeOver. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with f.lux.
Is there a free alternative to f.lux?
Yes. MonitorControl and Twinkle Tray are free to use. BetterDisplay has a free plan alongside paid ones.
Is there an open-source alternative to f.lux?
MonitorControl and Twinkle Tray are described as open source on their own sites.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 6, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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