Alternatives · Utilities
Lunar alternatives
As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded Lunar alternative is f.lux (3.0 GPA). It's also the best free one.
Lunar compared with 4 alternatives: BetterDisplay, MonitorControl, f.lux and Twinkle Tray.
Lunar has a free plan. Paid plans start at $23 one-time. All 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a Lunar sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| LunarThis tool | Free plan · from $23 one-time | Yes | macOS |
| BetterDisplay | Free plan · from $21.99 one-time | Yes | macOS |
| MonitorControl | Free | Free | macOS |
| f.lux | Free plan · from $24 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Twinkle Tray | Free | Free | Windows |
How each one differs from Lunar
BetterDisplay
Display scaling, brightness and DDC control for Mac
- BetterDisplay starts at $21.99 one-time purchase (Pro license, tax may apply).
Suits: Controlling an external monitor's brightness, volume and input from the Mac
MonitorControl
Free, open-source brightness and volume control for Mac displays
- MonitorControl is free.
- MonitorControl is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Mac users whose external monitor ignores the keyboard brightness keys
f.lux
Warms your screen's color at night to match the time of day
- f.lux starts at $24 per device, one-time (Windows Corporate Edition).
- f.lux also lists Windows and Linux apps.
Suits: People who use a computer in the evening and want a warmer screen
Twinkle Tray
Free brightness sliders for external monitors on Windows
- Twinkle Tray is free.
- Twinkle Tray also lists a Windows app.
- Twinkle Tray lists no macOS app, which Lunar has.
- Twinkle Tray is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Windows desktop users who want to dim external monitors from the taskbar
Limits worth knowing in Lunar
- Mac only; the version 7 beta needs macOS 14 and Apple Silicon, while the current release lists macOS 11 or newer.
- The free version stops at 100 adjustments and 100 action calls per day.
- Some monitors or ports block DDC commands, and the site lists a fallback method for those cases.
- The license covers 5 personal computers; more need a volume license, according to the EULA.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Lunar?
The alternatives to Lunar in this directory are BetterDisplay, MonitorControl, f.lux and Twinkle Tray. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Lunar.
Is there a free alternative to Lunar?
Yes. MonitorControl and Twinkle Tray are free to use. BetterDisplay and f.lux have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Lunar alternatives work on Windows?
The Lunar listing does not include a Windows app. f.lux and Twinkle Tray list one.
Which Lunar alternatives work on Linux?
The Lunar listing does not include a Linux app. f.lux lists one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Lunar?
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 Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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