Alternatives · Utilities
MonitorControl alternatives
MonitorControl compared with 4 alternatives: BetterDisplay, Twinkle Tray, f.lux and SoundSource.
MonitorControl is free to use. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MonitorControlThis tool | Free | Free | macOS |
| BetterDisplay | Free plan · from $21.99 one-time | Yes | macOS |
| Twinkle Tray | Free | Free | Windows |
| f.lux | Free plan · from $24 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| SoundSource | Free trial · from $49 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
How each one differs from MonitorControl
- 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). MonitorControl is free.
- BetterDisplay can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- MonitorControl is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Controlling an external monitor's brightness, volume and input from the Mac
- Free
Twinkle Tray
Free brightness sliders for external monitors on Windows
- Twinkle Tray is free. MonitorControl is free.
- Only Twinkle Tray lists a Windows app.
- Only MonitorControl lists a macOS app.
Suits: Windows desktop users who want to dim external monitors from the taskbar
- Free plan · from $24 one-time
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). MonitorControl is free.
- Only f.lux lists Windows and Linux apps.
- MonitorControl is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: People who use a computer in the evening and want a warmer screen
- Free trial · from $49 one-time
SoundSource
Per-app volume, output routing and audio effects for the Mac
- SoundSource starts at $49 one-time purchase. MonitorControl is free.
- MonitorControl has a free plan. SoundSource does not, though it has a free trial.
- SoundSource can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- MonitorControl is open source, according to its own site.
- MonitorControl also covers display control.
Suits: Mac users who want a separate volume level for each app
Limits worth knowing in MonitorControl
- macOS only. Version 4 runs on macOS 10.15 with limits, has full functionality from macOS 11, and needs v4.4.0 or newer for macOS 27.
- DDC control does not work over the built-in HDMI port of M1 Macs, the 2018 Intel Mac mini or the entry-level M2 Mac mini; USB-C or software dimming is the fallback.
- Most TVs, DisplayLink docks and some displays such as EIZO models get software dimming only, not hardware backlight control.
- XDR and HDR brightness upscaling and support for more Macs and displays are in BetterDisplay, a separate app from the maintainer.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to MonitorControl?
The alternatives to MonitorControl in this directory are BetterDisplay, Twinkle Tray, f.lux and SoundSource. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with MonitorControl.
Is there a free alternative to MonitorControl?
Yes. Twinkle Tray is free to use. BetterDisplay and f.lux have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which MonitorControl alternatives work on Windows?
The MonitorControl listing does not include a Windows app. Twinkle Tray and f.lux list one.
Which MonitorControl alternatives work on Linux?
The MonitorControl listing does not include a Linux app. f.lux lists one.
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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