Alternatives · Utilities
Twinkle Tray alternatives
Twinkle Tray compared with 5 alternatives: f.lux, DisplayFusion, MonitorControl, BetterDisplay and EarTrumpet.
Twinkle Tray is free to use. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twinkle TrayThis tool | Free | Free | Windows |
| f.lux | Free plan · from $24 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| DisplayFusion | Free plan · from $34 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| MonitorControl | Free | Free | macOS |
| BetterDisplay | Free plan · from $21.99 one-time | Yes | macOS |
| EarTrumpet | Free | Free | Windows |
How each one differs from Twinkle Tray
- 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). Twinkle Tray is free.
- Only f.lux lists macOS and Linux apps.
- Twinkle Tray is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: People who use a computer in the evening and want a warmer screen
- Free plan · from $34 one-time
DisplayFusion
Multi-monitor taskbars, wallpaper and window control for Windows
- DisplayFusion starts at $34 one-time purchase per machine (Pro Standard, lifetime license). Twinkle Tray is free.
- DisplayFusion can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Twinkle Tray is open source, according to its own site.
- DisplayFusion also covers window management.
- Twinkle Tray also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Windows users working across two or more monitors
- Free
MonitorControl
Free, open-source brightness and volume control for Mac displays
- MonitorControl is free. Twinkle Tray is free.
- Only MonitorControl lists a macOS app.
- Only Twinkle Tray lists a Windows app.
Suits: Mac users whose external monitor ignores the keyboard brightness keys
- 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). Twinkle Tray is free.
- Only BetterDisplay lists a macOS app.
- Only Twinkle Tray lists a Windows app.
- BetterDisplay can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Twinkle Tray is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Controlling an external monitor's brightness, volume and input from the Mac
- Free
EarTrumpet
Per-app volume mixer for the Windows system tray
- EarTrumpet is free. Twinkle Tray is free.
- Twinkle Tray also covers display control.
Suits: Windows users who want a different volume for each app
Limits worth knowing in Twinkle Tray
- Windows 10 and Windows 11 only.
- Monitors must support DDC/CI, which can be switched off by default in a monitor's own menu; VGA and DVI connections may not be compatible.
- USB, Thunderbolt and Surface docks with HDMI or DisplayPort may not work, and the AMD Radeon Control Panel can interfere.
- The README warns that DDC/CI commands such as brightness and power state can make certain monitor models behave poorly.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Twinkle Tray?
The alternatives to Twinkle Tray in this directory are f.lux, DisplayFusion, MonitorControl, BetterDisplay and EarTrumpet. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Twinkle Tray.
Is there a free alternative to Twinkle Tray?
Yes. MonitorControl and EarTrumpet are free to use. f.lux, DisplayFusion and BetterDisplay have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Twinkle Tray alternatives work on macOS?
The Twinkle Tray listing does not include a macOS app. f.lux, MonitorControl and BetterDisplay list one.
Which Twinkle Tray alternatives work on Linux?
The Twinkle Tray 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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