Alternatives · Utilities
Vivid alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded Vivid alternative is f.lux (3.0 GPA). It's also the best free one.
Vivid compared with 5 alternatives: BetterDisplay, Lunar, MonitorControl, Iris and f.lux.
Vivid has a free plan. Paid plans start at $9.99 one-time (Mac App Store in-app purchase). 4 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a Vivid sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| VividThis tool | Free plan · from $9.99 one-time | Yes | macOS |
| BetterDisplay | Free plan · from $21.99 one-time | Yes | macOS |
| Lunar | Free plan · from $23 one-time | Yes | macOS |
| MonitorControl | Free | Free | macOS |
| Iris | Free trial · from $1.99/mo | Trial only | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| f.lux | Free plan · from $24 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux |
How each one differs from Vivid
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
Lunar
Mac app that sets external monitor brightness over DDC
- Lunar starts at $23 one-time.
Suits: Mac users with external monitors who want to use the keyboard brightness keys on them
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
Iris
Screen color and brightness software for eye comfort
- Iris starts at $1.99 per month.
- Iris has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Vivid.
- Iris also lists Windows and Linux apps.
- Iris does not cover menu bar app, which Vivid does.
Suits: People who work at a screen late and want less blue light at night
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
Limits worth knowing in Vivid
- Only XDR displays are supported; Intel MacBooks, MacBook Air, the M1 13-inch MacBook Pro and the non-XDR Studio Display are not.
- Macs only; there is no Windows or Linux version.
- The vendor's site prices licenses in euros; a dollar price is shown only on the US Mac App Store listing.
- macOS can limit maximum brightness when the display gets warm, the vendor says.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Vivid?
The alternatives to Vivid in this directory are BetterDisplay, Lunar, MonitorControl, Iris and f.lux. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Vivid.
Is there a free alternative to Vivid?
Yes. MonitorControl is free to use. BetterDisplay, Lunar and f.lux have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Vivid alternatives work on Windows?
The Vivid listing does not include a Windows app. Iris and f.lux list one.
Which Vivid alternatives work on Linux?
The Vivid listing does not include a Linux app. Iris and f.lux list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Vivid?
MonitorControl is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 6, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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