BetterDisplay vs f.lux

BetterDisplay

• Controlling an external monitor's brightness, volume and input from the Mac
• Running scaled HiDPI resolutions on external displays
• Headless Macs that need a virtual screen for remote access
• Scripting display changes through the CLI or macOS Shortcuts

f.lux

• People who use a computer in the evening and want a warmer screen
• Users who want the change scheduled automatically from location and wake time
• Companies that need a centrally installed build for Windows PCs

BetterDisplay

• macOS only. The current v5 release requires macOS 26.3 or later; older releases for earlier macOS versions are still listed for download.
• Flexible HiDPI scaling, XDR and HDR upscaling, Picture in Picture and display disconnection all need the $21.99 Pro license.
• Businesses must buy a Pro license to use any feature, free or Pro, beyond the 14-day trial.
• A license covers the current major version plus at least one year of updates; a later major version may need a new or upgrade license.

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.

BetterDisplay

DDC monitor control

Changes brightness, volume, contrast, input and power on external monitors over DDC, using sliders, the native keys or custom shortcuts. These controls are in the free feature set.

Flexible HiDPI scaling

Converts built-in and natively connected external displays to flexibly scaled HiDPI screens. The resolution slider is free; flexible scaling needs Pro.

XDR and HDR brightness upscaling

Raises brightness beyond the standard range, up to 1600 nits on XDR displays, with display-dependent boosts on external HDR screens. A Pro feature.

Virtual screens and Picture in Picture

Creates virtual screens with chosen aspect ratios and resolutions, and shows any display in a Picture in Picture window. Basic virtual screens are free; Picture in Picture and streaming need Pro.

Disconnect and configuration protection

Disconnects and reconnects displays without unplugging them, and protects a display's resolution, refresh rate, rotation and color profile from changing. Both need Pro.

CLI, Shortcuts and HTTP integration

Offers a command-line interface, macOS Shortcuts actions, a custom URL scheme and an HTTP interface. Access is free, but operations that change Pro features still need Pro.

f.lux

Automatic color temperature

Shifts the display's color temperature with the time of day: 6500K in daytime by default and warmer after sunset, timed from your location.

Bedtime tied to your wake time

A Bedtime setting removes as much alerting light as possible before sleep and moves with the wake time you set. Options cover sleeping in on weekends and an earlier bedtime for teens.

Presets and custom colors

Presets include Recommended colors, Classic f.lux and Working late, and Custom colors lets you pick a color temperature for each part of the day.

Darkroom and Movie mode

Darkroom removes all blue and green light and inverts colors. Movie mode lasts 2.5 hours and keeps colors and shadow detail with a warmer tone.

Disable when color matters

Can be turned off for an hour, until sunrise, or whenever a chosen app is active, which the vendor suggests for color-critical work.

Philips Hue control

The Windows version can drive Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance lights so that room lighting follows the same schedule as the screen.

BetterDisplay

• Free$0

  For non-business users: DDC brightness, volume and input control, software dimming, resolution slider, refresh rate selector and basic virtual screens.

• Pro License$21.99

  one-time purchase per license (€19.99), tax may apply

  All Pro features for the current major version on up to two personal Macs, with at least one year of updates including major upgrades.

f.lux

• Personal$0

  The standard app for macOS, Windows and Linux, free for personal use and supported by voluntary contributions.

• Corporate Edition$24

  per device, one-time; $12 per device after the first 10

  Windows-only build for companies: automated installs, automatic updates and home automation disabled, and one year of updates included.

BetterDisplay

• Education

  25% student discount via Student App Centre

  The purchase guide says Student App Centre offers 25% off BetterDisplay through its membership, which has a seven-day free trial and then renews as a paid yearly subscription.

• Nonprofit

  Free features open to nonprofits

  The license terms do not treat nonprofits, charities, churches and similar entities as businesses, so they may use the free version without buying Pro.

• Other savings

  Volume licensing for 25 or more computers

  For deployments of 25 or more computers, the vendor asks businesses to contact the developer about volume licensing.

f.lux

• Other savings

  Volume quotes from 500 seats

  The corporate page says there are no discounts below 500 seats; for larger quantities the vendor quotes discounted rates and accepts purchase orders.