f.lux vs MonitorControl

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

MonitorControl

• Mac users whose external monitor ignores the keyboard brightness keys
• Setups with several displays that should dim together
• People who want a free, open-source display utility

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.

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.

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.

MonitorControl

Brightness, volume and contrast

Sliders in the menu bar adjust an external display's backlight, speaker volume and contrast over DDC/CI, which most modern LCD monitors support.

Apple keys and custom shortcuts

The brightness and media keys on Apple keyboards control external displays, or custom shortcuts can be set. Using the Apple keys needs Accessibility permission.

Native on-screen display

Brightness and volume changes show the same on-screen indicator macOS uses for Apple displays.

Hardware and software dimming

Software dimming continues below a display's minimum backlight level, down to full black, with smooth brightness transitions.

Brightness sync

Changes on the built-in or an Apple display, including those from the ambient light sensor, can be copied to other displays, and one slider can drive every screen.

Several control methods

DDC for external displays, Apple's native protocol for Apple and built-in screens, gamma tables for software dimming, and a shade overlay for AirPlay, Sidecar and DisplayLink.

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.

MonitorControl

• MonitorControl$0

  Brightness, volume and contrast control, native on-screen display, keyboard shortcuts, brightness sync and software dimming. MIT licensed.

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.

MonitorControl

No public discounts listed.