MonitorControl
Free, open-source brightness and volume control for Mac displays
What is MonitorControl?
MonitorControl is a free, open-source macOS menu bar app that adjusts the brightness, volume and contrast of external displays. It works with the brightness and media keys on Apple keyboards or with custom shortcuts, and shows the native macOS on-screen display. Displays are controlled over DDC where they support it, with software dimming or an overlay for those that do not.
MonitorControl is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- 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
Worth knowing
- 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.
Key features
- 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.
MonitorControl pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- The whole app is free and open source under the MIT license, from the GitHub releases page or Homebrew. The README points to BetterDisplay for extra features.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| MonitorControl | $0 | Brightness, volume and contrast control, native on-screen display, keyboard shortcuts, brightness sync and software dimming. MIT licensed. |
Read from github.com on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with MonitorControl before you buy.
MonitorControl alternatives
- MonitorControl vs BetterDisplay
Free plan · from $21.99 one-time
- MonitorControl vs f.lux
Free plan · from $24 one-time
Common questions
Is MonitorControl free?
Yes. MonitorControl is free to use. The whole app is free and open source under the MIT license, from the GitHub releases page or Homebrew. The README points to BetterDisplay for extra features.
How much does MonitorControl cost?
MonitorControl lists one plan. MonitorControl: $0. Prices were read from github.com on Oct 9, 2026.
What platforms does MonitorControl work on?
MonitorControl is available on macOS.
Does MonitorControl have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. MonitorControl is listed for macOS.
Does MonitorControl have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. MonitorControl is listed for macOS.
Is MonitorControl open source?
Yes. MonitorControl is open source, according to its own site.
Who makes MonitorControl?
MonitorControl is made by MonitorControl.
What are the alternatives to MonitorControl?
The closest alternatives to MonitorControl in our directory are BetterDisplay, Twinkle Tray and f.lux. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with MonitorControl.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.