The MonitorControl Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about MonitorControl in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
MonitorControl
The Insider’s Guide
Free, open-source brightness and volume control for Mac displays
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among desktop utilities, read from MonitorControl’s own pages.
Made by MonitorControl · checked Oct 9, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from MonitorControl’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on MonitorControl’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 9, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.8
GPA, above 57 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade
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.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about MonitorControl, taken from its own pages and our grades.
HDR upscaling and wider display support sit in BetterDisplay, a separate app.
- 1
Best for brightness keys that work on an external Mac monitor
MonitorControl is a free, open-source Mac menu bar app that makes the keyboard's brightness and volume keys work on an external display.
- 2
It is free
MonitorControl has no paid plan at all. 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.
- 3
It runs on macOS
macOS.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
Native on-screen display
Brightness and volume changes show the same on-screen indicator macOS uses for Apple displays.
- 7
A 2.8 GPA, above 57 of 94
That is against the other desktop utilities we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
MonitorControl is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
MonitorControl at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS
- Made by
- MonitorControl
- Category
- Desktop Utilities
- Our grade
- 2.8 GPA, good
The report card
Best for brightness keys that work on an external Mac monitor
MonitorControl is a free, open-source Mac menu bar app that makes the keyboard's brightness and volume keys work on an external display. Hardware sets the limits: over the built-in HDMI port of M1 Macs, the 2018 Intel Mac mini and the entry-level M2 Mac mini it can't reach the backlight, and most TVs and DisplayLink docks get software dimming only. HDR upscaling and wider display support sit in BetterDisplay, a separate app.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free and open source under the MIT licence, a download anyone can run from the GitHub releases page or Homebrew. There's nothing to buy and nothing held back for a paid tier. |
| Free plan and trial | A | The whole app is free: brightness, volume and contrast, shortcuts, brightness sync and software dimming. For extras the README points you to BetterDisplay, a separate app from the maintainer. |
| Features | C | Its one job is getting at an external display's brightness, volume and contrast, and it covers that: sliders, the Apple keys, dimming down to black, one slider driving every screen. Its own notes show the holes, though: most TVs and DisplayLink docks get software dimming only. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating on record, but there's nothing to set up: it sits in the menu bar and the keys you already press start working. Using the Apple keys wants Accessibility permission first. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | Mac only. Version 4 has full functionality from macOS 11 and runs on 10.15 with limits. No integrations are listed, and there's nothing for Windows or Linux. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who MonitorControl is for
- Fits if your external monitor ignores the brightness keys on your Mac keyboard
- Works for desks with several screens you want dimmed together
Who it is not for
- Skip it if your monitor uses the built-in HDMI port of an M1 Mac, a 2018 Intel Mac mini or an entry-level M2 Mac mini
- Watch out: most TVs, DisplayLink docks and some EIZO displays get software dimming only, not the real backlight
- Not for you if you're on Windows or Linux, as it's macOS only, and macOS 10.15 runs it with limits
- Too light for XDR and HDR brightness upscaling, which is in BetterDisplay, a separate app
- Watch out: macOS 27 needs version 4.4.0 or newer, and the Apple keys need Accessibility permission
Good to know
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.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
MonitorControl is free to use.
Free and open source under the MIT licence, a download anyone can run from the GitHub releases page or Homebrew.
MonitorControl
$0
Brightness, volume and contrast control, native on-screen display, keyboard shortcuts, brightness sync and software dimming. MIT licensed.
The 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.
Read from github.com on Oct 9, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: macOS
Free, open-source brightness and volume control for Mac displays. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, menu bar app, display control.
Its own notes show the holes, though: most TVs and DisplayLink docks get software dimming only.
- 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.
Where it runs
- macOS
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
MonitorControl is made by MonitorControl.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
57/94
Other desktop utilities it is graded above
MonitorControl's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 57 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 26.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 49 of 94) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
MonitorControl has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.0 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 95 desktop utilities we grade, cut by the letter each got. MonitorControl’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 24 of 94
- AFree plan and trialAbove 49 of 94
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 94
- BEase of useAbove 33 of 94
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 94
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 55 desktop utilities. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. MonitorControl is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
MonitorControl is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
What you could not
- Control of displays through the operating system.
- A native app living in the menu bar.
- A real app for macOS. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. MonitorControl’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
BetterDisplay, Twinkle Tray and f.lux
The 3 tools MonitorControl is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.6GPA
BetterDisplay
Free plan · from $21.99 one-time
Display scaling, brightness and DDC control for Mac.
- MonitorControl is open source, according to its own site.
- BetterDisplay can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.8GPA
Twinkle Tray
Free
Free brightness sliders for external monitors on Windows.
- Only MonitorControl lists a macOS app.
- Only Twinkle Tray lists a Windows app.
- 3.0GPA
f.lux
Free plan · from $24 one-time
Warms your screen's color at night to match the time of day.
- Only f.lux lists Windows and Linux apps.
- MonitorControl is open source, according to its own site.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is MonitorControl free?
Yes. MonitorControl is free to use.
How much does MonitorControl cost?
MonitorControl lists one plan. MonitorControl: $0.
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 a company of the same name.
What are the alternatives to MonitorControl?
The closest alternatives to MonitorControl in our directory are BetterDisplay, Twinkle Tray and f.lux.
How does MonitorControl compare with other desktop utilities?
MonitorControl's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 57 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 26.
Is MonitorControl good value for money?
ToolGPA grades MonitorControl A for value for money. MonitorControl has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of MonitorControl?
MonitorControl is free, so making your own would save you nothing. And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from MonitorControl’s own pages on Oct 9, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from MonitorControl's own pages on 9 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-06-25.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by MonitorControl. Prices change, so check github.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- MonitorControl, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/monitorcontrol
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "MonitorControl: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 9, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/monitorcontrol
Know someone choosing between desktop utilities?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/monitorcontrol/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
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- 7-Zip Insider's GuideFree, open-source file archiver with the 7z format3.0 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what MonitorControl’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. MonitorControl is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by MonitorControl. Prices and plans change: check github.com before you buy.