Monitorian is a Windows desktop tool for adjusting the brightness of multiple monitors. It offers a simple and intuitive interface for controlling...
Best BetterDisplay Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026
BetterDisplay is a macOS utility for managing external and virtual displays. It supports brightness and volume control, custom resolutions, display arrangement, and advanced HiDPI features.
Top 6 BetterDisplay alternatives
MonitorControl is an open-source macOS utility for controlling built-in and external display brightness from the keyboard or menu bar. It can use...
Pros
- Provides keyboard brightness control for external Mac displays
- Open-source alternative with software-dimming fallback
- Integrates more closely with macOS than BGLightCE can
Cons
- Only targets macOS
- External-display behavior varies by monitor support
- Not useful on legacy Windows CE hardware
3
Twinkle Tray
Xander Frangos
Twinkle Tray is a Windows utility for controlling the brightness of one or more connected monitors from the system tray. It supports...
Pros
- Controls multiple external monitors from one tray interface
- Supports DDC/CI hardware brightness instead of only software dimming
- Offers keyboard shortcuts, brightness schedules, and customizable controls
Cons
- Requires compatible DDC/CI support for hardware brightness control
- Windows-only, with no native macOS or Linux version
- Some monitors and adapters expose incomplete DDC/CI controls
Monitor Buddy is a desktop utility for controlling external monitor settings from a computer. It is intended for users who want software...
Pros
- Provides software control for external monitors that support DDC/CI
- More convenient than navigating a monitor's hardware menu
- Designed for quick access to common display controls
Cons
- Requires compatible monitors and a working DDC/CI connection
- Likely offers fewer advanced calibration tools than BetterDisplay
- Platform support may be narrower than cross-platform options such as DisplayBuddy
5
DisplayBuddy
DisplayBuddy
DisplayBuddy is a Windows utility for managing brightness, volume, input sources, and other settings on external monitors. It targets users who want...
Pros
- Controls brightness, contrast, volume, inputs, and other monitor settings
- Provides more monitor-management features than Twinkle Tray
- Supports keyboard shortcuts and per-display configuration
Cons
- Some features require a paid upgrade
- More resource-intensive than lightweight open-source utilities
- External-monitor support depends on DDC/CI compatibility
Freemium
6
Lunar
Nate Hagerty
Lunar is a macOS display manager for controlling brightness, contrast, volume, and monitor behavior. It is aimed at users with multiple monitors...
Pros
- More advanced monitor automation than BGLightCE
- Supports presets, synchronization, and adaptive adjustments
- Strong fit for Mac users with several external displays
Cons
- macOS-only
- Advanced features require the paid edition
- More complex than a basic brightness toggle
Freemium, Pro from $20
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