MonitorControl logo

Best MonitorControl Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026

MonitorControl is an open-source macOS utility for controlling built-in and external display brightness from the keyboard or menu bar. It can use software dimming when hardware brightness control is unavailable.

Developer: MonitorControl contributors Price: Free 🎯 github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl

Top 6 MonitorControl alternatives

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
4

ControlMyMonitor is a Windows utility for reading and changing VCP settings on DDC/CI-compatible monitors. It suits advanced users who need scripting, batch...

Pros

  • Provides direct access to many monitor VCP settings
  • Supports command-line automation and batch control
  • Useful for scripting multi-monitor workflows

Cons

  • Much less convenient for everyday tray-based brightness changes
  • Technical interface has a steeper learning curve than Twinkle Tray
  • Requires compatible DDC/CI monitors and connections
5

BGLightCE

B.G. Soft

BGLightCE is a lightweight backlight-control utility for Windows CE and Windows Mobile devices. It provides quick access to display backlight settings on...

Pros

  • Designed for Windows CE handhelds rather than desktop monitors
  • Small footprint suitable for resource-constrained devices
  • Provides direct access to backlight controls

Cons

  • Appears to be discontinued and difficult to obtain safely
  • Limited to legacy Windows CE and Windows Mobile hardware
  • Far fewer scheduling and color-temperature features than modern tools
6 Monitor Buddy logo

Monitor Buddy

Monitor Buddy

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

How good are these alternatives?

Your feedback helps us improve the AI rankings.

βœ… Thanks for your feedback!

Know a better alternative? πŸ™Œ

Suggest a product and our AI will verify it's a real alternative to MonitorControl before adding it to the list.

People also compare