AppBreakup

BetterDisplay alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave BetterDisplay: macOS only, and very dense settings; overkill if you only need brightness keys. We ranked 3 alternatives by how directly each one replaces BetterDisplay, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Lunar currently ranks first.

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Show all 3 alternatives

The best BetterDisplay alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Lunar logo

Best BetterDisplay alternative for most people

Lunar

Focused on DDC brightness syncing and adaptive modes, with a simpler free tier and a lifetime Pro license.

MonitorControl logo

Best BetterDisplay alternative for a free option

MonitorControl

Free and open source; covers brightness and volume keys for external monitors without the extra features.

Lunar logo

Best BetterDisplay alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Lunar

Focused on DDC brightness syncing and adaptive modes, with a simpler free tier and a lifetime Pro license.

MonitorControl logo

Best BetterDisplay alternative for open source

MonitorControl

Free and open source; covers brightness and volume keys for external monitors without the extra features.

DisplayBuddy logo

Best BetterDisplay alternative for Mac

DisplayBuddy

Simpler one-time-purchase app for brightness, volume and input switching, plus Wi-Fi control of LG and Samsung smart monitors.

BetterDisplay alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to BetterDisplay?

Lunar ranks first right now. Focused on DDC brightness syncing and adaptive modes, with a simpler free tier and a lifetime Pro license. MonitorControl and DisplayBuddy follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to BetterDisplay?

Yes. Lunar (free plan + paid) and MonitorControl (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to BetterDisplay?

Yes: MonitorControl.

Why do people switch from BetterDisplay?

The complaints we hear most: macOS only; very dense settings; overkill if you only need brightness keys; business users must buy a license even for free features.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces BetterDisplay, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.