SwitchResX alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave SwitchResX: mac only, and settings are dense and take time to learn. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces SwitchResX, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. BetterDisplay currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#	App	Pricing	Open source	Platforms	Verified facts	Score
1	MonitorControl	Open source	Yes	macOS	3 of 3	59.4

1. MonitorControlTop pick
Best for: Mac users who just want brightness and volume keys to work on an external monitor, for free
Open sourcemacOS
59.4
score / 100
Why switch from SwitchResX
Free, open-source option if you mainly want brightness and volume control for monitors.
Pros
Free and open source (MIT)
Uses the Mac's own brightness and volume keys and native OSD
Small, focused app with little to configure
Cons
No HiDPI scaling, virtual screens or brightness syncing
DDC can fail on some monitors and ports
macOS only
Visit MonitorControl Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.369
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.15100
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is MonitorControl a good SwitchResX alternative?
Verified facts
3 of 3 verified
License
MIT
Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
Controls
Brightness and volume
Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
Keyboard
Apple keys or custom shortcuts
Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best SwitchResX alternative for…

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

Best SwitchResX alternative for most people

BetterDisplay

Newer app with custom resolutions, HiDPI scaling and virtual screens, plus a free tier.

Best SwitchResX alternative for a free option

MonitorControl

Free, open-source option if you mainly want brightness and volume control for monitors.

Best SwitchResX alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Lunar

Focuses on external monitor brightness and contrast control, with resolution tools too.

Best SwitchResX alternative for open source

MonitorControl

Free, open-source option if you mainly want brightness and volume control for monitors.

Best SwitchResX alternative for Mac

DisplayBuddy

Simpler menu bar app for brightness, input switching and display presets.

SwitchResX alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to SwitchResX?

BetterDisplay ranks first right now. Newer app with custom resolutions, HiDPI scaling and virtual screens, plus a free tier. Lunar and DisplayBuddy follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to SwitchResX?

Yes. BetterDisplay (free plan + paid), 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 SwitchResX?

Yes: MonitorControl.

Why do people switch from SwitchResX?

The complaints we hear most: mac only; settings are dense and take time to learn; no free tier once the trial ends.

How is this list ranked?

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