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SwitchResX

Long-running Mac utility for controlling display resolutions, custom modes and monitor settings.

PaidDisplay and brightness tools
Visit SwitchResXSee 4 alternatives
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5 of 5
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4
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About SwitchResX

SwitchResX is a macOS utility from Madrau for taking fine control of displays. It lets you pick resolutions macOS hides by default, create custom resolutions and timings for monitors, TVs and projectors, and switch between them from the menu bar or with keyboard shortcuts. It can save display sets that change resolution, arrangement and colour depth together, and apply settings automatically when particular apps launch or monitors connect. The app has been around for many years and is popular with people running unusual monitors, presentation setups or HiDPI scaling that Apple's own settings do not offer. It is paid software with a free trial; licences are one-off purchases per computer, with volume pricing and a site licence for organisations, and updates within version 4 are free. It runs on macOS only, and its preference pane design and depth of options can feel dated and complex next to newer display apps.

Best for: Mac users who need custom resolutions or precise control over unusual external displays.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Custom resolutions and timings beyond what macOS exposes
  • One-off licence with free updates across version 4
  • Volume discounts and a site licence for schools and companies

Why people leave

  • Mac only
  • Settings are dense and take time to learn
  • No free tier once the trial ends

Top SwitchResX alternatives

See all 4
  1. 1BetterDisplay logo
    BetterDisplay

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

    68.8
  2. 2Lunar logo
    Lunar

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

    64.8
  3. 3DisplayBuddy logo
    DisplayBuddy

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

    61.8
  4. 4MonitorControl logo
    MonitorControl

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

    59.4

Why people left SwitchResX

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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SwitchResX: common questions

Is SwitchResX free?

No, SwitchResX is a paid product. Starting price: $16 one-time (single computer) (checked on SwitchResX's own site).

Is SwitchResX open source?

No, SwitchResX is not open source. Open-source alternatives include MonitorControl.

What platforms does SwitchResX run on?

SwitchResX is available for macOS.

What are the best alternatives to SwitchResX?

The highest-ranked SwitchResX alternatives right now are BetterDisplay, Lunar and DisplayBuddy. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 SwitchResX alternatives