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BetterDisplay
What BetterDisplay is
BetterDisplay is a macOS app for managing display brightness, resolution, color, and connections. It can provide flexible HiDPI scaling for internal and natively connected external displays, create virtual screens with chosen aspect ratios and resolutions, and offer XDR/HDR brightness upscaling. These display features depend on the Mac, display, macOS version, and connection. The app can create Picture in Picture windows for physical or virtual displays and capture selected windows or groups. Compatible setups can use DDC hardware and HDMI-CEC controls; network control is listed for LG webOS, Samsung Tizen, Philips Android TV, and Yamaha AVR. Automation options include macOS Shortcuts, CLI, custom URLs, HTTP, notifications, and scripts. Non-business users can continue using free functionality after the 14-day trial, though Pro features require a license. BetterDisplay Pro costs $21.99 per once for a perpetual license for covered versions and includes at least one year of updates. Businesses must buy Pro to continue using any functionality beyond the trial, including free features. The developer does not guarantee compatibility with every hardware or software setup.
Who it suits
BetterDisplay may suit Mac users who want display scaling, virtual screens, or controls for compatible displays. Businesses should note that a Pro license is required after the trial even for free features.
What it does well
- Manages brightness, resolution, color, and connections.
- Offers flexible HiDPI scaling and virtual screens.
- Includes DDC and HDMI-CEC controls for compatible setups.
- Automation includes Shortcuts, CLI, and scripts.
- Non-business users can continue free functionality after trial.
What to know first
- Businesses need a Pro license after the trial.
- Compatibility depends on the Mac, display, and connection.
- Pro features require a license.
Limits
Pro features require a license. Businesses must purchase a Pro license after the 14-day trial to use any app functionality, including free features.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| BetterDisplay Pro | Perpetual license for covered versions; includes at least one year of updates. · Unlocks Pro features for covered major app versions · Business users need a license to continue after trial | $21.99, paid once |
As betterdisplay.pro lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the BetterDisplay website.
- Download the macOS app from the official download page or follow its link to GitHub releases.
- Use the 14-day trial to access the app.
- After the trial, non-business users can continue using free functionality; obtain a Pro license for Pro features.
- Businesses need a Pro license to continue using any app functionality after the trial.
Verdict
BetterDisplay brings display controls, scaling, virtual screens, and automation together for macOS. Check compatibility for the specific Mac and display, and note the different post-trial licensing rule for businesses.
Questions
Which operating system does BetterDisplay support?
The listed supported platform is macOS.
Does BetterDisplay have a free plan?
Yes. Non-business users can continue using free functionality after the 14-day trial.
How much does BetterDisplay Pro cost?
The listed price is $21.99, paid once for covered versions. The perpetual license includes at least one year of updates.
Do businesses need a license?
Yes. After the trial, businesses need a Pro license to use any app functionality, including free features.
What display controls and automation does it offer?
It supports DDC hardware control, HDMI-CEC for compatible connections, and network control for listed device platforms. Automation options include macOS Shortcuts, CLI, custom URLs, HTTP, notifications, and scripts.
Where can I get the app?
The official download page provides the macOS app and links to GitHub releases.
Facts from BetterDisplay's own pages
- Automation
- Integrations include macOS Shortcuts, a command-line interface, custom URLs, HTTP, notifications, and scripts. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Business licensing
- Businesses are required to purchase a Pro license to use any app functionality beyond the trial, including free features. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limits
- Feature availability depends on the Mac, macOS version, display, and connection, and the developer does not guarantee compatibility with every hardware or software configuration. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Display controls
- It supports DDC hardware control and HDMI-CEC controls for compatible connections, plus network control for LG webOS, Samsung Tizen, Philips Android TV, and Yamaha AVR. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The official download page provides the app for macOS and links to GitHub releases. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Free use
- Non-business users can continue using free functionality after the 14-day trial; Pro features require a license. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- HDR and XDR
- It offers XDR/HDR brightness upscaling, with support and brightness dependent on the display and Mac. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Integration security
- CLI access and notification-based integration are enabled by default, while custom URL and HTTP access are off by default; HTTP and custom-URL requests can use a security token. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Picture in Picture
- The app can create Picture in Picture windows for physical displays or virtual screens and capture selected windows or groups. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Licensing uses Paddle, crash detection and log collection use Sentry, and the privacy policy says users can disable crash reporting, licensing features, and automatic update checks. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Scaling
- It can convert internal and natively connected external displays to flexibly scaled HiDPI displays. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- Community help is available through GitHub Issues, Discussions, and Discord; support is voluntary and a license does not guarantee personalized support. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- Virtual screens
- Users can create virtual screens with different aspect ratios and resolutions, subject to compatible Mac requirements for HDR and high refresh rates. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
- What it does
- BetterDisplay manages Mac display settings, including brightness, resolution, color, and display connections. · betterdisplay.pro, 4 Oct 2026
Where BetterDisplay stands on Freedom251
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