Lunar

Overview

Lunar is a macOS app for controlling external monitor brightness and other display settings. It suits Mac users who want to coordinate monitors with their MacBook, ambient light or a daily schedule. Its free tier is useful for occasional adjustments; frequent use or Pro display features make the one-time license the more complete option.

Key features

Direct controls and adaptive brightness

With DDC, Lunar can send brightness and input commands to compatible monitors. Manual Mode adds hotkeys for brightness, volume and input, while Sync Mode carries the MacBook’s adaptive brightness changes over to external screens. That combination is practical for users who want either direct control or a display that follows the laptop. If DDC is unavailable, Gamma fallback can dim the display, but it cannot change monitor volume or input.

Automatic adjustment

Sensor Mode responds to readings from an external ambient light sensor, adjusting brightness and contrast; it is useful when room lighting changes, but requires that sensor. Location Mode adapts monitors to the sun’s position. Clock Mode schedules brightness and contrast changes for set times or sunrise, noon and sunset, giving users several ways to automate a routine without relying on manual hotkeys.

Pro features and automation

Pro includes XDR Brightness, sub-zero dimming, Auto BlackOut, BlackOut and FaceLight. Lunar also supports macOS Shortcuts and provides a command-line interface, making it a stronger fit for users who want monitor control in automated workflows rather than only through the app.

Pricing

The Free version costs nothing and includes listed free features, with Manual Mode capped at 100 adjustments/day and Shortcuts capped at 100 action calls/day. Those limits leave room for ordinary, light use, but may constrain frequent adjustments or automation.

Lunar Pro costs $23, paid once for a billed Lifetime license. It removes the adjustment and Shortcuts action limits and adds the listed Pro display features. It is the sensible step up for users who need those features or expect to exceed the free quotas; occasional users can stay on Free. A 14-day trial is offered.

Platforms

Lunar runs on macOS 11 and later, natively on Apple Silicon and Intel. DDC controls require a compatible monitor; Gamma fallback offers dimming when DDC is unavailable, with the volume and input limitation noted above.

Who it's for

Lunar is best for Mac users with external monitors who want brightness controls, input switching, profiles or scheduled adjustments in one utility. Its adaptive and location-based modes suit users who want screens to respond to the laptop or changing daylight, while Shortcuts and CLI access matter most to people building monitor controls into repeatable workflows. It is less suitable when the main monitor lacks DDC and volume or input control is essential.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Multiple control modes cover manual hotkeys, MacBook brightness syncing, sensor response, location and scheduled changes.
• Pro: Pro removes daily action caps and adds specialist display features under a lifetime license.
• Con: Free use is limited to 100 Manual Mode adjustments and 100 Shortcuts action calls per day.
• Con: Gamma fallback only dims; it cannot change monitor volume or input.
• Con: Sensor Mode depends on an external ambient light sensor.

Alternatives

For a broader set of monitor-control options, see Monitor Control Software. Choose Monitor Switch if you want a free, MIT-licensed option across API, Linux, self-hosted and web platforms, and can work with its unreleased status and Raspberry Pi requirement. AOC G-Menu is a free choice for supported AOC devices on Windows; ASUS DisplayWidget Center is free for compatible ASUS monitors on macOS or Windows.

Linux users can consider ddcutil, a free GPLV2 tool for API, Linux and self-hosted use, or Monitor Brightness Control, a free MIT-licensed Linux tool requiring a DDC/CI-compatible monitor and I2C access. On Windows, Twinkle Tray is free for Windows 10 and 11 and supports most laptops and DDC/CI-enabled monitors; ClickMonitorDDC is free for personal use. LG OnScreen Control is a free download for supported LG monitor models on Windows or macOS.

Verdict

Choose Lunar if you use a Mac with external monitors and want flexible brightness control, automation and a lifetime Pro option. Its strongest case is the range of manual and adaptive controls; look elsewhere if your system is not macOS, or if a non-DDC monitor must support volume and input control.