OpenRGB controls RGB devices from multiple manufacturers in one app, without requiring their separate manufacturer software. It is free and open source under the GNU General Public License version 2, with an interface designed to use little RAM and CPU. It runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS and is tested on x86, x86_64, ARM32, and ARM64 processors. Device listings indicate whether features are fully supported, problematic, partial, unsupported, or not applicable, so support differs by device. OpenRGB’s network-based SDK lets third-party software control supported devices and synchronize instances across multiple PCs; bindings include C++, Python, C#, and Java. Plugins can add synchronized effects, hardware-status indicators, lighting integrations, and scheduled profile changes. The Effects Plugin includes options such as Rainbow, audio visualizations, Ambilight, GIF playback, and GLSL shader rendering. An HTTP Hook plugin can trigger basic actions, including profile switching. Standalone Linux use may require udev rules for hardware access.
Who it is for
OpenRGB suits people who want to control RGB devices from different manufacturers through one app, or connect supported devices to third-party software. Linux users may need to install udev rules for hardware access.
What is good
- Free and open source under GPL version 2
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS
- SDK supports control and synchronization across PCs
- Plugins add effects and scheduled profile changes
What to know first
- Device feature support varies by device
- Linux use may require udev rules
- Pipeline development builds may be unstable
Verdict
OpenRGB brings multi-manufacturer RGB control, device synchronization, and plugin features into a free, open-source app. Check the support listing for specific device features, and note that Linux setup may require additional permissions.
OpenRGB plans and pricing
All plansCompared on RGB lighting software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Device scope
- both
- Addressable RGB control
- Yes
- Cross-device sync
- Yes
- Lighting profiles
- Yes
- Game lighting effects
- Yes
