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Best Monitor Control Software in 2026

Choosing monitor control software starts with the controls you need and the platforms you use. Compare DDC/CI control, input switching, auto brightness, and monitor profiles, then consider settings scheduling for repeatable adjustments. CLI or API access may matter if you want to manage settings programmatically. Supported platforms, free-plan availability, and paid-from pricing round out the comparison. ASUS DisplayWidget Center, ddcutil, and Lunar are among the options, as are Twinkle Tray and ClickMonitorDDC. Check the listed controls against your monitor setup and consider whether scheduled settings or scripted access would be useful in your workflow.

24 apps
Research read 23 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

ASUS DisplayWidget Center

Free plan MacWindows

DisplayWidget Center provides a wide range of monitor controls at no charge, but compatibility is limited to select ASUS displays.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
2

AOC G-Menu

Free plan Windows

G-Menu combines peripheral controls, lighting options, and profile management for supported AOC devices. Its Windows requirement and connected-device limitation are important to check before use.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
3

BetterDisplay

Free plan Mac

BetterDisplay brings display controls, scaling, virtual screens, and automation together for macOS.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $21.99 · 14-day trial Visit site
4

DDC-CI Control Bridge

Free plan APILinuxMac+2

DDC-CI Control Bridge combines monitor control with MCP and MQTT integration in a free package. Check monitor compatibility and platform requirements before setting it up.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
5

ddcutil

Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted

ddcutil offers both command-line monitor controls and a graphical interface, with a C API for programmatic use.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
6

ClickMonitorDDC

Free plan Windows

ClickMonitorDDC provides several ways to adjust and automate supported monitor settings in Windows. Its usefulness depends on DDC/CI compatibility and which settings each monitor supports.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
7

DDCcontrol

Free plan Linux

DDCcontrol provides graphical and command-line monitor controls for Linux, with a scanner and database for monitor-specific functionality.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
8

ddcctl

Free plan Mac

ddcctl offers command-line monitor controls for macOS, with additional functions dependent on monitor firmware.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
9

Monitor Switch

Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

Monitor Switch combines input switching with a broad set of monitor controls and Home Assistant integration.

7.0 Open source Visit site
10

Dell Command | Update
by Dell Command | Update
Free plan Windows

Dell Command | Update provides update management and automation for Dell commercial client computers, with configurable administrative controls.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
11

LG OnScreen Control

Free plan MacWindows

Choose LG OnScreen Control if you have a supported LG monitor and want computer-based access to screen layout, picture and game settings.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
12

ExtLume

Free plan Windows

ExtLume focuses on external-display brightness, with hardware control when the full connection supports DDC/CI and a software alternative in some cases.

6.8 Open source Visit site
13

Lunar

Free plan Mac

Lunar offers multiple ways to control external monitor brightness, with additional display features in Pro.

6.8 Free plan · paid from $23 · 14-day trial Visit site
14

m1ddc

Free plan Mac

Choose m1ddc if you use an Apple Silicon Mac and want DDC/CI display controls from the command line or scripts. Look elsewhere if you use an Intel Mac or need controls unsupported by your display.

6.7 Free plan Visit site
15

Monitor Brightness Control

Free plan Linux

Monitor Brightness Control offers profile-based and direct monitor adjustments on Linux, including batch operations across compatible displays.

6.7 Free plan Visit site
16

MonitorControl

Free plan Mac

MonitorControl offers several ways to manage external and virtual displays, including synchronized controls and software dimming.

6.7 Free plan Visit site
17

Monitorian

Free plan Windows

Choose Monitorian if you use Windows and want to adjust supported displays separately from one interface.

6.6 Free plan Visit site
18

PowerToys Command Palette

Free plan Windows

Choose PowerToys Command Palette if you want a free Windows launcher that combines search, commands, system tools, bookmarks, and extensions. Look elsewhere if you need a platform other than Windows.

6.5 Free plan Visit site
19

Twinkle Tray

Free plan Windows

Twinkle Tray brings brightness and several monitor controls into a Windows system-tray utility, with scheduling, hotkeys, and scripting options.

6.5 Free plan Visit site
20

winddcutil

Free plan Windows

winddcutil offers monitor detection and VCP setting controls through a Windows CLI. Its standalone executable and MIT license are useful considerations for Windows users.

6.5 Free plan Visit site
21

ControlMyMonitor

Free plan Windows

ControlMyMonitor is a focused Windows utility for direct monitor management. Its free access and programmatic controls suit users who need input, profile, or DDC/CI operations.

6.1 Free plan Visit site
22

DisplayBuddy

Free trial MacWindows

DisplayBuddy provides centralized monitor controls across macOS and Windows, with scheduling and automation options on Mac.

5.9 From $24.99 · 7-day trial Visit site
23

MonitorControl Pro

Free plan Windows

5.5 Free plan Visit site
24

ddcci

Paid Linux

ddcci provides command-line monitor queries and control changes, with options to discover controls and save adjustments.

5.2 Open source Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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