Side by side
MonitorControl vs winddcutil
Both stand on monitor control software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Mac
MonitorControl offers several ways to manage external and virtual displays, including synchronized controls and software dimming. Check the macOS requirements and display-specific DDC limitations before relying on hardware control.
Visit MonitorControl 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.
Visit winddcutilThe facts
| MonitorControl | winddcutil | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | monitorcontrol.app | github.com |
| On monitor control software | #16 of 24 | #20 of 24 |
MonitorControl: what it does well
- Controls brightness, volume, and contrast
- Supports DDC and Apple display protocols
- Offers shortcuts and synchronized display controls
- Free for macOS
What to know first
- Full functionality requires macOS 11 Big Sur or newer
- Some built-in Mac HDMI ports do not support DDC
- Accessibility permission is needed for native Apple keys
winddcutil: what it does well
- Detects monitors and queries their capabilities.
- Gets or sets VCP feature values.
- Standalone executable runs without Python installed.
- Free and licensed under MIT.
What to know first
- Windows is the only supported platform listed.
- The executable was tested on Windows 10.
- Latest listed release is from September 15, 2023.
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