Side by side
Nexus vs OpenRGB
Both stand on rgb lighting software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3
Nexus combines monitoring, cooling, lighting, and a phone-browser remote, and its free plan has no subscription. Check operating-system and device-model compatibility before relying on a particular setup.
Visit Nexus
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2
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.
Visit OpenRGBThe facts
| Nexus | OpenRGB | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | hellonexus.com | openrgb.org |
| On rgb lighting software | #3 of 33 | #1 of 33 |
Nexus: what it does well
- Shows live readings across seven hardware categories.
- Supports screen, audio, and game lighting sync.
- Fan curves can use any system temperature sensor.
- Works locally and offline without an account.
- Free with no paid tiers or subscription.
What to know first
- No builds for Windows on ARM, Intel Macs, or ARM Linux.
- Mobile companion apps are not in app stores yet.
- Hardware compatibility depends on the exact model.
OpenRGB: what it does well
- 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
Alternatives to Nexus Alternatives to OpenRGB The whole list