BetterDisplay vs DisplayBuddy

BetterDisplay8.7Visit DisplayBuddy8.5Visit

Higher score BetterDisplay #5 in Monitor Control Software 8.7/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 6 features Visit BetterDisplay

vs

DisplayBuddy #6 in Monitor Control Software 8.5/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 6 of 6 features Visit DisplayBuddy

• BetterDisplay fits best

  Mac users needing virtual-display features

• DisplayBuddy fits best

  Cross-platform users wanting polished control

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Side by side

Feature	BetterDisplay 8.7/10 Visit ↗	DisplayBuddy 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.7	8.5
Ranking	#5 in Monitor Control Software	#6 in Monitor Control Software
Best for	Mac users needing virtual-display features	Cross-platform users wanting polished control
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	$21.99 one-time	$24.99 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	14 days	7 days
Free trial length	14 days	7 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	macOS	Windows, macOS
Support	Community, Docs	Email, Docs
Integrations	6 integrations	5 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features BetterDisplay 3/6 · DisplayBuddy 6/6
DDC/CI control	✓	✓
Input switching	✓	✓
Monitor profiles	—	✓ (best)
Settings scheduling	—	✓ (best)
CLI or API access	✓	✓
Auto brightness	—	✓ (best)
Specs
Supported platforms	macOS	macOS, Windows
Our review
Pros	Virtual screens, PIP windows, and display layout protection DDC control, input switching, brightness, volume, and color tools macOS Shortcuts, CLI, HTTP, URL-scheme, and shell integrations	Controls brightness, contrast, volume, inputs, resolution, and rotation Syncs multiple monitors and saves unlimited presets Supports scheduling, scripting, Shortcuts, Siri, and smart-monitor Wi-Fi control
Cons	macOS-only platform support No scheduling, monitor profiles, or automatic brightness controls Some features depend on the Mac, macOS version, display, and connection	No free plan is available DDC/CI control depends on compatible displays Smart-monitor Wi-Fi support is limited to supported Samsung and LG models
Our verdict	BetterDisplay is a macOS display-management utility for Mac users who need more control over internal and external screens. It brings together custom and HiDPI resolutions, brightness, volume and color controls, DDC, input switching,… Read the review →	DisplayBuddy is desktop software for controlling compatible external monitors from macOS and Windows. It replaces frequent trips to physical monitor buttons with software controls for brightness, contrast, volume, input sources,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• BetterDisplay — where it wins

  • Virtual screens, PIP windows, and display layout protection
  • DDC control, input switching, brightness, volume, and color tools
  • macOS Shortcuts, CLI, HTTP, URL-scheme, and shell integrations

  Where it doesn't

  • macOS-only platform support
  • No scheduling, monitor profiles, or automatic brightness controls
  • Some features depend on the Mac, macOS version, display, and connection

• DisplayBuddy — where it wins

  • Controls brightness, contrast, volume, inputs, resolution, and rotation
  • Syncs multiple monitors and saves unlimited presets
  • Supports scheduling, scripting, Shortcuts, Siri, and smart-monitor Wi-Fi control

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan is available
  • DDC/CI control depends on compatible displays
  • Smart-monitor Wi-Fi support is limited to supported Samsung and LG models

• BetterDisplay8.7/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

  A broad Mac display utility with strong virtual-screen features and a perpetual Pro option.

  Visit BetterDisplayFull verdict →
• DisplayBuddy8.5/10 · 7-day trial

  A capable cross-platform monitor controller with profiles, scheduling, and scripting.

  Visit DisplayBuddyFull verdict →