Lunar vs BetterDisplay

Lunar8.9Visit BetterDisplay8.7Visit

Higher score Lunar #3 in Monitor Control Software 8.9/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 6 of 6 features Visit Lunar

vs

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

• Lunar fits best

  Mac users wanting automation and sensors

• BetterDisplay fits best

  Mac users needing virtual-display features

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Side by side

Feature	Lunar 8.9/10 Visit ↗	BetterDisplay 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.7
Ranking	#3 in Monitor Control Software	#5 in Monitor Control Software
Best for	Mac users wanting automation and sensors	Mac users needing virtual-display features
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$23 one-time	$21.99 one-time
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	14 days	14 days
Free trial length	14 days	14 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	macOS	macOS
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Integrations	2 integrations	6 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features Lunar 6/6 · BetterDisplay 3/6
DDC/CI control	✓	✓
Input switching	✓	✓
Monitor profiles	✓ (best)	—
Settings scheduling	✓ (best)	—
CLI or API access	✓	✓
Auto brightness	✓ (best)	—
Specs
Supported platforms	macOS	macOS
Our review
Pros	Free DDC control, input switching, and command-line integration Ambient-light adaptation with built-in or external sensors Shortcuts, scheduling, presets, and multi-monitor control	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
Cons	Supports macOS only DDC and input switching depend on monitor setup Advanced modes require the one-time Pro purchase	macOS-only platform support No scheduling, monitor profiles, or automatic brightness controls Some features depend on the Mac, macOS version, display, and connection
Our verdict	Lunar is a native macOS application for controlling external and Apple displays. It supports DDC hardware control for brightness, contrast, volume, and monitor inputs, with gamma-table fallback when DDC is unavailable. Its audience is Mac… Read the review →	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 →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Lunar — where it wins

  • Free DDC control, input switching, and command-line integration
  • Ambient-light adaptation with built-in or external sensors
  • Shortcuts, scheduling, presets, and multi-monitor control

  Where it doesn't

  • Supports macOS only
  • DDC and input switching depend on monitor setup
  • Advanced modes require the one-time Pro purchase

• 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

• Lunar8.9/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

  A capable Mac monitor controller with automation, sensors, and a low one-time Pro price.

  Visit LunarFull verdict →
• 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 →