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Head-to-head · RGB Lighting Software

OpenRGB vs Aurora RGB

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score OpenRGB #9 in RGB Lighting Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit OpenRGB
Aurora RGB #12 in RGB Lighting Software 7.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Aurora RGB

OpenRGB leads on 0 checks, Aurora RGB on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreOpenRGB · 7.9/10
  • Free planboth

OpenRGB scores higher on our rubric for rgb lighting software: 7.9 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #9 and #12.

OpenRGB is the better fit for multi-brand RGB users and developers. Aurora RGB is the better fit for open-source multi-brand RGB enthusiasts.

  • OpenRGB fits best

    Multi-brand RGB users and developers

  • Aurora RGB fits best

    Open-source multi-brand RGB enthusiasts

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature OpenRGB 7.9/10 Visit ↗ Aurora RGB 7.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.7
Ranking #9 in RGB Lighting Software #12 in RGB Lighting Software
Best for Multi-brand RGB users and developers Open-source multi-brand RGB enthusiasts
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, Linux, macOS Windows
Integrations 8 integrations 13 integrations
Features OpenRGB 4/4 · Aurora RGB 4/4
Addressable RGB control ✓ ✓
Cross-device sync ✓ ✓
Lighting profiles ✓ ✓
Game lighting effects ✓ ✓
Specs
Device scope Both Both
Maximum profiles Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Controls supported RGB hardware from multiple manufacturers in one app
  • Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, with command-line and headless options
  • Offers profiles, synchronization, plugins, and a network-based SDK
  • Controls peripherals and Wi-Fi lights across multiple brands
  • Layered effects, gradients, profiles, and keybinds support customization
  • Game integrations, audio visualization, and scripting extend lighting options
Cons
  • Hardware control is limited to supported devices
  • Advanced extensions may require working with plugins or the SDK
  • The breadth of controls may be more than a single-device setup needs
  • Windows-only distribution rules out macOS and Linux setups
  • Device support depends on native or OpenRGB integrations
  • Its focus is RGB lighting rather than broader device management
Our verdict

OpenRGB brings RGB hardware from multiple manufacturers under one application, with support for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Its scope includes components, peripherals, accessories, and lighting devices, so it suits people coordinating more…

Read the review →

Aurora RGB is open-source software for controlling RGB peripherals and lighting devices from multiple brands. It is aimed at Windows users who want one place to manage supported keyboards, mice, mousepads, fans, and Wi-Fi lights. Layered…

Read the review →
  1. OpenRGBRGB Lighting Software 7.9Free plan
  2. Aurora RGBRGB Lighting Software 7.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • OpenRGB — where it wins

    • Controls supported RGB hardware from multiple manufacturers in one app
    • Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, with command-line and headless options
    • Offers profiles, synchronization, plugins, and a network-based SDK

    Where it doesn't

    • Hardware control is limited to supported devices
    • Advanced extensions may require working with plugins or the SDK
    • The breadth of controls may be more than a single-device setup needs
  • Aurora RGB — where it wins

    • Controls peripherals and Wi-Fi lights across multiple brands
    • Layered effects, gradients, profiles, and keybinds support customization
    • Game integrations, audio visualization, and scripting extend lighting options

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only distribution rules out macOS and Linux setups
    • Device support depends on native or OpenRGB integrations
    • Its focus is RGB lighting rather than broader device management

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update