Head-to-head · RGB Lighting Software
OpenRGB vs 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 |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| 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 → |
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
- OpenRGB7.9/10 · Free plan
A free, multi-platform RGB controller with profiles, synchronization, plugins, and an SDK.
Visit OpenRGBFull verdict → - Aurora RGB7.7/10 · Free plan
A free, Windows-only RGB controller for multi-brand devices, profiles, and game-linked effects.
Visit Aurora RGBFull verdict →
All RGB lighting software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update

