BetterDisplay
BetterDisplay: A broad Mac display utility with strong virtual-screen features and a perpetual Pro option. Ranked #5 of 24 in Monitor Control Software by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan · 14-day trial; best for mac users needing virtual-display features.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 14-day trial
- Best forMac users needing virtual-display features
- Free planYes
- Paid from$21.99 one-time
- Supported platformsmacOS
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on BetterDisplay
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, virtual screen creation, Picture-in-Picture windows, configuration protection, display groups, synchronization, diagnostics, and EDID export. It is suited to Mac users managing multiple displays or virtual display workflows, while its platform scope keeps it focused on Apple computers.
Pricing is straightforward. The Free plan keeps its free features available after the 14-day trial for non-business users. The Pro license costs $21.99 USD as a one-time payment and includes all features for the current major app version, a perpetual license, and at least one year of free updates. The paid tier is particularly relevant for users who need the full feature set rather than a recurring subscription. Checkout currency and taxes can vary by location.
Its standout area is the combination of virtual screens and physical display control. Users can create virtual screens, place Picture-in-Picture windows on displays or virtual screens, protect layouts, group displays, synchronize brightness, switch inputs through DDC, and inspect display diagnostics. Automation support extends through macOS Shortcuts, command-line tools, HTTP, custom URL schemes, notifications, and shell scripts. BetterDisplay should suit Mac users who want broad display configuration and automation in one utility. Users who need scheduling, monitor profiles, automatic brightness, or support beyond macOS should choose a narrower alternative that provides those capabilities.
Your product? Our editors can test BetterDisplay in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
BetterDisplay pricing
All 2 BetterDisplay plans and prices →
BetterDisplay fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $21.99 one-time |
| Supported platforms | macOS |
| DDC/CI control | Yes |
| Input switching | Yes |
| Monitor profiles | No |
| Settings scheduling | No |
| CLI or API access | Yes |
| Auto brightness | No |
| Free trial | 14 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: macOS Shortcuts, command line, HTTP, custom URL scheme, notifications, shell scripts |
| Pricing | Free plan · 14-day trial (source) |
| Website | betterdisplay.pro |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
BetterDisplay integrations
BetterDisplay lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- macOS Shortcuts
- command line
- HTTP
- custom URL scheme
- notifications
- shell scripts
Alternatives to BetterDisplay
- MonitorControl ProA free, open-source Windows tool for advanced monitor control, profiles, and automation.9.4
- Twinkle TrayA capable free Windows utility for multi-monitor control, profiles, scheduling, and scripting.9.2
- LunarA capable Mac monitor controller with automation, sensors, and a low one-time Pro price.8.9
See all BetterDisplay alternatives →
BetterDisplay vs the competition
- BetterDisplay vs MonitorControl Pro
- BetterDisplay vs Twinkle Tray
- BetterDisplay vs Lunar
- BetterDisplay vs ASUS DisplayWidget Center
- BetterDisplay vs DisplayBuddy
- BetterDisplay vs ClickMonitorDDC
Compare BetterDisplay with any tool side by side →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used BetterDisplay for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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