Monitor Brightness Control
Monitor Brightness Control: A free Linux utility for DDC/CI monitor control with GUI, CLI, profiles, and hotkeys. Ranked #14 of 24 in Monitor Control Software by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Linux desktop brightness control.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree Linux desktop brightness control
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsLinux
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- DDC/CI brightness and contrast control for compatible external monitors
- GUI, CLI, tray controls, global hotkeys, and multi-monitor support
- Saved profiles plus Day, Night, and Gaming presets
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only platform support
- Requires compatible monitors, I2C communication, and ddcutil
- No current input switching, scheduling, or auto-brightness
Our verdict on Monitor Brightness Control
Monitor Brightness Control is an open-source Linux utility for adjusting brightness and contrast on compatible external monitors through DDC/CI. It is aimed at Linux desktop users who want more control than display hardware buttons provide, with both a PyQt graphical interface and a command-line interface. System-tray integration, global hotkeys, monitor detection, multi-monitor control, saved profiles, and presets support different desktop workflows. It supports common distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, Manjaro, and openSUSE.
Its strongest area is control flexibility. Users can work from the GUI, CLI, tray, or global hotkeys, while saved monitor profiles and Day, Night, and Gaming presets provide reusable configurations. Multi-monitor detection and control make it suitable for desks with more than one compatible display. The background service extends its utility beyond one-off adjustments, although the project requires compatible monitors, I2C communication, and the ddcutil utility before these controls can work.
Monitor Brightness Control is a focused choice rather than a complete monitor-management suite. The current feature set covers brightness, contrast, profiles, presets, and control interfaces, but does not include input switching, scheduling, or automatic brightness. Users who want free, open-source control of compatible external monitors on Linux should find its scope appropriate. Those who need time-based changes, ambient-light integration, input selection, or broader platform support should choose a product designed around those capabilities instead.
Your product? Our editors can test Monitor Brightness Control in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Monitor Brightness Control pricing
Monitor Brightness Control fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Linux |
| DDC/CI control | Yes |
| Input switching | No |
| Monitor profiles | Yes |
| Settings scheduling | No |
| CLI or API access | Yes |
| Auto brightness | No |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Monitor Brightness Control
- 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 Monitor Brightness Control alternatives →
Used Monitor Brightness Control? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Monitor Brightness Control 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.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Monitor Brightness Control is listed in our Monitor Control Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/monitor-brightness-control/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/monitor-brightness-control.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update