MonitorControl

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.7 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Free macOS brightness and volume control
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Supported platforms
  macOS
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Free and open source with DDC and Apple display support
  • Supports software dimming, ambient-light synchronization and OSD
  • Works with media keys, shortcuts and virtual screens

• Where it doesn't

  • macOS only
  • Requires a compatible display for DDC control
  • No documented input switching, profiles, scheduling or CLI/API

Our verdict on MonitorControl

MonitorControl is a free, open-source macOS menu-bar application for adjusting brightness, volume and contrast across external and built-in displays. It is aimed at Mac users who want centralized display controls without replacing their existing monitor setup. Compatible external displays can use DDC, while Apple and built-in displays use native Apple protocols. Software dimming through gamma-table control extends brightness adjustment to displays that support shade control, including virtual screens.

Its strongest advantage is breadth across display types and control methods. Menu-bar sliders provide direct access, while standard Apple media keys and custom keyboard shortcuts support keyboard-based control. MonitorControl also offers native macOS on-screen display feedback for brightness and volume. Brightness can synchronize between built-in and Apple displays, including changes driven by ambient light. AirPlay, Sidecar, DisplayLink and other virtual screens are supported through shade control, giving the utility a wider reach than a basic external-monitor brightness controller.

The published feature set stays focused on control rather than monitor-management workflows. It does not provide documented input switching, saved monitor profiles, scheduling or CLI/API access, so users needing repeatable multi-monitor scenes or automation should choose a tool built around those functions instead. For Mac users who primarily need free brightness and volume controls, especially across Apple, compatible DDC and virtual displays, MonitorControl is a practical fit. It is less suitable for users on other operating systems or for setups that depend on monitor input management, profile presets or command-line control.

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MonitorControl pricing

All 1 MonitorControl plans and prices →

MonitorControl fact sheet

Alternatives to MonitorControl

• MMonitorControl 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 MonitorControl alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

MonitorControl is listed in our Monitor Control Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update