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SPECIFICTION
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MonitorControl

monitorcontrol.app

Free plan macOS
Visit monitorcontrol.app
Spec score 7.1 #20 of 24 in Monitor Control Software

What it is

MonitorControl is a free macOS app for controlling external display brightness, volume, and contrast while showing native macOS on-screen displays. It supports DDC on external monitors, Apple protocols on Apple and built-in displays, gamma-table dimming, and shade control for AirPlay, Sidecar, DisplayLink, and other virtual screens. Brightness can transition smoothly or dim to full black. Standard Apple brightness and media keys work, and custom shortcuts are available. Multiple displays can be synchronized with one slider or shortcuts, including copying brightness changes from built-in or Apple displays to non-Apple screens. Dozens of customization options are provided, with more under “Show advanced settings.” MonitorControl is free, with no trial, and runs on macOS. Version 4.0.0 lists Catalina 10.15 as its baseline; full functionality is available on macOS 11 Big Sur or newer. The latest listed release is v4.4.0.

Spec sheet

Purpose
MonitorControl controls external display brightness and volume on a Mac and shows native macOS on-screen displays.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The maker directs users with questions to the project’s GitHub Discussions.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Accessibility permission
Accessibility permission is required only to use native Apple keyboard brightness and media keys; users who do not use those keys can skip it.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compatibility
The README lists Catalina 10.15 as the compatibility baseline for version 4.0.0 and says full functionality is available on macOS 11 Big Sur or newer.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Controls
The app can control brightness, volume and contrast, and supports smooth brightness transitions and dimming to full black.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Current release
The releases page lists MonitorControl v4.4.0 as the latest release and describes it as a maintenance update for macOS 26 Tahoe and macOS 27 Golden Gate compatibility.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Customization
The app offers dozens of customization options, with additional options available by enabling “Show advanced settings.”Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Display limitations
The README says some Mac built-in HDMI ports do not support DDC control, while software dimming remains available for those connections.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Display protocols
It supports DDC for external displays, native Apple protocols for Apple and built-in displays, gamma-table software dimming, and shade control for AirPlay, Sidecar, DisplayLink and other virtual screens.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The maker provides a downloadable DMG and documents installation through Homebrew with `brew install --cask monitorcontrol`.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Keyboard
Users can control displays with standard Apple brightness and media keys or custom keyboard shortcuts.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Synchronization
Users can synchronize displays with one slider or keyboard shortcuts and replicate brightness changes from built-in and Apple displays to non-Apple external displays.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

MonitorControl Free Free · controls display brightness, volume and contrast Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every MonitorControl plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan with brightness, volume, and contrast controls
  • Supports DDC, Apple protocols, gamma dimming, and shade control
  • Synchronizes multiple displays from one slider
  • Works with Apple keys or custom shortcuts
  • Offers extensive customization and advanced settings

Limits

  • Some built-in HDMI ports lack DDC control
  • Full functionality requires macOS 11 Big Sur or newer
  • Accessibility permission is needed for native display keys

Who it suits

It suits Mac users managing external, Apple, built-in, or virtual displays from one set of controls. It is also useful for people who want keyboard shortcuts or synchronized brightness.

Verdict

MonitorControl combines several display-control methods in one free macOS utility. Check your Mac’s HDMI behavior if DDC control matters; software dimming remains available for unsupported connections.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to MonitorControlAll alternatives →