BetterDisplay vs LG OnScreen Control

BetterDisplay is a macOS app for managing display brightness, resolution, color, and connections. It can provide flexible HiDPI scaling for internal and natively connected external displays, and create virtual screens with different aspect ratios and resolutions. XDR and HDR brightness upscaling is available, though support depends on the Mac and display. Picture in Picture windows can show physical displays or virtual screens, and the app can capture selected windows or groups. Compatible connections support DDC hardware control and HDMI-CEC; network control is listed for LG webOS, Samsung Tizen, Philips Android TV, and Yamaha AVR. Automation options include macOS Shortcuts, command-line access, custom URLs, HTTP, notifications, and scripts. The app is free for non-business users after the 14-day trial, but Pro features require a license. BetterDisplay Pro costs $21.99, paid once for a perpetual license for covered versions and includes at least one year of updates. Businesses need a Pro license after the trial even for free functionality. Compatibility varies with the Mac, macOS version, display, and connection.

LG OnScreen Control is a desktop utility for managing features on certain LG monitors from Windows or macOS. It offers Screen Split, which divides the display into regions, and controls for brightness, contrast, and other monitor settings. My application Preset can change picture mode when you click a chosen application window, while Game mode settings let you adjust game-related monitor settings. The 5:9 Preview feature displays an application in a 5:9 area that you can move to a preferred position. The app can also update monitor firmware. A USB connection is required for settings and firmware updates; firmware updates also need internet access and a supported USB cable. Support depends on the monitor model, so LG advises checking its owner’s manual. The app does not support the PC’s Duplicate display setting; LG advises using Extend mode if its menu does not appear. A non-genuine cable or adapter can prevent DDC/CI communication, and using a third-party monitor may limit some features. The download is free for supported models.