Cooler Master MasterPlus+ vs OpenRGB
Cooler Master MasterPlus+
coolermaster.comOpenRGB
openrgb.orgSide by side
| Figure | Cooler Master MasterPlus+ | OpenRGB |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · RGB Lighting Software | 7.8 (#9) | 8.5 (#1) |
| Purpose | MasterPlus+ is Cooler Master's software for supported peripherals and PC components. | OpenRGB controls RGB devices from multiple manufacturers through one app without relying on manufacturer software. |
Plans
In their own words
Cooler Master MasterPlus+
Cooler Master MasterPlus+ is free Windows software for supported Cooler Master peripherals and PC components. Its compatibility list includes cooling products, fans, LED controllers, cases, power supplies, keyboards, mice, audio products, and accessories. Examples include MasterLiquid coolers, MasterFan and SickleFlow fans, HAF 700 cases, CK and SK keyboards, and MM series mice. For supported Addressable Gen 2 RGB devices, it controls individual LED colors, effects, and brightness. Cooler Master says GD120 ARGB desk lighting can synchronize with display colors and reproduce monitor visuals in real time. Mobius 140P ARGB RGB customization requires a dedicated controller sold separately. The download is labeled for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Version 1.9.6 notes removal of Motion1 motion control and enhanced D-BOX guidance. Cooler Master is headquartered in Taipei City, Taiwan, and was founded in 1992.
OpenRGB
OpenRGB controls RGB devices from multiple manufacturers through one application without relying on manufacturer software. It is free and open source under the GNU General Public License version 2, and runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. The interface is designed to use little RAM and CPU. Device support is not uniform: listings distinguish fully supported, problematic, partial, unsupported, and not-applicable features. Its network-based SDK lets third-party software control supported devices and synchronize OpenRGB instances across multiple PCs; bindings are available for C++, Python, C#, and Java. Integrations include Artemis, Project Aurora, Home Assistant, and Keyboard Visualizer. Plugins can add synchronized effects, hardware-status indicators, third-party lighting integrations, and scheduled profile changes. The Effects Plugin includes options such as Rainbow, Breathing, audio visualizations, Ambilight, GIF playback, and GLSL shader rendering. The HTTP Hook plugin can trigger basic actions such as profile switching. Standalone Linux use may require udev rules for hardware access. Pipeline builds are unreleased development versions and may be unstable.