Overview

Lunar is a macOS monitor-control app for Mac users who want external displays to follow manual commands or automatic brightness routines. It is strongest when paired with DDC-compatible monitors; without DDC, Gamma can dim a display but cannot change its volume or input.

Key features

Direct control and adaptive brightness

Manual Mode puts external monitor brightness, volume and input on hotkeys, while Sync Mode copies the MacBook’s adaptive brightness changes to connected monitors. DDC makes the broader set of commands possible, but the Gamma fallback narrows control to dimming alone. That distinction matters if input switching or volume control is part of the reason to install Lunar.

Adjustments by light, location and time

Sensor Mode uses an external ambient light sensor to adjust brightness and contrast. Location Mode changes monitor settings with the sun’s position, and Clock Mode schedules brightness and contrast by clock time or around sunrise, noon and sunset. Together these modes suit people with changing workspaces or routines; Sensor Mode, specifically, requires an external sensor.

Pro tools and automation

Pro adds XDR Brightness, sub-zero dimming, Auto BlackOut, BlackOut and FaceLight. Lunar also works with macOS Shortcuts and offers a command-line interface, giving users ways to include monitor adjustments in broader automation rather than relying only on manual hotkeys.

Pricing

The Free version costs 0.00 USD per free. It includes listed free features, with Manual Mode capped at 100 adjustments per day and Shortcuts at 100 action calls per day. Those limits leave room for ordinary or occasional use, but frequent adjustments and shortcut-heavy workflows can run into the quotas.

Lunar Pro costs 23.00 USD per once for a lifetime license. It removes the adjustment and Shortcuts action caps and includes the Pro display features. It is the better fit for users who need those tools or expect to exceed the free limits; the free version remains the sensible starting point for lighter use. A 14-day trial is offered.

Platforms

Lunar supports macOS 11 and later and runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel. Monitor commands depend on compatibility: DDC provides brightness and input control, while Gamma fallback can dim a display when DDC is unavailable. Lunar also supports input switching, monitor profiles, settings scheduling and CLI access.

For privacy, Lunar says it does not collect, store or sell identifiable or behavioral data. It does collect anonymous monitor data and uses Sentry for crash reporting. Reports may include device information and an IP address; an email is included only if the user agreed to contact after buying Pro. Reports are deleted weekly. Users can contact the developer through a web form; license delivery issues are directed to Discord.

Who it's for

Lunar is a good match for Mac users with external displays who want one set of controls for hotkeys, adaptive brightness, sensor or location response, and schedules. It is less suitable when the monitor lacks DDC and volume or input control is essential, or when the user needs a non-macOS solution.

Pros and cons

Pro: Multiple control modes cover manual adjustments, MacBook-linked brightness, ambient light, location and schedules.
Pro: Shortcuts and a CLI support monitor automation beyond the app’s manual controls.
Pro: Pro is a one-time lifetime license, with unlimited adjustments and Shortcuts actions.
Con: Gamma fallback cannot control monitor volume or input, so DDC compatibility affects the app’s practical reach.
Con: The free plan’s daily adjustment and action-call caps can constrain intensive use.
Con: Sensor-based adjustment requires an external ambient light sensor.

Alternatives

Monitor Control Software is a useful place to compare the category. Choose ASUS DisplayWidget Center if a free option for macOS and Windows suits you and your monitor is compatible with ASUS; its download is free but limited to ASUS monitors. Choose ddcutil for a free, GPLV2 option on Linux, API or self-hosted setups. DeepPurge is another free option for Linux, macOS and Windows.

For a paid alternative with a trial and macOS or Windows support, DisplayBuddy offers a Personal lifetime license for 24.99 USD per once for one Mac, with unlimited presets; its Pro plan is 29.99 USD per once, with the stated per-Mac price of 14.99 USD. Windows users looking for a free tool for most laptops and DDC/CI-enabled monitors can consider Twinkle Tray. BetterDisplay is another macOS freemium option with a trial; its Pro license costs 21.99 USD per once, is perpetual for covered versions, and includes at least one year of updates. DDC-CI Control Bridge is a free option across API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted and Windows platforms. Windows users can also consider ClickMonitorDDC, free for personal use.

Verdict

Choose Lunar if you use a Mac with DDC-compatible external monitors and want flexible controls that can respond to a sensor, the sun or a schedule, with a lifetime Pro upgrade for unlimited use. Look elsewhere if you need reliable volume and input control without DDC, or if your setup is not on macOS.

	ExtLume	Lunar
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	Free	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Windows	macOS
Supported platforms	Windows	macOS
DDC/CI control	Yes	Yes
Input switching	No	Yes
Monitor profiles	No	Yes
Settings scheduling	No	Yes
CLI or API access	No	Yes
Auto brightness	No	Yes
Free plan	—	Yes

ExtLume vs Lunar

ExtLume

Lunar