Lunar vs Twinkle Tray
Lunar
lunar.fyi
Twinkle Tray
twinkletray.comSide by side
| Figure | Lunar | Twinkle Tray |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Monitor Control Software | 7.9 (#8) | 7.2 (#17) |
| Automation | Lunar integrates with macOS Shortcuts and includes a command-line interface for controlling and automating monitors. | It supports brightness adjustments by time of day or when the computer is idle. |
| Privacy | Lunar says it does not collect, store, or sell user identifiable or behavioral data, but it collects anonymous monitor data and uses Sentry for crash reporting. | The privacy policy says it collects user settings, operating system, CPU name, app version, user interactions, and estimated location through Google Analytics, with an opt-out in Settings. |
| Support | Users can contact the developer through a web form, and the contact page directs license delivery issues to the Discord server. | The official site links to GitHub source code, opened issues, and troubleshooting documentation. |
Plans
In their own words
Lunar
Lunar is a macOS app for controlling monitors, including external monitor brightness, volume and input. On compatible monitors it uses DDC to send brightness and input commands directly. Manual Mode provides hotkeys for external-monitor adjustments, while Sync Mode copies the MacBook’s adaptive brightness changes to external displays. Sensor Mode adjusts brightness and contrast using an external ambient light sensor; Location Mode responds to the sun’s position. Clock Mode schedules changes by time or by sunrise, noon or sunset. Pro features include XDR Brightness, sub-zero dimming, Auto BlackOut, BlackOut and FaceLight. Lunar also works with macOS Shortcuts and includes a command-line interface for monitor automation. It supports macOS 11 and later and runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel. When DDC is unavailable, Gamma can dim a display but cannot change its volume or input. The free version permits 100 Manual Mode adjustments and 100 Shortcuts action calls per day. Lunar Pro costs $23.00 USD as a lifetime license.
Twinkle Tray
Twinkle Tray is a Windows utility for managing brightness on multiple monitors from a system-tray icon. Sliders can adjust one display or all displays at once, and the app can control DDC/CI monitor features such as contrast, volume, and power state. It supports most laptops and DDC/CI-enabled monitors, using WMI for internal laptop displays and DDC/CI for external displays. Users can schedule brightness adjustments by time of day or when the computer is idle, and bind hotkeys to particular displays or all of them. Command-line arguments support custom scripting, and the application is localized in over 20 languages. Twinkle Tray is free and can be obtained through the Microsoft Store or as a GitHub installer. Compatibility may be limited with VGA or DVI connections and some USB, Thunderbolt, or Surface docks using HDMI or DisplayPort. Its privacy policy describes collection of settings, operating system, CPU name, app version, user interactions, and estimated location through Google Analytics; users can opt out in Settings.