OpenDisplay vs MonitorControl
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
OpenDisplay
7.0Second-display utility for iPhone and iPad over USB and Wi-Fi
MonitorControl
8.5Tool to control external monitor brightness & volume
| Metric | OpenDisplay | MonitorControl |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Utilities | Utilities |
| AI Score | 7.0 | 8.5 |
| 30-day Installs | 125 | 3.0K |
| 90-day Installs | 261 | 9.0K |
| 365-day Installs | 261 | 33.0K |
| Version | 1.17.0 | 4.3.3 |
| Auto-updates | Yes | Yes |
| Deprecated | No | No |
| GitHub Stars | 1.7K | 32.6K |
| GitHub Forks | 120 | 938 |
| Open Issues | 83 | 18 |
| License | GPL-3.0 | MIT |
| Language | Swift | Swift |
| Last GitHub Commit | 1mo ago | 6mo ago |
| First Seen | Jul 21, 2026 | Aug 9, 2023 |
Reviews
OpenDisplay
OpenDisplay is an open-source alternative to Sidecar and Duet, allowing users to connect their iPhone or iPad as a second display for their Mac via USB or Wi-Fi. It supports low-latency H.264 video, Retina HiDPI, and touch input, making it ideal for users who want a versatile and customizable second-screen experience.
Enables iPhone and iPad to function as a second display for Mac over USB or Wi-Fi.
Pros
- + Open-source and free to use.
- + Supports both USB and Wi-Fi connections.
- + Low-latency performance and Retina HiDPI support.
- + Regular updates and active development.
Cons
- - Limited community discussion and user feedback.
- - Some unresolved issues related to device compatibility.
MonitorControl
MonitorControl is a macOS app that allows users to control external monitor brightness and volume, providing a seamless experience as if using a native Apple display. It supports keyboard shortcuts and displays native macOS OSDs, making it a must-have for users with external monitors.
Controls brightness and volume of external monitors using keyboard shortcuts or custom commands, displaying native macOS OSDs.
Pros
- + Integrates seamlessly with macOS, providing a native experience.
- + Supports multiple monitors and customizable shortcuts.
- + Actively maintained with a strong community and regular updates.
- + Free and open-source under MIT license.
- + Strong community support and responsive developers.
Cons
- - Some compatibility issues with older macOS versions or specific hardware, though resolved.
- - Limited to macOS, requiring different solutions for other platforms.