Use SwitchResX if you want serious control, Lunar if your external monitor brightness is annoying, and DisplayBuddy if you want simple presets. macOS already has display scaling, rotation, and arrangement settings, but those controls can feel too basic when you use multiple screens [source: Apple]. BetterDisplay is great, but it is not the only tool in town.
TLDR: If you use one MacBook screen and one external monitor, try DisplayBuddy or Lunar first. If you need custom resolutions, use SwitchResX. For example, a designer with two 27 inch 4K monitors can save 2 or 3 display layouts and switch them in seconds. That beats clicking through macOS settings every morning like it is a sad little ritual.
1. SwitchResX: Best for custom resolutions
SwitchResX is the power tool. It is not the prettiest app. It looks a bit old school. But wow, it gets work done.
Use it when you need:
- Custom resolutions
- HiDPI scaling options
- Display rotation
- Saved display sets
- Control over refresh rates
This is the app for people who say, “Why can’t my Mac just show the exact resolution I want?” Honestly, it feels like macOS hides too many useful settings behind soft cushions.
Best for: developers, designers, video editors, and anyone with unusual monitor needs.
Annoying bit: the setup can feel nerdy. Expect a few minutes of trial and error. Once it is set, though, it is solid.
2. Display Menu: Best for quick resolution switching
Display Menu is simple. That is the whole charm. It sits in your menu bar and lets you change resolutions fast.
No big control panel. No giant manual. No scary settings cave.
It is handy if you often switch between:
- A sharp working view
- A larger text view
- A presentation setup
- A projector
It works well for people who want less fuss. You click the icon. You pick a resolution. Done.
Best for: students, office workers, teachers, and anyone who presents from a Mac.
Annoying bit: it is not as deep as BetterDisplay or SwitchResX. If you want advanced tweaks, you may hit a wall fast.
3. Lunar: Best for external monitor brightness
Lunar solves one of the dumbest Mac problems. Many external monitors do not act like Apple displays. Brightness keys may not work. Color may feel off. Your eyes may start filing complaints.
Lunar helps with:
- External monitor brightness
- Volume control on supported monitors
- Contrast control
- Brightness sync with your MacBook
- Auto dimming based on time or room light
This is great if your external monitor is too bright at night. Or too dim in the morning. Or just rude all day.
Best for: people using Dell, LG, Samsung, BenQ, or other external displays with a MacBook.
Annoying bit: some features depend on your monitor. Not every screen supports every control. That is not Lunar’s fault, but it still makes setup feel like a small treasure hunt.
4. MonitorControl: Best free brightness helper
MonitorControl is a favorite for a reason. It is free. It is clean. It gives you keyboard control over external monitor brightness and volume on many displays.
If Lunar feels like too much, start here.
It can help you control:
- Brightness
- Volume
- Contrast on some monitors
- Multiple displays from one menu
It drives me crazy that this is not perfect in macOS already. Pressing the brightness key should not become a research project.
Best for: Mac users who want a free fix for external display controls.
Annoying bit: monitor support can vary. Some screens behave nicely. Some act like they have never met a computer before.
5. DisplayBuddy: Best for simple monitor presets
DisplayBuddy is friendly. It gives you fast controls for brightness, contrast, input source, and display presets.
The preset feature is the star. You can create setups like:
- Work mode: both monitors on, medium brightness
- Movie mode: big screen only, low brightness
- Meeting mode: laptop screen plus webcam monitor
- Night mode: dim screens, warmer feel
That is useful if your desk changes during the day. Work in the morning. Calls after lunch. Netflix at night. No judgment.
Best for: people who want clean controls without a science project.
Annoying bit: it is not aimed at deep custom resolution work. Pair it with SwitchResX if you need that.
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Which BetterDisplay alternative should you pick?
- Pick SwitchResX if you need custom resolutions and serious scaling control.
- Pick Display Menu if you just want quick resolution changes.
- Pick Lunar if brightness and color on external monitors bug you.
- Pick MonitorControl if you want a free brightness tool.
- Pick DisplayBuddy if you want presets and easy daily controls.
Simple buying advice
If your problem is resolution, start with SwitchResX or Display Menu. If your problem is brightness, start with Lunar or MonitorControl. If your problem is switching setups, try DisplayBuddy.
BetterDisplay is still excellent. But the best app depends on what is annoying you right now. Tiny text? Bad scaling? Blinding monitor? Missing brightness keys? Pick the tool that fixes that pain first.
Your Mac should not make your beautiful monitor feel like a stubborn toaster. With the right display tool, it will behave much better.