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MonitorControl
What it is
MonitorControl is a free macOS app for controlling external display brightness and volume with native macOS on-screen displays. It supports DDC for external monitors, Apple protocols for Apple and built-in displays, gamma-table software dimming, and shade control for AirPlay, Sidecar, DisplayLink, and other virtual screens. Controls include brightness, volume, and contrast, with smooth transitions and dimming to full black. Displays can be operated with Apple brightness and media keys or custom shortcuts. Multiple screens can be synchronized with one slider or keyboard shortcuts, and brightness changes from built-in or Apple displays can be replicated to non-Apple external screens. The app provides dozens of customization options, with more under “Show advanced settings.” The maker offers a DMG download and Homebrew installation. Version 4.0.0 lists Catalina 10.15 as its baseline; full functionality is available on macOS 11 Big Sur or newer. Accessibility permission is needed only for native Apple brightness and media keys.
For and against
For
- Controls brightness, volume, and contrast
- Supports DDC and Apple display protocols
- Synchronizes multiple displays
- Offers custom keyboard shortcuts
- Provides software dimming and shade control
Against
- macOS-only application
- Some Mac HDMI ports lack DDC control
- Full functionality requires macOS 11 or newer
- Accessibility permission needed for native media keys
The verdict
MonitorControl centralizes display controls across external, built-in, and virtual screens while retaining macOS on-screen feedback. Check your Mac version and HDMI hardware if DDC control is important.
Who it suits
It suits Mac users who adjust external or virtual displays and want keyboard controls, synchronization, and macOS-style on-screen displays. Users who do not use native Apple brightness or media keys can skip Accessibility permission.
Plans and prices
MonitorControl
Free · controls display brightness, volume and contrast
Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Accessibility permission
- Accessibility permission is required only to use native Apple keyboard brightness and media keys; users who do not use those keys can skip it.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The README lists Catalina 10.15 as the compatibility baseline for version 4.0.0 and says full functionality is available on macOS 11 Big Sur or newer.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Controls
- The app can control brightness, volume and contrast, and supports smooth brightness transitions and dimming to full black.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Current release
- The releases page lists MonitorControl v4.4.0 as the latest release and describes it as a maintenance update for macOS 26 Tahoe and macOS 27 Golden Gate compatibility.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Customization
- The app offers dozens of customization options, with additional options available by enabling “Show advanced settings.”github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Display limitations
- The README says some Mac built-in HDMI ports do not support DDC control, while software dimming remains available for those connections.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Display protocols
- It supports DDC for external displays, native Apple protocols for Apple and built-in displays, gamma-table software dimming, and shade control for AirPlay, Sidecar, DisplayLink and other virtual screens.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The maker provides a downloadable DMG and documents installation through Homebrew with `brew install --cask monitorcontrol`.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Keyboard
- Users can control displays with standard Apple brightness and media keys or custom keyboard shortcuts.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- MonitorControl controls external display brightness and volume on a Mac and shows native macOS on-screen displays.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users with questions to the project’s GitHub Discussions.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Synchronization
- Users can synchronize displays with one slider or keyboard shortcuts and replicate brightness changes from built-in and Apple displays to non-Apple external displays.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
