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Candela vs Lunar: catalog facts
Candela	Lunar
Best for: Mac users who want OLED protection and controls for external displays	Best for: Mac users with external monitors who want to control them from the keyboard
Free Free and open source under the MIT license, with no paid tier.	Free + paid options Core features are free; Lunar Pro is a $23 lifetime license with a 14-day trial.
macOS	macOS
Tracks local display exposure and checkup history Can dim static bright regions on OLED panels All 3 strengths for Candela Tracks local display exposure and checkup history Can dim static bright regions on OLED panels Controls supported external display settings from the menu bar	Changes real monitor brightness over DDC rather than using an overlay Native smooth control of Apple-made displays All 4 strengths for Lunar Changes real monitor brightness over DDC rather than using an overlay Native smooth control of Apple-made displays Keyboard brightness keys work on external monitors Can switch monitor inputs and adjust volume
Requires macOS 14 or later and Apple Silicon Some docks and adapters block display controls	macOS only, version 11 or newer for the current release Some features require the paid Pro license
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Not open source
License: MIT	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Candela candela.fyi Catalog checked October 8, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Lunar lunar.fyi Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.