Compare software

MonitorControlTwinkle Tray

Screenshots

MonitorControl brightness menu and general settingsMonitorControl keyboard shortcuts settingsMonitorControl display and DDC settings

Screenshots

Brightness flyout with sliders for two monitors and an Adjust Brightness headingTwinkle Tray settings window listing three monitors beside the brightness flyout on Windows 11

Best for: Adjust Mac display brightness and volume from the keyboard or menu bar

Best for: Changing the brightness of external monitors without reaching for their physical buttons

Free

The open-source application is available without a license fee.

 Free

Free and open source under the MIT licence. Also available from the Microsoft Store.

macOS Windows
  • Combines hardware brightness with software dimming
  • Brightness sliders for external monitors, which Windows does not provide
  • Automatic brightness by time of day or when idle
  • Hotkeys for specific or all displays, and backlight normalisation across monitors
  • Matches the taskbar appearance using your Personalization settings
  • Available controls depend on the monitor and connection.
  • Requires monitors that support DDC/CI, and not all do or have it enabled
  • Windows only
  • Some monitors respond slowly or unreliably to DDC/CI commands
  • The last release is from December 2025
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: MIT License: MIT
Not stated if an account is needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Offline features available

Sources

Catalog checked September 22, 2026

Sources

Catalog checked September 21, 2026

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