Displays · 5 min read
MonitorControl vs Tegaro
Tegaro is better if you want display controls with a Dock mirror and other tools. MonitorControl is stronger if monitor volume control is essential.
MonitorControl is a free, open-source app for external monitor brightness. Here is how it compares to Tegaro's Displays tool, which also switches resolution and shows a Dock on every screen.
Tegaro and MonitorControl both let you change the brightness of an external monitor from your Mac. MonitorControl is a free, single-purpose, open-source app that also handles monitor volume. Tegaro's Displays tool sets brightness and switches the resolution of each connected display, can show a copy of your Dock on every screen, and with Pro goes above 100% brightness on XDR displays. It sits in one menu-bar icon next to eight other tools, such as clipboard history, dictation and Power for battery details. Displays stays free after the 14-day trial.
Free daily display controls
Displays keeps normal brightness and resolution controls available after the trial.
Dock on every screen
An optional Dock mirror can sit on a selected connected display.
Ten tools, one icon
Display controls share the Tegaro menu-bar app with its other modules.
At a glance
| Capability | MonitorControl | Tegaro |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness and resolution (DDC/CI for monitors) Both change the brightness of a connected external monitor | Brightness: yes. Resolution switching: no | Both, for the built-in display and compatible external monitors |
| Brightness above 100% on XDR displays Works on displays that support it | No | Yes (Pro) |
| Monitor volume MonitorControl also adjusts monitor volume | Yes | Brightness only |
| Other Mac tools Dictation, Screenshots, Clipboard, Layout, Power and more | None (displays only) | Ten tools in one menu-bar icon |
| Dock on every screen Choose edge, reserved space, auto-hide, icon size and magnification | No | Yes, a copy of your Dock with the same apps, order, folders and Trash |
| Privacy Review the relevant feature and provider privacy documentation. | Runs on your Mac | Core typing, copied-content and downloaded-model dictation workflows are local; separate services can have their own network behaviour |
| Open source MonitorControl is free to download and inspect | Yes (on GitHub) | No |
| Cost Brightness above 100% on XDR displays needs Pro | Free | 14-day trial with everything unlocked; Displays stays free after that; Pro: $1.99 first month, then $4.99/month, $29.99/year or $100 lifetime |
When to Choose MonitorControl
People who want a free, open-source app for external monitor brightness and volume, and need nothing else.
When to Choose Tegaro
People who want brightness and resolution control for each display, a Dock on every screen, and external monitor control in the same menu-bar icon as dictation, screenshots, clipboard history and battery details.
Tegaro tools, one icon
Typing · Clipboard · Screenshots · Dictation · Displays · Power · Disk · Sound · AI Usage · Critter
Current Tegaro access
Try every Pro tool for 14 days without a card or account. Afterward, Free keeps Classic, Cat and Dog, Power, Sound, AI Usage, normal Displays and Disk analysis; it includes 100 successful automatic layout fixes per calendar month and 2,000 delivered dictation words per Monday-starting week. Pro unlocks Clipboard, Screenshots, Disk cleanup and app removal, unlimited layout automation and dictation, more critters and compatible EDR brightness. A $100 lifetime license covers one person on up to three Macs.
Pricing and terms: MonitorControl
Free (open source on GitHub)
Tegaro: 14-day trial; Pro is $1.99 for the first month, then $4.99/month, $29.99/year, or $100 lifetime for one license on up to three Macs. Post-trial module access varies by module. Check MonitorControl's official page for its current price and regional terms.
Offers: MonitorControl
No public promotion is asserted here; check the official checkout for current offers.
Tegaro trial offer
Eligible trial users may receive a one-time 30% annual or lifetime offer valid for 48 hours. It is optional, not a promised public price.
Privacy and footprint
Tegaro runs its core typing, clipboard and downloaded-model dictation workflows locally. AI usage may query Claude or Codex providers using existing authentication; licensing checks, downloads, updates and opted-in email have separate network behaviour. Review each product’s privacy documentation for the feature you use.
Native macOS app built with Swift.
Core typing, copied-content and downloaded-model dictation workflows stay local. Licensing, optional renewal lookups, model downloads, opted-in diagnostics and direct AI-provider checks are separate network actions. AI Usage uses existing provider sign-in and does not send provider credentials to Tegaro.
How to Switch from MonitorControl to Tegaro
- In MonitorControl settings, turn off the option that listens for the keyboard brightness and volume keys.
- Quit MonitorControl and remove it from Login Items in System Settings.
- Open Tegaro and check that your external monitor appears under Displays.
- Move the brightness slider to confirm the monitor responds.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my external monitor not respond to brightness control?
Some monitors, USB-C hubs or HDMI adapters do not pass brightness commands through. Check that brightness control is turned on in the monitor's own on-screen menu, and try a direct USB-C or DisplayPort cable.
Does Tegaro control monitor volume like MonitorControl?
No. The Displays tool covers brightness and resolution, plus a copy of your Dock on every screen. If you want volume control for your monitor, MonitorControl does that.
Can I use Tegaro for free just like MonitorControl?
Partly. Tegaro gives you all ten tools for 14 days without a card. After that, Displays, Power, Sound, the Mac load panel, AI usage and Disk analysis stay free. Layout keeps unlimited manual fixes and 100 automatic fixes per calendar month, and Dictation allows 2,000 words per week. Clipboard, Screenshots, Disk cleanup and app removal, extra Critters and brightness above 100% on XDR displays need Pro.
Sources and disclosure
Published by Tegaro. App information is checked against the linked official pages on the date shown. Checked: 2026-10-07.