Lunar

Lunar is a macOS utility for adjusting external monitor settings, with manual controls and multiple ways to automate brightness. It suits Mac users who want external displays to track their MacBook, ambient light, location or schedule. Its lifetime Pro license is appealing if the free daily limits are too restrictive.

Overview

Lunar sends brightness and input commands over DDC to compatible monitors. If DDC is unavailable, Gamma can dim the display, but it cannot change monitor volume or input; users who need those controls should check monitor compatibility before relying on Lunar.

The app supports macOS 11 and later and runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel. It also supports monitor profiles, input switching, scheduling and automatic brightness, alongside its core display controls.

Key features

Manual controls and adaptive brightness

Manual Mode supplies hotkeys for external monitor brightness, volume and input. Sync Mode copies the MacBook’s adaptive brightness adjustments to external displays, a useful fit for users who want those screens to follow the laptop rather than adjust each one separately.

Light, location and schedule-based adjustment

Sensor Mode adjusts brightness and contrast using an external ambient light sensor, so this option depends on having that sensor. Location Mode adapts monitors to the sun’s position. Clock Mode schedules brightness and contrast changes by time or around sunrise, noon and sunset, offering several ways to fit display changes to a daily routine.

Pro tools and automation

Pro adds XDR Brightness, sub-zero dimming, Auto BlackOut, BlackOut and FaceLight. Lunar also works with macOS Shortcuts and includes a command-line interface for monitor control and automation. That combination will suit users building repeatable workflows; it is less relevant if basic manual adjustments are all they need.

Pricing

The Free version costs nothing. It includes listed free features, with Manual Mode capped at 100 adjustments per day and Shortcuts capped at 100 action calls per day. Those limits may be enough for occasional control, but frequent adjustments or automation can make the free tier restrictive.

Lunar Pro costs $23, paid once for a lifetime license. It removes the adjustment and Shortcuts action limits and includes the listed Pro features. For Mac users who expect to use Lunar regularly, the one-time purchase avoids recurring billing; users who do not need Pro features or exceed the free caps have less reason to pay. A 14-day trial lets prospective buyers evaluate the paid version before purchasing.

Platforms

Lunar is for macOS, supporting macOS 11 and later on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. DDC support matters: Gamma fallback can dim a non-DDC display, but cannot control its volume or input.

Who it's for

Lunar is a strong fit for Mac users with compatible external monitors who want hotkeys alongside adaptive, sensor-based, location-based or scheduled adjustments. Shortcuts and CLI support also make it relevant to people automating monitor changes. It is a weaker choice when a display lacks DDC and volume or input control is essential, or when the user wants a Windows utility.

Pros and cons

• Several adjustment modes: MacBook sync, external-sensor response, sun-position adaptation and scheduling cover distinct lighting routines.
• Useful workflow options: Shortcuts and a CLI extend monitor control beyond manual hotkeys.
• Lifetime Pro license: One purchase removes the daily adjustment and action-call caps and adds the Pro display features.
• DDC dependency: Gamma can dim when DDC is unavailable, but loses volume and input control.
• Free-tier caps: 100 daily adjustments and 100 daily Shortcuts action calls can constrain frequent use.
• Sensor Mode needs hardware: Its ambient-light adjustments depend on an external sensor.

Alternatives

Monitor Control Software is the broader category directory for comparing monitor utilities.

• Twinkle Tray is a free Windows option for Windows 10 and 11 that supports most laptops and DDC/CI-enabled monitors.
• ASUS DisplayWidget Center is a free macOS and Windows download if you use a compatible ASUS monitor.
• ClickMonitorDDC is free for personal use on Windows.
• BetterDisplay is another freemium macOS choice; its Pro perpetual license costs $21.99, paid once for covered versions and includes at least one year of updates.
• ddcutil is a free GPLv2 option for Linux, self-hosted use and API-oriented workflows.
• DisplayBuddy is a paid alternative for macOS and Windows, with a free trial.
• DDC-CI Control Bridge is a free option spanning macOS, Windows, Linux, API and self-hosted platforms.
• MonitorControl is a free macOS alternative for display brightness, volume and contrast.

Verdict

Choose Lunar if you use a Mac with DDC-compatible external monitors and want flexible brightness automation plus a lifetime route to unlimited adjustments. Its main reason to look elsewhere is the DDC gap: without it, Gamma cannot control volume or input, and the free plan’s daily caps may not suit heavy use.