OpenRGB

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Score7.0

Rank#2 of 31

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onAPI, Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Windows

Summary

OpenRGB controls RGB devices from multiple manufacturers through one app, without relying on each maker’s software. It is free and open source under the GNU General Public License version 2, with a lightweight interface designed to use little RAM and CPU. OpenRGB runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and has been tested on x86, x86_64, ARM32, and ARM64 processors. Device support varies: listings identify features as fully supported, problematic, partial, unsupported, or not applicable. Its network-based SDK lets third-party software control supported devices and synchronize OpenRGB instances across multiple PCs; bindings include C++, Python, C#, and Java. Plugins can add lighting effects, hardware-status indicators, integrations, and scheduled profile changes. The Effects Plugin includes options such as Rainbow, audio visualizations, Ambilight, GIF playback, and shader rendering. The HTTP Hook plugin can trigger basic actions such as switching profiles. Standalone Linux use may require udev rules for hardware access. Pipeline builds are unreleased development versions and may be unstable.

Who it is for

OpenRGB suits people who want to manage RGB devices from multiple manufacturers in one application, or connect supported lighting to third-party software. It also offers plugins and profiles for people who want to customize lighting behavior.

What is good

Free and open source under GPL version 2
Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS
SDK can synchronize instances across multiple PCs
Plugins can add effects and scheduled profile changes

What to know first

Device support varies by feature
Standalone Linux use may require udev rules
Pipeline builds may be unstable

Verdict

OpenRGB combines cross-platform device control with an SDK and plugin system. Check the support listing for the devices and features you plan to use, and note that standalone Linux use may involve extra permission setup.

OpenRGB plans and pricing

All plans

OpenRGB Free Free and open source under GNU General Public License version 2 openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on RGB lighting software

Free plan: Yesopenrgb.org
Device scope: bothopenrgb.org
Addressable RGB control: Yesopenrgb.org
Cross-device sync: Yesopenrgb.org
Lighting profiles: Yesopenrgb.org
Game lighting effects: Yesopenrgb.org

Facts

Purpose: OpenRGB controls RGB devices from multiple manufacturers through one app without relying on manufacturer software.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
Open source: OpenRGB is free and open source software under the GNU General Public License version 2.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
Lightweight interface: The site says OpenRGB's interface is designed to use little RAM and CPU.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
Device support: Supported-device entries distinguish fully supported, problematic, partial, unsupported, and not-applicable features.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
Cross-platform: OpenRGB runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS and is tested on x86, x86_64, ARM32, and ARM64 processors.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
SDK: Its network-based SDK lets third-party software control supported devices and synchronize OpenRGB instances across multiple PCs.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
SDK bindings: The site says SDK bindings are available for languages including C++, Python, C#, and Java.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
Integrations: The site describes integrations including Artemis, Project Aurora, Home Assistant, and Keyboard Visualizer.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
Plugins: Plugins can add synchronized effects, hardware-stat indicators, third-party lighting integrations, and scheduled profile changes.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
Effects: The Effects Plugin includes effects such as Rainbow, Visor, Breathing, audio visualizations, Ambilight, GIF playback, and GLSL shader rendering.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
HTTP control: The HTTP Hook plugin allows basic actions such as profile switching to be triggered through an HTTP endpoint.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
Linux permissions: Standalone Linux use may require installing udev rules to grant the user access to hardware interfaces used for RGB control.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
Experimental builds: Pipeline builds are unreleased development versions that may have better device compatibility but may be unstable.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026
Support community: The site links to OpenRGB community channels including Discord, Lemmy, and Mastodon.openrgb.org · 30 Sept 2026