Overview

Lunar is a macOS utility for adjusting external monitor settings, with manual controls and several ways to automate brightness changes. It suits Mac users who want displays to follow their laptop, local light conditions, or a schedule. Its Pro license is a one-time purchase, though the free version’s daily quotas may be restrictive for frequent adjustments.

It sends brightness and input commands over DDC to compatible monitors. Without DDC, Gamma can dim the display, but volume and input control are unavailable, so check compatibility if those functions matter to your setup.

Key features

Manual and adaptive controls

Manual Mode provides hotkeys for external monitor brightness, volume, and input. Sync Mode copies the MacBook’s adaptive brightness adjustments to external displays, a useful way to keep them in step without manually changing each screen. Manual Mode is capped at 100 adjustments per day on the free plan.

Light, location, and scheduled adjustment

Sensor Mode adjusts brightness and contrast using an external ambient light sensor; Location Mode adapts settings to the sun’s position. Clock Mode schedules brightness and contrast changes for a chosen time or around sunrise, noon, and sunset. These modes offer flexibility for changing environments and routines, but Sensor Mode depends on a separate sensor.

Pro display tools and automation

Pro adds XDR Brightness, sub-zero dimming, Auto BlackOut, BlackOut, and FaceLight. Lunar also integrates with macOS Shortcuts and includes a command-line interface, giving automation-minded users two ways to control monitors. Free users get 100 Shortcuts action calls per day; Pro removes that quota.

Pricing

Lunar has a free version at no cost. It includes Manual Mode, Shortcuts, and listed free features, but limits adjustments and Shortcuts actions to 100 per day each. That is a reasonable starting point for occasional use, not an unrestricted option for a workflow built around frequent changes.

Lunar Pro costs 23.00 USD per once, billed as a lifetime license. It provides unlimited adjustments, unlimited Shortcuts actions, and the listed Pro features. The one-time price avoids a recurring subscription, and is the natural fit for users who regularly hit the free quotas or need Pro display tools. A 14-day trial gives prospective buyers a chance to evaluate it first.

Platforms

Lunar supports macOS 11 and later and runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel. It is not a cross-platform choice for households or teams that also need Windows support.

Who it's for

Lunar is a strong fit for MacBook users with compatible external monitors who want manual hotkeys, adaptive brightness, or time- and location-based adjustment. Its CLI and Shortcuts integration also suit users who want to automate monitor controls. It is less suitable when DDC compatibility is absent and input or volume control is essential, or when Windows support is required.

Lunar says it does not collect, store, or sell identifiable or behavioral user data. It does collect anonymous monitor data and uses Sentry for crash reporting; reports may include device information and an IP address, and may include an email address if a Pro buyer consents to follow-up. Reports are deleted weekly.

Pros and cons

Pros: Multiple manual and automatic control modes cover different monitor routines; Shortcuts and CLI enable automation; Pro is a lifetime license rather than a recurring subscription.
Cons: DDC is required for monitor volume and input control; the free plan caps both adjustments and Shortcuts actions at 100 per day; support for a second desktop platform is absent.

Alternatives

Compare monitor control software if you want to survey the category. On Windows, Twinkle Tray is a free option for Windows 10 and 11 that supports most laptops and DDC/CI-enabled monitors. Mac users comparing one-time Pro licenses can consider BetterDisplay, whose $21.99 USD per once Pro license covers specified major app versions and includes at least one year of updates.

ddcutil is a free option for Linux, API, and self-hosted use. For owners of compatible ASUS monitors, ASUS DisplayWidget Center is a free download for macOS and Windows. DisplayBuddy is a paid alternative for Mac and Windows with a free trial. Windows users seeking a free utility can also consider ClickMonitorDDC. On macOS, ddcctl is a free command-line utility, while MonitorControl is a free option for display brightness, volume, and contrast.

Verdict

Choose Lunar if you use a Mac with DDC-compatible monitors and want more than basic brightness control, especially adaptive or scheduled adjustments and automation. Its lifetime Pro license removes the free plan’s daily caps and adds specialized display features. Look elsewhere if your monitor needs volume or input control without DDC, or if you need a Windows app.

	Lunar	MonitorControl
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	Yes	No
Paid from	Free	Free
Platforms	macOS	macOS
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Supported platforms	macOS	macOS
DDC/CI control	Yes	Yes
Input switching	Yes
Monitor profiles	Yes
Settings scheduling	Yes
CLI or API access	Yes
Auto brightness	Yes	Yes

Lunar vs MonitorControl

Lunar

MonitorControl