RedDimmer
RedDimmer vs MonitorControl
Looking for a MonitorControl alternative? Both apps are free and can make a screen look darker. RedDimmer concentrates on a warmer evening image; MonitorControl concentrates on managing display brightness and other monitor controls.
Choose RedDimmer for warmth, pure-red color, editable presets and local schedules. Choose MonitorControl for free compatible-monitor brightness and volume controls. MonitorControl already offers software dimming, including dimming to black.
Try RedDimmer's interactive preview →RedDimmer's Mac App Store release is in preparation.
RedDimmer and MonitorControl: at a glance
| What matters | RedDimmer | MonitorControl |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free and open source |
| Main purpose | Warm-to-red color and software dimming | Monitor brightness, volume and contrast |
| Software dimming | Slider from 100% to 10% | Combined hardware/software dimming; can dim to black |
| Hardware monitor commands | Leaves hardware controls to you | DDC on compatible external monitors |
| Evening color routine | Warmth presets, local schedules and app exceptions | Documented focus is display brightness and monitor controls |
| Getting it | Mac App Store release in preparation | GitHub releases and Homebrew installation |
MonitorControl references: MonitorControl's official features, compatibility and releases ↗
Add color choice to your evening dimming routine
If lowering brightness is only half of what you want, RedDimmer offers a separate warmth slider. Move towards amber or pure red, then save the brightness-and-color combination in a preset. You can schedule changes locally and keep app exceptions for work where normal color matters. The current app targets macOS 13 or later on Intel and Apple silicon and includes controls for individual displays.
Explore RedDimmer's evening controls →When MonitorControl is the better fit
MonitorControl is free and open source. Its documentation describes brightness, volume and contrast controls, hardware DDC on compatible monitors and software dimming that can extend below the normal hardware minimum. If you mainly want your external monitor to behave more like a built-in Mac display, it is an especially relevant option. There is no reason to switch purely on a claim that RedDimmer is the only free app that dims deeply; that would be inaccurate.
MonitorControl's official features, compatibility and releases ↗
For a desk that is already using MonitorControl
Keep the question practical: do you want additional color choices, or are the existing brightness controls enough? RedDimmer is useful to consider when you want an amber or red evening preset with its own software brightness level. If you keep a separate monitor controller, decide which app owns each adjustment and test your setup. Begin with one app applying software dimming so that stacked settings do not hide what each slider is doing.
Compare the appearance on your own display, keep text readable, and return to normal color for color-sensitive work. Our linked research explanations separate screen preferences from health claims.
Questions before you choose
Is RedDimmer cheaper than MonitorControl?
Both are free. The relevant difference is RedDimmer's warmth and evening routine versus MonitorControl's monitor-control focus.
Which app can dim a Mac below its normal minimum?
Both offer software dimming. MonitorControl also documents dimming to black. RedDimmer's software-brightness slider goes down to 10%.
Which should I use for external-monitor volume?
MonitorControl documents volume control for compatible displays. RedDimmer is a screen color and dimming app and does not control monitor volume.
Sources and how we compare
MonitorControl's official features, compatibility and releases ↗
This comparison is written by Guiix, the maker of RedDimmer. It uses the official product descriptions linked above and RedDimmer's current features. It is a feature guide; it does not report a head-to-head hardware test, clinical study or independent review. Other product names belong to their respective owners. Check the official release notes and license terms for the version you choose.
A softer screen for your evenings.
Free warmth and dimming. Editable presets. A routine that fits your day.
Mac App Store release in preparation.