MaxBrightness vs BetterDisplay
MaxBrightness vs BetterDisplay: the free brightness alternative (2026)
BetterDisplay is the better choice for power users who want a full display-management toolkit — HiDPI scaling, virtual screens, DDC control, and XDR boost for external and Intel Macs — in one paid app. MaxBrightness is a free alternative for people who only want more XDR brightness on their MacBook Pro, particularly its zero-cost Mac App Store download, its no-account and no-tracking privacy stance, and its outdoor Sun Mode plus full-screen video boost.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | MaxBrightness | BetterDisplay |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $21.99 / €19.99 (one-time Pro license) |
| Free version | Fully free, no limits | Free tier for non-business use + 14-day Pro trial |
| Scope | Brightness only | Full display toolkit (HiDPI scaling, virtual screens, DDC, PIP, EDID, dimming, XDR/HDR boost) |
| Account required | No | No |
| Tracking / analytics | None | Not stated |
| Distribution | Mac App Store | Direct download (betterdisplay.pro) |
| XDR brightness boost | Yes, on supported MacBook Pro XDR | Yes, up to 1600 nits (multiple methods) |
| Supported Macs | Apple Silicon MacBook Pro XDR (2021+) | Apple Silicon + Intel; built-in and external XDR/HDR |
| Outdoor / Sun preset | Yes | Not a dedicated feature |
| Complexity | Single-purpose menu-bar app | Feature-rich, configuration-heavy |
BetterDisplay features and pricing per its official documentation. Figures may change — verify on the vendor's site.
Where BetterDisplay is strong
- Full display toolkit: BetterDisplay adds HiDPI scaling, virtual screens, DDC control, Picture-in-Picture, EDID override, and dimming — far beyond brightness alone.
- External + Intel support: BetterDisplay boosts built-in and external XDR/HDR displays and runs on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
- High boost ceiling: BetterDisplay's XDR upscaling can push supported displays up to around 1600 nits via multiple methods.
Where MaxBrightness is strong
- Free, no purchase: MaxBrightness is free to download from the Mac App Store — the full app, not a trial.
- No account, no tracking: There's no sign-up and no analytics or tracking; it lives quietly in your menu bar.
- One job, done simply: MaxBrightness only boosts brightness, so there's nothing to configure — install and go.
- Sun Mode for outdoors: A one-tap outdoor preset pushes brightness for sunlight and glare-heavy environments.
- Full-screen video boost: An experimental boost keeps HDR content vivid in full-screen players like VLC.
- Hardware-respectful: It works within macOS's display capabilities and eases off based on thermal and battery conditions.
When to choose BetterDisplay
Choose BetterDisplay if you want a complete display toolkit — HiDPI scaling, virtual screens, DDC control, PIP, or XDR boost on external and Intel Macs — and don't mind a paid, configuration-rich app.
When to choose MaxBrightness
Choose MaxBrightness if brightness is all you want — free, with no account or tracking, no setup, and an outdoor Sun Mode plus full-screen video boost for bright rooms and sunlight.
MaxBrightness vs BetterDisplay: FAQ
Is MaxBrightness better than BetterDisplay?+
For simply boosting XDR brightness, MaxBrightness is a free, single-purpose alternative to BetterDisplay. BetterDisplay is the stronger choice if you also need display scaling, virtual screens, DDC control, or support for external and Intel displays. The better tool depends on whether you want brightness alone or a full display toolkit.
What is the difference between MaxBrightness and BetterDisplay?+
MaxBrightness is a free, brightness-only menu-bar app on the Mac App Store. BetterDisplay is a paid ($21.99) display-management toolkit that adds HiDPI scaling, virtual screens, DDC control, PIP, and EDID override alongside its XDR brightness boost.
Is MaxBrightness cheaper than BetterDisplay?+
Yes. MaxBrightness is free on the Mac App Store. BetterDisplay's Pro license is a one-time $21.99 / €19.99 purchase, though many of its non-brightness features are usable free for non-business users and it offers a 14-day Pro trial.
Can MaxBrightness replace BetterDisplay?+
MaxBrightness can replace BetterDisplay if brightness is the only feature you use. If you rely on BetterDisplay for display scaling, virtual screens, DDC control, or external and Intel display support, MaxBrightness does not cover those and is not a full replacement.
Who should use BetterDisplay instead of MaxBrightness?+
Users who want a complete display-management toolkit — HiDPI scaling, virtual screens, DDC control, PIP, or XDR boost on external and Intel Macs — should use BetterDisplay. MaxBrightness is aimed at people who only want more XDR brightness on a supported MacBook Pro, for free.