MaxBrightness vs Vivid
MaxBrightness vs Vivid: the free XDR brightness alternative (2026)
Vivid is the better fit for teams and companies that want volume licensing and an established, paid app with a permanent split-screen trial. MaxBrightness is a free alternative for individuals who want full XDR brightness without a purchase — 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 | Vivid |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | €10 single · €40 team · €60 company (one-time) |
| Free version | Fully free, no limits | Split-screen trial only |
| Account required | No | No |
| Tracking / analytics | None | Not stated |
| Distribution | Mac App Store | Direct download + Mac App Store |
| Supported displays | MacBook Pro Liquid Retina XDR (14"/16", 2021+) | MacBook Pro 14"/16" M-series Pro/Max · Pro Display XDR |
| Outdoor / Sun preset | Yes | Not advertised |
| Full-screen video boost | Yes | Not advertised |
| Team / company licensing | Not applicable (free) | Yes (€40 / €60) |
| Track record | New (2026) | Established |
Pricing and requirements for Vivid per getvivid.app. Figures may change — verify on the vendor's site.
Where Vivid is strong
- Volume licensing: Vivid offers dedicated team (€40) and company (€60) licenses, which suit organizations rolling the app out across many Macs.
- Permanent split-screen trial: Vivid's Splitscreen Mode lets you preview the brightness boost on half the screen for free, indefinitely, before buying a license.
- Established app: Vivid has a longer track record and a well-known brand among MacBook Pro XDR users.
Where MaxBrightness is strong
- Free, no purchase: MaxBrightness is free to download from the Mac App Store — the full app, not a trial mode.
- No account, no tracking: There's no sign-up and no analytics or tracking; it lives quietly in your menu bar.
- 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.
- XDR-aware: It checks your display's Extended Dynamic Range capability before promising any boost.
- Hardware-respectful: It works within macOS's display capabilities and eases off based on thermal and battery conditions.
When to choose Vivid
Choose Vivid if you are a team or company that needs volume licensing across many Macs, or you prefer an established, paid app with a permanent split-screen trial to evaluate before you buy.
When to choose MaxBrightness
Choose MaxBrightness if you want full XDR brightness for free, with no account and no tracking — plus an outdoor Sun Mode and full-screen video boost for using your MacBook Pro in bright rooms and sunlight.
MaxBrightness vs Vivid: FAQ
Is MaxBrightness better than Vivid?+
MaxBrightness and Vivid both unlock extra XDR brightness on supported MacBook Pros. MaxBrightness is free with no account or tracking, while Vivid is a paid app with team and company licensing. Which is better depends on whether you want a free personal tool or paid volume licensing.
What is the difference between MaxBrightness and Vivid?+
The main difference is price and distribution. MaxBrightness is free on the Mac App Store with no account and no tracking. Vivid costs €10 for a single lifetime license, offers only a split-screen free trial, and adds team and company licensing tiers.
Is MaxBrightness cheaper than Vivid?+
Yes. MaxBrightness is free to download from the Mac App Store. Vivid costs €10 for a single license, €40 for a team license, and €60 for a company license, with only a permanent split-screen mode available for free.
Can MaxBrightness replace Vivid?+
For most individuals, MaxBrightness can replace Vivid: both boost supported Apple XDR displays beyond the standard brightness limit. Vivid remains the better fit for organizations that specifically need team or company volume licensing.
Who should use Vivid instead of MaxBrightness?+
Teams and companies that want volume licensing, or users who prefer Vivid's established app and its permanent split-screen trial, should choose Vivid. MaxBrightness is aimed at individuals who want full XDR brightness free, with no account and no tracking.