What is MacGlow used for?

MacGlow is a Mac utility that keeps brightness in step between the built-in display and external monitors, with manual, same-as-Mac and relative modes. It is a good fit for multi-monitor Mac users who dim screens at night and keeping brightness consistent across displays.

How much does MacGlow cost?

MacGlow is a paid product with no free plan. $9 one-time with lifetime access and free updates.

Is MacGlow open source?

No. MacGlow is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Ice, Stats and Maccy.

What are some alternatives to MacGlow?

Other SaaS products in the Productivity category include DisplaySpan, TurtleBar and Bartender.

MacGlow: features, pricing and alternatives

About MacGlow

MacGlow synchronizes screen brightness across a Mac and the monitors connected to it. It offers three modes: Manual, where each display is controlled independently, Same as Mac, where all monitors match the Mac's brightness, and Relative, where monitors follow the Mac while keeping their offsets. The aim is to end the constant manual adjusting when a laptop and external displays disagree.

It works on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini machines with macOS 12.4 or newer. The homepage includes user comments from designers, engineers and editors who use it with several screens, and notes a recent update.

MacGlow costs $9 once, with lifetime access and free updates, and can be downloaded from the product page. The page also has a contact section for questions, and it flags a new update for existing users.

Key features

Brightness sync across Mac and monitors
Manual mode for independent control
Mode matching the Mac exactly
Relative mode that keeps offsets
Support for MacBook, iMac and Mac mini
Runs quietly in the background

Good fit for

Multi-monitor Mac users who dim screens at night
Keeping brightness consistent across displays

Tags: macos; brightness; monitors; utility; multi-display; one-time-purchase; menu-bar

MacGlow: questions and answers

What is MacGlow used for?: MacGlow is a Mac utility that keeps brightness in step between the built-in display and external monitors, with manual, same-as-Mac and relative modes. It is a good fit for multi-monitor Mac users who dim screens at night and keeping brightness consistent across displays.
How much does MacGlow cost?: MacGlow is a paid product with no free plan. $9 one-time with lifetime access and free updates.
Is MacGlow open source?: No. MacGlow is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Ice, Stats and Maccy.
What are some alternatives to MacGlow?: Other SaaS products in the Productivity category include DisplaySpan, TurtleBar and Bartender.