Display Dimmer
Hardware + software control
Hardware brightness, with software dimming when needed.
Use DDC/CI on compatible external monitors, or gamma dimming when hardware control isn’t available.
Free coreOptional one-time Pro
Windows app comparison
Display Dimmer vs Monitorian
Both apps can adjust monitor brightness. Here’s where their controls, automation and pricing differ.
Monitorian
Monitor brightness control
Brightness control for compatible monitors.
Adjust monitors individually or together, with optional Store add-ons.
Free coreOptional subscription
Feature comparison
Free features, paid extras and hardware requirements.
| Feature | Display Dimmer2.2.10 · Free + Pro | MonitorianStore 4.15.2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness & color | ||
| External monitor brightness[1] | DDC/CI hardware controlFreeOn compatible monitors and connections. | DDC/CI hardware controlFreeOn compatible monitors and connections. |
| Software dimming[1] | Built-in gamma dimmingFreeChanges the image, not the backlight. | External DDC/CI controlCompatible monitors are checked for hardware capabilities. |
| Built-in laptop display[1] | SupportedAvailable Windows/hardware path or gamma. | SupportedThrough the supported Windows path. |
| Automation | ||
| Schedules[2] | Time-based schedulesFree / Pro1 All Displays rule free; more with Pro. | Daily Time CommandsSubscriptionAvailable through Store add-ons. |
| App-based rules[2] | App-based rulesFree / Pro1 All Displays rule free; more with Pro. | Monitor-condition commandsConditions concern displays rather than the focused application. |
| Hotkeys[2] | Keyboard shortcutsFree / Pro2 All Displays hotkeys free; more with Pro. | Hot keys + shortcut keysSubscriptionAvailable through Store add-ons. |
| CLI / local API[2] | CLI + local APIProBrightness, contrast, temperature and state. | Brightness + contrast CLISubscriptionFull commands paid; limited free path. |
| Monitor tools | ||
| Multiple displays[1] | Individual or All DisplaysPer-display automation requires Pro. | Individual or in unisonFour visible at once is not a support limit. |
| HDR SDR brightness[3] | No dedicated SDR sliderDDC/CI needs compatible hardware; gamma works on most SDR displays. | SDR-content adjustmentDocumented since version 4.13. |
| Monitor input commands[2] | VCP through the CLI/APIProRequires compatible monitor hardware. | Key CommandsSubscriptionSupported monitor input switching. |
| DDC/CI troubleshooting[1] | Per-display health trackingVerified results, possible-cause hints, pause and “Try again”. | Capability probes + logsUnreachable-monitor status and diagnostics. |
| Cost & source | ||
| Price[1] | Free + one-time upgradeOptional Pro; check your local price. | Free core + add-onsOptional Microsoft Store subscription. |
| Source code[1] | Closed sourcePublic documentation and releases. | MIT-licensed open corePaid add-on code is not public. |
Your setup still matters. DDC/CI depends on the monitor and connection. Software gamma works on most Windows SDR displays, but HDR may bypass or reset it. Try your own monitor before upgrading.
Key differences
What changes
in daily use?
Where the apps differ most.
Both can adjust hardware brightness.
Both apps use DDC/CI on compatible external monitors. Display Dimmer can also dim the image through gamma when hardware control is unavailable or disabled; that doesn’t change the backlight. [1]
Automation works differently.
Monitorian’s Store subscription adds daily commands and hotkeys. Display Dimmer includes limited schedules, app rules and hotkeys in Free, with higher limits in Pro. Monitorian’s commands can respond to monitor conditions; Display Dimmer’s rules can respond to the focused app. Pro also includes a local API for display state and color controls. [2]
Monitorian has open code and an HDR control.
Monitorian publishes its core source and includes an HDR SDR-content brightness adjustment. Its developer notes that the slider may need calibration against the Windows setting. Display Dimmer offers software temperature and a Pro local API. [3]
Interactive preview
Try Display Dimmer for yourself.
Use the live preview below to see how the controls work. It changes only the simulated monitor; install the free app to test DDC/CI and software dimming on your own screens.
Sources & notes
Something changed? Let us know ↗This comparison covers Display Dimmer 2.2.10 and Monitorian Store 4.15.2.0 as of September 16, 2026. Feature details come from the product docs linked below, not a hands-on compatibility or performance test. Try hardware-dependent controls on your own monitors.
View product sources
- 01Monitorian: official project README ↗Supported displays, probes, add-ons, multi-monitor behavior and release history.
- 02Monitorian: command documentation ↗Daily commands, hotkeys, input controls and CLI scope.
- 03Monitorian: HDR SDR-content discussion ↗Developer explanation and caveats for HDR adjustment.
- 04Monitorian: license ↗MIT license for the published core.
- 05Monitorian: limited free CLI ↗Developer clarification of the free CLI path.
- 06Display Dimmer: Free & Pro ↗Free and Pro features and pricing.
- 07Display Dimmer: CLI / local API ↗Automation commands and local API documentation.
- 08Display Dimmer: DDC/CI vs gamma ↗Hardware and software control paths.