Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

AirServer VS Synergy

Compare AirServer VS Synergy and see what are their differences

AirServer logo AirServer

AirServer is a Mac and PC application that allows you to stream or mirror your Android device to your PC or Mac.

Synergy logo Synergy

Cross-platform software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers
  • AirServer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-29
  • Synergy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-05

Synergy is a software application developed by Symless. It is used for sharing a keyboard and mouse between multiple computers, and is useful in situations where several PCs are used together, with a monitor connected to each, but are to be controlled by one user. The user needs only one keyboard and mouse on the desk — similar to a KVM switch without the video.

Partly open source and partly closed source, the open source components are released under the terms of the GNU General Public License, which is free software. The first version of Synergy was created on May 13, 2001, by Chris Schoeneman and worked with the X Window System only. Synergy now supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and other Unix-like operating systems.

Once the program is installed, users can move the mouse "off" the side of their desktop on one computer, and the mouse pointer will appear on the desktop of another computer. Key presses will be delivered to whichever computer the mouse-pointer is located in. This makes it possible to control several machines as easily as if they were a single multi-monitor computer. The clipboard and even screensavers can be synchronized.

The program is implemented as a server which defines which screen-edges lead to which machines, and one or more clients, which connect to the server to offer the use of their desktops. The keyboard and mouse are connected to the server machine.

AirServer videos

AirServer | Review

More videos:

  • Review - Airserver Connect - In The Classroom
  • Review - AirServer the AirPlay, Miracast, Google Cast receiver | Review

Synergy videos

Review - Synergy by Symless - Multi Machine Network Control Software

More videos:

  • Review - Symless Synergy Review - Mac (Keyboard & Mouse Sharing)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to AirServer and Synergy)
Screen Mirroring
100 100%
0% 0
Mouse Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Screen Recording
100 100%
0% 0
Remote PC Access
0 0%
100% 100

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare AirServer and Synergy

AirServer Reviews

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Synergy Reviews

Top spacedesk Alternatives & Similar Software (2020)
Synergy is yet another software that lets you work on separate computers with the same input devices. It helps you save all the clutter caused by the cables of a traditional KVM. What’s more, it works even when the computers are working on separate operating systems. This feature makes it stand out from Spacedesk. For Synergy to function, you’ll need the systems to run on...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Synergy seems to be a lot more popular than AirServer. While we know about 281 links to Synergy, we've tracked only 2 mentions of AirServer. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

AirServer mentions (2)

  • https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/raspberry-pi-chromecast/
    This isn't really Chromecast - it's 'raspicast' and needs it's own app. There are tons of similarly titled howtos that make it sound like you can run your own chromecast server -- you can't, unless you buy an expensive thing from airserver.com or a cheap chromecast. I have yet to find any real opensource chromecast server. Source: over 1 year ago
  • How to cast TO my Linux PC like if it's a Chromecast target? Is there an app that "simulates" a Chromecast receiver? I need it to cast the screen from my Chromebook tablet to my Linux PC.
    On Windows and Mac, there's Airserver - https://airserver.com. Source: over 1 year ago

Synergy mentions (281)

  • Hrvach/Deskhop: Fast Desktop Switching Device
    I use a software called Synergy. https://symless.com/synergy I have one keyboard and mouse connected to one "host" machine, and two machines connected as clients. Sometimes if the host machine bogs a bit (like running a build or something) then the clients will have some latency but I've used this setup for gaming and work for two years and it's been pretty good. My only complaint (about my personal setup, not the... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Hrvach/Deskhop: Fast Desktop Switching Device
    I’ve been using a software solution for this for over a decade. It’s called Synergy (https://symless.com/synergy) and it is fast - switches instantly over wifi and also works across Windows/Mac/Linux. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Hrvach/Deskhop: Fast Desktop Switching Device
    Synergy works well for this purely in software. Unfortunately it's not free or open source, but it's relatively inexpensive. https://symless.com/synergy. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Help me create a seamless LAN with a WAP on the end of a switch
    I want to be able to do things like Synergy, Steam Link, Unified Remote, and Media Servers between any of these devices, with as little added latency as possible (especially important for steam link). Source: 6 months ago
  • Linux VNC viewer not displaying MacOS with multiple desktops (single monitor)
    i've got several fedora linux machines running and sharing their monitors via synergy (https://symless.com/synergy) , all controlled by the keyboard/mouse on the primary synergy server. Source: 7 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing AirServer and Synergy, you can also consider the following products

Reflector - At Squirrels, our passion lies in creating great products that enhance learning and productivity for individuals, education and businesses.‎Download AirParrot for Mac .

Barrier - Barrier is a cross-platform software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers...

ApowerMirror - ApowerMirror is a wireless screen mirroring app that allows streaming of your Android or iOS device to any Mac or Windows computer. Android and iPhone devices can also be controlled when mirrored to a PC

Input Director - Control multiple windows systems with one keyboard/mouse. Share a keyboard and mouse across multiple windows system.

LetsView - LetsView is a free wireless mirror tool which is compatible with different platforms. It is easy to operate and enables users to screen share between Android, iOS, Mac and other devices without USB cable or HDMI cable.

ShareMouse - With its easy setup and high level of versatility, ShareMouse is a great tool if you're looking to use a single mouse and keyboard across multiple computers.