Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Barrier VS DisplayFusion

Compare Barrier VS DisplayFusion and see what are their differences

Barrier logo Barrier

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

DisplayFusion logo DisplayFusion

DisplayFusion will make your multi-monitor life much easier.
  • Barrier Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-07
  • DisplayFusion Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21

Barrier features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Support
    Barrier works on various operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD, making it versatile for users with multiple devices.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, users can review and modify the code, contributing to transparency and security while fostering a community-driven project.
  • Cost-Free
    Barrier is free to use, unlike some alternatives that require purchasing a license, making it accessible to a wider audience.
  • Unified Control
    Allows seamless control of multiple computers using a single keyboard and mouse, enhancing productivity and convenience.
  • Customizability
    Offers various customization options such as hotkeys, screen edges, and clipboard sharing, adapting to user-specific workflows.

Possible disadvantages of Barrier

  • Setup Complexity
    Initial setup can be complex for non-technical users, involving network configurations and firewall adjustments.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Occasional compatibility problems with certain versions of operating systems or hardware, potentially requiring troubleshooting.
  • Lag and Latency
    Users may experience slight lag or latency, especially over wireless networks, which can affect the fluidity of control.
  • Limited Technical Support
    As a community-driven project, it lacks the dedicated support of commercial alternatives, relying mostly on community forums for help.
  • Security Concerns
    Network-based connectivity might expose systems to security risks if not properly configured, necessitating careful network management.

DisplayFusion features and specs

  • Multi-Monitor Support
    DisplayFusion is renowned for its robust support of multiple monitors, making it easy to manage different screens with customizable profiles, taskbars, and settings.
  • Window Management
    The software offers extensive window management tools, including features like window snapping, window position profiles, and the ability to save and restore window layouts.
  • Customization
    DisplayFusion provides a high degree of customization, enabling users to tailor monitor configurations, wallpapers, and screensavers to their liking. It also supports scriptable commands for advanced customization.
  • Remote Control
    With its mobile app, DisplayFusion Remote, users can control various functionalities of the software from their smartphones or tablets, offering flexibility and convenience.
  • Wallpaper Management
    The software includes powerful wallpaper management features, such as multi-monitor wallpaper support, Flickr integration, and the ability to span a single image across multiple screens.

Possible disadvantages of DisplayFusion

  • Cost
    DisplayFusion is a paid software, which may be a drawback for users looking for free alternatives. The Pro version unlocks additional features but requires a purchase.
  • Resource Usage
    Some users have reported that DisplayFusion can be resource-intensive, potentially causing performance issues on less powerful systems.
  • Complexity
    The numerous customization options and features can be overwhelming for new users, requiring a learning curve to fully utilize the software's capabilities.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Although rare, there have been reports of compatibility issues with certain graphics cards and drivers, which can lead to glitches and instability.
  • Updates
    While updates are generally positive, sometimes newer versions of DisplayFusion introduce bugs or change functionality in ways that can disrupt a user's existing setup.

Analysis of Barrier

Overall verdict

  • Barrier is generally considered a good option for individuals looking for an open-source solution to seamlessly share peripherals across multiple computers. It has a positive reception within the tech community, especially among those who value open-source projects for their flexibility and community-driven support.

Why this product is good

  • Barrier is an open-source software application that allows users to share a single keyboard and mouse setup across multiple computers, which can be particularly useful for those who use multiple machines for work or development. It is a fork of the earlier project Synergy and focuses on providing a simpler, streamlined setup process with improved stability. The software is lightweight, easy to configure, and supports cross-platform functionality (Windows, macOS, and Linux), making it versatile for different operating systems.

Recommended for

  • Users with multiple computers who want to use a single keyboard and mouse setup.
  • Cross-platform users who work with Windows, macOS, and Linux machines.
  • Developers and IT professionals seeking open-source tools for better control over their working environment.
  • Individuals who prefer community-driven projects and are comfortable with a more hands-on approach to software setup and troubleshooting.

Analysis of DisplayFusion

Overall verdict

  • DisplayFusion is highly regarded among users who frequently work with multiple monitors. Its extensive feature set, ease of use, and reliability make it a valuable tool for increasing productivity and personalizing multi-monitor setups.

Why this product is good

  • DisplayFusion is considered good because it offers a comprehensive set of features for multi-monitor management, including customizable hotkeys, profiles, and advanced wallpaper management. It also provides tools for window snapping, multi-monitor taskbars, and precise monitor configuration, making it ideal for power users who need enhanced control over their desktop environment.

Recommended for

    DisplayFusion is recommended for professionals and enthusiasts who utilize multi-monitor setups, including graphic designers, developers, traders, and anyone else who regularly manages multiple applications or needs detailed customization of their desktop experience.

Barrier videos

Reviews In a Flash: Barrier

More videos:

  • Review - 🌊KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief • Everything you need to know!
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DisplayFusion videos

DisplayFusion Review - Make the Most of Multiple Monitors

More videos:

  • Review - Review - DisplayFusion: Multiple Monitors Made Easy!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Barrier and DisplayFusion)
Remote PC Access
78 78%
22% 22
Multi Monitor
65 65%
35% 35
Mouse Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Remote Desktop
58 58%
42% 42

User comments

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Reviews

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

Barrier Reviews

Top spacedesk Alternatives & Similar Software (2020)
For Barrier to work, all that is needed is a network connection. You can also copy content from one clipboard to another between computers. Like all other software that let you work on multiple computers, Barrier too helps you control all of them with a single mouse or keyboard. Barrier is free to use and it’s an open-source software. As in the other software that we’ve...

DisplayFusion Reviews

8 Best SpaceDesk Alternatives for Duet Display (2022)
This is one of the best-known multi-monitor software that you will get in place of SpaceDesk. DisplayFusion lets you access taskbars, keyboard shortcuts, variable wallpapers, etc., from your extra monitor. You will also get a Window snapping option that helps in Window management.
Source: techdator.net

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Barrier seems to be a lot more popular than DisplayFusion. While we know about 348 links to Barrier, we've tracked only 3 mentions of DisplayFusion. 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.

Barrier mentions (348)

  • So I made a WebRTC powered VNC client in Vue/Rust 🦀
    I used to and still do use and recommend Barrier for sharing a mouse and clipboard and keypresses across OS's. It works for Mac, Windows, and Linux. They have a fork input-leap... It doesn't work, and there is a paid on from the same original developers called Synergy that works well too. - Source: dev.to / 9 months ago
  • Hrvach/Deskhop: Fast Desktop Switching Device
    Barrier is a Cross-Plattform, open source Synergy fork that works quite well without any additional HW too [0] [0] https://github.com/debauchee/barrier. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Hrvach/Deskhop: Fast Desktop Switching Device
    Synergy is open core, these portions are licensed as GPL: https://github.com/symless/synergy-core/#License-1-ov-file. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Hrvach/Deskhop: Fast Desktop Switching Device
    Prior to Synergy going to closed source, it was forked into Barrier[0], which then was forked into input-leap[1]. Both open source. [0] https://github.com/debauchee/barrier. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Wayland vs. X – Overview
    Libei looks useful. But IDK why libei is necessary to run Barrier with Wayland? For client systems, couldn't there just be a virtual /dev/inputXYZ that Barrier forwards events through And for host systems, it looks like xev only logs input events when the window is focused. Is xeyes still broken on Wayland, and how to fix it so that it would work with Barrier? With Barrier, when the mouse cursor reaches a screen... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

DisplayFusion mentions (3)

  • Easier way to set the same wallpaper across all desktops in Windows 11?
    I started using DisplayFusion (displayfusion.com) with Windows 2000 when I got a second monitor. Windows is just awful with multiple monitors. That hasn't improved as far as I can tell. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Honestly, Windows 11 is not that impressive.
    DisplayFusion, displayfusion.com, there is a free version without all the paid features. I've had it for years. I think it's $29 per pc or $44 for unlimited home use. This is the first time I've let DispayFusion manage my taskbars. Have a lovely taskbar on both monitors now. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Alternatives to make improve your Windows 11 Experience
    DisplayFusion, displayfusion.com, there is a free version, $29 for one personal pc, $44 for unlimited household pc's, I have taskbars on both monitors now. Used it for many years and I've never used the setting to let DisplayFusion manage the taskbar before. Works great. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Barrier and DisplayFusion, you can also consider the following products

Synergy - Cross-platform software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers

Ultramon - UltraMon is a piece of software built to help with the management of multiple screens on the same computer system. Without software like this, taking full advantage of an expanded desktop space can be difficult.

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

Actual Multiple Monitors - Actual Multiple Monitors is a software utility which offers the comprehensive solution to improve the functionality of Windows user interface for comfortable and effective work with multi-monitor configurations.

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.

Dual Monitor Tools - Download Dual Monitor Tools for free. Tools for Windows users with dual or multiple monitors. Tools for Windows users with dual or .