Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Logitech Unifying Software VS Barrier

Compare Logitech Unifying Software VS Barrier and see what are their differences

Logitech Unifying Software logo Logitech Unifying Software

Add devices to your Unifying receiver. This software will allow you to add or remove compatible mice, keyboards and other devices to your unifying receiver. The tiny receiver stays plugged in.

Barrier logo Barrier

Barrier is a cross-platform software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers...
  • Logitech Unifying Software Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-21
  • Barrier Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-07

Logitech Unifying Software features and specs

  • Convenience
    Logitech Unifying Software allows multiple devices to connect through a single USB receiver, reducing the number of USB ports used and minimizing cable clutter.
  • Easy Setup
    The software is user-friendly and offers a straightforward setup process, making it easy for users to pair compatible Logitech devices quickly and efficiently.
  • Versatility
    Supports the connection of up to six compatible Logitech devices, such as mice and keyboards, to one USB receiver, offering flexibility and ease of switching devices.
  • Portability
    The small size of the USB receiver coupled with the wireless nature of devices makes it an ideal solution for users who are frequently on the go.

Possible disadvantages of Logitech Unifying Software

  • Compatibility Limitations
    Not all Logitech devices are compatible with the Unifying Receiver, limiting its use to specific Logitech products.
  • Interference
    Wireless connections might face interference issues from other devices or networks, potentially affecting performance.
  • Security Concerns
    The use of wireless connections could raise potential security concerns, as it may be more accessible to unauthorized interception than wired connections.
  • Dependency on USB Receiver
    The need for a specific USB receiver means losing or damaging the receiver could prevent the use of all connected devices, unless replacements are obtained.

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.

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.

Logitech Unifying Software videos

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Barrier videos

Reviews In a Flash: Barrier

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Logitech Unifying Software and Barrier)
Note Taking
100 100%
0% 0
Remote PC Access
0 0%
100% 100
Automation
100 100%
0% 0
Mouse Tools
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 Logitech Unifying Software and Barrier

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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...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Barrier seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 348 times since March 2021. 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.

Logitech Unifying Software mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Logitech Unifying Software yet. Tracking of Logitech Unifying Software recommendations started around Mar 2021.

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
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Logitech Unifying Software and Barrier, you can also consider the following products

Logitech Options - Customisation of Logitech mouse or keyboard settings, device information, additional functionality...

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

X-Mouse Button Control - XMouse Button Control (XMBC) allows you to create application and window specific profiles.

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

Razer device configuration tool - Next generation Razer device configuration tool bringing the Razer gaming experience to the free...

DisplayFusion - DisplayFusion will make your multi-monitor life much easier.