Software Alternatives & Reviews

Synergy VS DisplayFusion

Compare Synergy VS DisplayFusion and see what are their differences

Synergy logo Synergy

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

DisplayFusion logo DisplayFusion

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

  • DisplayFusion Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21

Synergy videos

Review - Synergy by Symless - Multi Machine Network Control Software

More videos:

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

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 Synergy and DisplayFusion)
Mouse Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Multi Monitor
66 66%
34% 34
Remote PC Access
79 79%
21% 21
Remote Desktop
55 55%
45% 45

User comments

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Reviews

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

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...

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, Synergy seems to be a lot more popular than DisplayFusion. While we know about 281 links to Synergy, 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.

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 / 4 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 / 4 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 / 4 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: 5 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: 5 months 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 2 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 2 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 2 years ago

What are some alternatives?

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

Barrier - Barrier is a 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.

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 .

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.

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.