BeyondDisplay

BeyondDisplay · Comparison

BeyondDisplay vs Duet Display vs Luna Display.

All three can add another screen, but they solve different problems. Compare the free Mac-to-Mac option with a cross-platform subscription and a hardware-based display system.

The short answer

BeyondDisplay is the simplest choice when you already have two compatible Macs and only need a local extended display or mirror. It is free, requires no account, and uses the Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thunderbolt connection you already have.

Duet Display covers many more devices and workflows, including iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows, remote desktop, and drawing features. Luna Display supports older Macs and iPad workflows through dedicated hardware that stays connected to the primary computer.

BeyondDisplay is also expanding beyond Mac-to-Mac: an iPad receiver is in development and nearing completion. Until it is released, the downloadable version still requires two Macs.

A free Duet Display alternative for two Macs

If your goal is simply to use another Mac or MacBook as a second monitor, BeyondDisplay covers that Mac-to-Mac workflow without a subscription. Install the same app on both Macs, choose Extend or Mirror, and start the connection from the Mac whose desktop you want to expand.

Duet Display is the broader option when you also need Windows, Android, remote access, or drawing-tablet features. BeyondDisplay is the more focused alternative when both computers are Macs and you want the display traffic to stay on your local connection.

A Luna Display alternative without a hardware dongle

BeyondDisplay can turn a Mac into a second display without buying or attaching dedicated hardware. It connects through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thunderbolt Bridge and does not require both Macs to use the same Apple ID.

Luna Display remains the stronger fit for older versions of macOS and for its established iPad workflow. BeyondDisplay currently requires macOS 12.3 or later on both Macs; its iPad receiver is still in development.

Feature comparison

Product information was checked against the vendors' official pages on August 27, 2026. Plans, prices, and compatibility can change.

BeyondDisplay, Duet Display, and Luna Display comparison
FeatureBeyondDisplayDuet DisplayLuna Display
Best fitCurrent release: two Macs; iPad receiver coming soonMixed Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone, and Android workflowsMac or Windows to a second Mac or iPad
Cost modelFreeSubscription; Duet Air is listed from US$3.99/monthOne-time Luna hardware purchase
Extra hardwareNoneNoneLuna USB-C or HDMI hardware is required
Product accountNot requiredRequired on both computersNo account step in the standard setup; Luna hardware is required
Mac-to-Mac extended displayYesYesYes
Mirror another MacYesYesFocused on second-display modes; features vary by setup
ConnectionsWi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thunderbolt BridgeWireless or wired; local and remote features depend on planWi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, or Thunderbolt
Mac requirementsBoth Macs need macOS 12.3 or laterCurrent Mac app supports macOS 12.3+; legacy downloads are availableMac-to-Mac supports macOS 10.13+; USB requires macOS 10.15+
iPad supportComing soon; currently in developmentYesYes
Windows supportNoYesYes as a primary computer
Android supportNoYesNo
Local-only designYes; no cloud relay or internet requiredNo; also includes account-based remote workflowsDirect Wi-Fi or wired connections with Luna hardware

Which one should you choose?

Free · Mac-to-Mac · iPad soonChoose BeyondDisplayChoose it now when both devices are Macs running macOS 12.3 or later and you want a free, local extended display or mirror without an account or dongle. An iPad receiver is coming soon.
Cross-platform · SubscriptionChoose Duet DisplayChoose it when you need iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows, remote desktop, drawing-tablet features, or a broader device ecosystem.
Hardware · Older MacsChoose Luna DisplayChoose it when support for older Macs or an iPad matters and you prefer a dedicated hardware-assisted solution with a one-time purchase.

Where BeyondDisplay is deliberately smaller

The current BeyondDisplay release is Mac-to-Mac and does not support Android, internet remote desktop, or professional Apple Pencil tools. An iPad receiver is in development and nearing completion, but it is not part of the current download yet.

Its narrower purpose is also its advantage: install the same free app on two Macs, keep the display traffic on the local connection, and choose Extend or Mirror without buying a dongle or creating an account.

Official sources

Duet details were checked against theDuet iMac second-monitor guide,Duet download page, and official Duet pricing shown at the time of review.

Luna details were checked against theLuna Display product page andLuna system requirements.

Duet Display and Luna Display are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here only to identify and compare the products. If a vendor changes a feature or requirement, please email the author so this page can be corrected.

Comparison questions

What is a free Duet Display alternative for two Macs?

BeyondDisplay is a free Duet Display alternative when you want to use one Mac as a second monitor for another Mac. It needs no additional hardware or product account. Its iPad receiver is in development and coming soon; the current release remains Mac-to-Mac.

Can I use another Mac as a second monitor without Luna Display hardware?

Yes. BeyondDisplay needs no hardware dongle. Install the same app on both Macs and connect over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thunderbolt Bridge.

Which option supports the oldest Macs?

Luna Display publishes Mac-to-Mac support for macOS 10.13 or later. BeyondDisplay requires macOS 12.3 or later on both Macs. Duet offers current and legacy Mac downloads, with requirements depending on the connection and app version.

Which option is best for iPad or Windows?

Duet Display currently has the broadest cross-platform support. Luna Display supports an iPad or secondary Mac and can use a Mac or Windows PC as the primary computer. BeyondDisplay currently supports Mac-to-Mac, with an iPad receiver coming soon.

BeyondDisplay links

ProductBeyondDisplay product pageSee the product overview, video, features, and setup.DownloadDownload BeyondDisplay 1.7Get the free DMG for two Macs running macOS 12.3 or later.FAQBeyondDisplay FAQRead answers about requirements, accounts, connections, Extend, and Mirror.