BetterDisplay

macOS display management is notoriously opaque when external monitors are involved. BetterDisplay cracks it open: enable HiDPI scaling on non-Retina monitors for crisp text, set custom resolutions not listed in System Preferences, and control brightness and contrast via software when the display has no DDC support.

For MacBook users running a mixed display setup — one native Retina, one external — BetterDisplay is the tool that makes both screens feel equally polished. The Pro features are unlocked by a reasonable one-time purchase after a generous trial.

• Dummy display creation for streaming and remote-desktop workflows
• Night Shift, True Tone override, and colour profile management
• Menu bar widget showing current resolution and refresh rate
• Supports Apple Silicon and Intel; actively maintained

This is the app that makes an affordable ultrawide display feel like a proper Mac-native experience.