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Duet Display VS Synergy

Compare Duet Display VS Synergy and see what are their differences

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Duet Display logo Duet Display

With Duet Display, you can transform your iPhone or iPad into a second display to expand the screen space of your PC or Mac system.

Synergy logo Synergy

Cross-platform software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers
  • Duet Display Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-02
  • 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.

Duet Display features and specs

  • Increased Productivity
    Allows users to extend their desktop to an iPad or Android tablet, providing additional workspace for multitasking and productivity.
  • Easy Setup
    Simple to install and connect with minimal technical knowledge required, allowing for quick integration into the workflow.
  • Compatibility
    Supports multiple operating systems including macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, making it versatile for different environments.
  • Portability
    Transforms a tablet into a second screen, which is more portable and convenient than traditional monitors, beneficial for users on the go.
  • Touchscreen Support
    Offers touchscreen functionality on tablets, adding interactive capabilities that standard monitors might lack.
  • No Additional Hardware
    Does not require any additional hardware other than the tablet and the connecting cable, reducing extra expenses.
  • Wireless Mode
    Provides a wireless mode for users who prefer a cable-free setup, making the workspace cleaner and more flexible.

Possible disadvantages of Duet Display

  • Performance Issues
    In some cases, users may experience lag or latency, especially in the wireless mode, which can affect efficiency.
  • Battery Drain
    Using a tablet as an extended display can significantly drain its battery, necessitating frequent recharges or constant power connection.
  • Limited Resolution
    The maximum resolution is often limited by the tablet's capabilities, which might not be as high as dedicated monitors.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    While generally compatible with many devices, occasional issues with specific device models or operating system versions can arise.
  • Subscription Cost
    Offers a subscription model for advanced features, which might not be ideal for users looking for a one-time purchase solution.
  • Reliance on Good Network
    For wireless mode, a stable and fast Wi-Fi connection is necessary to avoid interruptions, which might not always be available.

Synergy features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Synergy supports multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing you to share a single mouse and keyboard across different machines seamlessly.
  • Efficiency
    It enhances productivity by providing smoother workflow transitions between multiple computers without the need for additional hardware.
  • Customization
    Synergy offers a range of customizable options for configuring hotkeys, screen layouts, and behaviors to suit individual user preferences.
  • Encryption
    The software supports SSL encryption, ensuring that data transferred between machines remains secure.
  • Clipboard Sharing
    You can easily copy and paste text and files between different computers, streamlining multi-computer management tasks.

Possible disadvantages of Synergy

  • Cost
    Synergy is a paid application, which might not be ideal for users looking for a free solution.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    The initial setup can be complicated, especially for non-technical users, involving configuration of network settings and screen layouts.
  • Occasional Lag
    Some users have reported experiencing occasional lag or connectivity issues, particularly over Wi-Fi connections.
  • Security Concerns
    Despite SSL encryption, there are potential security risks involved in transferring data over a network, especially in untrusted environments.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There might be occasional compatibility issues with certain applications or specific versions of an operating system.

Duet Display videos

+ Add

Apple Sidecar vs Duet Display: What's the Difference?

More videos:

  • Review - Turning an iPad into a Second Monitor for Pc & Mac: Duet Display
  • Review - Duet Display Review

Synergy videos

+ Add

Review - Synergy by Symless - Multi Machine Network Control Software

More videos:

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Duet Display and Synergy)

Duet Display

Synergy

Remote Desktop
56 56%
Remote Desktop
44% 44
Mouse Tools
0 0%
Mouse Tools
100% 100
Remote PC Access
35 35%
Remote PC Access
65% 65
Multi Monitor
33 33%
Multi Monitor
67% 67

User comments

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Reviews

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

Duet Display Reviews

Top 10 Duet Display Alternatives (Free and Paid) Reviewed | 2022
Duet Display vs SpaceDesk: While some users do claim that SpaceDesk is not as responsive as Duet Display, the overall experience is satisfactory. It’s interesting that splash top is available on both Mac and windows and requires two separate installations: One version mobile and one version Desktop.
Source: mediapeanut.com
8 Best SpaceDesk Alternatives for Duet Display (2022)
It is a well-known software operating since the time of SpaceDesk. Duet Display has advanced features that make it a perfect alternative for SpaceDesk. Previously the software was only compatible with iPads and MacBooks. But now, Duet Display is also available for Windows.
Source: techdator.net
Top spacedesk Alternatives & Similar Software (2020)
For quite some time now, Duet Display has been helping old iPads work as MacBook displays that are fast too. It’s only recently that they have been focusing on Windows and they are emerging as a good alternative to Spacedesk. It’s a smooth transformation of your iPad into a monitor of your Windows PC. It only involves a simple plug and play to be set up helping you avoid a...
Source: www.winosbite.com
6 Ways to Use Your Android as Second Monitor For Your Computer
Duet Display is a popular iOS app that allows you to mirror and extend your Mac’s display to your iPad or iPhone. And now that Apple is providing this feature natively via Sidecar, Duet Display is expanding its horizons with support for Android smartphones and tablets.
Source: techwiser.com

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...
Source: www.winosbite.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Synergy seems to be a lot more popular than Duet Display. While we know about 283 links to Synergy, we've tracked only 4 mentions of Duet Display. 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.

Duet Display mentions (4)

  • Does anybody know how I can rotate the ipad display vertically. I'm using acars?
    Third party app Duet (duetdisplay.com) allows vertical orientation. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • do non apple tablets work for the new mac mini?
    The native Apple Sidecar monitor extension thing will only work within range of the host computer ("both devices must be within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other and have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff turned on "). There's third party apps that kind of do what Sidecar does for older iPads AND Android devices. I like Duet duetdisplay.com - again, wired/wireless distance limitations restrict "portability". Source: almost 2 years ago
  • r/ChromeOS 500k Giveaway - A Premium Chromebook, USI styluses, a Keyboard & Mouse Combo, giftcodes and more are up for grabs! Comment below to enter!
    Thanks to our friends at About Chromebooks, Penoval, the Crostini subreddit, Duet Display and MyScript for helping make this possible. Source: over 2 years ago
  • "Duet Display connection" not allowing USB-C file transfer (UPDATED)
    - At one point I cleared the cache, and it appeared to fix the problem (I could USB-C transfer files to and from device). However, today I booted up my SN and got hit with the familiar "Duet Display connection; No installed apps work with this USB accessory. Learn more about this accessory at https://duetdisplay.com". Source: over 2 years ago

Synergy mentions (283)

  • Solaar is a Linux manager for many Logitech keyboards, mice, and other devices
    Just use Synergy, the OG "soft KVM": https://symless.com/synergy. - Source: Hacker News / 21 days ago
  • Notepad++ is 21 years old
    I continue to use Notepad++ despite having tried every other editor and IDE under the sun. This, of course, drives every person completely insane when I explain that my "IDE" is: - Notepad++ for editing, pretty much stock, no plugins - command line for git and grep (Console2 or Git Bash) - File Explorer alongside Everything [0] for navigating files - Beyond Compare [1] for visual diff/merge - WinSCP/PuTTY for... - Source: Hacker News / 2 months ago
  • 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 / about 1 year 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 / about 1 year 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 / about 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

spacedesk - spacedesk expands the Windows desktop computer screen to other computers over the local area...

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

iDisplay - iDisplay is an app that turns a mobile device into a secondary desktop monitor. The app currently supports iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS, and it lets users connect a desktop computer to a mobile device over WiFi. Read more about iDisplay.

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

Air Display - Air Display allows extra screens to extend the display size of a Mac desktop. The company behind the product is Avatron Software, which was founded in 2008. Read more about Air Display.

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.

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