CommandDeskGuide
ShareMouse alternatives for Mac
ShareMouse is a solid way to use one keyboard and mouse across a Mac and a Windows PC. People look elsewhere for three reasons: the free edition's limits, no Linux, or wanting more than a shared mouse. Here's what each option covers. We make CommandDesk, one of them, so the others are described from their own pages.
What ShareMouse covers
ShareMouse runs on Macs and Windows PCs. Its strength is files: drag a file from one computer to the other, or copy it on the clipboard. Paid licences are bought once and kept for life, with a year of updates. The Standard edition covers two computers and four displays; Pro goes up to nine computers.
The free edition is for personal use with up to two displays in total. A MacBook's own screen plus a monitor on the PC already counts as three, and ShareMouse treats using it for your paid work as professional use. Either needs a paid edition. It doesn't mention Linux.
1.CommandDesk: a Mac and one PC, with sound and a second screen
Made for a Mac in charge of a Windows 10/11 or Ubuntu PC. Pair with the same 6-digit code on both screens, then the pointer carries on off the edge of your Mac onto the PC, and copied text pastes on either side. The PC's sound plays through your Mac, and the PC can become a second screen for your Mac, which ShareMouse doesn't do.
$19 once, any number of screens, and fine for work. It controls one PC at a time, and it doesn't copy files yet; if you move files all day, ShareMouse is the better fit.
One keyboard and mouse for your Mac and PC
Works with Windows and Ubuntu, any number of screens, PC sound on your Mac. $19 once, refund if it can't connect.
2.Synergy 3
For desks with more computers: Lite is $15 for up to 3, Plus $19 for up to 5, Max $29 for up to 15, all one-time with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Mac, Windows and Linux; keyboard, mouse and clipboard. Synergy and its alternatives compared.
3.Deskflow (free)
Free and open source, on Mac, Windows and Linux. On a Mac it needs a little Terminal or Homebrew, because macOS reports it as damaged until the quarantine flag is cleared. How to set up Deskflow on a Mac.
Side by side
| ShareMouse | CommandDesk | Synergy 3 | Deskflow | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free for personal use; paid editions, one-time | $19 once | $15–$29 once | Free |
| Computers | Mac and Windows | Mac + one Windows or Ubuntu PC | Mac, Windows, Linux; 3 to 15 | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| Files | Drag and drop, clipboard | Text clipboard | Clipboard | Clipboard |
| Also | Up to 9 computers (Pro) | PC sound on Mac; PC as a second screen | 30-day money-back | Open source |
From each product's own pages, October 2026.
Which should you pick?
- You move files between Mac and PC all day: stay with ShareMouse.
- A Mac and one PC, with sound and a second screen, or an Ubuntu PC: CommandDesk.
- Three or more computers: Synergy 3, or Deskflow for free.
Questions
Is ShareMouse free?
For personal use, with up to two displays in total across your computers. ShareMouse counts a laptop screen plus a monitor on a desktop as three, and treats use for your paid work as professional; both need a paid edition.
Does ShareMouse work with Linux?
ShareMouse describes itself as for Windows and Mac and doesn’t mention Linux. For an Ubuntu PC, use CommandDesk, Synergy or Deskflow.
Is ShareMouse a subscription?
No. ShareMouse says its paid licences are a single one-time payment, valid for life, with 12 months of updates included.
What’s the cheapest way to share a keyboard and mouse between a Mac and a PC?
Deskflow is free and open source, with some Terminal setup on a Mac. CommandDesk is $19 once and set up with a 6-digit code.
CommandDesk: one keyboard and mouse for your Mac and PC
Plus a second screen and your PC's sound on your Mac. $19 once, with a refund if it can't connect to your PC.