CommandDeskComparison
Synergy alternatives for Mac
Synergy lets one keyboard and mouse control several computers. If it isn't the right fit, these are the options that work on a Mac today, free and paid, and which ones are still being developed. We make one of them, CommandDesk, so every fact here comes from each product's own pages.
| App | Price | Works with | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| CommandDesk | $19 once | Mac controls a Windows or Ubuntu PC | Second screen, PC sound on the Mac |
| Synergy 3 | $15–$29 once | Mac, Windows, Linux; 3 to 15 computers | 30-day money-back |
| Deskflow | Free | Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD | Open source, actively developed |
| ShareMouse | Free personal edition; paid Pro | Mac and Windows | File drag and drop |
| Input Leap / Barrier | Free | Mac, Windows, Linux | No longer developed |
| Mouse Without Borders | Free | Windows only | Not for Macs |
From each product's own pages, October 2026.
1.CommandDesk: made for a Mac and a PC
Built for one setup: a Mac in charge of a Windows or Ubuntu PC beside it. Your PC appears in a list, you check a 6-digit code on both screens, and the pointer carries on across the edge. Copy and paste works both ways, the PC's sound plays through your Mac, and you can turn the PC into a second screen for your Mac.
Best for: Mac users who want it working in two minutes. $19 once, free PC app. It controls one PC at a time, so it isn't for desks with three or more computers in use at once.
2.Synergy 3
The original, and still a good choice for bigger desks: Lite is $15 for up to 3 computers, Plus $19 for up to 5 (adds encryption), and Max $29 for up to 15, all one-time with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Mac, Windows and Linux. It shares the keyboard, mouse and clipboard, not screens.
Best for: three or more computers, or mixed Windows and Linux setups beyond one Mac.
Just a Mac and a PC?
CommandDesk pairs with a code instead of server settings, plays the PC's sound on your Mac, and can make the PC a second screen. $19 once.
3.Deskflow (free)
The free, open-source project Synergy is built on, and the most active free option. On a Mac it takes some setup: Homebrew, or a Terminal command to clear macOS's “damaged” warning because it isn't notarized, plus Accessibility permissions. Our Deskflow on Mac guide walks through it.
Best for: free, open source, and comfortable with a little Terminal.
4.ShareMouse
Works between Macs and Windows PCs, with a free edition for personal use and a paid Pro edition. Its strength is files: you can drag and drop files between computers and copy them on the clipboard.
Best for: moving files between a Mac and a Windows PC a lot.
5.Input Leap and Barrier
Free, and many people still run them, but neither is developed any more: Input Leap describes Barrier as unmaintained, and Input Leap's own repository was archived in July 2026. Deskflow works with both, so it's the natural replacement.
6.Mouse Without Borders and Universal Control
Both come up in searches, but neither links a Mac to a PC: Microsoft's Mouse Without Borders is Windows-only, and Apple's Universal Control only links Macs and iPads.
Which should you pick?
- A Mac and one PC, set up in minutes, with sound and a second screen: CommandDesk.
- Three or more computers: Synergy 3.
- Free and open source: Deskflow.
- Lots of file moving between Mac and Windows: ShareMouse.
Questions
What is the best free Synergy alternative for Mac?
Deskflow. It’s free, open source, actively developed, and Synergy itself is built on it. Expect a little setup: install with Homebrew or clear the “damaged” warning in Terminal, and grant Accessibility permissions.
Is Barrier or Input Leap still maintained?
No. Input Leap, the fork Barrier’s maintainers started, describes Barrier as unmaintained, and Input Leap’s own repository was archived in July 2026. Deskflow works with both, so it’s the natural move.
Does Mouse Without Borders work on Mac?
No. Microsoft’s Mouse Without Borders (part of PowerToys) works only between Windows PCs.
Does Apple’s Universal Control work with a Windows PC?
No. Universal Control only links Macs and iPads. For a Windows or Linux PC you need an app like the ones above.
Can any of these use my PC as a second screen for my Mac?
Synergy and Deskflow share the keyboard and mouse only; both describe themselves as a software KVM without the video. CommandDesk can also turn a Windows or Ubuntu PC into a second screen for your Mac.
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.