1
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
liquidctl provides cross-platform command-line and Python drivers for liquid coolers and other devices.
Alternatives
The Best OpenRGB Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives3 free · 11 open source
Looking for something like OpenRGB? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 3 are free or have a free plan and 11 are open source.
OpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on manufacturer software.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionLiquidCTLliquidctl provides cross-platform command-line and Python…Free or freemium optionAuroraAurora is open-source software for controlling RGB lighting…Another optiongruvboxRetro groove color scheme for Vim with light and dark mode…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LiquidCTL | — | Yes | — |
| 2 | gruvbox | — | Yes | — |
| 3 | Notcurses | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 4 | Qtile | — | Not stated | Web, Windows |
| 5 | SuperPaper | — | Yes | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| 6 | Hardcode Tray | — | Not stated | Linux |
| 7 | Variety | — | Yes | Linux |
| 8 | Hidamari | — | Yes | Linux |
| 9 | Pokemon Terminal | — | Yes | — |
| 10 | NotCurses | — | Yes | — |
All OpenRGB alternatives
2
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
Retro groove color scheme for Vim with light and dark mode switching.
3
Notcurses
nick-black.com/dankwiki/index.php/NotcursesAlso covers desktop customization, linux, and python · same kind of website
Build vibrant text user interfaces for modern terminal emulators with the Notcurses library.
4
Qtile
qtile.orgAlso covers desktop customization and python · same kind of website
Configure Qtile with Python and use its full-featured tiling window manager for arranging windows.
5
Also covers desktop customization, linux, and python · open source
Superpaper manages wallpapers across multiple monitors on Linux and Windows, with partial support for macOS.
6
Hardcode Tray
github.com/bilelmoussaoui/Hardcode-TrayAlso covers desktop customization, linux, and python
Hardcode-Tray detects hardcoded Linux tray icons and replaces them with icons from the selected theme, with an option to revert.
7
Also covers desktop customization, linux, and python · open source
Variety automatically downloads and rotates wallpapers on Linux systems.
8
Also covers desktop customization, linux, and python · open source
Hidamari lets Linux users set videos as wallpaper backgrounds on their desktop.
9
Also covers desktop customization, linux, and python · open source
Pokemon-Terminal provides Pokémon-themed terminal themes, with topics listing shells and terminals including Bash and iTerm2.
10
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
Build terminal user interfaces with Notcurses, a library for character-based graphics in modern terminals.
11
Also covers desktop customization · open source
AccentColorizer recolors Win32 controls in memory using an accent color without patching theme files.
12
DesktopHut
desktophut.comAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
DesktopHut offers live and animated wallpapers for PC, Mac, and mobile devices.
13
Polychromatic
polychromatic.appAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
Polychromatic manages RGB lighting peripherals on GNU/Linux through a front-end that supports OpenRazer.
14
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website · open source
FluentFlyout adds media controls and a taskbar widget to Windows 11, with a flyout for playback controls.
15
Xbox Wallpapers
xbox.com/en-us/wallpapersAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Browse and download wallpapers and backgrounds for Xbox games and devices from the Xbox site.
16
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Aurora is open-source software for controlling RGB lighting across brands and integrating game effects.
17
WLED
kno.wled.geAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
WLED runs an ESP32 web server for controlling NeoPixel and other addressable LED lights.
18
En
ii.clsty.link/enAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
illogical-impulse provides usability-focused dotfiles for Hyprland, with workspace controls and desktop configuration.
19
Artemis
artemis-rgb.comAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Artemis provides a unified RGB lighting platform, according to its product page.
20
Also covers desktop customization · open source
SecureUxTheme patches Windows theme verification in memory to allow unsigned styles without modifying system files.
21
Desktop Environment Comparison
eylenburg.github.io/de_comparison.htmAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
This page compares desktop environments for Linux and Unix, with macOS and Windows included for reference.
22
Also covers desktop customization and linux · open source
Forge adds window tiling and management controls to the GNOME Shell desktop.
23
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website
backiee provides Windows wallpaper downloads, live wallpapers, and interactive widgets.
24
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Vin Star Theme offers third-party themes for Windows and some Windows software.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
backiee24 alternativesHardcode Tray24 alternativesPokemon Terminal24 alternativesNotCurses24 alternativesSuperPaper24 alternativesDesktop Environment Comparison24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to OpenRGB?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to OpenRGB are LiquidCTL, gruvbox, and Notcurses.
Is there a free alternative to OpenRGB?
Yes. Aurora, backiee, and Modern Style are free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to OpenRGB?
Yes: LiquidCTL, gruvbox, SuperPaper, and Variety.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative