1
OpenRazer
openrazer.github.ioAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
OpenRazer provides Linux drivers and a user-space daemon for controlling Razer peripherals.
Alternatives
The Best Polychromatic Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives4 free · 3 open source
Looking for something like Polychromatic? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 4 are free or have a free plan and 3 are open source.
About Polychromaticpolychromatic.app
VisitPolychromatic manages RGB lighting peripherals on GNU/Linux through a front-end that supports OpenRazer.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionOpenRazerOpenRazer provides Linux drivers and a user-space daemon…Free or freemium optionOpenRGBOpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on…Open source optionSuperPaperSuperpaper manages wallpapers across multiple monitors on…Another optionHydraPaperHydraPaper manages wallpaper collections and supports…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OpenRazer | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 2 | HydraPaper | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 3 | OpenRGB | Free | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 4 | Extension Manager | — | Not stated | Web |
| 5 | Aurora | Free | Not stated | Web |
| 6 | WLED | — | Not stated | Android, iOS, Web |
| 7 | Artemis | — | Not stated | Web |
| 8 | SuperPaper | — | Yes | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| 9 | Waywallen | — | Yes | Linux |
| 10 | gruvbox | — | Yes | — |
All Polychromatic alternatives
2
HydraPaper
hydrapaper.gabmus.orgAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
HydraPaper manages wallpaper collections and supports multi-monitor setups.
3
Also covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website · free
OpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on manufacturer software.
4
Extension Manager
mattjakeman.com/apps/extension-managerAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Extension Manager browses, installs, and manages GNOME Extensions, with search and extension details in the app.
5
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website · free
Aurora is open-source software for controlling RGB lighting across brands and integrating game effects.
6
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.
7
Artemis
artemis-rgb.comAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Artemis provides a unified RGB lighting platform, according to its product page.
8
Also covers desktop customization and linux · open source
Superpaper manages wallpapers across multiple monitors on Linux and Windows, with partial support for macOS.
9
Also covers desktop customization and linux · open source
Waywallen manages dynamic wallpapers on Linux desktops, according to its project description.
10
Also covers desktop customization · open source
Retro groove color scheme for Vim with light and dark mode switching.
11
wayscriber
wayscriber.comAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
wayscriber provides live screen annotation for Linux Wayland, with a drawing layer activated by a keybind.
12
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.
13
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website · free plan
backiee provides Windows wallpaper downloads, live wallpapers, and interactive widgets.
14
i3wm
i3wm.orgAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
i3 is a tiling window manager for X11 with documented code and Xinerama support.
15
wallhaven.cc
wallhaven.ccAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
Browse, search, upload, and discuss wallpapers in the wallhaven.cc community collection.
16
Wallsync
wallsync.pages.devAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
WallSync indexes wallpaper sites for categories such as anime, minimalist, 4K, and live wallpapers.
17
Desktops
deskto.psAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
deskto.ps is a gallery of annotated desktop screenshots shared by users.
18
WallSync
roigoatzzz.netlify.appAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
WallSync maintains a collection of wallpaper sites, including sources for anime, minimal, 4K, and live wallpapers.
19
ScreenPlay
screen-play.appAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
ScreenPlay provides live wallpapers, widgets, and screensavers through an open-source app for Windows and macOS.
20
Notcurses
nick-black.com/dankwiki/index.php/NotcursesAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
Build vibrant text user interfaces for modern terminal emulators with the Notcurses library.
21
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Manage and synchronize dotfiles across multiple machines with chezmoi, which emphasizes secure handling.
22
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Awesome is a highly configurable and extensible window manager for X, described as fast and framework-based.
23
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website
dotfiles.github.io explains how dotfiles can help back up, restore, and synchronize preferences and settings.
24
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website · free
Dynamic Theme updates Windows wallpaper or lock screen images from Bing or Windows Spotlight.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
backiee24 alternativesChezmoi24 alternativesawesomewm24 alternativesDynamic Theme24 alternativesdotfiles24 alternativesSuperPaper24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to Polychromatic?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to Polychromatic are OpenRazer, HydraPaper, and OpenRGB.
Is there a free alternative to Polychromatic?
Yes. OpenRGB, Aurora, and backiee are free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to Polychromatic?
Yes: SuperPaper, Waywallen, and gruvbox.
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