Both Vivid and Lunar control Mac brightness, but they serve different needs. Here's an honest comparison.
Vivid
Dedicated to unlocking XDR brightness (up to 1600 nits) on MacBook Pro. Simple, single-purpose app that extends your native brightness keys.
Lunar
Brightness control with automation features. Check lunar.fyi for current capabilities and supported displays.
Vivid
Works with your existing brightness keys - no new shortcuts to learn. Press brightness up/down and they go twice as bright as before.
Lunar
Offers brightness automation based on ambient light, time of day, and other factors. Check their documentation for control methods.
Vivid
All M-series MacBook Pro (14" and 16", including M5 Pro/Max), Pro Display XDR, and Studio Display XDR. macOS up to the latest macOS 27 Golden Gate supported. Studio Display (non-XDR) is not supported.
Lunar
Check lunar.fyi for current supported hardware and macOS versions.
Vivid
Free Split Screen Mode™ lets you try full XDR brightness on half your screen indefinitely before purchasing.
Lunar
Check their website for current trial options.
Vivid
One-time purchase from €10. Available on Mac App Store, Gumroad, and included in Setapp subscription.
Lunar
Check lunar.fyi for current pricing and licensing options.
Lunar may be a better fit if you're looking for automated brightness adjustments based on ambient light or time of day, rather than manual XDR brightness control. Visit lunar.fyi to learn more about their current features and supported hardware.
Both apps serve different needs. Choose Vivid for XDR brightness unlocking on MacBook Pro, or Lunar for brightness automation features.
Questions? Contact us at support@getvivid.app