Unleash Your Productivity: Discover the Best Multiplicity Alternatives
Multiplicity is a powerful software that transforms your computing experience, allowing you to control multiple PCs with a single keyboard and mouse. It acts as a virtual KVM switch, offering seamless cursor movement between displays or consolidating multiple PCs onto one monitor. From emergency command centers to home setups, Multiplicity enhances efficiency by enabling drag-and-drop file transfers, copy-pasting, and simultaneous PC locking. However, if you're exploring other options or seeking specific features, a Multiplicity alternative might be exactly what you need.
Top Multiplicity Alternatives
Whether you're looking for free, open-source, cross-platform, or highly specialized solutions, there's a Multiplicity alternative designed to streamline your multi-PC workflow. Let's dive into some of the best choices available.
Synergy
Synergy is a popular commercial and open-source Multiplicity alternative that allows you to share one mouse, one keyboard, and one clipboard across multiple Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. Its cross-platform compatibility and core features like mouse and keyboard sharing make it a strong contender for users needing seamless control across diverse operating systems.
Barrier
Barrier is a fantastic free and open-source Multiplicity alternative, providing cross-platform software for sharing a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD, Barrier stands out with features like clipboard sharing, SSL encryption, drag-and-drop actions, and a preconfigurable auto-connect option, essentially acting as a virtual KVM switch without the hardware.
Mouse without Borders
For Windows users, Mouse without Borders is an excellent free Multiplicity alternative developed by Microsoft. It lets you control up to 4 computers with a single mouse and keyboard, offering features like automatic connection, universal clipboard sharing, drag-and-drop functionality, and support for multiple monitors and media buttons. It's a robust solution for enhancing productivity within a Windows ecosystem.
spacedesk
While not a direct keyboard/mouse sharing tool in the same vein as Multiplicity, spacedesk is a free Windows-based alternative that extends your desktop to other devices on your local network. It allows you to use Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows Mobile, and other Windows devices as extension or mirrored displays, making it a valuable tool for expanding your screen real estate for multi-monitor setups or presentations.
LogMeIn
LogMeIn is a commercial remote access software that offers a different approach to multi-PC control compared to Multiplicity. Instead of sharing a single KVM, it enables you to access your desktop from most computers and smart devices, effectively giving you remote control. Available on Mac, Windows, Web, Android, and iOS, it's ideal for users needing remote desktop access and integrated file sharing.
ShareMouse
ShareMouse is a commercial Multiplicity alternative that excels in seamless mouse and keyboard sharing between Windows and Mac PCs. Its features include automatic display layout switching, portable editions, screensaver synchronization, clipboard sharing, and robust drag-and-drop functionality for files and text. It offers a plug-and-play experience for controlling multiple computers.
Input Director
Input Director is a free (for personal use) Windows application that serves as an excellent Multiplicity alternative for controlling multiple Windows systems with a single keyboard and mouse. It provides core keyboard and mouse sharing capabilities and even features like screen sharing and macro creation, making it a powerful tool for Windows-centric multi-PC setups.
Aeroadmin
Aeroadmin is a freemium remote desktop software that can act as a Multiplicity alternative for remote control scenarios. It's known for its zero-configuration setup and ease of use, allowing remote control within 30 seconds of downloading. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux (via Wine), it offers features like desktop sharing, integrated file sharing, and unattended access, making it suitable for IT support and remote work.
x2vnc (win2vnc)
x2vnc (or win2vnc) is a free and open-source Multiplicity alternative that allows you to use two screens on two different computers as if they were connected to the same machine. This program is particularly useful for users who want to extend their desktop across multiple computers, offering multi-monitor support via VNC technology on Windows and Linux.
Splashtop Business Access
Splashtop Business Access is a commercial remote desktop solution that offers a robust alternative to Multiplicity, especially for business professionals and teams. It allows secure access to your computer from anywhere, providing features like integrated file sharing, desktop sharing, remote printing, and remote support across Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, and Chrome OS devices. It's a comprehensive tool for remote productivity.
With a variety of excellent Multiplicity alternatives available, you have ample choice to find the perfect fit for your specific needs, whether you prioritize cost, platform compatibility, open-source flexibility, or advanced features like remote access or specific sharing capabilities. Explore these options to enhance your multi-PC control and elevate your productivity.