Top x2vnc (win2vnc) Alternatives: Seamless Multi-Computer Control
x2vnc (win2vnc) is a clever utility designed to let you control two computers with a single mouse and keyboard, effectively extending your desktop across different machines. It achieves this by creating a small, one-pixel window at the edge of your screen, through which your mouse and keyboard input are routed to a VNC server on another computer. While incredibly useful for a unified workspace, some users might seek more robust features, broader platform compatibility, or simply different approaches to multi-computer control. This article explores the best x2vnc (win2vnc) alternative options available today.
Best x2vnc (win2vnc) Alternatives
If you're looking to streamline your multi-computer setup beyond what x2vnc (win2vnc) offers, these alternatives provide a range of functionalities from simple sharing to advanced KVM capabilities and screen extension.
Synergy
Synergy is a popular commercial solution that allows you to share one mouse, one keyboard, and one clipboard between multiple Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It's a fantastic x2vnc (win2vnc) alternative for cross-platform users, offering seamless mouse and keyboard sharing, along with a shared clipboard for easy copy-pasting between machines. Its two-way sharing feature makes it highly efficient for managing diverse operating systems.
Barrier
Barrier is a free and open-source cross-platform software that provides an excellent x2vnc (win2vnc) alternative, especially for those who prefer open-source solutions. It allows sharing a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers running Windows, Mac, Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD. Key features include clipboard sharing, SSL encryption for secure connections, drag-and-drop functionality, and even Wayland support, effectively acting as a virtual KVM switch.
Mouse without Borders
Mouse without Borders, a free Windows-only application, is a compelling x2vnc (win2vnc) alternative if all your machines are Windows-based. It allows you to control up to four computers from a single mouse and keyboard, offering features like automatic connection, shared clipboard, drag and drop, and support for multiple monitors. It simplifies managing multiple Windows PCs with a unified input experience.
spacedesk
Unlike direct input sharing like x2vnc (win2vnc), spacedesk focuses on extending or mirroring your Windows desktop to other computers and devices on your local network. It's a free solution supporting Windows, Android, iPhone, and iPad. While it doesn't offer direct keyboard/mouse sharing between primary machines, it's an excellent x2vnc (win2vnc) alternative for those primarily looking to use other devices as secondary displays, offering screen mirroring and remote desktop capabilities.
Input Director
Input Director is a free personal Windows application that serves as a robust x2vnc (win2vnc) alternative for Windows users. It enables control of multiple Windows systems using a single keyboard and mouse. Features include mouse and keyboard sharing, gaming-focused enhancements, and the ability to create macros, making it a powerful tool for a Windows-centric multi-PC setup.
Multiplicity
Multiplicity is a commercial Windows software that acts as a virtual KVM switch, allowing users to control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse. It's a comprehensive x2vnc (win2vnc) alternative that extends beyond simple input sharing to include clipboard sharing, support for multiple monitors, and even remote desktop/support capabilities, making it ideal for professional environments.
Win2VNC
Win2VNC is a free and open-source program specifically for Windows, designed to achieve the same goal as x2vnc (win2vnc): using two screens on different computers as if they were connected to the same machine. It's a direct conceptual alternative, offering screen extension and mouse sharing between different operating systems, making it a solid choice if you appreciate the original x2vnc (win2vnc) concept but seek an open-source option.
Mouse Broadcaster
Mouse Broadcaster is a free Windows application that duplicates mouse and keyboard actions to multiple PCs on a network. Comprising a Master and Minion component, it's a straightforward x2vnc (win2vnc) alternative for users who primarily need to mirror input across several Windows machines, making it useful for simultaneous operations.
Choosing the best x2vnc (win2vnc) alternative depends on your specific needs, including the operating systems you use, your budget, and whether you require advanced features like clipboard sharing, encryption, or virtual KVM capabilities. Explore these options to find the perfect solution for your multi-computer setup.