Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

spacedesk VS Synergy

Compare spacedesk VS Synergy and see what are their differences

spacedesk logo spacedesk

spacedesk expands the Windows desktop computer screen to other computers over the local area...

Synergy logo Synergy

Cross-platform software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers
  • spacedesk Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09
  • Synergy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-05

Synergy is a software application developed by Symless. It is used for sharing a keyboard and mouse between multiple computers, and is useful in situations where several PCs are used together, with a monitor connected to each, but are to be controlled by one user. The user needs only one keyboard and mouse on the desk — similar to a KVM switch without the video.

Partly open source and partly closed source, the open source components are released under the terms of the GNU General Public License, which is free software. The first version of Synergy was created on May 13, 2001, by Chris Schoeneman and worked with the X Window System only. Synergy now supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and other Unix-like operating systems.

Once the program is installed, users can move the mouse "off" the side of their desktop on one computer, and the mouse pointer will appear on the desktop of another computer. Key presses will be delivered to whichever computer the mouse-pointer is located in. This makes it possible to control several machines as easily as if they were a single multi-monitor computer. The clipboard and even screensavers can be synchronized.

The program is implemented as a server which defines which screen-edges lead to which machines, and one or more clients, which connect to the server to offer the use of their desktops. The keyboard and mouse are connected to the server machine.

spacedesk features and specs

  • Multi-Monitor Support
    spacedesk allows you to extend or duplicate your desktop across multiple devices, providing more screen real estate for multitasking and productivity.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    spacedesk supports a variety of operating systems including Windows, iOS, and Android, making it versatile for different users.
  • Wireless Connectivity
    The software supports wireless display connections, eliminating the need for physical cables and allowing for more flexible setups.
  • Easy Setup
    Installation and configuration are straightforward, requiring minimal technical knowledge to get started.
  • Cost-Effective
    spacedesk offers a free version that provides robust features, making it a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing additional monitors.

Possible disadvantages of spacedesk

  • Latency Issues
    Depending on network conditions, users may experience latency, which can be a drawback for activities requiring real-time response, such as gaming.
  • Quality Degradation
    Video quality may degrade over wireless connections, particularly on slower networks or with high-resolution displays.
  • Limited Features in Free Version
    While the free version is robust, it offers limited features compared to the paid version, which may not meet all user needs.
  • Network Dependency
    spacedesk relies on a stable network connection. Any disruption in the network can affect the performance and usability of the extended display.
  • Security Concerns
    Using a wireless connection introduces potential security risks, as data being transmitted over the network could be susceptible to interception.

Synergy features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Synergy supports multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing you to share a single mouse and keyboard across different machines seamlessly.
  • Efficiency
    It enhances productivity by providing smoother workflow transitions between multiple computers without the need for additional hardware.
  • Customization
    Synergy offers a range of customizable options for configuring hotkeys, screen layouts, and behaviors to suit individual user preferences.
  • Encryption
    The software supports SSL encryption, ensuring that data transferred between machines remains secure.
  • Clipboard Sharing
    You can easily copy and paste text and files between different computers, streamlining multi-computer management tasks.

Possible disadvantages of Synergy

  • Cost
    Synergy is a paid application, which might not be ideal for users looking for a free solution.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    The initial setup can be complicated, especially for non-technical users, involving configuration of network settings and screen layouts.
  • Occasional Lag
    Some users have reported experiencing occasional lag or connectivity issues, particularly over Wi-Fi connections.
  • Security Concerns
    Despite SSL encryption, there are potential security risks involved in transferring data over a network, especially in untrusted environments.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There might be occasional compatibility issues with certain applications or specific versions of an operating system.

spacedesk videos

SpaceDesk - Free second monitor app

More videos:

  • Review - Use ANY Computer or Tablet as a Second Monitor! | Spacedesk
  • Review - SPACEDESK :: THE ULTIMATE ANDROID MONITOR

Synergy videos

Review - Synergy by Symless - Multi Machine Network Control Software

More videos:

  • Review - Symless Synergy Review - Mac (Keyboard & Mouse Sharing)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to spacedesk and Synergy)
Remote Desktop
57 57%
43% 43
Mouse Tools
8 8%
92% 92
Remote PC Access
36 36%
64% 64
Multi Monitor
32 32%
68% 68

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare spacedesk and Synergy

spacedesk Reviews

Top 10 Duet Display Alternatives (Free and Paid) Reviewed | 2022
Like Duet Display, SpaceDesk is one of the most popular multi-monitor applications on the market. The main difference is that SpaceDesk is specifically designed to run smoothly on Windows devices. This means you’ll be able to wirelessly display your Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, and other windows based laptops as a second monitor.
Source: mediapeanut.com
Top 6 Best Spacedesk Alternatives for Duet Display
These are some of the top Spacedesk alternatives recommended by us. You can check them out and decide which one suits you the best. Each of these alternatives has their unique set of features. If we have missed out on any such useful Spacedesk alternative, then do let us know about it in the comments section below.
Source: itechhacks.com
8 Best SpaceDesk Alternatives for Duet Display (2022)
It is a well-known software operating since the time of SpaceDesk. Duet Display has advanced features that make it a perfect alternative for SpaceDesk. Previously the software was only compatible with iPads and MacBooks. But now, Duet Display is also available for Windows.
Source: techdator.net
7 Of The Best Spacedesk Alternatives For Multi-Monitor Work
Spacedesk is a software that provides the user with an extra display screen. Similarly, Spacedesk alternatives have somewhat the same functions.
Top spacedesk Alternatives & Similar Software (2020)
Accessing your computer desktop when you’re on the move has been an issue for long. Well, not anymore! With Spacedesk, you can have your computer desktop extended or duplicated on your smartphone. We give you a few Spacedesk Alternatives that’ll make the process really smooth and convenient for you. But first, here’s a bit more about Spacedesk.

Synergy Reviews

Top spacedesk Alternatives & Similar Software (2020)
Synergy is yet another software that lets you work on separate computers with the same input devices. It helps you save all the clutter caused by the cables of a traditional KVM. What’s more, it works even when the computers are working on separate operating systems. This feature makes it stand out from Spacedesk. For Synergy to function, you’ll need the systems to run on...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Synergy seems to be a lot more popular than spacedesk. While we know about 283 links to Synergy, we've tracked only 19 mentions of spacedesk. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

spacedesk mentions (19)

  • Just the basics
    Spacedesk but you have to change the settings on the tablet app to what resolution you want it to be. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Deskreen Turn any device into a secondary screen for your computer
    See also https://spacedesk.net/. Sadly Windows-host-only, but works pretty well, and anything with a browser in the same LAN can be a screen. - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
  • Using spacedesk.net to use the car screen as an external monitor
    Spacedesk.net is a small application running on Windows allowing you to create virtual screens accessible on mobile devices or in a browser over the local network or wifi. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Lenovo just announced the next Duet: 13.3" OLED FHD screen, Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 CPU, 4/8GB RAM, 64/128/256GB eMMC
    You can use either an USB HDMI capture device (I have this one and it works great with my Duet) or try something like SpaceDesk, that will depend on how good is your network connection on both ends. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Virtual second monitor / PIP? [WIN 10]
    The easiest way is to use the Spacedesk utility: https://spacedesk.net/. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

Synergy mentions (283)

  • Solaar is a Linux manager for many Logitech keyboards, mice, and other devices
    Just use Synergy, the OG "soft KVM": https://symless.com/synergy. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Notepad++ is 21 years old
    I continue to use Notepad++ despite having tried every other editor and IDE under the sun. This, of course, drives every person completely insane when I explain that my "IDE" is: - Notepad++ for editing, pretty much stock, no plugins - command line for git and grep (Console2 or Git Bash) - File Explorer alongside Everything [0] for navigating files - Beyond Compare [1] for visual diff/merge - WinSCP/PuTTY for... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Hrvach/Deskhop: Fast Desktop Switching Device
    I use a software called Synergy. https://symless.com/synergy I have one keyboard and mouse connected to one "host" machine, and two machines connected as clients. Sometimes if the host machine bogs a bit (like running a build or something) then the clients will have some latency but I've used this setup for gaming and work for two years and it's been pretty good. My only complaint (about my personal setup, not the... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Hrvach/Deskhop: Fast Desktop Switching Device
    I’ve been using a software solution for this for over a decade. It’s called Synergy (https://symless.com/synergy) and it is fast - switches instantly over wifi and also works across Windows/Mac/Linux. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Hrvach/Deskhop: Fast Desktop Switching Device
    Synergy works well for this purely in software. Unfortunately it's not free or open source, but it's relatively inexpensive. https://symless.com/synergy. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing spacedesk and Synergy, you can also consider the following products

Duet Display - With Duet Display, you can transform your iPhone or iPad into a second display to expand the screen space of your PC or Mac system.

Barrier - Barrier is a cross-platform software for sharing your mouse and keyboard between multiple computers...

iDisplay - iDisplay is an app that turns a mobile device into a secondary desktop monitor. The app currently supports iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS, and it lets users connect a desktop computer to a mobile device over WiFi. Read more about iDisplay.

Input Director - Control multiple windows systems with one keyboard/mouse. Share a keyboard and mouse across multiple windows system.

Air Display - Air Display allows extra screens to extend the display size of a Mac desktop. The company behind the product is Avatron Software, which was founded in 2008. Read more about Air Display.

ShareMouse - With its easy setup and high level of versatility, ShareMouse is a great tool if you're looking to use a single mouse and keyboard across multiple computers.