Dual Monitor Tools vs DisplayFusion: Honest Comparison (2026)
The two most-mentioned multi-monitor tools for Windows, compared feature by feature — free vs paid, lightweight vs polished.
Head-to-head
| Dual Monitor Tools | DisplayFusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free forever (GPLv2 open source) | Free version; Pro from $25 one-time (lifetime license) |
| Size & footprint | Under 1 MB portable; near-zero background use | Larger install, background service |
| Cursor lock | Best in class: lock, sticky resistance, per-monitor hotkey | Basic cursor management |
| Window hotkeys | Swap Screen: move/minimize/rotate across monitors | Extensive: window profiles, title-bar buttons, scripting |
| Taskbars | No per-monitor taskbar | Full per-monitor taskbars (Pro highlight) |
| Wallpaper | Span / per-monitor / providers | Advanced wallpaper with profiles and online sources |
| Launcher | Magic words with exact window placement | No equivalent quick-launcher |
| Open source | Yes (GPLv2) | No (proprietary, by Binary Fortress) |
Choose DMT if…
- you want something free, tiny, and private
- cursor locking for gaming is the priority
- you like open-source software
Choose DisplayFusion if…
- you want per-monitor taskbars
- you need scripted/automated window management
- you prefer a polished GUI over hotkeys
Bottom line: Start with DMT — it’s free, so there’s nothing to lose. If you find yourself wishing for per-monitor taskbars or scripted window rules, DisplayFusion Pro’s $25 lifetime license is the natural upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DisplayFusion better than Dual Monitor Tools?
It depends on what you need. DisplayFusion (free and Pro from $25) is more polished, with per-monitor taskbars, scripted functions, and remote control. DMT is free, open-source, and far lighter — and its cursor-lock is still the best in class.
Can I use DMT and DisplayFusion together?
Yes, many people do — for example DisplayFusion for taskbars and DMT for cursor locking. Just avoid assigning the same hotkeys in both.
Is DisplayFusion free?
There is a free version with core features. DisplayFusion Pro (from $25, one-time, lifetime license) unlocks scripting, window profiles, and premium features.
Ready to try Dual Monitor Tools?
Free, open-source, and portable. Get version 2.13 now.
Download DMT v2.13 (Free)