EasySwitchEasySwitch vs Universal Control
EasySwitch vs Universal Control
The short version
Universal Control is built into macOS and iPadOS and costs nothing: one keyboard and mouse drive up to three Apple devices, with a shared clipboard and drag-and-drop between them. On an all-Apple desk it is the right answer, and no third-party tool will integrate as tightly. It stops at the edge of the ecosystem — no Windows, no Linux, every device signed in to the same Apple Account with two-factor, and Managed Apple Accounts are excluded, which rules out a lot of work-issued Macs. Extending a display is a different feature, Sidecar, and it only targets an iPad. EasySwitch does the same input sharing across macOS, Windows and Linux in any combination, asks for no account at all, and can turn any linked computer — not only an iPad — into a real second display.
Side by side
| Capability | EasySwitch | Universal Control |
|---|---|---|
| Windows, macOS & Linux | Yes all three | No Apple devices only |
| Use another computer as a second monitor | Yes Pro | Partial Sidecar, to an iPad |
| Same-OS pairs (two PCs, two Macs) | Yes | Yes Mac to Mac |
| Works with any keyboard & mouse | Yes | Yes |
| End-to-end encrypted — free tier too | Yes Noise, every tier | Yes Apple's, built in |
| Clipboard: text, images & files | Yes | Yes between Apple devices |
| File transfer & drag-and-drop | Yes up to 10 MB free, unlimited on Pro | Yes between Apple devices |
| Control from a phone or browser | Yes web bridge | No |
| Free tier | Yes 2 computers | Yes built into macOS |
| One-time price (no subscription) | Yes | Yes free |
✓ yes · ~ partial or paid · — no. Universal Control details as of 2026 — check Universal Control's site for current terms.
Why people move to EasySwitch
- One Windows PC or Linux box on the desk and Universal Control cannot help. EasySwitch treats all three systems the same.
- No Apple Account, no two-factor, no Handoff. EasySwitch pairs machines on your own network and never asks who you are.
- Work Macs on a Managed Apple Account are excluded from Universal Control; EasySwitch does not care who owns the machine.
- Any spare laptop or desktop can become your second display, not only an iPad.
When Universal Control is the better pick
Universal Control is the better pick whenever every device on your desk is a Mac or an iPad signed in to your own Apple Account. It is free, already installed, needs no download, and Apple's integration goes deeper than anything a third party can reach. Buy EasySwitch when the desk stops being all-Apple.
See for yourself
EasySwitch is free for two computers, forever — nothing to sign up for.