shareclick / Synergy alternatives
7 Synergy alternatives compared for 2026
The right Synergy alternative depends on your operating systems and whether you need clipboard sync, file transfer, Linux support or a commercial support contract. This comparison covers seven current and legacy options without pretending that one tool is best for every desk.
Reviewed against official product pages and repositories on .
quick comparison
| Tool | Platforms | Clipboard | Files | Status | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShareClick | macOS, Windows | Text + images | Yes | Active, pre-release | Free encrypted Mac + Windows setup |
| Deskflow | macOS, Windows, Linux, BSD | Yes | Limited | Active | Mature open-source cross-platform use |
| ShareMouse | macOS, Windows | Yes | Drag and drop | Commercial | Polished paid Mac + Windows workflow |
| Mouse Without Borders | Windows | Yes | Yes | Active in PowerToys | Windows-only desks |
| Lan Mouse | macOS, Windows, Linux | No | No | Active | Input sharing, especially Linux |
| Input Leap | macOS, Windows, Linux, BSD | Yes; Wayland gap | No | Archived July 2026 | Existing installations |
| Barrier | macOS, Windows, Linux | Yes | No | Unmaintained | Legacy installations only |
how to choose a Synergy alternative
Start with platform support. A Windows-only utility is a strong option for four Windows PCs but irrelevant to a Mac-and-Windows desk. Then decide whether you only need keyboard and mouse input or also expect clipboard images and file transfer. Finally, check maintenance, encryption defaults and whether you need paid support.
- Mac + Windows, free and open source: ShareClick or Deskflow.
- Mac + Windows, polished commercial product: ShareMouse or Synergy.
- Windows only: Mouse Without Borders in Microsoft PowerToys.
- Linux is essential: Deskflow or Lan Mouse.
- Existing Barrier or Input Leap user: keep archive status and security maintenance in mind before starting a new deployment.
1. ShareClick
ShareClick is a free, open-source software KVM focused on sharing a mouse, keyboard, clipboard and files between macOS and Windows. Input uses a low-latency UDP path; clipboard and files use a reliable channel. Both channels are end-to-end encrypted, and mDNS discovery avoids manual IP entry.
The trade-off is maturity and platform breadth. ShareClick is currently pre-release and does not yet offer production Linux support or commercial support. It fits developers and power users who want an inspectable, LAN-only Mac-to-Windows tool and are comfortable testing an actively developed open-source project.
2. Deskflow
Deskflow is the mature open-source continuation of the original Synergy 1 codebase. It shares keyboard, mouse and clipboard across Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD, with TLS enabled by default. Its platform coverage and established codebase make it the safer open-source choice when Linux support is required.
Choose Deskflow when broad operating-system support matters more than ShareClick's focused Mac-to-Windows file-transfer and low-latency design. As with any cross-platform input tool, verify packaging and Wayland support for the Linux distribution you actually use.
3. ShareMouse
ShareMouse is a commercial Mac-and-Windows product with bidirectional control, clipboard sharing and polished file drag and drop. Its official feature list includes display management, synchronization features and remote login capabilities that go beyond a minimal software KVM.
A restricted freeware mode exists, while professional use, larger display arrangements and advanced features require a paid edition under ShareMouse's current policy. Choose ShareMouse when polish and commercial product support justify the license. Choose an open-source option when licensing cost, source access or unrestricted personal layouts matter more.
4. Mouse Without Borders
Mouse Without Borders is part of Microsoft PowerToys. It controls up to four Windows computers with one keyboard and mouse and supports clipboard sharing and file transfer. For a Windows-only desk, it is free, familiar and backed by the PowerToys project.
It does not solve Mac-to-Windows input sharing. If even one computer is a Mac, use a cross-platform tool instead. That platform boundary is the main decision, not a small feature difference.
5. Lan Mouse
Lan Mouse is an open-source Rust project focused on mouse and keyboard sharing across Linux, Windows and macOS. It is particularly relevant to Linux and Wayland users who want a small input-sharing tool.
Lan Mouse intentionally does not provide the broader clipboard and file workflow offered by full software KVM suites. Choose it when input sharing is the requirement. Choose ShareClick, Deskflow, ShareMouse or Mouse Without Borders when clipboard transfer is part of the job.
6. Input Leap
Input Leap was created by active Barrier maintainers and supported Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD. Its feature set centers on keyboard, mouse and clipboard sharing. The repository was archived on July 26, 2026, and is now read-only.
That does not make existing installations stop working, but archive status matters for new deployments: fixes, security maintenance and future operating-system compatibility are no longer expected from that repository. Existing users should monitor successor projects and migration options.
7. Barrier
Barrier was a widely used free Synergy fork. Its official release page now states that Barrier is no longer maintained and no longer receives improvements or security fixes. The project directed users toward Input Leap, which has since also been archived.
Barrier remains useful context because many older tutorials recommend it. For a new setup, select a maintained project instead. Software that captures keyboard input and clipboard data should not be treated like an unchanging utility.
bottom line
Choose ShareClick for a free, encrypted Mac + Windows setup with clipboard images and file transfer, if pre-release software is acceptable.
Choose Deskflow for a mature open-source tool with Linux support.
Choose ShareMouse or Synergy when a commercial product and support are priorities.
Choose Mouse Without Borders when every computer runs Windows.
frequently asked questions
what is a free Synergy alternative for Mac and Windows?
ShareClick is a free, open-source option focused on Mac and Windows. Deskflow is another mature open-source choice and also supports Linux.
which Synergy alternative supports Linux?
Deskflow and Lan Mouse support Linux. Input Leap also has Linux builds, but its repository was archived in July 2026. ShareClick currently focuses on macOS and Windows.
is Barrier still maintained?
No. Barrier's official release page says the project is no longer maintained and no longer receives improvements or security fixes.
does Mouse Without Borders work on macOS?
No. Microsoft Mouse Without Borders is for Windows computers. Mac-to-Windows setups need a cross-platform option such as ShareClick, Deskflow, ShareMouse or Synergy.
sources and update policy
This comparison uses the official project repositories, Microsoft documentation and vendor feature and licensing pages linked above. Product status and pricing can change. The page records its review date so readers can judge freshness; claims should be checked again before a purchase or large deployment.