A Luna Display alternative with no dongle
Luna Display needs a hardware dongle plugged into your Mac. SpareScreen is software only: install it, open a link on your tablet, done. $7.99 once.
Install on your Mac: paste this into Terminal
Click to copy. Uses Homebrew, a free and widely trusted installer for Mac apps. 7 days free, then $7.99 once.
SpareScreen vs Luna Display
| SpareScreen | Luna Display | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7.99 once | $89.99 hardware dongle |
| Hardware | None | Dongle in your Mac's USB-C, HDMI or Mini DisplayPort |
| App on the tablet | None, just a browser | Luna app required |
| Devices | Any iPad, Android tablet, phone or laptop | iPad, Mac |
Luna Display's price checked in October 2026 on Astropad's store.
How to set it up
- Install SpareScreen on your Mac with the line above. It opens in the menu bar.
- Allow Screen Recording when macOS asks. That lets SpareScreen show the extra screen on your iPad or tablet.
- Open the link in its browser. Click SpareScreen in the menu bar to see the link and its QR code, then open it on the iPad or tablet. Both need to be on the same Wi-Fi.
- Click Allow on the Mac. An extra screen appears, shaped exactly like your iPad or tablet. Drag windows onto it like any monitor.
Good to know
- Your Mac's ports stay free: there's no dongle to plug in or lose.
- No USB mode: SpareScreen works over Wi-Fi only, so use 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the smoothest picture.
- Touch control is optional. Turn it on in the SpareScreen menu (it asks for Accessibility permission) to tap, drag, right-click and scroll on the device. Typing still happens on the Mac.
- Everyday work feels instant. Video and fast scrolling are heavier and can stutter on slow Wi-Fi; 5 GHz Wi-Fi helps.
- Streaming services stay black. Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ block screen capture in every app like this.
- Use Wi-Fi you trust. The picture travels over your local network, never through the internet.
Questions
Is there a Luna Display alternative without hardware?
Yes. SpareScreen is software only: it creates the extra screen on your Mac and sends it to your device over Wi-Fi.
Does SpareScreen use a port on my Mac?
No. Your Mac's ports stay free; everything goes over your Wi-Fi.
What does SpareScreen cost?
It's free for 7 days, then $7.99 once. It's a one-time purchase with no subscription, and one key works on up to 3 Macs.
Which Macs does it work on?
Any Mac running macOS 13 Ventura or later, with Apple Silicon or Intel.
More guides
Last updated October 2026.