Top 7 Alternatives to Barrier for Cross-Platform Mouse and Keyboard Sharing

Sharing a mouse and keyboard across multiple devices can be a real game-changer, especially if you frequently work with different platforms. Whether you’re a developer, a designer, or simply a multitasker, having a tool that enables cross-platform mouse and keyboard sharing can greatly improve your productivity. That’s where Barrier comes in.

Barrier is a popular software solution that allows you to share your mouse and keyboard across multiple computers, whether they are running on Windows, macOS, or Linux. However, Barrier is not the only tool available for this purpose. In this article, we’ll explore the top alternatives to Barrier and weigh the pros and cons of each.

Video Tutorial:

What is Barrier?

Barrier is an open-source software that enables you to share your mouse and keyboard seamlessly between different computers. It allows you to use a single set of input devices to control multiple computers over a local network. Barrier supports a variety of platforms, making it a versatile solution for those who work with different operating systems.

Top Alternatives to Barrier

1. Synergy

Synergy is one of the most popular alternatives to Barrier when it comes to cross-platform mouse and keyboard sharing. It offers seamless integration between Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing you to control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse. Synergy also supports copy and paste functionality between systems, making it a powerful tool for multitaskers.

Pros:
– Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
– Offers copy and paste functionality between systems.
– Easy to set up and use.

Cons:
– Limited free version.
– Occasionally experiences connectivity issues.

2. ShareMouse

ShareMouse is another excellent choice for those looking to share their mouse and keyboard across multiple platforms. It supports Windows and macOS, making it a great option for users on these operating systems. ShareMouse also offers additional features such as drag and drop file sharing, clipboard synchronization, and screen sharing, making it a comprehensive solution for remote collaboration.

Pros:
– Supports Windows and macOS.
– Offers drag and drop file sharing and clipboard synchronization.
– Includes screen sharing functionality.

Cons:
– Not compatible with Linux.
– Free version has limited features.

3. Mouse Without Borders

Mouse Without Borders is a free software developed by Microsoft that allows you to share your mouse and keyboard between multiple Windows computers. It offers a seamless experience, allowing you to drag and drop files across systems and even share clipboard content. Mouse Without Borders is a lightweight and easy-to-use tool for Windows users.

Pros:
– Free software developed by Microsoft.
– Seamlessly share mouse and keyboard between Windows computers.
– Drag and drop files and share clipboard content.

Cons:
– Limited to Windows operating system.
– Doesn’t support cross-platform sharing.

4. Input Director

Input Director is another notable alternative to Barrier. It is a Windows-only software that enables you to control multiple Windows computers using a single keyboard and mouse. Input Director offers features such as drag and drop file sharing, clipboard synchronization, and the ability to lock and unlock all connected systems simultaneously.

Pros:
– Easy setup and configuration.
– Drag and drop file sharing and clipboard synchronization.
– Ability to lock and unlock all connected systems simultaneously.

Cons:
– Limited to Windows operating system.
– No support for cross-platform sharing.

5. Multiplicity

Multiplicity is a powerful software solution that allows you to control multiple Windows computers using one keyboard and mouse. It offers features like seamless file transfer, copy and paste functionality between systems, and audio sharing. Multiplicity is primarily designed for Windows users looking for an efficient way to control multiple systems.

Pros:
– Seamless file transfer and copy and paste functionality.
– Audio sharing between systems.
– Robust features for Windows users.

Cons:
– Only compatible with Windows operating system.
– No support for cross-platform sharing.

Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software

Our Thoughts on Barrier

Barrier is undoubtedly a powerful tool for cross-platform mouse and keyboard sharing. Its open-source nature and compatibility with various operating systems make it an attractive choice for many users. However, some alternative software solutions offer additional features and better integration with specific platforms.

If you primarily work with Windows, Microsoft’s Mouse Without Borders might be a viable option as it provides a seamless experience for Windows users, with added functionalities like drag and drop file sharing and clipboard synchronization. On the other hand, ShareMouse and Synergy offer cross-platform compatibility, making them ideal choices if you work with multiple operating systems regularly.

FAQs About Barrier

Q1: Is Barrier compatible with macOS?

A: Yes, Barrier supports macOS, allowing you to share your mouse and keyboard across Mac computers.

Q2: Can Barrier be used on a local network?

A: Yes, Barrier is designed to work over a local network, enabling you to control multiple computers seamlessly.

Q3: Does Barrier support Linux?

A: Yes, Barrier is compatible with Linux, making it a versatile option for cross-platform usage.

Q4: Are there any notable limitations of Barrier?

A: One limitation of Barrier is that it requires separate installation and configuration on each computer you want to share your mouse and keyboard with.

Q5: Can I copy and paste between different operating systems using Barrier?

A: Unfortunately, Barrier does not support copy and paste functionality between systems.

In Conclusion

When it comes to cross-platform mouse and keyboard sharing, Barrier is undoubtedly a powerful tool. However, it’s important to consider other alternatives that may better suit your specific needs. Synergy, ShareMouse, Mouse Without Borders, Input Director, and Multiplicity are just a few of the many alternatives available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. By weighing the pros and cons of each solution and considering your specific requirements, you can choose the best software for your cross-platform mouse and keyboard sharing needs.