10 Best Mouse without Borders Alternatives for Multi-PC Control
If you’ve ever worked with more than one computer at your desk, you already know how annoying it is to juggle multiple mice and keyboards. That’s exactly why Mouse without Borders became a popular pick it lets you control up to four Windows PCs with a single mouse and keyboard. But here’s the thing: not everyone gets a smooth ride with it. Connection drops, laggy cursor movement, clipboard issues, and limited cross-platform support often leave users searching for Mouse without Borders Alternatives that feel more stable and flexible.
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The good news? You’re not stuck. There are several powerful tools out there some free, some paid that do the same job but with better performance, more features, or support for macOS and Linux.
Whether you’re a gamer, developer, remote worker, or someone who just wants a clean multi-PC workflow, this list will walk you through the Top Mouse & Keyboard Sharing utilities worth trying. And yes, each one brings its own vibe, strengths, and reasons you might prefer it over Microsoft’s tool.
Why People Look for Mouse without Borders Alternatives?
Mouse without Borders works well for many, but it’s far from perfect. A lot of users eventually start hunting for alternatives to Mouse without Borders because they want something more stable, more compatible, or simply more modern. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Here are the most common reasons people switch:
- Frequent connection timeouts or devices randomly disconnecting
- Cursor lag when moving between PCs
- No macOS or Linux support (Windows-only limitation)
- Clipboard sync works inconsistently
- Security restrictions in office networks
- Doesn’t play nicely with VPNs
- Limited advanced controls
- Outdated UI/experience
So whether you’re managing a dual-PC workstation, controlling multiple desktops in an office, or setting up a productivity-focused home lab, there’s a good chance you’ll find Mouse without Borders Competitors that solve problems the Microsoft tool doesn’t.
10 Alternatives to Mouse without Borders for Seamless Device Control
1. Synergy
If you’ve been around multi-PC setups for a while, you’ve probably heard of Synergy. It’s one of the oldest and most polished Mouse without Borders Alternatives, and it’s built for people who want rock-solid stability over everything else. Synergy works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, which already makes it a better fit for mixed-OS desks than Microsoft’s tool.
What makes it stand out is how smooth the cursor feels when you glide from one screen to another. No stutter, no choppiness. Just a seamless transition. You can also share your clipboard, sync keystrokes, and even lock all connected machines at once. If you’re into custom workflows, Synergy gives you more control than most similar apps like Mouse without Borders hotkeys, screen arrangement, and advanced tweaks are all there.
The only downside? It’s paid. But if you’re a developer, a content creator, or anyone who needs absolute consistency, Synergy is worth every penny. Plus, it’s one of the few tools trusted by pros, gamers, and teams who can’t risk random disconnections.
2. Barrier
Think of Barrier as Synergy’s friendly open-source cousin. It was originally forked from Synergy, kept all the good parts, trimmed some paid-only features, and made everything completely free. If you want Top Mouse & Keyboard Sharing utilities without spending a dime, Barrier is easily one of the strongest picks.
Barrier shines because it’s lightweight, easy to use, and supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. The setup isn’t as “pretty” as Synergy, but once it’s running, the experience is almost identical. Your mouse flows smoothly between devices, clipboard sharing works, and you can drag files on certain configurations. For many users, that’s more than enough.
The big catch? Barrier doesn’t get frequent updates. Since it relies on community development, bug fixes can be slow. But considering how well it works once configured, it remains one of the most reliable alternatives to Mouse without Borders, especially for tech-savvy users or anyone who prefers open-source tools.
3. Input Director
If you’re a strictly Windows user and want something that just works without extra fuss, Input Director is one of the most dependable Mouse without Borders Alternatives out there. It’s Windows-only yes but that’s also its strength. Because it focuses on a single platform, the performance is buttery smooth, and the setup process is faster than most cross-platform tools.
The interface is clean, you can arrange your monitors however you want, and the cursor movement between PCs feels instant. Clipboard sharing works reliably, and you can even mirror keyboard input to multiple machines at once, which is handy if you manage several computers side-by-side. Input Director also includes features like AES encryption, hotkeys to switch control manually, and options to sync screensavers or lock all PCs at the same time.
The best part? It’s completely free. No paid versions, no upgrades, no hidden limitations. If your entire workspace runs on Windows, Input Director is easily one of the top Mouse without Borders Competitors worth trying.
4. ShareMouse
ShareMouse is the alternative people switch to when they want simplicity, speed, and more modern features than Microsoft’s tool offers. It’s compatible with Windows and macOS, making it far more flexible for mixed setups. Installation is quick, auto-detection is fast, and most users never touch any advanced settings because ShareMouse configures itself intelligently.
You get smooth mouse transitions, clipboard sharing, and drag-and-drop file transfers between machines something Mouse without Borders doesn’t handle as fluidly. The UI is polished and lightweight, and you can even control multiple computers over LAN or Wi-Fi without noticeable lag. For many people, the file transfer feature alone makes ShareMouse one of the most practical similar apps like Mouse without Borders.
There is a free version, but it comes with limits. The paid version unlocks multi-monitor support, higher performance, and advanced features. If your workflow includes moving files between PCs frequently, ShareMouse will feel like a major upgrade.
5. Input Leap
If you like the idea of Barrier but want something that’s getting active updates and long-term maintenance, Input Leap is the answer. It’s another open-source pick, built from the same family tree as Synergy and Barrier, but developed with modern improvements, cleaner code, and better stability. For people who want Mouse without Borders Alternatives with zero cost and strong cross-platform support, Input Leap is a gem.
It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and the configuration feels familiar if you’ve ever used Synergy-style tools. You get smooth mouse movement across screens, clipboard syncing, screen layout mapping, and optional encryption. The project is community-driven, but more active than Barrier, meaning updates and bug fixes roll out more consistently.
Input Leap is especially popular among developers and Linux users who want a dependable, no-frills tool that doesn’t lock features behind a paywall. If you love open-source solutions and want something lightweight but powerful, Input Leap should be on your shortlist of alternatives to Mouse without Borders.
6. Multiplicity
Multiplicity is one of the most polished and feature-rich Mouse without Borders Competitors, especially if you want a professional-grade workflow. Developed by Stardock, it comes in both free and paid versions though the paid one is where the real power shows up.
Multiplicity offers ultra-smooth cursor movement between PCs, rock-solid clipboard sharing, and shockingly good audio sharing between machines. That’s a rare feature in this category. You can also drag files between computers, lock and unlock PCs together, and even operate multiple systems as if they were one large machine.
Gamers also love Multiplicity because of its low latency and high reliability. It doesn’t choke or disconnect when you’re pushing systems hard. And unlike many tools, it’s designed with security in mind, using AES-256 encryption to protect all communication.
If you need a premium, professional tool for multi-computer productivity or you simply want the smoothest possible KVM-style experience Multiplicity is one of the strongest similar apps like Mouse without Borders you can get.
7. AnyViewer
If you want something that works both as a remote desktop tool and a multi-device control utility, AnyViewer is a fantastic pick. While it’s primarily known as a remote access solution, its real-time mouse and keyboard control makes it a strong entry among practical Mouse without Borders Alternatives especially if you want to switch between devices even when they’re not on the same desk.
AnyViewer offers smooth screen control, fast input response, and secure connections thanks to ECC encryption. It works over the internet and LAN, so whether your PCs are five feet apart or in another building, the experience stays responsive. Setup is incredibly simple, and you can manage multiple devices from a clean dashboard without digging through complex menus.
The free plan is generous, but if you want multi-device management, file transfer, and one-click control, the upgraded plans open more possibilities. It’s not a traditional “shared keyboard and mouse over LAN” tool like Synergy or Barrier, but its flexibility and remote access features make it a powerful alternative for users who want something more versatile.
8. Remote Utilities
Remote Utilities is a reliable remote-control and system-management tool that doubles as a solid Mouse without Borders Competitors option, especially for users who need remote access plus multi-PC control in one package. The tool lets you control another machine’s keyboard and mouse instantly, whether it’s on the same network or halfway across the world.
Its standout feature is the broad set of connection modes: Full Control, View Only, File Transfer, Terminal, Task Manager, Power Control, and more. For many users, this flexibility replaces the need for multiple utilities. The performance is surprisingly fast over LAN, and the configuration is beginner-friendly. Once connected, the input latency is low enough that it feels very close to local control.
Security is strong too, with 256-bit AES encryption and two-factor authentication. The free edition works for up to 10 devices, which is great for home users or small offices. If you need a control solution that’s more powerful than simple mouse-and-keyboard sharing, Remote Utilities often ends up being one of the most dependable Top Mouse & Keyboard Sharing utilities available.
9. Anyplace Control
Anyplace Control is another strong pick for users who want remote access plus fast keyboard-and-mouse control bundled together. While it’s not a traditional LAN-based sharing utility like Synergy or Input Director, it definitely earns its spot as one of the practical Mouse without Borders Alternatives especially for office environments or IT teams.
You can view and control another PC in real time, transfer files, reboot systems remotely, and even run sessions in stealth mode (useful for monitoring corporate devices). The interface is clean and the connection setup is quick, even for beginners. And because it works both over the internet and local networks, you can control nearby PCs or remote machines with the same software.
The input response is solid, though slightly slower compared to LAN-only sharing tools. But for users who want versatility instead of just screen-to-screen mouse sharing, Anyplace Control delivers way more functionality. If your workflow includes remote IT support, admin tasks, or multi-computer coordination, this tool easily becomes one of the most versatile alternatives to Mouse without Borders.
10. DeskIn Remote Desktop (DeskIn)
DeskIn is a modern remote desktop platform designed for ultra-low latency access and it doubles as a strong multi-PC control tool for users who want speed and simplicity. DeskIn focuses heavily on performance, boasting quick connection times, smooth cursor movement, and responsive keyboard input. That makes it surprisingly capable as one of the more modern similar apps like Mouse without Borders you can try.
Unlike some older remote tools, DeskIn comes with a sleek UI, cloud relay, end-to-end encryption, and multi-monitor support. You can control another PC as if you’re sitting right in front of it, and the crystal-clear streaming quality makes the experience feel instant. File transfers, clipboard sharing, and session recording are built in, giving you more flexibility than traditional LAN-based sharing tools.
DeskIn shines for users dealing with work-from-home setups, remote offices, or cloud-based device management. It’s cross-platform too Windows, macOS, Android, and even iOS making it more versatile than Mouse without Borders, which is still Windows-only. If you want something fast, modern, secure, and built for the future, DeskIn is a fantastic addition to your list of Mouse without Borders Competitors.
Final Thoughts
Managing multiple computers doesn’t have to be a messy, cable-filled headache. With so many solid Mouse without Borders Alternatives available today, you can build a seamless multi-PC workflow that actually makes your setup feel smarter not harder.
The right tool really depends on your environment. If you’re on mixed OS systems, Synergy, Barrier, or Input Leap will feel like a breath of fresh air. If you’re strictly on Windows, Input Director gives you buttery-smooth control without costing a dime. And if you want a full remote-access-plus-control package, tools like AnyViewer, Remote Utilities, DeskIn, and Anyplace Control do the job better than you’d expect.
Each tool on this list solves the problems that push people away from Microsoft’s option connection drops, limited OS support, missing features, and rough UI. Whether you’re a developer, gamer, IT admin, or everyday multitasker, there’s a solution here that fits your workflow perfectly. Explore a few, test what feels most natural, and you’ll quickly find the one that transforms how you work across devices.
FAQs
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