Top 9 Mouse without Borders Alternatives

What is Mouse without Borders?

Mouse Without Borders enables seamless control across multiple PCs as if they were a single desktop. With this utility, you can move your mouse between three or more screens, even if one is connected to a different PC. It is a highly popular tool in the OS and utilities category for mouse sharing.

However, Mouse without Borders has a few limitations.

• It may experience lag or connectivity issues if the network is unstable.
• It also relies on all connected computers being on the same network, which can limit its use in some environments.
• It’s designed primarily for Windows systems, so compatibility with other operating systems might be limited.

Top 9 Mouse without Borders alternatives for controlling PC

There are several alternatives to Mouse Without Borders. This post highlights the top nine choices.

Option 1. AnyViewer: Remotely control PC mouse and keyboard

AnyViewer stands out as a powerful alternative to Mouse Without Borders. This remote desktop software allows you to remotely control your PC’s mouse and keyboard from another device, making it ideal for accessing your computer from anywhere, even if the two devices are not on the same network.

The screen wall feature in AnyViewer allows users to view and control all their devices from a single window, managing keyboards and mice seamlessly. Its clean interface makes setup and operation straightforward, ideal for support, team management, and remote file access. AnyViewer provides fast, responsive connections with minimal delay.

Security is a top priority for AnyViewer, which employs high-level encryption and two-factor authentication to safeguard your remote sessions. This robust protection ensures that your data remains confidential and secure from unauthorized access.

AnyViewer features:

• Unattended remote mouse and keyboard control: Control your PC's mouse and keyboard from anywhere, even if no one is at the computer.
• File transfer: Move files between your computer and the remote PC easily, using drag-and-drop or a file manager.
• Multiple sessions: Handle several remote connections at once, perfect for IT support or managing multiple computers.
• Screen recording & capture: Record your remote sessions or capture screenshots directly during a connection, making it convenient for training, documentation, or troubleshooting.
• Screen sharing: Share your screen or view someone else’s screen in real-time, useful for presentations or troubleshooting.
• Sound sync: Hear audio from the remote PC on your local device, ideal for remote meetings or watching videos.
• Access from mobile devices: Control your PC from your smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android) using the AnyViewer mobile app.
• Bluetooth keyboard and mouse detection: Use Bluetooth keyboards and mice connected to your mobile device to control the PC, just like you would if you were there.

Option 2. Synergy: Smooth and cross-platform professional tool

Synergy is a polished and widely adopted multi-device control solution that allows you to use one keyboard and mouse to manage multiple computers seamlessly. Designed for cross-platform environments, it supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for users who frequently switch between different operating systems.

Synergy offers both basic and enhanced plans, with pricing tiers that unlock additional features and priority support. Setup requires installing the software on all devices and designating one computer as the Server (the machine providing the keyboard and mouse) while the others act as Clients. After configuration, the cursor can move fluidly across screens as if the connected devices were part of a single workspace.

For paid versions, users need to activate Synergy by entering their license key within the application. Once activated on all devices, Synergy delivers a smooth and consistent remote input-sharing experience, particularly appreciated by professionals and users looking for advanced functionality.

Synergy features:

• Mouse sharing
• Keyboard sharing
• Clipboard sharing
• SSL/TLS encryption
• Virtual KVM-like switching
• Auto-connect configuration
• Wayland support
• Drag-and-drop functionality
• Multi-platform compatibility

Option 3. Barrier: Free and open-source multi-device controller

Barrier is a free, open-source solution that enables you to share a single keyboard and mouse across multiple computers. Its straightforward design and completely cost-free model make it a favorite among users who want a simple, efficient, and cross-platform tool without any licensing requirements.

Barrier’s setup process involves installing the software on all the target computers and identifying one device as the control Server while the others function as Clients. Once configured, users can move their mouse and type across devices just as they would on a unified multi-monitor setup. Barrier is also lightweight, making it ideal for older machines or users seeking minimal resource consumption.

Although it focuses on essential features, Barrier is reliable, flexible, and well-suited for personal, home office, and open-source enthusiasts who prefer transparent, community-driven software.

Barrier features:

• Completely free and open-source
• Mouse sharing across devices
• Keyboard sharing across devices
• Clipboard synchronization
• Windows, macOS, and Linux support
• Lightweight resource usage
• Multi-monitor support
• Optional SSL encryption via community builds

Option 4. Input Director: Designed for Windows only

For Windows users seeking smoother performance than Mouse Without Borders, Input Director is a highly regarded alternative. However, it requires more setup effort and might pose challenges for those who are less experienced.

For instance, Input Director often struggles to detect other devices on the network during a scan, even when entering the hostname manually. However, inputting the secondary machine's IP address directly generally resolves this issue, leading to smooth operation.

Moreover, Input Director offers robust security features that allow you to control which computers can connect, along with customizable hotkeys and additional functionalities. While these features might be daunting for some, those familiar with the system will find Input Director operates as seamlessly as Synergy, albeit exclusively for Windows environments.

Input Director features:

• Keyboard sharing
• Mouse sharing
• Macro recording
• Screen sharing

Option 5. Input Leap: Lightweight cross-platform option

Input Leap is a lightweight and open-source utility that works as a virtual KVM switch, letting you control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse. It functions similarly to older hardware KVM switches, except without needing physical devices.

Compared to Synergy or Barrier, Input Leap focuses on simplicity and stability. Its minimalistic design makes setup straightforward, and it supports smooth pointer movement across screens, clipboard sharing, and multi-platform environments. While it may not include as many advanced features as commercial solutions, Input Leap’s clean approach makes it ideal for users who want a basic, free, and no-frills experience.

Input Leap features:

• Keyboard and mouse sharing
• Clipboard sharing
• Cross-platform support
• Lightweight and open-source
• No hardware required
• Easy installation and configuration

Option 6. ShareMouse: Feature-rich and easy to use

ShareMouse is a polished and user-friendly alternative to Mouse Without Borders. Unlike some open-source tools, ShareMouse offers a more refined interface with automatic device detection and a smooth setup process. Simply move your mouse to the edge of one screen to jump to another computer—no manual configuration needed.

Beyond basic keyboard and mouse sharing, ShareMouse includes advanced features like drag-and-drop file transfers, secure LAN communication, and clipboard synchronization. It also supports cross-platform environments, making it a solid option for users with both Windows and macOS systems.

ShareMouse features:

• Automatic device discovery
• Keyboard and mouse sharing
• Supports Windows & macOS
• Clipboard sharing
• Drag-and-drop file transfer
• Secure encrypted connection
• Multi-monitor support

Option 7. Multiplicity: Premium multi-PC KVM solution

Multiplicity provides a premium virtual KVM experience for controlling multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse. Designed by Stardock, it offers smooth transitions across devices and advanced features suitable for professional environments such as command centers or IT desks.

Multiplicity allows secure file transfers, audio sharing, and centralized computer locking—all without requiring additional hardware. Its performance is stable and responsive, even across several machines.

While it’s a paid solution, users looking for a professional-grade multi-PC control tool will appreciate its reliability and feature depth.

Multiplicity features:

• Keyboard and mouse sharing
• File transfer between PCs
• Audio sharing from remote devices
• Secure encrypted connections
• Multi-PC management
• Designed for professional use

Option 8. InputShare: Control Android devices using your PC peripherals

InputShare provides a specialized type of control: instead of controlling another computer, you can share your PC’s keyboard and mouse with an Android device. It works through ADB in either a wired or wireless configuration.

This makes InputShare particularly useful for developers, testers, or users who want to type long messages, navigate apps, or control their phones without constantly picking them up. Although it has a narrower use case, it fills an important gap that traditional KVM tools do not address.

InputShare features:

• Share PC keyboard and mouse with Android
• Works over USB or Wi-Fi (ADB-based)
• No root required
• Low-latency control
• Ideal for productivity and app testing

Option 9. Deskflow: Modern open-source keyboard and mouse sharing

Deskflow is a modern, open-source alternative similar to Synergy and Barrier, but with an updated interface and more secure defaults. It allows you to use one computer’s keyboard and mouse to control nearby devices seamlessly, just like a software KVM setup.

Deskflow emphasizes simplicity and security, with TLS encryption enabled out of the box. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for mixed-device environments. Its operation is smooth and intuitive, especially for users who want a free and trusted open-source tool.

Deskflow features:

• Free and open-source
• Keyboard and mouse sharing
• Clipboard sync
• TLS encryption is enabled by default
• Cross-platform support
• Smooth multi-device workflow

The bottom line

In conclusion, Mouse Without Borders is great for controlling multiple PCs from one desktop but has limitations like network dependency and Windows-only compatibility. Mouse Without Borders alternatives like AnyViewer offer flexible remote access, while Synergy and Barrier provide cross-platform support. Input Director is a solid choice for Windows users needing advanced features. Each option has its strengths, so choose based on your specific needs and preferences.