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.

3 Mouse without Borders alternatives for controlling PC

There are several alternatives to Mouse Without Borders. This post highlights the top three 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.
• Clipboard sync: Copy and paste text or data between your local and remote devices seamlessly.
• 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 & Barrier: Smooth and cross-Platform

Synergy is a widely recognized tool in this category, but its basic version is priced at $30 and can be somewhat complex to configure. Additionally, the software has undergone significant changes. It was once open source, and a free alternative, Barrier, a fork of an older version, is now available.

Synergy offers a $60 tier with enhanced features, but Barrier is a suitable starting point for many users. If you encounter issues with Barrier or need advanced support and additional features, consider purchasing a Synergy license.

Once set up, both Synergy and Barrier function effectively. Begin by installing the software on all the computers you wish to use. During installation, you might be prompted to reboot. The program will then ask you to designate one computer as the Server (the machine with the mouse and keyboard) and the others as Clients (the machines to be controlled).

For Synergy's paid version, you'll need to activate your account by copying the license key from your Symless account page and pasting it into the Synergy application. After activation, repeat the process on all your devices, whether they run Windows, macOS, or Linux. Barrier supports up to 15 computers, while Synergy's basic tier supports up to three, with the Synergy Ultimate plan allowing for up to 15 devices.

Synergy & Barrier featuers:

• Mouse sharing
• Keyboard sharing
• Share clipboard
• SSL encryption
• Copy & paste actions
• Virtual KVM Switch
• Preconfigurable auto-connect
• Wayland support
• Drag and drop

Option 3. 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

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.