Encore vs TargetBridge.
For an old iMac as a monitor.
TargetBridge is a free, MIT-licensed open-source app that streams from a Mac to an iMac over Thunderbolt Bridge, up to 5K. Its release builds need macOS 14 on an Intel iMac, which in practice means a 2019 or 2020 iMac, or an unofficial patch on an older one. Pick it if you have one of those iMacs, are comfortable with unsigned apps, and want free 5K over Thunderbolt. Pick Encore for an older iMac or for a supported app.
Who should pick which
- Pick TargetBridge if your iMac runs macOS 14 or later (a 2019 or 2020 model), you connect with Thunderbolt, you want it free and open source, and you can handle Terminal steps.
- Pick Encore for any iMac from Late 2009, for Wi-Fi or Gigabit Ethernet as well as Thunderbolt, for the iMac's keyboard and mouse over a cable, for a smart display when you stop, and if you want an app with a help center behind it.
Side by side
| Encore | TargetBridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free during the public beta | Free, MIT licence |
| Your Mac | macOS 14 or later | macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon or Intel |
| Oldest iMac | Late 2009 (macOS 10.13); 2007 to Early 2009 with Encore Receiver Legacy | Prebuilt receiver: macOS 14 on Intel. Older iMacs depend on unofficial patches or source builds |
| Connection | Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet or Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt Bridge; network link over Ethernet or Wi-Fi is marked experimental |
| Resolution | Retina iMacs at up to 2560 x 1440 | Stream profiles from 2560 x 1440 up to 5120 x 2880; 5K at 60 is experimental |
| First launch | macOS asks once; the install guide shows the clicks | Apps are unsigned; macOS may need a Terminal fix (xattr), per its README |
| Support | Help center and a report page | Open source, with an issue tracker. Its README notes new feature work is paused |
| iMac camera and microphone | Coming soon | Not listed |
| Smart display when idle | StandBy clocks, weather, calendar, AirPlay music, Hey Mac | No |
The receiver requirement
TargetBridge's README says the receiver needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later on an Intel iMac. Apple supports macOS 14 on the 2019 and 2020 iMacs. Older iMacs need OpenCore Legacy Patcher, which is unofficial, or a compiled older build, which the project tracks but hasn't finished. So for a 2009 to 2017 iMac on its own macOS, Encore is the workable option.
If you can run it
On a 2019 or 2020 iMac with a Thunderbolt cable, TargetBridge is a real option at no cost. The maintainer recommends the 5K 48 fps profile for daily use, and marks 5K 60 fps as experimental. If 5K matters most to you and you are comfortable with an unsigned, community project, try it first. Its README notes that new feature work is currently paused, and that some features need Accessibility and Input Monitoring permissions on both machines.
Where Encore is weaker
Encore sends Retina iMacs at up to 2560 x 1440 and is not free after the public beta. If you have a 2019 or 2020 iMac, free 5K over Thunderbolt may be worth your time. For everything else, see compatibility, the cable guide and the help center.
Facts on this page were checked on 9 November 2026 on the linked pages. Speeds are each maker's own figures, not independent measurements. Something out of date? Tell us and we fix it.
Questions
Is TargetBridge free?
Yes. It is open source under the MIT licence, with no subscription or dongle.
Which iMacs can use TargetBridge?
Its README requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later on an Intel iMac, which Apple supports on the 2019 and 2020 iMacs. Older iMacs need unofficial patches or a source build that isn't finished.
Does TargetBridge do 5K?
It has stream profiles up to 5120 x 2880, with 5K 48 fps recommended and 5K 60 fps marked experimental, over a Thunderbolt link.
Why is TargetBridge flagged by macOS?
Its apps are unsigned, so macOS may report them as damaged until you clear the quarantine flag with Terminal, per its README.