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Core Temp alternatives

As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded Core Temp alternative is HWiNFO (3.0 GPA). It's also the best free one.

Core Temp compared with 5 alternatives: HWiNFO, CPU-Z, SpeedFan, Fan Control and iStat Menus.

Core Temp has a free plan. Paid plans start at $25 per machine (commercial license). 4 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.

Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from

Black Friday: is there a Core Temp sale?

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
Core TempThis toolFree plan · from $25YesWindows
HWiNFOFreeFreeWindows
CPU-ZFreeFreeWindows
SpeedFanFreeFreeWindows
Fan ControlFreeFreeWindows
iStat MenusFree trial · from $11.99 one-timeTrial onlymacOS

How each one differs from Core Temp

  1. HWiNFO

    Windows hardware information and real-time sensor monitoring

    • HWiNFO is free.

    Suits: Checking temperatures and loads on a PC while it runs

    HWiNFO vs Core TempHWiNFO pricing and details

  2. CPU-Z

    Free Windows tool that lists CPU, mainboard and memory details

    • CPU-Z is free.

    Suits: Identifying exactly which CPU, board and RAM a PC has

    CPU-Z vs Core TempCPU-Z pricing and details

  3. SpeedFan

    Free Windows monitor for temperatures, fan speeds and voltages

    • SpeedFan is free.
    • SpeedFan also covers workflow automation.
    • SpeedFan does not cover reports, which Core Temp does.

    Suits: Older Windows PCs with supported monitor chips

    SpeedFan vs Core TempSpeedFan pricing and details

  4. Fan Control

    Free fan curve controller for Windows PCs

    • Fan Control is free.
    • Fan Control also covers workflow automation.
    • Fan Control does not cover reports, which Core Temp does.

    Suits: Windows builders who want to tune fan noise against temperature

    Fan Control vs Core TempFan Control pricing and details

  5. iStat Menus

    System monitor that lives in the Mac menu bar

    • iStat Menus starts at $11.99 one-time purchase (Single License), plus local taxes.
    • iStat Menus has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Core Temp.
    • iStat Menus also lists a macOS app.
    • iStat Menus lists no Windows app, which Core Temp has.
    • iStat Menus can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Mac users who want CPU, memory, network and temperature readings always visible

    iStat Menus vs Core TempiStat Menus pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Core Temp

  • Windows only, on x86 Intel, AMD or VIA processors.
  • It reports processor data only; it does not control fans.
  • Companies need a commercial license, one per physical machine, ordered by email.
Core Temp pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Core Temp?

The alternatives to Core Temp in this directory are HWiNFO, CPU-Z, SpeedFan, Fan Control and iStat Menus. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Core Temp.

Is there a free alternative to Core Temp?

Yes. HWiNFO, CPU-Z, SpeedFan and Fan Control are free to use.

Which Core Temp alternatives work on macOS?

The Core Temp listing does not include a macOS app. iStat Menus lists one.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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