Alternatives · Utilities
iStat Menus alternatives
iStat Menus compared with 4 alternatives: Stats, SwiftBar, CleanMyMac and AlDente.
iStat Menus is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $11.99 one-time purchase (Single License), plus local taxes. 3 of the 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
4 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| iStat MenusThis tool | Free trial · from $11.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Stats | Free | Free | macOS |
| SwiftBar | Free | Free | macOS |
| CleanMyMac | Free trial · from $39.99/yr | Trial only | macOS |
| AlDente | Free plan · from $13.99/yr | Yes | macOS |
How each one differs from iStat Menus
- Free
Stats
Free, open-source system monitor for the Mac menu bar
- Stats is free. iStat Menus starts at $11.99 one-time purchase (Single License), plus local taxes.
- Stats has a free plan. iStat Menus does not, though it has a free trial.
- Stats is open source, according to its own site.
- iStat Menus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Mac users who want system readings in the menu bar without buying a license
- Free
SwiftBar
Open-source tool that puts script output in the Mac menu bar
- SwiftBar is free. iStat Menus starts at $11.99 one-time purchase (Single License), plus local taxes.
- SwiftBar has a free plan. iStat Menus does not, though it has a free trial.
- SwiftBar is open source, according to its own site.
- iStat Menus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- iStat Menus also covers system monitor.
Suits: Mac users comfortable writing shell, Python or other scripts
- Free trial · from $39.99/yr
CleanMyMac
Mac cleanup, malware removal and maintenance in one app
- CleanMyMac starts at $39.99 / year on the US Mac App Store (MacPaw's site: from $3.33 / month). iStat Menus starts at $11.99 one-time purchase (Single License), plus local taxes.
- CleanMyMac also covers disk cleanup.
Suits: Mac owners who want cleanup, malware scanning and app removal in one app
- Free plan · from $13.99/yr
AlDente
Charge limiter and battery care app for MacBooks
- AlDente starts at $13.99 / year, or $24.99 one-time for a lifetime license. iStat Menus starts at $11.99 one-time purchase (Single License), plus local taxes.
- AlDente has a free plan. iStat Menus does not, though it has a free trial.
Suits: MacBook owners who keep the laptop plugged in most of the day
Limits worth knowing in iStat Menus
- macOS only. The version on the vendor's site requires macOS 11 or later; the Mac App Store listing requires macOS 14.
- Weather data is included for 6 months, after which the direct version needs a paid data pack and the App Store edition a subscription.
- A license covers only the current major release; iStat Menus 6 owners pay an upgrade price for version 7.
- The pricing panel shows local-currency prices by visitor location, with local taxes on top.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to iStat Menus?
The alternatives to iStat Menus in this directory are Stats, SwiftBar, CleanMyMac and AlDente. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with iStat Menus.
Is there a free alternative to iStat Menus?
Yes. Stats and SwiftBar are free to use. AlDente has a free plan alongside paid ones.
Is there an open-source alternative to iStat Menus?
Stats and SwiftBar are described as open source on their own sites.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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