Skip to content
ToolGPA

Alternatives · Utilities

KeepingYouAwake alternatives

KeepingYouAwake compared with 3 alternatives: Microsoft PowerToys, AlDente and Hammerspoon.

KeepingYouAwake is free to use. All 3 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

3 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
KeepingYouAwakeThis toolFreeFreemacOS
Microsoft PowerToysFreeFreeWindows
AlDenteFree plan · from $13.99/yrYesmacOS
HammerspoonFreeFreemacOS

How each one differs from KeepingYouAwake

  1. Microsoft PowerToys

    Free Microsoft utilities for customizing Windows 10 and 11

    • Microsoft PowerToys is free. KeepingYouAwake is free.
    • Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
    • Only KeepingYouAwake lists a macOS app.
    • Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, window management, file management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
    • KeepingYouAwake also covers menu bar app.

    Suits: Windows users who want window layouts, a launcher and key remapping from one free install

    Microsoft PowerToys vs KeepingYouAwakeMicrosoft PowerToys pricing and details

  2. AlDente

    Charge limiter and battery care app for MacBooks

    • AlDente starts at $13.99 / year, or $24.99 one-time for a lifetime license. KeepingYouAwake is free.
    • AlDente can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • KeepingYouAwake is open source, according to its own site.
    • AlDente also covers system monitor.

    Suits: MacBook owners who keep the laptop plugged in most of the day

    AlDente vs KeepingYouAwakeAlDente pricing and details

  3. Hammerspoon

    Free, open-source macOS automation scripted in Lua

    • Hammerspoon is free. KeepingYouAwake is free.
    • Hammerspoon also covers workflow automation and window management.
    • KeepingYouAwake also covers menu bar app.

    Suits: Mac users comfortable writing Lua who want to script their own automation

    Hammerspoon vs KeepingYouAwakeHammerspoon pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in KeepingYouAwake

  • macOS only. Version 1.6.8 supports macOS 10.13 and newer, and the changelog says the next release, 1.6.9, raises the minimum to macOS 12.
  • It does not keep a MacBook awake with the lid closed: it works on desktop Macs and on portable Macs with an open lid.
  • It only prevents sleep, by wrapping Apple's caffeinate tool; the developer says it is provided with no guarantee and used at your own risk.
KeepingYouAwake pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to KeepingYouAwake?

The alternatives to KeepingYouAwake in this directory are Microsoft PowerToys, AlDente and Hammerspoon. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with KeepingYouAwake.

Is there a free alternative to KeepingYouAwake?

Yes. Microsoft PowerToys and Hammerspoon are free to use. AlDente has a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which KeepingYouAwake alternatives work on Windows?

The KeepingYouAwake listing does not include a Windows app. Microsoft PowerToys lists one.

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.

Keep reading

  • +2
    Best of

    The best Mac utilities in 2026

    Six utilities that make a Mac quicker to work on: two launchers, a window manager, a clipboard manager, a text expander and a subscription that bundles hundreds of apps. Each pick says what it does, what it costs and where else it runs.

    6 tools · Updated October 2026