The Macs Fan Control Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Macs Fan Control in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Macs Fan Control
The Insider’s Guide
Free Mac fan monitor with custom speeds and presets in Pro
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among desktop utilities, read from Macs Fan Control’s own pages.
Made by CrystalIDEA · checked Nov 12, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Macs Fan Control’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Macs Fan Control’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 12, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.6
GPA, above 69 of the 186 other desktop utilities we grade
Macs Fan Control shows fan speeds and temperature sensors on Apple computers, including third-party drives read through S.M.A.R.T. The free app lets you set fan speeds, and the Pro license adds custom fan presets and priority support.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about Macs Fan Control, taken from its own pages and our grades.
The vendor calls it a tool for advanced users, and setting fan speeds wrongly can cause trouble.
- 1
Best for watching and setting fan speeds on a Mac
Macs Fan Control shows fan speeds and temperatures and lets you set an RPM or tie a fan to a sensor, free.
- 2
What it costs
Paid plans start at $14.95 one-time, per Mac.
- 3
There is a free plan
Free download that monitors fan speeds and temperatures, sets custom RPM values or sensor-based fan control, and shows readings in the menu bar. Custom fan presets are Pro.
- 4
It runs on 2 platforms
macOS and Windows.
- 5
Fan speed and temperature monitoring
Lists every fan and temperature sensor in two tables, including third-party HDDs and SSDs read through S.M.A.R.T.
- 6
Custom RPM or sensor-based control
Set a fixed RPM value, or tie a fan to a chosen sensor such as a drive or the CPU.
- 7
Fan presets
Save named fan configurations and switch between them by activity. Custom presets are a Pro feature.
- 8
A 2.6 GPA, above 69 of 186
That is against the other desktop utilities we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Keep it
Nothing Macs Fan Control does is plain enough to make in a weekend. The 3 things listed below take a company.
Macs Fan Control at a glance
- Pricing
- Free plan, from $14.95 one-time, per Mac
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows
- Made by
- CrystalIDEA
- Category
- Desktop Utilities
- Our grade
- 2.6 GPA, good
The report card
Best for watching and setting fan speeds on a Mac
Macs Fan Control shows fan speeds and temperatures and lets you set an RPM or tie a fan to a sensor, free. Custom presets need Pro at $14.95 a Mac, and the vendor says it is for advanced users and takes no liability for damage.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Pro is $14.95 once per Mac, under 60% of a year of what this category's middle subscription costs. |
| Free plan and trial | B | The free download monitors, sets custom RPM and sensor-based control and shows the menu bar. One person could live on it; presets are Pro. |
| Features | C | Monitors fans and sensors and controls them. It is a narrow job done fully, and presets and priority support are Pro. |
| Ease of use | C | No rating on record. The vendor calls it a tool for advanced users, and setting fan speeds wrongly can cause trouble. |
| Platforms and integrations | C | Mac, plus Windows through Boot Camp on Intel Macs, where the Windows build is a 14-day trial. Computers only. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Macs Fan Control is for
- Fits if an older MacBook or iMac runs hot or loud
- Works for Mac owners who need basic fan control at no cost
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you only want a readout, as the control side can do harm if misused
- Watch out: the vendor disclaims liability for damage caused by misuse
- Pricey if you own several Macs, as Pro is priced per computer
- Watch out: the Windows version works only through Boot Camp, and its download is a 14-day trial
Good to know
Good for
- Older MacBooks or iMacs that run hot or loud
- Mac owners who only need basic fan control at no cost
Worth knowing
- The Windows version works only on Windows installed through Boot Camp, and the Windows download is a 14-day trial, not a free app.
- Pro is priced per computer, so each additional Mac needs its own license.
- The vendor says the program is for advanced users and disclaims liability for damage caused by misuse.
- The buy page loads its prices through Paddle; the figures here are Paddle's US prices for the two listed licenses.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$14.95 one-time
To start. There is a free plan too
Macs Fan Control has a free plan. Paid plans start at $14.95 one-time, per Mac.
The free download monitors, sets custom RPM and sensor-based control and shows the menu bar.
Free
$0
Fan and sensor monitoring with manual or sensor-based fan control on macOS.
Pro License for macOS
$14.95
one-time, per Mac
Adds custom fan presets and priority support. Priced per computer, with volume discounts for 2 or more.
Pro License for macOS & Windows
$24.95
one-time, per Mac
Pro for macOS plus fan control on Windows installed through Boot Camp on Intel Macs.
The free plan
Free download that monitors fan speeds and temperatures, sets custom RPM values or sensor-based fan control, and shows readings in the menu bar. Custom fan presets are Pro.
Read from crystalidea.com on Nov 12, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
2
Places it runs: macOS and Windows
Free Mac fan monitor with custom speeds and presets in Pro. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: one-time purchase, menu bar app, system monitor.
Monitors fans and sensors and controls them.
- Fan speed and temperature monitoring
- Lists every fan and temperature sensor in two tables, including third-party HDDs and SSDs read through S.M.A.R.T.
- Custom RPM or sensor-based control
- Set a fixed RPM value, or tie a fan to a chosen sensor such as a drive or the CPU.
- Fan presets
- Save named fan configurations and switch between them by activity. Custom presets are a Pro feature.
- Menu bar display
- Choose which fan speeds and sensor temperatures appear in the menu bar, or in the tray on Windows.
- Windows via Boot Camp
- A separate Windows build controls fans on Macs running Windows through Boot Camp, including T2 models.
- Automatic restore on quit
- When the app quits it puts every fan back under the system's automatic control.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
Macs Fan Control is made by CrystalIDEA.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
69/186
Other desktop utilities it is graded above
Macs Fan Control's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 69 of the 186 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 46.
It stands best on value for money (A, above 55 of 186) and worst on features (C, above 2).
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 187 desktop utilities we grade, cut by the letter each got. Macs Fan Control’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 55 of 186
- BFree plan and trialAbove 75 of 186
- CFeaturesAbove 2 of 186
- CEase of useAbove 5 of 186
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 111 of 186
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
Nothing Macs Fan Control does is plain enough to make in a weekend. The 3 things listed below take a company.
It costs $14.95, paid once.
What you could not
- Readings from inside the operating system.
- A native app living in the menu bar.
- A real app for macOS and Windows. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. Macs Fan Control’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
TG Pro, iStat Menus and Stats
The 3 tools Macs Fan Control is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.4GPA
TG Pro
Free trial · from $10 one-time
Mac temperature monitor with manual and automatic fan control.
- Macs Fan Control has a free plan. TG Pro does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Macs Fan Control lists a Windows app.
- 2.4GPA
iStat Menus
Free trial · from $11.99 one-time
System monitor that lives in the Mac menu bar.
- Macs Fan Control has a free plan. iStat Menus does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Macs Fan Control lists a Windows app.
- 2.8GPA
Stats
Free
Free, open-source system monitor for the Mac menu bar.
- Only Macs Fan Control lists a Windows app.
- Macs Fan Control can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Stats is open source, according to its own site.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
10
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Macs Fan Control free?
Macs Fan Control has a free plan. Free download that monitors fan speeds and temperatures, sets custom RPM values or sensor-based fan control, and shows readings in the menu bar.
How much does Macs Fan Control cost?
Macs Fan Control lists 3 plans. Free: $0.
What platforms does Macs Fan Control work on?
Macs Fan Control is available on macOS and Windows.
Does Macs Fan Control have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. Macs Fan Control is listed for macOS and Windows.
Does Macs Fan Control have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. Macs Fan Control is listed for macOS and Windows.
Is Macs Fan Control open source?
Macs Fan Control is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Nov 12, 2026.
Who makes Macs Fan Control?
Macs Fan Control is made by CrystalIDEA.
What are the alternatives to Macs Fan Control?
The closest alternatives to Macs Fan Control in our directory are TG Pro, iStat Menus and Stats.
How does Macs Fan Control compare with other desktop utilities?
Macs Fan Control's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 69 of the 186 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 46.
Could I make my own version of Macs Fan Control?
Nothing Macs Fan Control does is plain enough to make in a weekend. The 3 things listed below take a company.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Macs Fan Control’s own pages on Nov 12, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 12, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from CrystalIDEA's own pages on 12 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by CrystalIDEA. Prices change, so check crystalidea.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Macs Fan Control, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/macs-fan-control
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Macs Fan Control: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 12, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/macs-fan-control
Know someone choosing between desktop utilities?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/macs-fan-control/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded desktop utilities after Macs Fan Control, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Desktop Utilities Insider's GuideEvery one of the 187 desktop utilities we grade, compared
- Just Color Picker Insider's GuideFree portable color picker and editor for Windows and macOS3.2 GPA
- LocalSend Insider's GuideOpen-source file sharing between nearby devices, no cloud3.2 GPA
- Mos Insider's GuideFree Mac menu bar utility for smooth mouse wheel scrolling3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Macs Fan Control’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Macs Fan Control is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by CrystalIDEA. Prices and plans change: check crystalidea.com before you buy.