Side by side
Bartender vs Macs Fan Control
Both stand on menu bar apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial Mac
Choose Bartender if you want to shape what appears in the macOS menu bar and control it through profiles, search, and automation. Look elsewhere if you need a free plan or need Bartender 7 support on macOS 26 Tahoe now.
Visit Bartender Free plan MacWindows
Choose Macs Fan Control for Mac fan and sensor monitoring, with fan adjustment options on macOS and an automatic return to Auto when the app quits. Look elsewhere if you need Windows fan control outside the stated Boot Camp setup or want Pro without a one-time purchase.
Visit Macs Fan ControlThe facts
| Bartender | Macs Fan Control | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Bartender Pro: $19.99 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Macs Fan Control |
| Website | macbartender.com | crystalidea.com |
| On menu bar apps | #12 of 23 | #8 of 23 |
Bartender: what it does well
- Hide, rearrange, and group menu bar items.
- Switch profiles by hotkey, trigger, or display setup.
- Create custom items from data sources or scripts.
- Automate with Shortcuts, AppleScript, hotkeys, Siri, and triggers.
- Bartender 7 works without Screen Recording permission.
What to know first
- Paid software with no free plan.
- Bartender 7 is built for macOS 27 Golden Gate.
- Bartender 7 support for macOS 26 Tahoe is pending.
Macs Fan Control: what it does well
- Monitors fan speeds and temperature sensors, including third-party drives through S.M.A.R.T.
- Works on Macs with Apple Silicon.
- Supports fixed-speed or temperature-sensor-based fan control on macOS.
- Restores fans to Auto when the app quits.
- Menu bar can show fan speed and sensor temperature.
What to know first
- Windows fan control is for Windows installed through Boot Camp on Intel-based Macs.
- Custom fan presets are included with Pro, not the listed Free plan.
Alternatives to Bartender Alternatives to Macs Fan Control The whole list