Real-time monitoring of fan speeds and temperatures on Mac

Macs Fan Control

Macs Fan Control

  -  22.5 MB  -  Freeware
  • Latest Version

    Macs Fan Control 1.5.17 LATEST

  • Review by

    Michael Reynolds

  • Operating System

    macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    CrystalIDEA Software / External Link

  • Filename

    macsfancontrol.zip

  • MD5 Checksum

    1f404cdaeca15db22977fb9053d1c9fd

Macs Fan Control is a lightweight but powerful system utility designed from the ground up to provide users with all technical knowledge levels with a streamlined way to monitor and control fan speeds and temperature settings on Mac computers.

With a simple-to-use dashboard and an easy way to control functions of all detected system fans, this tool can be used not only to manage active noise levels during daily Mac operations but also serve as an important diagnostic tool that can detect hardware issues and prevent central processing component of potential overheating.

In addition to real-time monitoring and direct fan control, advanced users can even create fan presets that can switch cooling modes between various daily operations.

The app is available as a free download, with an optional Pro version that offers additional features for power users.

Key Features
  • Real-time fan monitoring – Easily gain an overview of the fan speed and all accessible temperature sensors.
  • Complete control over cooling – Manually tasks fans to work faster or slower.
  • Customizable fan presets – Create and easily activate fan presets for different activities.
  • Comprehensive sensor compatibility – Access sensor data from all modern hardware accessories, including NVMe storage drives.
  • Streamlined user interface – Complete fan management inside one simple-to-use dashboard.
  • Wide OS compatibility – Optimized for all modern versions of Mac computers (both Intel and M1+), with an optional Windows version for BootCamp use.
  • Available worldwide – Fully translated into more than 30 international languages.
Installation and Setup

To install this app on any modern Mac, simply download the installer from the official website, the Mac App Store, or the secure FileHorse servers. Ensure that your Mac's security settings allow apps from the App Store and identified developers.

Once installed, the app can be launched and configured according to your preferences.

How to Use

After the first startup, the app automatically works in its default “Auto” mode where all detected system fans are still under full control by the official macOS background service.

However, users can easily take control over the functioning of any fan and see real-time changes in the data sent by temperature sensors.

Advanced users can even create custom fan presets that can take control over all detected fans and switch them into a specific work mode (reliable fan speed for daily productivity, quiet nighttime use, fast-moving air during gaming, and more).

User Interface

The app features a clean and intuitive interface, with options for controlling fan speed and temperature settings neatly showcased inside a single dashboard window.

It also provides real-time monitoring of fan speed and temperature sensors, allowing anyone to quickly identify and address any issues.

In addition to the listing of all the detected fans (with their accompanying names, Min/Current/Max speeds, and current active Auto/Custom presets), the app also has a standalone temperature module that shows heat data from all sensors located inside the CPU, GPU, motherboard, storage drives, and other components.

The premium version of the app unlocks access to fan presets, which can be easily accessed from inside the app.

FAQ

What is Macs Fan Control?
It is a highly useful application designed to monitor and control fan speed and temperature settings on Mac computers.

Is it safe?
Yes. This lightweight app is very safe to use.

Alternatives

smcFanControl – A versatile temperature and fan speed monitoring tool for Intel-based Mac computers.

TG Pro – A feature-rich utility for monitoring that provides early detection of failed fans and overheating components.

iStatMenus – A powerful Mac monitoring software with a wide array of useful tools, including temperature monitoring and fan control.

Pricing
  • Free Plan: A generous basic version of the app offers unrestricted access to all detected fans and temperature sensors, with the option to force custom fan speeds.
  • Pro License: $14.95 lifetime license unlocks access to custom fan presets, priority customer support, and all future software updates.
  • Pro License for macOS & Windows: $24.95 for an additional license to use this app in the Boot Camp/Windows environment.
System Requirements

The latest version of this lightweight app is optimized for macOS 10.13 High Sierra. However, users on older systems are free to download previous versions of this app.

PROS
  • Advanced fan control and monitoring capabilities.
  • Automatic detection of all system fans and temperature sensors.
  • Support for NVMe drives.
  • Customizable fan presets.
  • No-nonsense user interface.
CONS
  • Fan presets are only available in the premium version of the app.
Conclusion

Macs Fan Control is a versatile and powerful app that offers advanced fan control and monitoring capabilities for Mac users. Its customizable presets and support for NVMe drives make it a valuable tool for optimizing Mac performance and maintaining a comfortable working environment.

While it is highly usable in its generous free mode, full control over all available system fans is only possible with the purchase of a premium license.

Note: While the software is classified as free, it is actually donationware. Please consider making a donation to help support development.

  • Macs Fan Control 1.5.17 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Macs Fan Control 1.5.17 Screenshot 1

What's new in this version:

New:
- M3 and M4 (including Pro/Max) chips temperature sensors support

Improved:
- Limited fan control warning on M3(M4) Pro/Max macbooks
- Exclude Thunderbolt drives
- Multi monitor setup - correctly open Macs Fan Control window

Fixed:
- eGPU connected via Thunderbolt not being detected on MacBookAir8,2
- initial thread crash and as result empty window
- update check doesn't work on macOS 10.7
- failed to connect to its helper tool warning message