Keeping a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air running smoothly often requires more insight than macOS’s built-in tools provide. While Activity Monitor shows basic system data, many users want clearer visuals with real-time alerts and menu bar stats, and even cleanup tools.
That’s why more people are searching for a reliable Mac Activity Monitor alternative that delivers better monitoring, control, and performance optimization in 2025.
Before choosing an alternative, it helps to understand what Activity Monitor does and where it falls short.
Activity Monitor is macOS’s built-in system monitoring utility. It allows users to view real-time information about CPU usage, memory consumption, disk activity, network traffic, and running processes. For basic troubleshooting, such as force-quitting frozen apps, it works well and requires no additional software.
However, Activity Monitor is designed for technical transparency rather than usability. It shows raw data without interpretation, recommendations, or performance optimization features.
Many users eventually outgrow Activity Monitor due to several limitations:
These gaps explain why a more advanced Mac Activity Monitor alternative is often the better long-term solution.
Let's have a quick overview of the best alternatives to Mac Activity Monitor:
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If you are looking for the best Mac activity monitor alternative options for your computer, here are the top 7 options you can try:
Stats is a popular open-source utility that displays essential system metrics directly in the macOS menu bar. It focuses on simplicity and transparency, making it ideal for users who want lightweight, real-time monitoring without clutter or advanced configuration.
Best for: Casual users who want basic system stats
Rating: 4.4/5
Key Features:
Pros
Cons
iStat Menus is a professional-grade monitoring tool offering deep insights into nearly every Mac hardware component. It’s widely used by power users, developers, and IT professionals who need granular data and customizable alerts.
Best for: Advanced users and professionals
Rating: 4.6/5
Key Features:
Pros
Cons
Tenorshare Cleamio goes beyond monitoring by combining system status tracking with one-click performance optimization. Unlike traditional Activity Monitor alternatives, Cleamio not only shows CPU and memory usage but also actively helps you free resources instantly.
Best for: Users who want monitoring and performance improvement
Rating: 4.8/5
Key Features:
Pros
Cons
TG Pro is a specialized utility focused on thermal management. It provides accurate temperature readings and manual fan control to prevent overheating, especially useful for Intel-based Macs and heavy workloads.
Best for: Thermal control and overheating prevention
Rating: 4.5/5
Key Features:
Pros
Cons
Sensei offers a balance between monitoring and optimization, presenting system health insights in a modern interface. It includes storage analysis and limited cleanup tools alongside performance monitoring.
Best for: Intermediate users
Rating: 4.3/5
Key Features:
Pros
Cons
Macs Fan Control is a focused utility designed to let users manually control Mac fan speeds. It’s lightweight, effective, and widely used to manage heat during heavy workloads.
Best for: Fan and temperature control
Rating: 4.4/5
Key Features:
Pros
Cons
eul is a minimalist, open-source system monitor that lives entirely in the menu bar. It focuses on speed, simplicity, and transparency without unnecessary extras.
Best for: Minimalist users
Rating: 4.2/5
Key Features:
Pros
Cons
If your goal is not just to observe performance but to improve it, Tenorshare Cleamio offers the most streamlined solution.
Open Cleamio Mac Status Center by clicking its menu bar icon and check the status of your Mac performance (CPU, Memory, Trash, Disk space usage analysis, startup items, network speed, etc.).
2. Take CPU and Memory for example: Monitor your RAM and CPU usage and click the "Remove" button against processes to remove them and boost your Mac's performance.
Similarly, you can monitor Trash, Disk Usage, and Memory with its clean interface and remove/uninstall any unwanted app/file from your Mac to boost its performance.
This approach removes the need to interpret raw Activity Monitor data or manually close apps one by one.
iOS doesn’t support system-level monitoring like macOS, but apps like iStat can remotely display Mac stats.
Simply quit the Activity Monitor app; it doesn’t affect system processes.
Look for unfamiliar processes with high CPU usage, but dedicated security tools are more reliable.
Use sorting and filters, though third-party tools provide better usability.
Swap indicates disk space used as virtual memory when RAM is insufficient.
Open Activity Monitor using Spotlight or in Applications, then check performance stats.
While macOS Activity Monitor provides basic insights, it lacks usability and performance optimization features. A modern Mac Activity Monitor alternative can offer clearer visuals, real-time alerts, and even system cleanup.
Among all options in 2026, Tenorshare Cleamio stands out by combining monitoring with one-click performance boosting. Hence, making it the most practical choice for everyday Mac users who want speed, simplicity, and stability.
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Cleamio
All-in-One Mac Cleaner & Optimizer
Cleamio: All-in-One Mac Cleaner & Optimizer
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No.1 Mac Cleaner & Optimizer
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2026-02-08 / Mac Optimization