Is AlDente better than Apple's built-in 'Optimized Battery Charging'?

For users who regularly keep their MacBook plugged in or have unpredictable charging habits, AlDente generally offers superior control compared to Apple's 'Optimized Battery Charging.' Apple's feature uses machine learning to learn your daily charging routine and aims to slow down charging past 80%. However, it can be inconsistent and often still charges to 100% at unexpected times. AlDente provides direct, manual control over the maximum charge percentage, ensuring your battery never exceeds your set limit unless you explicitly enable a 'Top Up'. This predictability makes AlDente a preferred choice for proactive battery management.

Is AlDente safe to use and compatible with my MacBook?

AlDente is considered safe to use and is notarized by Apple, meaning it has been checked for malicious components. It does not make irreversible system-level changes, and you can uninstall it easily. AlDente is compatible with a wide range of MacBooks running macOS 11 Big Sur or later, including models with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 chips). The developers consistently update the app to ensure compatibility with the latest macOS versions, such as macOS 26 Tahoe. Always download from the official website or Homebrew to ensure you have a legitimate and safe version.

What's the difference between the free and Pro versions?

The free version of AlDente provides essential battery health features: the 'Charge Limiter' to set a maximum charging percentage and the 'Discharge' feature to lower battery charge while plugged in. AlDente Pro unlocks a comprehensive suite of advanced features designed for more granular control and protection. These include 'Heat Protection,' 'Sailing Mode,' 'Calibration Mode,' 'Automatic Discharge,' 'Top Up' for temporary 100% charging, 'Control MagSafe LED,' 'Apple Shortcuts Support,' and more detailed live status icons and power flow insights. The Pro version offers a complete battery management experience.

How do I perform a battery calibration using AlDente?

For optimal battery health and accurate percentage reporting, regular calibration is important. AlDente Pro's 'Calibration Mode' automates this process. You can enable it within the Pro settings. When activated, AlDente will guide your MacBook through a full charge-discharge cycle, typically charging to 100%, then discharging to a low percentage (e.g., 15%), and finally recharging to your set limit. This helps recalibrate the battery's internal management system, ensuring that macOS provides accurate battery health and percentage readings, which can become disturbed if the battery is always kept within a narrow charge range.

Can I use AlDente if I frequently unplug my MacBook?

Yes, you can still use AlDente even if you frequently unplug your MacBook, though its primary benefits are realized when your device is often connected to power. For users with dynamic usage patterns, AlDente still allows you to set a healthier charge limit when you *are* plugged in, preventing unnecessary stress on the battery during those times. Features like 'Top Up' (Pro version) allow you to quickly charge to 100% before unplugging for extended portable use. While macOS's native optimization might be sufficient for those rarely plugged in, AlDente offers more predictable and consistent protection when it matters.

What does 'Sailing Mode' do and when should I use it?

Sailing Mode, a Pro feature, is designed for users who keep their MacBook plugged in almost constantly. Normally, even at a set charge limit, the battery might fluctuate slightly, leading to frequent micro-charging cycles. Sailing Mode allows the battery to 'sail' within a small, predefined range (e.g., 70-80%). Once the upper limit is reached, AlDente lets the battery slowly discharge to the lower limit (while still powered by the adapter) before recharging. This reduces the number of small charge/discharge cycles, minimizing wear and tear and promoting a more stable battery state over long periods of being plugged in.

How often should I calibrate my MacBook battery?

The need for battery calibration is less frequent with modern lithium-ion batteries and advanced macOS battery management than it once was, but it's still beneficial periodically. Experts suggest performing a full charge cycle (calibration) at least once a month to prevent 'disturbed calibration' and ensure accurate battery readings. AlDente Pro's automated 'Calibration Mode' makes this process effortless, allowing the app to manage the necessary charge and discharge cycles for you. This helps to maintain the battery's internal fuel gauge and overall health.

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AlDente

Name: AlDente
Availability: InStock

Menu bar tool to limit maximum charging percentage

System UtilitiesFree

AlDente screenshot — AlDente — Official Website

Quick Take: AlDente

4.5

AlDente is an indispensable utility for any MacBook owner concerned about long-term battery health. Its precise charge limiting and comprehensive suite of Pro features like Heat Protection, Sailing Mode, and Calibration Mode go far beyond Apple's built-in optimization, offering granular control that genuinely extends battery lifespan. While the free version provides core functionality, the Pro subscription or lifetime purchase is a worthwhile investment for the peace of mind and advanced protective measures it offers. Despite occasional minor bugs reported by some users, its consistent updates and strong feature set make it a top-tier battery management solution for macOS.

Best For

•MacBook users who primarily use their device plugged in.
•Professionals who demand maximum longevity from their hardware.
•Individuals seeking more precise and reliable battery management than native macOS features.

Install with Homebrew

brew install --cask aldente

What is AlDente?

AlDente is a highly regarded macOS menu bar utility designed to significantly prolong the lifespan and maintain the health of your MacBook's lithium-ion battery. Developed by AppHouseKitchen, its core function is to allow users to set a custom maximum charging percentage, typically recommended between 20% and 80%, preventing the battery from consistently charging to 100% and reducing the stress associated with high voltage states. While macOS offers 'Optimized Battery Charging,' AlDente provides far more granular and reliable control, which is particularly beneficial for users who frequently keep their MacBooks plugged in. Since its inception, AlDente has grown to address various aspects of battery care, evolving from a simple charge limiter to a comprehensive suite of features available in its Pro version, including heat protection, calibration, and smart discharge options. In 2026, with MacBooks becoming central to both professional and personal computing, maintaining battery health is paramount for longevity and resale value, making AlDente an essential tool for power users, remote workers, and anyone looking to maximize their device's lifespan. Its continued development, including support for the latest macOS versions like 'Tahoe' (macOS 26), ensures its relevance and effectiveness in the current technological landscape.

Key Features

Charge Limiter

The fundamental feature of AlDente, the Charge Limiter, allows users to precisely define the maximum battery percentage their MacBook will charge to. Instead of constantly reaching 100%, which can accelerate battery degradation, users can set a healthier threshold, such as 80%. For example, if a user primarily uses their MacBook as a desktop replacement, keeping it plugged in for extended periods, they can set AlDente to stop charging at 75%. The Mac will then run directly off the power adapter without engaging the battery further until the charge naturally drops below this threshold. This prevents the battery from enduring prolonged periods at high voltage, a major contributor to wear.

Heat Protection

Heat is a significant enemy of battery longevity. AlDente Pro's Heat Protection feature automatically pauses charging when the MacBook's battery temperature exceeds a user-defined threshold. For instance, if a user is running resource-intensive applications like video editing software or compiling large codebases, the MacBook's internal temperature can rise considerably. With Heat Protection enabled and set to, say, 40°C, AlDente will temporarily halt charging once this temperature is reached, allowing the battery to cool down before resuming the charging process. This proactive thermal management significantly mitigates the stress on the battery, extending its operational life.

Sailing Mode

Even with a charge limit, batteries can experience micro-cycles as they fluctuate slightly around the set percentage. AlDente Pro's Sailing Mode addresses this by allowing the battery to 'sail' within a specified range (e.g., 70-80%). Once the upper limit is reached, AlDente enables the MacBook to run solely on battery power (even while plugged in) until it naturally discharges to the lower limit of the sailing range. At that point, it resumes charging to the upper limit. This reduces frequent, small charge/discharge cycles, offering a gentler management approach for users who keep their MacBook perpetually connected to power, promoting overall battery stability and health.

Calibration Mode

Lithium-ion batteries require occasional full charge/discharge cycles to maintain accurate battery percentage reporting and optimal calibration. Constantly keeping a battery within a narrow mid-range without full cycles can lead to calibration issues. AlDente Pro's Calibration Mode automates this process. When activated, it will perform a controlled charge-discharge cycle, typically taking the battery from a low percentage (e.g., 15%) to 100%, then allowing it to discharge to a lower healthy level again. This ensures the battery management system remains accurate and prevents the 'disturbed calibration' that can lead to incorrect percentage readings or premature servicing recommendations.

Discharge Feature

The Discharge feature (available in both free and Pro versions, with Automatic Discharge in Pro) empowers users to actively lower their MacBook's battery percentage even when it's plugged in. This is particularly useful if a user accidentally charges their MacBook above their desired limit or wants to bring the battery down to a healthier storage level without unplugging the device. When activated, AlDente simulates an unplugged state, causing the MacBook to run solely on battery power until the target percentage is reached. The Pro version adds 'Automatic Discharge,' which intelligently triggers this process when the current charge exceeds the set limit, providing hands-off battery management.

Who Should Use AlDente?

1The Dedicated Desk Worker

Meet Sarah, a software developer who uses her MacBook Pro M3 primarily as a desktop machine, connected to a Thunderbolt dock with external monitors and peripherals for 8-10 hours daily. She rarely disconnects it. Before AlDente, her battery consistently stayed at 100%, leading to concerns about premature degradation, as her previous MacBook's battery health declined rapidly. With AlDente Pro, Sarah has set her maximum charge limit to 75% and enabled Heat Protection. Now, her MacBook's battery rarely exceeds 75%, even during intense coding sessions when the laptop runs warm, as AlDente automatically pauses charging if the temperature climbs too high. She's confident that her M3's battery will maintain optimal health for years, avoiding costly replacements and extending the device's overall lifespan.

2The Hybrid Professional

David is a consultant who splits his time between working from home (plugged in) and client sites (on battery). His charging patterns are irregular and unpredictable. Apple's 'Optimized Battery Charging' never seemed to learn his habits effectively, often charging to 100% right before he needed to leave. With AlDente Pro, David uses Sailing Mode, setting his battery to hover between 60-70% while plugged in. When he knows he'll be traveling, he activates the 'Top Up' feature, temporarily overriding the limit to achieve a full 100% charge for maximum portable use. This flexibility gives him peace of mind, knowing his battery is cared for during sedentary periods, yet always ready for demanding mobile days without manual unplugging and monitoring.

3The Eco-Conscious Student

Emily, a university student, is mindful of both her budget and environmental impact. She wants her MacBook Air M4 to last as long as possible to avoid unnecessary upgrades and reduce electronic waste. She installed the free version of AlDente to set a permanent charge limit of 80%. This simple change ensures her battery is not constantly stressed by full charges. She also occasionally uses the manual Discharge feature to bring her battery down if it creeps up, say, after a long study session where it was plugged in. By proactively managing her battery with AlDente, Emily is extending her MacBook's usability, delaying replacement, and aligning with her sustainability values, all without a subscription cost.

How to Install AlDente on Mac

Installing AlDente on your Mac is a straightforward process, with Homebrew offering the most convenient and recommended method for management and updates. Follow these steps to get AlDente up and running.

Install Homebrew

If you don't already have Homebrew, macOS's package manager, open your Terminal application (found in /Applications/Utilities) and paste the following command, then press Enter: /bin/bash -c '$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)' Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

Install AlDente

Once Homebrew is installed, return to your Terminal window and execute the following command to install AlDente: brew install --cask aldente This command will download and install the latest stable version of AlDente (currently 1.36.3 as of early 2026) directly into your Applications folder.

Verify Installation

After installation, navigate to your Applications folder in Finder and launch AlDente. You should see a pasta-shaped (Al Dente means 'to the tooth' in Italian, referring to pasta) icon appear in your macOS menu bar. Click this icon to open the AlDente interface. The initial setup might prompt you to install a helper tool and guide you through basic settings. Ensure you allow AlDente to run in the background in your macOS Login Items for continuous battery management.

Pro Tips

• Disable Apple's 'Optimized Battery Charging' in System Settings > Battery, as it can conflict with AlDente's precise control.
• Regularly check for updates via AlDente's preferences or `brew upgrade --cask aldente` to benefit from the latest features and bug fixes.
• Consider granting AlDente 'Full Disk Access' in Privacy & Security settings if you experience any issues with its helper tool or advanced features to ensure proper operation.

Configuration Tips

Set Your Optimal Charge Limit

The most crucial setting in AlDente is the charge limit percentage. Experts recommend keeping MacBook batteries between 20% and 80% for maximum longevity. Access AlDente from your menu bar and use the slider or input field to set your desired maximum. For example, setting it to 70% is ideal for users who mostly work plugged in, significantly reducing battery stress. Remember to allow a few moments for macOS to register the change after setting the limit.

Configure Heat Protection Threshold

To prevent heat-induced battery degradation, configure AlDente Pro's Heat Protection. Navigate to the Pro features within the app and set a temperature threshold (e.g., 40°C or 104°F). When your MacBook's battery reaches this temperature, AlDente will temporarily halt charging. This is especially useful during demanding tasks like gaming, video rendering, or intense development work, ensuring your battery stays cooler and healthier even under load.

Utilize Sailing Mode for Stable Usage

For users who keep their MacBook plugged in almost continuously, enabling Sailing Mode in AlDente Pro can further enhance battery health. Set an upper and lower percentage range, such as 75-80%. This mode allows the battery to gently discharge within this range before recharging, minimizing the constant 'topping off' cycles. This reduces wear and tear from micro-charging, providing a more stable and less stressful environment for your battery.

Alternatives to AlDente

While AlDente is a leading solution, several alternatives offer similar or complementary battery management functionalities for Mac users in 2026.

Battery Toolkit (by mhaeuser)

Battery Toolkit is a free and open-source alternative particularly favored by Apple Silicon MacBook users. It provides manual control to limit battery charge and has been noted for adhering to modern macOS standards. While it offers core charge limiting functionality similar to AlDente's free version, AlDente Pro typically provides a more extensive suite of advanced features like Heat Protection, Sailing Mode, and Calibration Mode, which Battery Toolkit may lack.

BatFi

BatFi is another popular battery management software designed exclusively for macOS, focusing on intelligent control to extend battery life. Users often appreciate its menu bar icon and visual representation of battery status. BatFi provides a clean interface and aims to manage charging states effectively. However, AlDente Pro often stands out with its more comprehensive feature set, including unique options like MagSafe LED control, Apple Shortcuts integration, and a more detailed Power Flow interface for granular insights.

Energiza Pro

Energiza Pro is positioned as an app to increase battery lifetime by giving users control over charging, especially for MacBooks used as desktop replacements. It focuses on preventing battery wear from being fully charged for extended periods. Compared to AlDente, Energiza Pro aims for similar goals but may offer a slightly different approach or a more limited feature set. AlDente's specific advanced features like Calibration Mode, Discharge in Clamshell Mode, and its robust Heat Protection often give it an edge for users seeking the most exhaustive battery management options.

Pricing

Freemium / Subscription / One-time

AlDente operates on a freemium model, offering a robust free version alongside a more feature-rich 'Pro' version. The free version includes the essential 'Charge Limiter' and 'Discharge' features, allowing users to set a maximum charging percentage and actively lower the battery charge while plugged in. For advanced functionalities, AlDente Pro is available through a subscription or a lifetime license. As of early 2026, a yearly subscription for AlDente Pro typically costs around €11.49 (or $12.99 USD, subject to exchange rates). A one-time 'Lifetime Licence' is available for approximately €23.99 (or $25-27 USD). Additionally, AlDente Pro is included as part of a Setapp subscription, which offers access to over 240 Mac apps for a monthly fee of $9.99. Students can also often find a 20% discount on AlDente Pro via the Student App Centre.

Pros

✓Significantly extends MacBook battery lifespan by preventing constant 100% charging.
✓Offers precise control over charging unlike Apple's sometimes inconsistent optimized charging.
✓Advanced Pro features like Heat Protection and Sailing Mode provide comprehensive battery care.
✓Includes a free version with essential charge limiting and discharge capabilities.
✓Supports the latest macOS versions and Apple Silicon Macs, with continuous updates.

Cons

✗The most advanced features are locked behind the paid Pro version or Setapp subscription.
✗Some users report occasional bugs or conflicts with macOS, especially after system updates.
✗Can be perceived as unnecessary by users who rarely keep their MacBook plugged in, as macOS's native optimization might suffice.
✗Requires a helper tool and persistent background processes, which might concern some privacy-conscious users.

Community & Support

AlDente offers a robust ecosystem for community engagement and support. The official AppHouseKitchen website provides a comprehensive Knowledge Base and an FAQ section, serving as the first point of contact for common queries regarding licensing, setup, and troubleshooting. For more in-depth discussions, bug reports, and feature requests, AlDente maintains an active GitHub community. While GitHub issues are primarily community-driven, it's a valuable resource for connecting with other users and developers. Paid AlDente Pro customers benefit from premium email support, ensuring direct assistance for more complex or personalized issues. Additionally, the AppHouseKitchen blog offers guides, tips, and updates, keeping users informed about best practices and new features.

Video Tutorials

Getting Started with AlDente

Sam.Alexander.Reviews95.3K views

This Mac App Will SAVE Your Battery Life🔋(AlDente)

Steven Lim • 32.9K views

AlDente Pro Review: The Best Way to Extend Your MacBook’s Battery Life!

SaaS Report • 16.6K views

Al Dente Mac App Review // The SECRET To 100% Battery Health On MacBook Pro? ⚡️🔋

SlimothyTV • 73.2K views

Frequently Asked Questions about AlDente

Yes, AlDente is highly effective in extending the lifespan of your MacBook's lithium-ion battery. These batteries degrade faster when consistently kept at 100% charge or exposed to high temperatures. AlDente allows you to set a custom charge limit (e.g., 80%), preventing the battery from staying at maximum voltage. Features like Heat Protection also pause charging when the battery gets too warm. This reduces stress, minimizes charge cycles, and significantly slows down the natural degradation process, helping your battery maintain a higher maximum capacity for a longer time.

Our Verdict

4.5/5

Best for:MacBook users who primarily use their device plugged in.Professionals who demand maximum longevity from their hardware.Individuals seeking more precise and reliable battery management than native macOS features.

About the Author

Jordan Kim

Productivity & Workflow Analyst

Productivity ApplicationsNote-Taking & Knowledge ManagementTask & Project Management

8+ years in operations management · PMP certified

Related Technologies & Concepts

MacBook Battery HealthLithium-ion BatterymacOSAppHouseKitchenHomebrewSetappOptimized Battery ChargingBattery ToolkitClamshell Mode

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last verified: Feb 15, 2026

Key Verified Facts

AlDente allows users to limit their MacBook from charging above a certain percentage to decrease battery wear and increase longevity.[cite-1, cite-8, cite-21]
AlDente Pro includes features like Heat Protection, Sailing Mode, and Calibration Mode for enhanced battery management.[cite-1, cite-3, cite-7, cite-21]
The recommended healthy charge range for lithium-ion batteries is typically between 20% and 80% to maximize lifespan.[cite-1, cite-11, cite-15]
AlDente Pro is available for a yearly subscription of approximately €11.49 or a lifetime license of €23.99, and also via Setapp.[cite-30, cite-3]
AlDente is compatible with macOS 11 Big Sur or later, including Apple Silicon MacBooks, and supports macOS 26 Tahoe.[cite-10, cite-25, cite-30]

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Features - AppHouseKitchen
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