# AlDente

Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026

Menu bar tool to limit maximum charging percentage

Category: System Utilities · Free · Replaces Energiza Pro ($9.99/year) · [Official website](https://apphousekitchen.com)

## Install with Homebrew

`brew install --cask aldente`

## Quick take

AlDente remains the default third-party charge limiter for MacBooks that live on desks. Free covers the basics; Pro's lifetime price is reasonable if you use sailing/top-up monthly. Try native macOS limits first on Tahoe, then upgrade only if you miss AlDente's extras.

Best for: Desk-bound MacBook Users, People Who Want Lifetime Battery Utilities, Setapp Subscribers Who Want One-Click Pro

## What is AlDente?

AlDente is a Mac menu bar utility from AppHouseKitchen that limits how high your MacBook charges so lithium batteries that sit on desks at 100% for hours. In August 2026 it is actively maintained, notarized by Apple, and explicitly supports macOS 12 Monterey through macOS 26 Tahoe, including current M-series MacBook Air/Pro hardware.

Free AlDente includes the core Charge Limiter and Discharge tools. AlDente Pro unlocks Automatic Discharge, clamshell discharge, Heat Protection, Sailing Mode, MagSafe LED control, Top Up, Calibration Mode, Apple Shortcuts support, customizable menu bar icons/popups, and email support. Vendor pricing shows Pro as an annual subscription at 11.49€ or a lifetime licence at 23.99€, with Setapp access around $9.99/month for AlDente Pro plus the wider Setapp catalog. USD storefronts and reviews often approximate Pro near $13.99/year or about $24.99 lifetime, expect currency differences.

Apple has been adding more native charge-limit behavior on recent macOS versions, so some casual users ask whether AlDente is obsolete. For many still-on-desk workflows, Pro's scheduling, sailing mode, heat protection, and automation still go beyond the system toggle. If you only want a simple 80% cap and your macOS build already offers it, try the free system path first; keep AlDente when you need finer control.

Status: alive, not discontinued, not acquired. Competitors include built-in macOS charging limits where available, battery monitoring apps, and hardware chargers with limits. AppHouseKitchen documents supported MacBook models explicitly, including recent M-series Air and Pro machines, so check the hardware list if you buy a brand-new silicon revision the same week as an OS update.

## Features

- **Charge Limiter.** Cap charging at a chosen percentage (commonly 70-80% for desk use) so the pack is not held at 100% while plugged in all day.
- **Discharge tools.** Free includes discharge; Pro adds automatic and clamshell discharge modes so you can drain to a target while staying powered.
- **Heat Protection and Sailing Mode.** Pro features that reduce stress when the machine is hot or when you want conservative charging behavior on the go.
- **Top Up and Calibration.** Pro helpers for temporarily allowing a full charge before travel and for calibration routines when readings drift.
- **Apple Shortcuts and menu bar UX.** Pro integrates with Shortcuts and lets you customize menu bar icons and popups for quick limit changes.
- **Broad MacBook hardware support.** Vendor lists support across modern MacBook Air/Pro silicon generations including recent M-series machines, plus selected desktop Macs for related controls.
- **Notarized macOS Tahoe support.** Officially listed for macOS 12 through 26 Tahoe with Apple notarization, important after each OS upgrade.

## How to Install AlDente on Mac

AlDente is available via Homebrew or direct download from the developer's website.

1. **Install via Homebrew.** Run `brew install --cask aldente`. This installs the free version. To upgrade to Pro, purchase a license from apphousekitchen.com and enter the key within the app.
2. **Grant Permissions.** AlDente requires accessibility permissions to control battery charging. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and toggle AlDente on. It may also request installation of a helper tool (kernel extension or system extension) to interface with the battery management system.
3. **Set Your Charge Limit.** Click the AlDente icon in the menu bar and set your maximum charge percentage. 80% is the recommended default for most users. Adjust based on your daily usage, if you regularly need more than 80% capacity, set it to 85% or 90%.
4. **Configure Launch at Login.** Enable 'Launch at Login' in AlDente preferences. The charge limiter only works while AlDente is running. If it's not launched, macOS charges to 100% as normal.

## Pros

- Simple charge capping that can extend battery longevity
- Free tier covers basic limiter + discharge
- Pro automation (sailing, heat, top-up, shortcuts) beyond basic OS toggles
- Supports macOS through Tahoe 26 and current Apple Silicon MacBooks
- Lifetime Pro option avoids endless subscriptions
- Notarized Mac app with clear vendor support path

## Cons

- macOS built-in charge limits reduce need for Free on some machines
- Pro price and currency vary (EUR list vs USD reviews)
- Menu bar battery tools can occasionally glitch readings (community reports)
- Does not replace hardware failure or swollen packs
- Another login item to manage on locked-down corporate Macs

## The Science of Battery Charge Limiting

Why keeping your MacBook at 80% matters and the electrochemistry behind lithium-ion degradation.

## FAQ

### Is AlDente still worth it if macOS has a charge limit?

If you only need a simple cap, try the system setting first. Keep AlDente when you want Pro automation, heat protection, top-up before travel, or finer control.

### How much is AlDente Pro?

Vendor lists 11.49€ annually or 23.99€ lifetime; USD reviews often cite roughly $13.99/year or ~$24.99 lifetime. Setapp is another path.

### Does AlDente support macOS Tahoe 26?

Yes. AppHouseKitchen lists macOS 12 Monterey through 26 Tahoe.

### Is Free enough?

Free includes Charge Limiter and Discharge. Pro adds automatic/clamshell discharge, heat protection, sailing mode, top-up, calibration, shortcuts, and customization.

### How many Macs per licence?

One purchase activates on up to three macOS user accounts (can be across machines).

### Will limiting charge stop all battery wear?

No. It reduces high-state-of-charge stress but age, heat, and cycles still matter.

### Is AlDente safe?

It is a widely used notarized utility, but any low-level power tool should be updated after OS upgrades and removed if you see abnormal behavior.

## Sources

- [AlDente pricing](https://apphousekitchen.com/aldente-overview/pricing/)
- [AlDente overview](https://apphousekitchen.com/aldente-overview/)
- [AlDente Pro review 2026](https://thesweetbits.com/tools/aldente-pro-review/)
- [AlDente on MacUpdate](https://aldente.macupdate.com/)
- [Hardware vs software limiters](https://chargie.org/chargie-vs-aldente/)
- [AlDente main site](https://apphousekitchen.com/)

## Related

- [Maccy](https://bundl.run/apps/maccy)
- [Stats](https://bundl.run/apps/stats)
- [SuperWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/superwhisper)
- [MacWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/macwhisper)
- [HyperWhisper](https://bundl.run/apps/hyperwhisper)
- [Aqua Voice](https://bundl.run/apps/aqua-voice)
- [Free alternative to Energiza Pro](https://bundl.run/https:/)

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@graph": [
    {
      "@type": "Organization",
      "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization",
      "name": "Bundl.run",
      "url": "https://bundl.run",
      "logo": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png",
        "width": 1200,
        "height": 630
      },
      "description": "The Ninite for Mac. Install all your essential Mac apps with one terminal command.",
      "sameAs": [
        "https://github.com/abhiofficial/bundl-mac-setup",
        "https://x.com/bundlrun",
        "https://www.producthunt.com/products/bundl-run"
      ],
      "foundingDate": "2024",
      "contactPoint": {
        "@type": "ContactPoint",
        "contactType": "customer support",
        "url": "https://bundl.run/faq"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "WebSite",
      "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website",
      "name": "Bundl.run",
      "url": "https://bundl.run",
      "description": "The Ninite for Mac. Install all your essential Mac apps with one terminal command.",
      "publisher": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization"
      },
      "inLanguage": "en-US"
    },
    {
      "@type": "Person",
      "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person",
      "name": "Jordan Kim",
      "jobTitle": "Productivity & Workflow Analyst",
      "url": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim",
      "worksFor": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization"
      },
      "description": "Jordan Kim focuses on productivity software, system utilities, and workflow optimization tools. With a background in operations management and process improvement, Jordan evaluates how well applications integrate into daily workflows and enhance overall productivity. Jordan tests each tool across multiple use cases—from solo work to team collaboration—documenting setup complexity, learning curves, and long-term value. A certified project management professional with experience at Fortune 500 companies, Jordan brings rigorous methodology to software evaluation.",
      "knowsAbout": [
        "Productivity Applications",
        "Note-Taking & Knowledge Management",
        "Task & Project Management",
        "Communication Tools",
        "System Utilities",
        "Workflow Automation"
      ],
      "image": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim.svg"
    },
    {
      "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
      "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente#breadcrumb",
      "itemListElement": [
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 1,
          "name": "Home",
          "item": "https://bundl.run"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 2,
          "name": "Apps",
          "item": "https://bundl.run/apps"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 3,
          "name": "AlDente",
          "item": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "@type": "WebPage",
      "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente",
      "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente",
      "name": "AlDente for Mac",
      "description": "Menu bar tool to limit maximum charging percentage",
      "isPartOf": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website"
      },
      "publisher": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization"
      },
      "inLanguage": "en-US",
      "datePublished": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z",
      "dateModified": "2026-08-10T13:34:04.000Z",
      "author": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person"
      },
      "mainEntity": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente#software"
      },
      "breadcrumb": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente#breadcrumb"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
      "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente#software",
      "name": "AlDente",
      "description": "Menu bar tool to limit maximum charging percentage",
      "applicationCategory": "UtilitiesApplication",
      "operatingSystem": "macOS",
      "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente",
      "image": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://img.logo.dev/apphousekitchen.com",
        "caption": "AlDente app icon for Mac"
      },
      "sameAs": [
        "https://apphousekitchen.com/",
        "https://formulae.brew.sh/cask/aldente"
      ],
      "review": {
        "@type": "Review",
        "author": {
          "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person"
        },
        "reviewBody": "AlDente remains the default third-party charge limiter for MacBooks that live on desks. Free covers the basics; Pro's lifetime price is reasonable if you use sailing/top-up monthly. Try native macOS limits first on Tahoe, then upgrade only if you miss AlDente's extras."
      },
      "about": {
        "@type": "Thing",
        "name": "AlDente",
        "description": "Menu bar tool to limit maximum charging percentage"
      },
      "isPartOf": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Article",
      "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente#article",
      "headline": "AlDente for Mac — Full Review & Installation Guide 2026",
      "description": "AlDente remains the default third-party charge limiter for MacBooks that live on desks. Free covers the basics; Pro's lifetime price is reasonable if you use sailing/top-up monthly. Try native macOS limits first on Tahoe, then upgrade only if you miss AlDente's extras.",
      "image": "https://img.logo.dev/apphousekitchen.com",
      "author": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person"
      },
      "publisher": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization"
      },
      "datePublished": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z",
      "dateModified": "2026-08-10T13:34:04.000Z",
      "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente"
      },
      "articleSection": "UtilitiesApplication",
      "speakable": {
        "@type": "SpeakableSpecification",
        "cssSelector": [
          "h1",
          ".key-facts"
        ]
      },
      "about": {
        "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
        "name": "AlDente",
        "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente"
      },
      "mentions": [
        {
          "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
          "name": "Energiza Pro"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "@type": "FAQPage",
      "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente#faq",
      "mainEntity": [
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Is AlDente still worth it if macOS has a charge limit?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "If you only need a simple cap, try the system setting first. Keep AlDente when you want Pro automation, heat protection, top-up before travel, or finer control."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "How much is AlDente Pro?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Vendor lists 11.49€ annually or 23.99€ lifetime; USD reviews often cite roughly $13.99/year or ~$24.99 lifetime. Setapp is another path."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Does AlDente support macOS Tahoe 26?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Yes. AppHouseKitchen lists macOS 12 Monterey through 26 Tahoe."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Is Free enough?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Free includes Charge Limiter and Discharge. Pro adds automatic/clamshell discharge, heat protection, sailing mode, top-up, calibration, shortcuts, and customization."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "How many Macs per licence?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "One purchase activates on up to three macOS user accounts (can be across machines)."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Will limiting charge stop all battery wear?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "No. It reduces high-state-of-charge stress but age, heat, and cycles still matter."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Is AlDente safe?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "It is a widely used notarized utility, but any low-level power tool should be updated after OS upgrades and removed if you see abnormal behavior."
          }
        }
      ],
      "isPartOf": {
        "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/aldente"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "ItemList",
      "name": "AlDente Video Tutorials",
      "description": "Tutorial videos for learning AlDente on Mac",
      "itemListElement": [
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 1,
          "item": {
            "@type": "VideoObject",
            "name": "Save your MacBook's battery health: Aldente",
            "description": "if you have a mac with a battery and its plugged in a lot, this could save your macs battery over the long term. Leaving your mac at 100% all the time isn't good for the battery and this software can ",
            "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1k5p8nH8bQ0/mqdefault.jpg",
            "uploadDate": "2023-02-26T16:18:03Z",
            "duration": "PT2M44S",
            "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/1k5p8nH8bQ0",
            "interactionStatistic": {
              "@type": "InteractionCounter",
              "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction",
              "userInteractionCount": 95251
            }
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 2,
          "item": {
            "@type": "VideoObject",
            "name": "This Mac App Will SAVE Your Battery Life🔋(AlDente)",
            "description": "#mac #macos #macbook #imac #shorts #tech #aldente",
            "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PAG7Gy5V32A/mqdefault.jpg",
            "uploadDate": "2025-04-06T23:22:23Z",
            "duration": "PT45S",
            "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/PAG7Gy5V32A",
            "interactionStatistic": {
              "@type": "InteractionCounter",
              "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction",
              "userInteractionCount": 32877
            }
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 3,
          "item": {
            "@type": "VideoObject",
            "name": "AlDente Pro Review: The Best Way to Extend Your MacBook’s Battery Life!",
            "description": "Get AlDente Pro to stop overcharging and extend battery life! Get a 7-day free trial to SetApp and get DOZENS of apps from one subscription ($9.99/mo): In this video, I’ll go over AlDente Pro, a power",
            "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8T96ZSn89E4/mqdefault.jpg",
            "uploadDate": "2025-03-20T17:09:53Z",
            "duration": "PT8M58S",
            "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/8T96ZSn89E4",
            "interactionStatistic": {
              "@type": "InteractionCounter",
              "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction",
              "userInteractionCount": 16622
            }
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 4,
          "item": {
            "@type": "VideoObject",
            "name": "Al Dente Mac App Review // The SECRET To 100% Battery Health On MacBook Pro? ⚡️🔋",
            "description": "Today we review Al Dente for the MacBook Pro, which is an app designed to help extend your MacBook's battery life as long as possible. If you're worried about keeping your Mac's battery health at 100%",
            "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KGaFU13N5C8/mqdefault.jpg",
            "uploadDate": "2022-01-04T04:45:09Z",
            "duration": "PT4M46S",
            "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/KGaFU13N5C8",
            "interactionStatistic": {
              "@type": "InteractionCounter",
              "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction",
              "userInteractionCount": 73248
            }
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 5,
          "item": {
            "@type": "VideoObject",
            "name": "AlDente - Prolong Your MacBook's Battery Lifespan [Step by step]",
            "description": "AlDente is a battery charge limiter that can extend the lifespan of your laptop's battery. AlDente is free and open-source. There are also paid versions that give even greater control by allowing disc",
            "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VQFwuR1QYWw/mqdefault.jpg",
            "uploadDate": "2025-02-16T18:00:32Z",
            "duration": "PT3M9S",
            "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/VQFwuR1QYWw",
            "interactionStatistic": {
              "@type": "InteractionCounter",
              "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction",
              "userInteractionCount": 8916
            }
          }
        }
      ],
      "numberOfItems": 5
    }
  ]
}
```