FanBar is a free and open-source fan control app for macOS that runs as a menu bar tool for monitoring temperatures and fan speeds, and performing manual fan control when needed.
Main uses and platform support
FanBar is for users who want to understand and adjust their Mac's fan behavior. It supports macOS 11 Big Sur and later, and is compatible with Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, but requires the Mac to expose readable fan data through AppleSMC. The desktop widget feature requires macOS 14 or later. On macOS 13 and later, the control service is registered through SMAppService; on macOS 11–12, it is registered through launchd. The app offers DMG and Homebrew installation methods, release builds are notarized by Apple, the source code (including the privileged helper tool) is public, and it uses the GPL-3.0 license.
Main capabilities
For status display, FanBar can show CPU temperature, average fan RPM, or both in the menu bar icon; on macOS 14 and later, FanBar can be pinned to the desktop to show RPM, speed, and control mode. Real-time visualization provides scrolling ten-minute charts, as well as airflow animations that follow actual RPM.
There are six cooling modes in total: Auto (controlled by macOS), Fixed target RPM, and four preset curves: Silent, Balanced, Performance, and Extreme. Each preset has its own editable temperature-to-fan-output curve, and presets can be pinned to the menu bar panel. Users can choose CPU, GPU, or SSD as the temperature source to drive the curves; unavailable sensors fall back safely. Presets can automatically revert to Auto mode after 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or one hour.
High-temperature alerts are optional, sending a notification when the CPU or GPU reaches 90°C, alerting only once per high-temperature event and re-arming after cooling.
Safety design
FanBar remains safe by default: target speeds are limited to the hardware range; manual fan control is enabled only after the user explicitly authorizes the signed privileged helper tool, and the first-run guide explains why it is necessary. Communication between the app and the signed helper tool is through privileged XPC; the helper tool runs as root but only reads fan status and sets restricted targets, and does not perform arbitrary SMC writes. If manual control fails, a preset expires, the app exits, or the connection is lost, FanBar restores macOS automatic control, and manual settings will not continue running silently in the background. If manual fan control has never been enabled, the helper tool will remain idle.
How to use
The workflow has three steps: launch and read. Open FanBar to see the current temperature and fan speed in the menu bar; enable fan control. Select "Enable fan control" and follow the macOS authorization prompt; choose a preset or fixed RPM, or return to automatic mode at any time.
Languages and interface
FanBar supports four interface languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. In "Settings → Language," you can choose "Follow System" or specify a language. The menu bar popover, settings, onboarding, and status messages switch immediately, with no restart required.
Use cases and limitations
FanBar is suitable for users who need to monitor temperatures, view fan speeds, or adjust fans according to a temperature curve on macOS. Everyday cooling is still controlled automatically by macOS, and manual mode is optional and reversible. The app is free and open source, with no account, subscription, or ads. In terms of limitations, macOS 11 or later is required, and the Mac must expose readable AppleSMC fan data; desktop widgets require macOS 14 or later. Regarding specific pricing, charges, or additional platforms and effects not mentioned, the information is not currently available.
