Lungo

A macOS menu bar app that keeps the Mac awake and stops the screen from dimming.

FreeProprietarymacOS
Official websitesindresorhus.comDownload pagegithub.comApp Storeapps.apple.com

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About Lungo

Lungo sits in the menu bar and prevents a Mac from going to sleep or dimming its screen, which is useful during downloads, presentations or long-running tasks. Settings let it pause while the screen is locked or deactivate when the Mac switches to battery.

It follows macOS limits: in clamshell mode it can only keep the Mac awake with a charger and external display connected, and a scheduled sleep in System Settings takes priority. A separate lungo-cli project offers command-line control.

Strengths

  • One-click keep-awake from the menu bar
  • Options to pause when locked or on battery
  • Companion command-line tool available

Limitations

  • macOS only
  • Clamshell mode needs a charger and external display
  • System sleep schedules override it

Details

Pricing
FreeAvailable from the Mac App Store and as a direct download.
License
Proprietary
Developer
Sindre Sorhus
Platforms
macOS
How it runs
Downloadable app
Account
Not required
Works offline
Yes
Best suited for
Mac users who need to keep the machine awake for a while without changing system settings
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to Lungo

Compare all

Software that can replace Lungo for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • Amphetamine

    Free Mac utility that keeps a Mac awake based on triggers, schedules, or activity.

    FreeProprietarymacOS

    Amphetamine is free and adds trigger-based rules and schedules for keeping a Mac awake, though some setups require digging into settings.

  • KeepingYouAwake

    Temporarily prevent your Mac from sleeping.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOS

    KeepingYouAwake is free and open source under MIT, offering menu bar controls over the built-in caffeinate tool.

  • One Switch

    A Mac menu bar app that gathers toggles for common system settings in one place.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

    One Switch is a paid menu bar app that includes a keep-awake switch among several other system toggles.

  • OnlySwitch

    Access common Mac controls from one menu-bar utility.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOS

    OnlySwitch is free and open source, grouping keep-awake with many other common Mac controls in one menu bar panel.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

  • AlDente

    A macOS menu bar tool that sets a charge limit on a MacBook battery to extend its lifespan.

    FreemiumProprietarymacOS

  • Caffeine

    A GNOME Shell extension that turns off the screensaver and auto-suspend with a quick settings toggle.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

  • App Tamer

    A Mac menu bar utility that slows or pauses background apps to cut CPU use and save battery.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

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