
Mac users often look for ways to prevent their computers from going to sleep, especially when they’re downloading large files, giving presentations, or performing system-intensive tasks. While macOS does offer some built-in energy saver options, they are somewhat limited and inconvenient for these specific needs. That’s where the Amphetamine app for Mac shines — a free and highly configurable utility designed to keep your Mac awake with just a click.
What Is the Amphetamine App for Mac?
Amphetamine is a macOS application that allows users to keep their Mac computers awake without changing system-wide energy settings. Developed by William Gustafson, this lightweight app is available as a free download in the Mac App Store. It’s an ideal solution for users who need more control over sleep behavior, screen dimming, and energy settings.
The app integrates seamlessly with the macOS menu bar, presenting a simple, intuitive way to maintain system wakefulness for a defined period, indefinitely, or while specific conditions are met.

Key Features of Amphetamine
Amphetamine is surprisingly robust for a free app. Here are some of its most useful features:
- One-click Activation: Start a session directly from the menu bar with just one click.
- Customizable Sessions: Keep your Mac awake for a specific time, indefinitely, or under triggering conditions like running a specific app.
- Triggers: Set conditions such as time of day, system status, connected hardware, or active apps to automatically begin and end sessions.
- Drive Alive: Keep connected external drives awake and accessible, especially during backups or file transfers.
- Session Naming: Label sessions to better organize workflow and identify tasks.
- Advanced Notifications: Receive alerts when sessions start, stop, or meet specific criteria.
Amphetamine is a powerful tool ideal for a wide range of users—from developers compiling large projects to DJs performing live sets.
Why Use Amphetamine Instead of macOS Energy Settings?
While macOS lets users change sleep preferences in System Preferences, this method isn’t always convenient, nor does it offer the level of control Amphetamine provides. Plus, users often forget to revert settings, leading to unwanted battery drain later on. Amphetamine stands out because:
- It doesn’t require altering global system settings.
- Presets and triggers allow for automation.
- It offers more granular control over when and how your Mac stays awake.
- It integrates well without being resource-intensive.
Many Mac users also compare Amphetamine to another sleep-prevention app, Caffeine, but Amphetamine is far more modern and feature-rich.
How to Install and Set Up Amphetamine
- Download the App: Head to the Mac App Store and search for “Amphetamine”. Click Get to begin the installation.
- Open Amphetamine: After installing, launch the app. It will add a pill-shaped icon to the menu bar.
- Start a Session: Click the icon to set a new session. You can choose between a timed, indefinite, or condition-based session.
- Access Preferences: From the menu dropdown, choose Quick Preferences or Advanced Preferences to customize settings like notifications, appearance, triggers, and more.
The simplicity of the interface helps first-time users start easily, while advanced options make the app appealing to power users.

Using Triggers with Amphetamine
One of Amphetamine’s standout functions is its support for Triggers. Triggers allow the app to automatically start and stop sessions based on predefined rules. For example:
- Application Launch: Start a session every time an app like Final Cut Pro or Chrome is opened.
- External Display: Keep the Mac awake when connected to an external monitor.
- Battery Level: Avoid activation when the battery drops below a certain percentage.
- Time: Automatically start between specified hours (e.g., 9 AM to 6 PM).
These presets are especially handy for workflows where remembering to turn sessions on and off could interrupt productivity.
Security, Efficiency, and Design
Despite its powerful features, Amphetamine is very lightweight. It consumes minimal system resources and has no noticeable impact on CPU or battery life when idle. It’s been designed with privacy and security in mind as well:
- The app doesn’t track user data or behavior.
- All settings are stored locally.
- It’s verified through the Mac App Store, ensuring a secure download and installation process.
From a UI standpoint, the app blends perfectly with macOS. The clean, minimalist interface keeps it from being a distraction, and you can customize the icon to suit your taste or system theme.
Best Use Cases for Amphetamine
- Downloading Large Files: Prevent your Mac from sleeping mid-transfer.
- Giving Presentations: Eliminate interruptions from automatic sleep or display dimming.
- Compiling Code: Keep systems awake during long build processes.
- System Monitoring: Run diagnostics or monitoring tools without interruption.
- Watching Videos: Watch on external displays without screen timeouts.
Whether it’s for professional use or casual needs, Amphetamine adapts to your specific computing habits effortlessly.
Conclusion
Amphetamine delivers what many Mac users need: a reliable, free, and refined method to keep their system awake on demand. It’s easy to use, highly customizable, and backed by a long track record of reliability and updates. Whether you’re a developer, media professional, student, or just someone who wants your Mac to stay awake during a task, Amphetamine is the ideal solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is Amphetamine really free?
A: Yes, Amphetamine is completely free with no ads or in-app purchases. Donations are accepted but not required. - Q: Will it damage my Mac or battery life?
A: Not at all. When used properly, Amphetamine simply prevents system sleep without introducing hardware stress. - Q: How is Amphetamine different from macOS Energy Saver?
A: Amphetamine provides more extensive session control, automation via triggers, and operates from the menu bar for faster access. - Q: Can I use Amphetamine for specific apps only?
A: Yes, you can configure it to activate only when certain apps are running via Triggers. - Q: Does Amphetamine work on Apple Silicon Macs?
A: Absolutely. Amphetamine is optimized for both Intel-based and Apple Silicon (M1, M2) Macs.