AlDente: Keep Your MacBook Battery from Aging Like Spoiled Milk
AlDente helps your MacBook battery last longer by preventing overcharging and reducing wear. With custom charge limits, heat protection, and automation, it keeps your battery in top shape—so you spend less time plugged in and more time unplugged.
Your MacBook is a beautiful, powerful machine until its battery starts aging like an overripe banana. One day, it’s holding a charge like a champ, and the next, it’s begging for an outlet every two hours. The culprit? Keeping your battery at 100% all the time. That’s where AlDente comes in, a Mac app designed to extend your battery’s lifespan by preventing unnecessary charging wear. Think of it as a personal trainer for your battery: helping it stay fit instead of letting it binge on full charges 24/7.
How AlDente Saves Your Battery from a Premature Retirement
AlDente works by allowing you to set a charging limit for your MacBook, preventing it from sitting at 100% charge all the time which is a known killer of lithium-ion battery longevity. Studies have shown that keeping your battery within the 20-80% range significantly extends its lifespan. Instead of draining your wallet on battery replacements (or worse, a new MacBook), AlDente lets you take control of how and when your battery charges.
Unlike macOS’s built-in battery health features, AlDente gives you real, fine-tuned control. Want your battery to hover between 75% and 80%? Done. Need to temporarily boost to 100% for a long day at a coffee shop? Easy. The app puts power back in your hands—literally.
Features That Make AlDente a Lifesaver
AlDente’s core feature is its Charge Limiter, allowing you to stop your battery from charging past a specific percentage. For those who want even more control, Discharge Mode lets your Mac run on battery even while plugged in, ideal for keeping your battery percentage within the optimal range.
The Pro version goes even further, offering Heat Protection, which stops charging when your battery temperature gets too high, and Calibration Mode, which periodically runs a full charge cycle to keep your battery’s calibration in check. Sailing Mode lets your battery gently cycle between two charge levels to avoid constant trickle charging, while Power Flow provides a visual representation of how power is moving through your Mac.
For automation lovers, AlDente supports Apple Shortcuts, enabling custom battery automation routines. There’s even a Schedule Mode, allowing you to set specific actions to run on certain days—like ensuring a full charge before a long trip.
Where AlDente Shines (And Where It Might Not Be for Everyone)
AlDente’s biggest strength is its ability to actively protect your MacBook battery instead of passively hoping for the best. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants their battery to last years instead of months. If you’re the type who keeps their Mac plugged in most of the time, this app is a must-have.
However, if you’re someone who rarely keeps their MacBook connected to power, AlDente’s features might not be as essential. The interface, while straightforward, has a slight learning curve for those new to battery management. But once you understand how it works, it’s an absolute powerhouse.
Design That’s Clean and Functional
AlDente keeps things simple with a lightweight menu bar interface that lets you adjust settings with just a few clicks. There’s no unnecessary bloat, no confusing menus—just pure battery-saving goodness. The UI is minimal, blending seamlessly into macOS without distracting from your workflow.
A standout feature is Live Status Icons, giving you a real-time view of whether your Mac is charging, discharging, or maintaining charge. You can also control the MagSafe LED color, making it clear when charging is paused or active.
Does AlDente Actually Work?
In real-world use, AlDente delivers exactly what it promises. Users report noticeable improvements in battery longevity, with many saying their MacBooks hold a charge better even after years of use. The Heat Protection feature alone has saved countless batteries from overheating, and the ability to customize charging behavior has proven invaluable for professionals who rely on their MacBooks daily.
For those who live on battery power for long stretches, the top up mode is a lifesaver, allowing you to fully charge just once when needed, instead of constantly keeping the battery at 100%.
How Much Does It Cost to Keep Your Battery Young?
AlDente’s basic version is free, which covers the essential Charge Limiter and Discharge Mode. If you want the full feature set, AlDente Pro costs $12 per year or a one-time payment of $25 for a lifetime license. It’s also included in Setapp, so if you’re already a subscriber, you can get it at no extra cost.
Should You Get AlDente? Absolutely.
If you’re someone who wants their MacBook to last as long as possible, AlDente is a no-brainer. It takes the guesswork out of battery management and helps extend your battery’s lifespan effortlessly. Whether you’re a freelancer, a student, or just someone who hates the idea of shelling out for a battery replacement, this app is an investment that pays off over time.
Give AlDente a try and watch your battery live longer, healthier, and happier. And if you finally stop needing to carry your charger everywhere, don’t forget to let us know—your Mac (and your backpack) will thank you!