Airway alternatives

Looking for a Macs Fan Control alternative?

Airway is built for people who want granular controls in the menu bar rather than a separate window, with presets included and one personal license covering two Macs.

Try Airway free Compare the approach

7-day free trial · $1.99 one-time · two-device license

Why consider Airway

Fan control designed around the menu bar.

Airway is intentionally focused: direct fan modes, live readings, reusable presets, and automation without keeping a separate control window open.

Priority	Macs Fan Control	Airway
Menu bar workflow	Basic menu-bar actions; detailed changes use the app window	Modes, speed controls, live temperature, RPM, and presets in the menu bar
Presets	Available under the product's current paid offering	Included during the free trial and with every paid license
Purchase	Check current per-device pricing	$1.99 one-time personal license
Devices	Licensed according to the product's current device terms	Two Macs per personal license
Students	Check the current education offering	Free one-device license for eligible students and learners

Airway is a good fit if

You want fewer steps between heat and action.

Full fan controls should live in the menu bar.
You want presets included in the trial and paid license.
You use both a desktop Mac and a MacBook.
You prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription.

Know before downloading

A focused independent app.

Airway supports macOS 14 and later on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Direct hardware control depends on the fans and SMC capabilities in your specific model. The app is distributed directly because fan access requires a privileged helper that is not compatible with App Store sandboxing.

Read the installation guide

Decide on your own Mac

Try every Airway feature before paying.

Seven days free, then $1.99 once to keep it on two Macs.

Download Airway free