The best keep-awake apps for Mac and Windows

Keep-awake apps stop a computer from sleeping or dimming the screen, which helps with downloads, presentations, and long jobs. Most are free. Many only block sleep and do not send input, so Teams or Slack can still show Away after a few idle minutes. Lid-closed support varies: Amphetamine and Caffeinated document dedicated options, Lungo and Theine describe external-display conditions, and KeepingYouAwake requires an open lid.

Disclosure: Idle Pilot publishes this guide and operates a cloud presence service for Slack and Teams. Vendor facts come from each vendor's own site, checked October 2026.

At a glance

10 tools, checked October 2026 on each vendor's own site. Prices and features can change.
Tool	Type	Laptop closed	Starting price	Best for
Amphetamine	Keep-awake app	Its Closed-Display Mode can keep a supported MacBook awake with the lid closed. Power Protect addresses external-power changes on Apple Silicon; the Mac must remain on.	Free	Mac users who want a free, highly configurable way to keep the Mac awake for downloads, presentations or long tasks.
Caffeine (Mac App)	Keep-awake app	Its site does not mention lid-closed use; it stops helping once the Mac sleeps.	Free	Mac users who want a free, simple toggle to stop sleep during downloads, presentations or exports.
KeepingYouAwake	Keep-awake app	No. Its README says it only prevents sleep on desktop Macs and laptops with an open lid.	Free	Mac users who want a free, open-source, minimal way to keep the Mac awake.
Caffeinated	Keep-awake app	Its September 2026 update added an option to stay awake with the lid closed; its older help page says it is not built for that.	$3.99 once	Mac users who want a low-cost, simple toggle and timer to keep the screen on.
Lungo	Keep-awake app	Only when the Mac is connected to a charger and an external display, which the vendor calls a macOS limitation.	$4 once	Mac users who want a simple, low-cost app to keep the screen on during presentations, reading or long tasks.
Theine	Keep-awake app	Only with an external display connected; the vendor says it will not prevent sleep on a closed MacBook without one.	$8.99 once	Mac users who present or screen-share and want keep-awake plus a clean desktop and focus dimming in one app.
PowerToys Awake	Keep-awake app	Lid-closed operation is not documented; the computer must stay on and awake. It cannot work while asleep or off.	Free	Windows users who want a free tool from Microsoft to keep a PC awake during downloads, builds or presentations.
Don't Sleep	Keep-awake app	Lid-closed operation is not documented; the computer must stay on and awake. It cannot work while asleep or off.	Free	Windows users who want a tiny portable tool that blocks sleep, shutdown or restart during long jobs, including on older Windows and Windows Server.
Caffeine for Windows	Keep-awake app	Lid-closed operation is not documented; the computer must stay on and awake. It cannot work while asleep or off.	Free	Windows users whose PC stays on and who want a tiny free tool that sends simulated key presses, with switches for active hours and locking.
Idle Pilot	Cloud presence tool	Yes: it runs in the cloud, so the laptop can be closed, asleep, or off	$9 per month or $60 per year	People who want Slack or Teams to stay Available during set hours with the laptop closed or off.

How to choose

Mac or Windows? Amphetamine, KeepingYouAwake, Lungo, Theine, Caffeinated, and Caffeine run on macOS. PowerToys Awake, Don't Sleep, and Caffeine for Windows run on Windows.
Do you need rules and triggers? Amphetamine has the most options, such as sessions tied to apps, downloads, or Wi-Fi networks. Lungo and KeepingYouAwake keep it to a menu bar toggle.
Is the goal Teams or Slack? Check whether the app sends input. Blocking sleep keeps the screen on, but Microsoft says Teams shows Away when the computer goes idle, locks, or sleeps, and Slack sets desktop users away after about ten minutes of inactivity.
Will the laptop be closed? Check the app’s documented closed-display conditions. Some Mac apps support an awake laptop with the lid closed, but none runs after the computer turns off. A cloud presence schedule serves a different purpose: Slack or Teams availability without keeping the computer awake.

Mac keep-awake apps

Choose by timers, triggers, and supported closed-display settings. Keeping a Mac awake does not by itself prove Slack or Teams will remain Available.

Amphetamine

Free Mac App Store utility that keeps a Mac and its displays awake, with timers, Triggers, Closed-Display Mode and optional cursor movement.

Best for: Mac users who want a free, highly configurable way to keep the Mac awake for downloads, presentations or long tasks.
Pricing: Free . Free on the Mac App Store. The developer says there are no ads, no in-app purchases and no paid version.
Keeps Teams or Slack Available: Not claimed. Its listing offers periodic cursor movement but does not mention Teams or Slack, so its site does not say whether it keeps Teams Available.
Does well: Free, with no ads, in-app purchases or tracking, per the developer; Triggers start sessions automatically by app, Wi-Fi network, display, power or idle time; Closed-Display Mode keeps a MacBook awake with the lid closed; Optional periodic cursor movement and screen lock after inactivity
Falls short: No App Store update since November 10, 2023; Does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available; Works only while the Mac is on and awake; Mac only
Checked: October 2026

Amphetamine website Idle Pilot vs Amphetamine Amphetamine alternatives

Caffeine (Mac App)

Free, open-source Mac menu bar app that prevents automatic sleep, screen dimming and screen savers, with an optional timeout.

Best for: Mac users who want a free, simple toggle to stop sleep during downloads, presentations or exports.
Pricing: Free . Free download; open source under the MIT license.
Keeps Teams or Slack Available: Its site does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available. Slack documents that desktop users become away after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Does well: Free and open source (MIT license); Simple menu-bar toggle; Timeout and default duration settings; Maintained: version 1.6.4 released April 2026
Falls short: Does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available; No weekday schedule; Works only while the Mac is on and awake; Mac only
Checked: October 2026

Caffeine (Mac App) website Idle Pilot vs Caffeine (Mac App) Caffeine (Mac App) alternatives

KeepingYouAwake

Free, open-source Mac menu bar app that stops the Mac from sleeping by running Apple's caffeinate tool, for a set time or until turned off.

Best for: Mac users who want a free, open-source, minimal way to keep the Mac awake.
Pricing: Free . Free download; the project is open source under the MIT license. No paid version.
Keeps Teams or Slack Available: Its site does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available. It prevents sleep only and adds no mouse or keyboard activity.
Does well: Free and open source (MIT license); Uses Apple's own caffeinate tool instead of a custom method; Preset durations and an automatic stop on low battery; Recent maintenance: release 1.6.8 in September 2025 and commits in August 2026
Falls short: Does not work with the lid closed; Does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available; No weekday schedule; Mac only, and not on the Mac App Store
Checked: October 2026

KeepingYouAwake website Idle Pilot vs KeepingYouAwake KeepingYouAwake alternatives

Caffeinated

Paid Mac menu bar app that prevents sleep, screen dimming and the screensaver with one click or a timer.

Best for: Mac users who want a low-cost, simple toggle and timer to keep the screen on.
Pricing: $3.99 once . $3.99 one-time purchase on the Mac App Store (US), with free updates and Family Sharing. No in-app purchases or free trial listed.
Keeps Teams or Slack Available: Its site does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available; it lists video calls only as a reason to keep the screen on.
Does well: Low one-time price ($3.99) with free updates; One-click toggle, custom durations and a global shortcut; Works on battery, per its help center; Actively updated: version 3.3.0 on October 19, 2026
Falls short: Does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available; No weekday schedule; Its pages disagree about lid-closed use; Mac only, macOS 15 or later
Checked: October 2026

Caffeinated website Idle Pilot vs Caffeinated Caffeinated alternatives

Lungo

Paid Mac menu bar app that keeps the Mac awake and the screen on for a set time or until you turn it off.

Best for: Mac users who want a simple, low-cost app to keep the screen on during presentations, reading or long tasks.
Pricing: $4 once . $4 one-time purchase on the Mac App Store, with Family Sharing. A Setapp version also exists. Older versions for older macOS releases are free.
Keeps Teams or Slack Available: No. Its FAQ says keeping Slack or Microsoft Teams active is not the purpose of the app.
Does well: Low one-time price ($4) with Family Sharing; Simple menu bar toggle with preset durations; Shortcuts, URL scheme and command-line control; States plainly what it does not do, including Slack and Teams status
Falls short: Does not keep Slack or Teams active, per its FAQ; No built-in schedule; you use Shortcuts automations; Lid closed only with a charger and an external display; Current version needs macOS 26
Checked: October 2026

Lungo website Idle Pilot vs Lungo Lungo alternatives

Theine

Paid Mac menu bar app that keeps the Mac awake for a set time or indefinitely, and can also hide desktop icons and dim background windows.

Best for: Mac users who present or screen-share and want keep-awake plus a clean desktop and focus dimming in one app.
Pricing: $8.99 once . $8.99 one-time purchase on the Mac App Store (US). Owners of version 3 can upgrade to Theine 4 for $4.99. The developer does not offer trial versions.
Keeps Teams or Slack Available: Its site does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available; it describes keeping the Mac awake only.
Does well: One-time price with no subscription; Also hides desktop icons and dims windows behind the active one; Timer, global hot key and Shortcuts support; Actively updated: version 4.3 on October 1, 2026
Falls short: No free trial; Does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available; Needs an external display to stay awake with the lid closed; Mac only, macOS 15.6 or later
Checked: October 2026

Theine website Idle Pilot vs Theine Theine alternatives

Windows keep-awake apps

These run on the computer and control sleep or simulate input. Their sources explain the difference.

PowerToys Awake

A free Microsoft PowerToys utility that keeps a Windows PC awake indefinitely, for a set time, or until a date, without changing the power plan.

Best for: Windows users who want a free tool from Microsoft to keep a PC awake during downloads, builds or presentations.
Pricing: Free . Free and open source (MIT license) as part of Microsoft PowerToys. No paid plan or trial.
Keeps Teams or Slack Available: Microsoft's Awake page does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available. It keeps the PC awake without simulating input, and Microsoft says Teams shows Away after a few minutes of inactivity.
Does well: Free and open source from Microsoft; Indefinite, timed and until-a-date modes, plus Keep screen on; Does not change your Windows power plan; Command-line options for scripts
Falls short: Does not simulate input, so Teams or Slack can still show Away; No weekday work-hours schedule; Needs the PC on, awake and signed in; Windows only
Checked: October 2026

PowerToys Awake website Idle Pilot vs PowerToys Awake PowerToys Awake alternatives

Don't Sleep

A free, portable Windows program that blocks sleep, standby, hibernate, shutdown, restart, log-off and the screen saver.

Best for: Windows users who want a tiny portable tool that blocks sleep, shutdown or restart during long jobs, including on older Windows and Windows Server.
Pricing: Free . Freeware under SoftwareOK's license; the site mentions commercial, business and private use. No paid version is listed.
Keeps Teams or Slack Available: Its site does not say whether it keeps Teams or Slack Available. It blocks sleep and the screen saver, but Microsoft says Teams shows Away after a few minutes without input.
Does well: Free and portable; runs from a USB stick without installing; Blocks shutdown, restart and log-off as well as sleep; Timer, scheduled shutdown, and network or CPU based rules; Supports old Windows versions and Windows Server
Falls short: No simulated input and no Teams or Slack claim on its site; Needs the PC on and awake; Windows only
Checked: October 2026

Don't Sleep website Idle Pilot vs Don't Sleep Don't Sleep alternatives

Caffeine for Windows

A free Windows tray app that simulates an F15 key press every 59 seconds so the PC does not lock, sleep or start the screen saver.

Best for: Windows users whose PC stays on and who want a tiny free tool that sends simulated key presses, with switches for active hours and locking.
Pricing: Free . Freeware, also free for commercial use. Donations through PayPal.
Keeps Teams or Slack Available: Its product page does not mention Teams or Slack. On its forum in 2022 the admin said it had worked for him but that some machines are different.
Does well: Free, also for commercial use; Simulated key press resets Windows idle detection, which keep-awake-only tools do not do; Active-hours switch (-activeperiods) and plugged-in-only switch (-onac); Small download: a 306 KB zip
Falls short: No product-page claim that it keeps Teams or Slack Available; The vendor says F15 can cause issues in PuTTY, PowerPoint, Google Docs or Smartsheet; Last release was November 2024; Needs the PC on and awake; Windows only
Checked: October 2026

Caffeine for Windows website Idle Pilot vs Caffeine for Windows Caffeine for Windows alternatives

When the goal is Slack or Teams presence

A cloud schedule covers presence with the computer off, but does not keep downloads or other local tasks running.

Idle Pilot

Idle Pilot maintains Slack or Microsoft Teams availability from the cloud during saved Work Hours.

Best for: People who want Slack or Teams to stay Available during set hours with the laptop closed or off.
Pricing: $9 per month or $60 per year
Keeps Teams or Slack Available: Yes: Slack or Microsoft Teams, one account at a time
Does well: Works with the laptop closed, asleep, or off; Slack or Microsoft Teams, with per-day Work Hours, a Lunch Break, and Vacation Mode; Nothing runs on your work computer after setup
Falls short: Costs more than free keep-awake apps; One Slack workspace or one Teams account at a time; Setup needs desktop Chrome and the extension once
Checked: October 2026

Idle Pilot pricing

Feature comparison

Features come from the cited vendor sources. “Not stated” means we found no claim for that feature. Read the laptop-closed descriptions above for any conditions, such as supported Mac settings or an external display.

Tool	Free option	Open source	Mac	Windows	Keeps Teams Available (vendor says)	Works with the laptop closed
Amphetamine	Yes	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	Yes
Caffeine (Mac App)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated
KeepingYouAwake	Yes	Yes	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	No
Caffeinated	Not stated	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	Yes
Lungo	Not stated	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	Yes
Theine	Not stated	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	Yes
PowerToys Awake	Yes	Yes	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	Not stated
Don't Sleep	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	Not stated
Caffeine for Windows	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	Not stated
Idle Pilot	Not stated	Not stated	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

How this list is made

We listed the keep-awake apps people search for most in the United States (DataForSEO, October 2026), read each developer's site, app store listing, or GitHub page, and recorded price, platform, how it keeps the computer awake, and what the developer says about Teams or Slack. A check is marked Yes only when the developer states it. Idle Pilot is not a keep-awake app; it is listed because people use these apps to keep Teams or Slack Available.

FAQ

What is the best keep-awake app for Mac?

For a simple toggle, KeepingYouAwake and Lungo are small and quick. For rules, such as staying awake while an app runs or a download finishes, Amphetamine has the most options. All of them are free or low cost.

What is the best keep-awake app for Windows?

PowerToys Awake is free from Microsoft and fits people who already use PowerToys. Caffeine for Windows and Don't Sleep are small free tools with more timer options.

Will a keep-awake app keep Microsoft Teams green?

Not always. An app that only blocks sleep keeps the screen on, but Teams can still show Away when the computer goes idle without input. An app that sends a key press resets the idle timer while the computer runs. Lid-closed support differs by app and Mac configuration. Keeping a computer awake is separate from maintaining Slack or Teams availability.

Can my employer see a keep-awake app?

It can. Device management can list installed apps and running processes, and some employers restrict them. Check your employer's rules first.

How often is this list updated?

Each entry shows the month its facts were checked on the developer's own site. Prices and features can change between checks.

Last updated: October 28, 2026

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