Simple and Open Source
KeepingYouAwake
Starting a keep-awake session with preset durations.
The Catch It cannot prevent a MacBook from sleeping with its lid closed.
Amphetamine Alternatives
Amphetamine alternatives for Mac: KeepingYouAwake is free and open source, Lungo adds Shortcuts control, and Caffeinate & Disablesleep handles closed-lid use.
Amphetamine supports timed sessions and conditional triggers. A smaller app may be enough for a presentation, download or one-off task.
- Price
- Free
- Requires
- macOS 10.13 or later
- Open Source
- No
- Last Checked
- 2026-10-31
Why Look Elsewhere?
Amphetamine is free but not open source. Choose a simpler timer if its triggers are more than you need, or a tool with closed-lid modes if the Mac runs shut. Choose simulated input only when the task requires input activity rather than a system sleep assertion.
Five Places to Start
Automation-Friendly Timer
Lungo
Keeping a Mac and its display awake for a set time, with Shortcuts and URL scheme control.
The Catch The current version needs macOS 26 and costs $4, and system sleep schedules can override it.
Closed-Lid Control
Caffeinate & Disablesleep
Keeping a Mac awake with the lid closed during long tasks and scripts.
The Catch Some modes need a one-time sudoers rule, and Awake Session does not work with the lid closed.
Calendar and App Triggers
NeverNap
Keeping a Mac awake by schedule, app or calendar event.
The Catch It needs macOS 26 or later and costs $2.99.
Simulated Activity
Jiggler
Generating mouse movement for workflows that react to input rather than sleep settings.
The Catch It moves the real cursor and needs Accessibility permission.
Compare the Trade-Offs
| App | Best For | Price | The Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| KeepingYouAwake | Starting a keep-awake session with preset durations. | Free | It cannot prevent a MacBook from sleeping with its lid closed. |
| Lungo | Keeping a Mac and its display awake for a set time, with Shortcuts and URL scheme control. | $4.00 | The current version needs macOS 26 and costs $4, and system sleep schedules can override it. |
| Caffeinate & Disablesleep | Keeping a Mac awake with the lid closed during long tasks and scripts. | Free | Some modes need a one-time sudoers rule, and Awake Session does not work with the lid closed. |
| NeverNap | Keeping a Mac awake by schedule, app or calendar event. | $2.99 | It needs macOS 26 or later and costs $2.99. |
| Jiggler | Generating mouse movement for workflows that react to input rather than sleep settings. | Free | It moves the real cursor and needs Accessibility permission. |
Before You Switch
These comparisons use the linked directory entries, not a new hands-on test. Confirm current pricing, requirements and release status with each developer. Missing facts are marked “Not Listed.”
Questions Before Choosing
Will these keep a closed MacBook awake?
Caffeinate & Disablesleep has modes that prevent sleep with the lid closed, after a one-time sudoers rule. KeepingYouAwake does not, and Lungo’s closed-lid use depends on an external display and power.
Is a mouse jiggler the same as a sleep timer?
No. Jiggler simulates input. KeepingYouAwake and Amphetamine use macOS sleep controls without moving the pointer.
Which alternatives are open source?
KeepingYouAwake (MIT), Caffeinate & Disablesleep (MIT) and Jiggler (GPL-3.0) publish their source code. Lungo and NeverNap are closed source.
Which alternatives work on older macOS versions?
KeepingYouAwake 1.6.8 supports macOS 10.13 or later, and Jiggler supports macOS 10.15 or later. Lungo and NeverNap need macOS 26.