I’ve developed a habit of leaving my MacBook plugged in for hours after it reaches 100%, which isn’t great for long-term battery health. I know I should unplug it sooner, but I’m usually focused on work and completely forget to check the battery percentage. The other side of this problem hits when I’m away from my desk and the battery drops too low without warning.
Battery Charging Alert addresses both scenarios with a straightforward approach. The app monitors your battery status and sends notifications for three key events: when you plug in your charging cable, when you unplug it, and when your battery reaches preset percentage levels. This simple functionality helps you develop better charging habits without constantly checking your battery icon.
The standout feature for me has been the customizable battery level alerts. You can set two threshold notifications - one for when to plug in (I use 20%) and another for when to unplug (I set mine at 80%). These aren’t arbitrary suggestions either. Battery experts generally recommend keeping lithium-ion batteries between 20% and 80% charge for optimal longevity, though modern battery management systems handle some of this automatically.
What I appreciate about the app is its unobtrusive presence. It sits in your menu bar with a colorful battery icon showing your current percentage. The icon changes color based on your battery level, providing a quick visual reference. When alerts trigger, you get the standard macOS notification with an optional iPhone-style charging chime sound. You can customize the alert sound or disable it entirely if you prefer silent notifications.
The app supports both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 11.0 or later. On my Mac Mini M4, it uses minimal system resources and integrates cleanly with macOS dark mode. The interface is straightforward - adjustable sliders let you set your preferred battery thresholds, and you can toggle the dock icon visibility if you prefer a cleaner dock.
The current version (v3.41 as of July 2025) has been actively maintained by developer Jiulong Zhao, with recent updates including a SwiftUI migration and interface improvements. The app weighs in at just 6.3 MB and includes no data collection according to the privacy disclosure.
At $12.99, Battery Charging Alert falls into the premium utility category. This pricing might feel steep for what is essentially a notification tool, particularly since macOS includes basic battery information and third-party apps like AlDente offer battery management features. However, if you value the simplicity of automated reminders and don’t need more advanced battery limiting features, the cost breaks down to a one-time investment for ongoing battery health awareness.
The app has earned solid reviews from users who appreciate its reliability. Several reviewers specifically mention that it helps them maintain the 20-80% charging range without thinking about it. One user noted they can finally stop worrying about when to plug or unplug their MacBook.
Some users might find alternatives like AlDente or the free coconutBattery more feature-rich for battery management. AlDente, for instance, allows you to set charge limits that prevent your battery from charging past a certain percentage, which is more proactive than notifications. However, those apps require more configuration and may feel like overkill if you simply want charging reminders.
For anyone concerned about extending their MacBook’s battery lifespan, particularly those who frequently leave their laptops plugged in for extended periods, Battery Charging Alert provides a focused solution. The notifications serve as gentle reminders to develop healthier charging habits without requiring you to actively monitor your battery status throughout the day.
