iStat Menus vs Stats
Both put CPU, memory, disk, network, battery and sensor readings in the menu bar. iStat Menus is the polished paid app, with detailed history graphs, notifications and a large set of sensors. Stats is free and open source and covers the same basics with a lighter feature set.
Facts checked · No paid placements
iStat Menus
Your Mac's vital signs, in the menu bar.
Stats
Free system monitor for the menu bar.
Pick by what you need
Choose iStat Menus if
- You want detailed history graphs and alerts.
- You read temperatures and fan speeds closely.
- You want a commercial app with support.
Choose Stats if
- You want it free and open source.
- The basics in the menu bar are enough for you.
- You prefer a small app you can inspect.
The facts, side by side
| Fact | iStat Menus | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid up front | Free and open source |
| Developer | Bjango | Serhiy Mytrovtsiy |
| Mac App Store | No | No |
| Homebrew cask | istat-menus | stats |
| Open source | No | MIT |
| Last commit | – | October 2026 |
| GitHub stars | – | 43k |
Facts checked . Prices can change; each developer's site is the final word.
iStat Menus or Stats?
Is iStat Menus better than Stats?
Neither is better for everyone. Both put CPU, memory, disk, network, battery and sensor readings in the menu bar. iStat Menus is the polished paid app, with detailed history graphs, notifications and a large set of sensors. Stats is free and open source and covers the same basics with a lighter feature set.
How much does iStat Menus cost?
iStat Menus is paid software, bought up front from bjango.com.
Is Stats free?
Yes. Stats is free and open source under the MIT license. The source code is on GitHub at exelban/stats.
What else is like iStat Menus and Stats?
Other utilities apps on MacWorthy worth a look are Bartender 6 (one-time purchase), Ice (open source) and Amphetamine (free).