Comparison · Free, open-source menu bar monitor
iKnowMyMac vs Stats
Stats is a free, open-source menu bar monitor for CPU, GPU, memory, disk, network, battery and sensors. iKnowMyMac is a paid diagnosis app that groups processes into apps, keeps 30 days of history and explains slowdowns.
In short
Who each app is for
Stats · exelban (open source)
Anyone who wants clean, free menu bar stats, likes open-source software, or installs everything with Homebrew.
iKnowMyMac
People who want the reason behind a slowdown or an overnight battery drop, and developers who need servers, ports, Docker and simulators by project.
Where Stats is better
- It's free, and the source is public under the MIT license.
- It runs on macOS 12 and later, and installs with Homebrew.
- Per-process network lists, desktop widgets, a world clock and a Remote module for monitoring a Mac from another device.
- Fan control, though its README says that feature is in legacy mode and no longer maintained.
- Many translations, contributed by the community.
Where iKnowMyMac differs
- Diagnosis: ranked causes of a slowdown with evidence, not just current numbers.
- 30 days of history with a scrubbable timeline.
- Sleep forensics: wake reasons, dark wakes and overnight drain by app.
- Developer mode: servers by project, idle detection, port conflicts, Docker and simulators.
- Every helper process counted under its app.
- A one-time purchase with support, a 14-day refund and signed, notarized updates.
Our take
Different jobs
Stats has more than 40,000 stars on GitHub, and it has earned them. It's free, it covers the core metrics well, and its README is candid about cost: turning off the Sensors and Bluetooth modules makes it lighter.
iKnowMyMac is built for a different moment: when something is wrong and you want to know why. It keeps history, groups helpers into apps, ranks causes, and reads the power log to explain overnight drain.
If you only want numbers in your menu bar, Stats may be all you need. If you want explanations, that is what iKnowMyMac is for.
Pricing
Stats is free and open source (MIT). iKnowMyMac is a one-time purchase that includes every feature and free updates, with a 14-day refund.
iKnowMyMac's 1-Mac license launches at $4.99 for the first 100, $9.99 for the next 150, $14.99 for the next 200, then $24.99. One-time purchase, every feature and free updates included, 14-day refund.
FAQ
Questions
Something else? support@iknowmymac.com
Is Stats really free?
Yes. Stats is free and its source code is public on GitHub under the MIT license.
Can I use Stats and iKnowMyMac together?
Yes. Many people keep a free menu bar monitor and use iKnowMyMac's main window for diagnosis, history and sleep forensics.
Does iKnowMyMac send data anywhere?
Only three requests: the update check, license activation and validation, and crash reports if you opt in (off by default). No account, analytics or telemetry.
Sources
Checked on 2026-09-27. Prices are in US dollars before local taxes. Spotted something out of date? Email support@iknowmymac.com and we'll correct it.
Know why your Mac is slow.
macOS 15 Sequoia or later · Apple silicon. A 4.2 MB native app, notarized by Apple. No account, no analytics, no telemetry.
One-time purchase · every feature · 14-day refund