Introduction
If you use your MacBook plugged in for most of the day, you are quietly degrading your battery every hour. Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster when held at 100 percent charge, and macOS does not give you a native tool to stop this. AlDente for macOS, available as a free download on SoftsCR, solves this problem precisely. Here is how it works and how to configure it correctly.
Why Keeping Your MacBook at 100% Damages the Battery
Lithium-ion batteries age faster when held at maximum charge for extended periods, a phenomenon called stress aging. Apple’s battery chemistry is optimised for cycles between 20 and 80 percent. When you leave your MacBook plugged in all day at 100 percent, you are not giving the battery rest at an optimal charge level. Over a year or two, this measurably reduces maximum battery capacity. AlDente fixes this by letting you set a charge ceiling.
What AlDente Does and How It Works
AlDente sits in your Mac’s menu bar and intercepts the charging signal at the percentage you set, typically 80 percent. Once your MacBook hits that limit, AlDente tells macOS to stop drawing power from the charger into the battery, while still running the laptop from the charger directly. Your Mac stays powered without the battery being held at maximum charge. At just 13 MB, it is one of the lightest, most focused utilities in SoftsCR’s Mac catalogue.
How to Set Up AlDente Correctly After Downloading from SoftsCR
Download AlDente for macOS from SoftsCR‘s Mac section. On first launch, set your charge limit to 80 percent. This is the sweet spot recommended by battery engineers for daily plugged-in use. If you know you need a full charge for travel tomorrow, raise the limit to 100 percent the night before. Return it to 80 percent when you are back at your desk. This single habit can significantly extend how long your battery holds a full charge over two to three years.
The Science Behind the 80 Percent Rule
Battery researchers at institutions including MIT have confirmed that lithium-ion cells cycled between 20 and 80 percent of their capacity degrade significantly more slowly than those repeatedly charged to 100 percent. Apple acknowledged this by adding Optimised Battery Charging in macOS, but Optimised Charging relies on machine learning about your schedule, which does not work well for irregular users. AlDente gives you manual, predictable control over the same outcome.
AlDente Free vs AlDente Pro: What the Free Version Covers
The free version of AlDente available on SoftsCR covers the core charging limit function, which is the most important feature by far. AlDente Pro adds heat protection (pausing charging when the Mac gets hot), a sailing mode for long trips, and a calibration feature. For most users, the free version is everything they need. The Pro features are useful for power users who want automated temperature-based responses.
Combining AlDente with Good Battery Habits
AlDente works best alongside a few simple habits. Avoid draining your MacBook below 20 percent regularly, as deep discharges also accelerate degradation. Keep your Mac’s macOS updated, since Apple regularly improves power management at the system level. And check your battery health quarterly: go to Apple menu → System Information → Power and look at the Cycle Count and Maximum Capacity percentage. AlDente’s goal is to keep that Maximum Capacity as close to 100 percent as possible for as long as possible.
| Charge Level | Battery Impact |
| Held at 100% all day | High stress — degrades capacity over time |
| Cycled 20–80% | Optimal — minimal degradation |
| Regularly below 20% | Increased degradation — avoid deep discharge daily |
| AlDente at 80% limit | Actively prevents stress aging while plugged in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AlDente free on SoftsCR?
Yes, AlDente for macOS is available as a free download on SoftsCR’s Mac software section.
Does AlDente work with Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4)?
Yes, AlDente is compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon MacBooks.
What charge limit should I set in AlDente?
80 percent is the most widely recommended limit for daily plugged-in use. If you need a full battery for travel, temporarily set it to 100 percent before you leave.
Will AlDente void my Mac’s warranty?
No, AlDente is a menu bar app that communicates with macOS through approved APIs. It does not modify system files or hardware.