AppPolice for Mac

AppPolice — lightweight CPU governor for macOS

AppPolice is a small, free utility for macOS that helps you control how much CPU each running process can consume. By capping CPU allocation per app, it helps keep the system responsive when you run resource-heavy programs. The tool is built around a simple interface that makes it straightforward to spot and throttle processes that are using an outsized share of CPU time.

Primary advantages

• Prevents any single application from monopolizing processor cycles, maintaining overall system responsiveness.
• Straightforward interface that highlights active processes and their current CPU consumption.
• Lets you apply per-process CPU limits quickly to reduce spikes and smooth multitasking.
• Free to use, with no cluttered settings or unnecessary extras.

How to use it

1. Launch AppPolice and scan the list of active processes to find the one you want to control.
2. Select the target process and use the provided slider or input to set a maximum CPU percentage.
3. Apply the limit; the process will be constrained according to the new cap until you change or remove it.
4. Monitor the process list to verify the change and adjust limits as your workload evolves.

Ideal scenarios

• Running heavy computational tasks while keeping the UI fluid.
• Preventing background utilities from impacting foreground applications.
• Managing CPU use on older machines or when battery life is a concern.

Alternative option: CheatSheet (free)

If you want a different kind of productivity helper, CheatSheet is a free recommendation. While it doesn’t limit CPU, CheatSheet helps you work faster by displaying app-specific keyboard shortcuts, reducing the time you spend navigating menus and improving workflow efficiency.