CPU and RAM monitor for the Mac menu bar

The simplest method: SeventyStats

Install SeventyStats, tick the metrics you want to track (CPU, memory, network, battery) in the settings, pick the refresh interval (2, 3 or 5 seconds) and the compact or full format. The numbers show right away in the menu bar, updated live, nothing to open. The app's window shows the same metrics larger, with a mini bar for CPU.

Download the free SeventyStats trial (7 days, macOS 13+).

Why not just Activity Monitor

• Always visible: Activity Monitor is a separate window you have to open and keep on top; SeventyStats stays in the menu bar permanently, without taking up screen space.
• One glance is enough: CPU, memory, network and battery fit in a single compact line of text, readable without even clicking.
• Pick your metrics: show only what matters to you, in the order and format you prefer.

Where the numbers come from

CPU comes from host_processor_info (tick delta across all cores), memory from a formula close to Activity Monitor's, network from a byte delta on physical interfaces only, and battery straight from the IOKit controller, the same source macOS itself uses internally. Nothing is guessed or approximated.

Apple Silicon and Intel

SeventyStats is a universal binary (arm64 and x86_64): it runs equally well on M1/M2/M3/M4 Macs and on Intel models, on macOS 13 or later.

Mistakes to avoid

• Keeping Activity Monitor open all the time: it uses more resources than a simple line of text in the menu bar.
• Choosing an app that asks for unnecessary permissions just to display system numbers.
• Ignoring the network: an unexpected traffic spike stands out instantly when throughput is shown live.

Get SeventyStats: 7-day trial, then a lifetime license.