# Cortex for Mac

Canonical page: https://macbase.app/apps/cortex

> Monitor Mac performance and local AI workloads

- Price: $5
- Requires: macOS 15 Sequoia or later
- Apple silicon: runs natively
- Notarized by Apple: yes
- Verified on MacBase: yes
- Developer: Eduard PANTAZI
- Categories: [System Monitoring](https://macbase.app/categories/system-monitoring), [Local AI & LLMs](https://macbase.app/categories/local-ai-llms), [Menu Bar & Notch](https://macbase.app/categories/menu-bar-notch)

## About

Cortex is a system monitor for macOS that groups thousands of processes into the apps you use, keeps 30 days of performance history, and shows CPU, GPU, memory, disk, network, battery, temperature, and fan activity. Its menu bar view surfaces current metrics and the busiest apps at a glance.

Built for Apple silicon, Cortex also tracks Neural Engine activity and local AI workloads from tools such as Ollama, LM Studio, llama.cpp, ComfyUI, and MLX. A model fit advisor compares model requirements with available memory, while Ask Cortex answers questions about your Mac using on-device data. Everything stays local, with no account, analytics, or telemetry.

## An alternative to

- [Activity Monitor](https://macbase.app/alternatives/activity-monitor): 2 alternatives on MacBase
- [iStat Menus](https://macbase.app/alternatives/istat-menus): 2 alternatives on MacBase
- [Stats](https://macbase.app/alternatives/stats): 2 alternatives on MacBase

## Get it

- Website: https://cortexformac.com

Listed by [Eduard PANTAZI](https://macbase.app/@eduard).

## Similar System Monitoring apps

- [Vitals](https://macbase.app/apps/vitals): See which app is slowing your Mac ($9, 10% off for MacBase for MacBase members, System Monitoring, Apple silicon, macOS 15 Sequoia or later, verified)