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BlackFlare Review

BlackFlare is a macOS menu bar application that keeps your Mac awake during AI agent tasks and provides notifications upon completion or when input is required.

shipped Jul 29, 2026researchpaid
researchproductivity
BlackFlare — product screenshot

Why it matters

1Ensures uninterrupted AI sessions for Claude and Codex on macOS.
2Provides native macOS, Telegram, and Slack notifications for task completion.
3Offers on-device usage tracking and customization of AI agent settings.
4Features a privacy-first design with read-only Keychain access and zero telemetry.

About BlackFlare

Business Model
Per-Job Pricing
Usage Pricing
$20/license per session
Platforms
macOS
Target Audience
Mac users running Claude or Codex

Pricing Plans

Single License
$20 / one-time
  • • Lifetime updates
  • • Keychain access
  • • Works with macOS 13 or later

Cost Examples

  • • Purchase one license for $20

Specs

API Available

Yes, public API

Screenshots

overview

What is BlackFlare?

BlackFlare is a productivity tool that enables Mac users running Claude or Codex to manage AI agent sessions. It keeps the Mac awake during long AI runs, notifies users of task completion or required input, and allows for direct customization of AI settings and usage tracking from the macOS menu bar. All processing occurs on-device, ensuring privacy with read-only Keychain access and no telemetry.

features

Key Features of BlackFlare

BlackFlare integrates directly into the macOS menu bar, offering a suite of features designed to optimize the workflow for developers utilizing Claude Code and Codex. These features focus on session management, notifications, and privacy.

  • Keeps Mac awake during Claude or Codex sessions, even with the lid closed, preventing interruptions.
  • Sends native macOS notifications when AI tasks finish, require attention, or reach usage limits.
  • Routes notifications to Telegram and Slack for remote monitoring of AI agent progress.
  • Displays current session and weekly usage for Claude, reading token data from the macOS Keychain (read-only).
  • Allows direct customization of Claude Code and Codex settings (model, permission mode, effort level, thinking mode) from the menu bar.
  • Ensures privacy with zero telemetry, no accounts, and all processing performed on the user's Mac.
  • Utilizes read-only Keychain access for API tokens, which are never transmitted or stored on BlackFlare's servers.

use cases

Who Should Use BlackFlare?

BlackFlare is specifically designed for developers and researchers who frequently use AI coding agents like Claude Code and Codex on macOS. Its functionalities address common challenges faced during long-running AI tasks.

  • Developers using Claude Code or Codex for long-running coding tasks who need to ensure their Mac remains awake.
  • Users requiring real-time notifications (via macOS, Telegram, or Slack) when AI agent tasks complete or need input.
  • Individuals who want to track their Claude usage and customize AI agent settings directly from the macOS menu bar.
  • Privacy-conscious users who prefer on-device processing and no data collection for their AI tool management.

how to use

How to Use BlackFlare

BlackFlare is installed as a native macOS application and operates from the menu bar, requiring minimal setup to begin managing AI agent sessions.

  • 1Download and install BlackFlare by dragging it to the Applications folder.
  • 2Grant necessary permissions for notifications and read-only Keychain access.
  • 3Configure default settings for Claude Code or Codex directly from the menu bar.
  • 4BlackFlare will automatically keep your Mac awake during active AI sessions.
  • 5Receive notifications on macOS, Telegram, or Slack when AI tasks are completed or require input.
  • 6Monitor Claude usage directly from the menu bar interface.

pricing

BlackFlare Pricing & Plans

BlackFlare is offered under a per-job business model, requiring a one-time purchase for a single license. There are no recurring subscription fees or additional usage-based costs beyond the initial license acquisition.

  • Single License: $20 (one-time purchase)

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Pros

  • +Ensures uninterrupted AI agent sessions by preventing Mac sleep, even with the lid closed.
  • +Provides timely and customizable notifications (macOS, Telegram, Slack) for AI task status.
  • +Offers on-device usage tracking for Claude, enhancing transparency and control.
  • +Allows direct customization of AI agent settings from the macOS menu bar.
  • +Prioritizes user privacy with read-only Keychain access, zero telemetry, and no accounts.
  • +One-time purchase model avoids recurring subscription costs.

Cons

  • −Notifications for Codex are currently less granular than for Claude Code, with 'approval-waiting' and 'turn-complete' both showing as 'needs you'.
  • −Away-detection timing for notifications is not yet configurable.
  • −Specific to macOS, limiting availability for users on other operating systems.
  • −Requires manual installation and granting of permissions (notifications, Keychain access).

Policies

Pricing Page

View Pricing→

Similar Tools

BlackFlare vs Competitors

BlackFlare differentiates itself from general-purpose Mac awake utilities and other AI-specific trackers by offering a comprehensive, integrated solution tailored for Claude Code and Codex.

1
Amphetamine↗

Provides extensive control over keeping your Mac awake, with options to activate based on specific applications, network activity, or for set durations.

Amphetamine is a robust solution for preventing your Mac from sleeping, a core function of BlackFlare. However, it does not offer specific monitoring for AI task completion or usage tracking for AI models like Claude or Codex, requiring you to manage those aspects separately.

2
KeepingYouAwake↗

A lightweight, open-source menu bar utility that prevents your Mac from going to sleep, with simple controls for duration and power source.

KeepingYouAwake offers a straightforward, free way to keep your Mac awake, fulfilling a primary function of BlackFlare. It lacks BlackFlare's specialized AI task monitoring, usage insights, and advanced notification capabilities.

3
Lungo↗

A minimalist menu bar app designed to keep your Mac awake for a chosen period or indefinitely with a single click.

Lungo provides a simple, paid alternative for keeping your Mac awake, similar to BlackFlare's basic functionality. It does not include any features for monitoring AI task completion, tracking AI usage, or providing intelligent notifications.

4
SimplyTrack↗

Offers automatic time tracking for applications and websites, includes AI integration with Claude and other assistants, and provides smart notifications with usage insights.

SimplyTrack is a strong alternative for BlackFlare's AI integration and usage tracking, explicitly mentioning Claude and AI-powered notifications. While it tracks app usage, it doesn't have a dedicated 'keep Mac awake' function, meaning you might need to combine it with another tool for that specific purpose.

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