Published Mar 31, 2023, 4:15 PM EDT
Olasubomi Gbenjo is a freelance writer and tech enthusiast working at MakeUseOf to enlighten readers one clear, concise, and compelling article at a time. She's enormously curious and enjoys finding solutions to problems. When she's not writing or learning more about how technology continually shapes the world around us, you'll find her adding to her items cart or watching The Office.
We all know a full charge on our MacBook battery doesn't last forever. After all, batteries are meant to discharge while in use. However, there are times when it seems like our MacBook battery isn't lasting as long as it should. One reason for this is that we're using apps that are energy-draining.
Energy-draining Mac apps will have you reaching for your MacBook's charger sooner than you normally would. So, if you're wondering what some of these apps might be, we've got you covered. Below, we've listed some popular battery-draining Mac apps.
1. Google Chrome
While Chrome is a worthwhile alternative to your Mac's default browser Safari, it comes with the disadvantage of not being energy efficient. In fact, Chrome is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to battery drain on MacBooks.
If you use Chrome on your MacBook and look at which apps are draining your MacBook's battery, you'll likely find it on the list. You can work around this issue in several ways. But if you don't want to give up Chrome, consider closing browser tabs and windows you aren't using.
If you want to try another browser, why not look closer to home and use Safari? There are several reasons why Safari is a solid choice compared to other browsers, one of which is its energy efficiency.
2. Spotify
Third-party Mac apps tend to be heavier on your MacBook's CPU, which means shorter battery life when you use them. Streaming apps also cause your MacBook's battery to drain quickly because everything they require to run—internet, audio, and sometimes video—is power-consuming.
Spotify is a cross-platform app and a streaming service, so it's likely to be an energy drainer for your MacBook. You can reduce the app's effects on your MacBook's battery by trying some fixes. We've got an article discussing things to try if your MacBook's battery drains quickly, so be sure to check it out.
3. Zoom
If you've installed Zoom on your MacBook, you may have noticed the battery draining fast during a lengthy Zoom call. That's because video calling apps, in general, are CPU- and GPU-intensive. They use sound, video, and the internet for extended periods.
You can reduce Zoom's strain on your MacBook's battery by closing background apps while it's open or using it in Low Power Mode. You can also prevent battery drain while using Zoom by reducing screen brightness and ensuring your MacBook is plugged into a power source.
4. Discord
Discord is a popular messaging app among gamers, but unfortunately, it's also a battery drainer. It consumes your MacBook's resources even in the background because it's a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) software that strains the CPU and GPU.
One way to reduce Discord's impact on your MacBook's battery is by disabling Hardware Acceleration in the app. You can also opt for the web version instead of the app to prevent Discord from draining your MacBook's battery.
5. Adobe Photoshop
Creative software generally consumes a ton of battery because of its high CPU usage, particularly if it's a high-end photo editing application like Adobe Photoshop.
Adobe Photoshop tends to be a huge battery drain on the MacBook's battery. The same goes for other Adobe apps as well. Within a short while of using Adobe Photoshop, you might find that your MacBook's battery has dropped significantly.
For now, there's no workaround for this. One thing you can do is keep your MacBook plugged in when you work with Optimized Battery Charging enabled to avoid degrading your battery quickly due to overcharging.
6. VLC
VLC is the go-to video player for many people, and for a good reason. It can play nearly any video format and comes with several useful built-in tools, like a file converter and radio streamers. One downside to it is that it drains your MacBook's battery.
An energy-efficient alternative to VLC would be QuickTime, macOS's default video player. Because it's a native app, QuickTime will be easier on your MacBook's battery than VLC. Of course, you could try other universal video players for your Mac if you don't want to use QuickTime, one of which might be a suitable option for you.
7. Steam and Epic Games Launcher
Game distribution platforms like Steam and Epic Games Launcher tend to require a lot of processing power. If you use either software, you might notice a rapid drop in your MacBook's battery percentage after a period of use.
These apps have a lot of processes running, even in the background, which is why you'll find that they drain your MacBook's battery quickly. What you can do to combat this is to close the app window if it's idle. You can also opt for the web version instead of the app to avoid straining your MacBook's battery completely.
Make Your MacBook's Battery Last Longer
Typically, your Mac should have several hours of battery time after a full charge. So, it can be annoying and alarming to discover that you have only three or four hours of battery time instead.
The good news is that if you're using a battery-draining Mac app, you can identify the issue with a quick trip to your MacBook's Activity Monitor. Once you've spotted the battery-draining app, you can replace it with a more energy efficient one or enable other energy-saving features if you don't want to get rid of it.