Free fan simulator
FanFan is a free app for your Mac that simulates the sound of a fan running on newer MacBooks. While the app was developed as an April fool's joke, it works well and can run on almost any Mac device. The software is light on resources, as it only recreates the sound of fan noises that matches your hardware usage.
If you dislike working in silence, this app is excellent. However, there are many alternatives available such as Spotify, a free music streaming service. Additionally, you can use media players and tools such as Soundflower and Winamp.
While the sound of a fan can be unwanted, many prefer this white noise as opposed to complete silence while working. This app helps provide soft and constant background noise for devices that run silently. Due to the constant repetitive sound, it’s easier to drown it out as you work, letting you focus on everything but the noise.
Great for focus
As an added bonus, the volume of the fan is adjustable, allowing you to manage it and adapt it to your needs.
Light on resources
FanFan is incredibly light on resources due to the app's simplicity. The app will run in the background on your Mac, barely impacting the way your device runs.
However, this low requirement isn't proof of quality coding. The app has plenty of room for improvement, especially with the code. This lack of efficiency impacts how well it runs on devices with inadequate RAM specifications.
Best with headphones
FanFan plays its sound through the audio system. For the most effective impact while working, set the volume to low and use headphones. Additionally, if you’re a Twitch streamer, the sound may annoy viewers, as it interferes with the microphone.
Required OS
FanFan requires macOS 11 and Apple Silicon Mac. The software won't run on devices that do not meet both of these specifications. However, by editing the code, you're able to remove the need for an Apple Silicon Mac. This process is done by removing all lines of #if arch(x86_64) from the code itself. Once done, the software will run on your MacBook.
Clunky but functional
FanFan is an odd application as its only purpose is to create a white noise that many users prefer to silence. The software recreates the sound of a fan running on your device, matching the pitch to the resources in use.
