Caffeine alternative
A free, online Caffeine app alternative
Loved the Caffeine app but don't want to install anything? ScreenWakeUp does the same job from your browser — on Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook and phones. No download, no account, free forever.
The classic Caffeine app (and its cousins like Amphetamine on Mac) keep your computer from sleeping by holding it "awake." The catch: you have to install software, and on a locked-down work machine you often can't. ScreenWakeUp uses the modern Screen Wake Lock API built into Chrome, Edge and Safari to do exactly the same thing — straight from a browser tab.
ScreenWakeUp vs. the Caffeine desktop app
| ScreenWakeUp | Caffeine / desktop apps | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | None — runs in browser | Download & install |
| Admin rights | Not needed | Often required |
| Works on | Any OS + mobile | One OS per app |
| Custom timer | Yes | Limited |
| Pomodoro + fullscreen clock | Yes | No |
| Floating mini-window (PiP) | Yes | No |
| Price | Free | Free / paid |
How to keep your screen awake (no install)
- Open screenwakeup.com in any modern browser.
- Choose how long: 30 min, 1h, 2h, 4h, or ∞ (indefinitely).
- Click Keep Screen Awake. Keep the tab open and visible.
Works on Mac and Windows
On macOS, open it in Safari or Chrome — your screen stays on without touching System Settings or Energy Saver. On Windows 10/11, open it in Chrome or Edge — it overrides your screen timeout without changing any power or sleep settings. Stop anytime with one click.
The caffeinate equivalent for Windows
macOS has the Terminal command caffeinate; Windows ships with no built-in equivalent. The usual options are installing Microsoft's PowerToys Awake (excellent, but it's an install) or manually switching your power plan. ScreenWakeUp is the no-install equivalent: open the page, one click, and your Windows screen stays on — ideal on corporate machines where you can't install software.
More than just "caffeine"
Because it's a full toolkit, you also get a custom timer, a 25/5 Pomodoro mode, a fullscreen clock, and a guide to avoiding the Away status in Teams and Slack — all in the same free page.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free online alternative to the Caffeine app?
Yes. ScreenWakeUp is a free, browser-based alternative to the Caffeine desktop app. There is nothing to download or install — open screenwakeup.com and click one button to keep your screen awake. It uses the modern Screen Wake Lock API and works on Mac, Windows, Linux and mobile.
What is the difference from the Caffeine desktop app?
Caffeine is a small app you install on macOS or Windows. ScreenWakeUp does the same job from a browser tab — no installation, no admin rights, and it works on every operating system including Chromebook and phones. It also adds a custom timer, Pomodoro mode, a fullscreen clock and a floating mini-window (Picture-in-Picture).
Does the online Caffeine alternative work on Mac?
Yes. Open screenwakeup.com in Safari or Chrome on your Mac and click the button. Your screen stays on without touching System Settings or Energy Saver, and you can stop it anytime with one click.
Is it really free with no account?
Yes — completely free, no signup, no account. It runs entirely in your browser.
What is the caffeinate equivalent for Windows?
Windows has no built-in command like macOS's caffeinate. You can install Microsoft's PowerToys Awake, or skip installing anything and open screenwakeup.com: one click in the browser keeps the screen on, with no admin rights.
Open the free Caffeine alternative →