A straightforward and effective monitoring solution for macOS that reliably alerts users when AI services are back online.
Haven't used Back yet?
Ask Trustburn
Questions about Back
What is Back?
Back is a macOS menu bar utility that monitors the operational status of AI services like Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, Gemini, and GitHub Copilot. It automatically checks these services and notifies the user on their Mac when a service recovers from an outage. The app requires macOS 14 or later and provides features including remote alerts and a timeline of status events.
How does the monitoring and verification process work?
The app polls services every 20 seconds once an outage is confirmed, but checks every minute during normal operation. It verifies recovery with a real request before notifying the user to ensure the service is truly usable again. This verification step prevents users from returning to a half-recovered service.
Which AI services can be monitored and how are they displayed?
The app allows users to watch multiple AI tools simultaneously, including Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT, and Gemini. It displays the status of each service in the menu bar, turning red when a service is down. Users can close their laptops and leave without worrying about monitoring the services themselves.
What are the system requirements and platform compatibility?
The website states that the app is made for macOS and requires macOS 14 or later to run. It is designed specifically for Mac users who rely on AI tools for their work. The app integrates seamlessly into the menu bar to provide real-time updates.
What additional features are available for remote users?
The app provides a timeline of status events, allowing users to see when outages started and when services recovered. It also offers remote alerts, enabling users to be notified even when they are not physically present at their Mac. This feature is particularly useful for remote workers or those who need to stay updated while away.
Who is the target audience for this app?
The app is designed for users who rely on AI services like Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, Gemini, and GitHub Copilot. It helps professionals who need to know when these services are down or back up. The app is particularly useful for those who want to minimize interruptions and stay productive.
What are the differences between the free and Pro versions?
The app is free for 7 days, after which users can choose to purchase the Pro version for $5. The Pro version allows monitoring of multiple services and includes advanced features like remote alerts and a timeline of status events. The free tier is limited to monitoring one service.
How does the app integrate with macOS?
The app is designed to work on macOS 14 or later, ensuring compatibility with the latest macOS features. It integrates with the menu bar to provide real-time updates without requiring additional setup. The app is lightweight and does not interfere with other applications.
What is the official website of Back?
The official website of Back is backstatus.app.
How is Back rated on Trustburn?
On Trustburn, Back has a rating of 4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.
Post your question publicly — other visitors, and whoever manages this page, can answer. It will be visible on this page.
Want to hear about this company again? Follow it and we’ll email you when a new review appears.
Based on reviews, listing data and the company's website. Verify anything important with the company directly.
5 Reviews
The pricing structure seems quite reasonable for what is offered, especially with the early bird option available at just five dollars after the trial. It is refreshing to see a one-time fee rather than a recurring subscription for a utility that runs silently in the background. The feature set covers the essential monitoring needs for macOS users who want to avoid the constant refreshing of status pages. One might wonder if the upcoming WhatsApp support will be included in the current price or if it requires an upgrade, but for now, the existing channels provide sufficient coverage for most teams. It definitely saves time during outages.
Back effectively handles the monitoring of major AI services like Claude, Cursor, and ChatGPT, which is the core requirement for any remote worker relying on these platforms. The ability to receive notifications via Slack, Telegram, or email is a significant advantage, ensuring that the alert reaches you even if your primary channel is cluttered. However, the limitation of having only one channel armed at a time means you might miss a recovery notification if you are primarily monitoring a different service than the one you are waiting to resume. While the verification step adds reliability, the restricted channel selection feels like an unnecessary constraint for a premium experience. It is a solid utility, but expanding the notification targets would make it indispensable for power users who juggle multiple communication streams simultaneously.
The description indicates a free trial followed by a single fee, yet the exact duration of the trial period is not explicitly detailed in the visible text. For someone evaluating the long-term cost, it would be prudent to verify the specific terms before committing to the early bird pricing model.
This utility does exactly what it promises without any fuss. It monitors the AI tools I use daily and alerts me when they are back online. Very reliable for my workflow.
Questions & Answers
No questions yet — be the first to ask.
Sign in to post
Your text is saved — you'll come right back to post.
or with email
Don't have an account? Create one
News & Press
No news yet. This is where the business shares its own updates and press.
Photos
No photos yet. Photos shared by reviewers will show up here.
About Back
Back is a macOS menu bar utility that monitors the operational status of AI services such as Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, Gemini, and GitHub Copilot. It checks these services automatically and notifies the user on their Mac when a service recovers from an outage. The app offers a free tier that supports monitoring of one service and a one-time Pro version priced at $5. It requires macOS 14 or later and provides features including remote alerts and a timeline of status events.
- Website
- backstatus.app
- Categories
- Computer software
People also looked at
White-label senior Drupal backup for agencies.4 Reviews
Backstop Cyber4 Reviews
Backstop Ops5 Reviews
Backstrap Law5 Reviews
Backstage Rock Shop5 Reviews