The short version
If your computer will be on and awake, a keep-awake app is enough. If it will be closed or off, only something that runs elsewhere can keep your status on schedule.
| Approach | Works with the laptop closed | Needs your computer on | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse jiggler (hardware or software) | No | Yes | Low or free |
| Keep-awake app | No | Yes | Free or low |
| Manual status | No, it returns to automatic | No | Free, easy to forget |
| Cloud schedule (Stayslit) | Yes | No | $9/month, or $5/month billed yearly |
Go deeper
Read how Stayslit compares with a keep-awake app, or what to check before choosing any tool.