Yes, playing video continuously uses energy. But how the app plays video matters enormously. Software decoding keeps several CPU cores busy for as long as the video plays. MacWall hands decoding to Apple's media engine instead, and it stops decoding entirely when a full-screen app covers the desktop or when Low Power Mode triggers the optional battery pause. We have not published a measured battery test, so check MacWall's own CPU reading in its menu bar on your Mac.
MacWall's power-saving features
- Optional pause in Low Power Mode or on low battery
- Pause during full-screen apps (video calls, games, Keynote)
- One hardware decoder per display, no duplicate work
- Preload off until wallpaper is visible
Practical advice
On a MacBook Air, turn on pause-on-battery and lower-quality-on-battery in Settings → Power. On a desk setup, enjoy 4K loops freely. Use the menu bar to pause manually during long unplugged sessions.
