Vanilla

Overview

Vanilla is a macOS utility for hiding menu bar icons, aimed at Mac users who want a less crowded menu without adding a recurring software bill. Its free tier handles the core job; the one-time Pro upgrade is for people who want shortcuts, automatic hiding and tighter control over which icons remain visible.

Key features

Hide, group and remove icons

Vanilla hides and groups menu items, helping users keep the menu bar focused while retaining access to less-used icons. Pro adds a “Completely Removed” section for icons that should appear only in Vanilla’s preferences window. That is a meaningful distinction: the free plan tidies the visible bar, while Pro can take selected icons out of it altogether.

Shortcuts, timing and startup

Pro adds keyboard shortcuts to toggle menu bar and desktop icons, and can automatically hide icons five seconds after you toggle them in Vanilla. It can also start when you log in. These controls suit users who want menu-bar cleanup to happen with less ongoing attention; they are not necessary if basic hiding is enough.

Permissions and privacy

On macOS Catalina and later, Vanilla requires Screen Recording permission to hide icons. The maker says the app takes menu-bar screenshots for this purpose and does not save or transmit them. It says internet access is limited to checking for updates and validating Pro license codes. The permission requirement is a practical consideration for anyone cautious about granting screen access, even with those stated limits.

Displays and support

Vanilla supports multiple displays and MacBooks with display notches, though notch setup may require rearranging menu bar items. Email support is available; the maker asks users to include device and operating-system details when seeking help. Vanilla 3 is available in beta for macOS 27 Golden Gate.

Pricing

Vanilla Free costs nothing and covers hiding menu bar icons. It is the sensible starting point for users who only need the basic function, but it gives up Pro’s shortcuts, complete removal, five-second auto-hide and login startup.

Vanilla Pro costs $10, paid once, a one-time purchase rather than a subscription. It includes those additional controls, a license activation code usable up to 10 times by default, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. The price makes Pro a straightforward upgrade for someone who will use the extra controls, while free is better for occasional or basic cleanup.

Platforms

Vanilla runs on macOS. Screen Recording permission is required on macOS Catalina and later. It supports multiple displays and notched MacBooks, with possible menu-item rearrangement during notch setup.

Who it's for

Vanilla is best for Mac users who want to hide or group menu bar icons and prefer a one-time paid upgrade over recurring charges. Users who need only basic hiding can stay on Free; those who want shortcuts, automatic behavior or icons removed from the visible bar have a clearer reason to buy Pro. It is a less natural fit for users unwilling to grant Screen Recording permission on Catalina and later.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free tier covers menu bar icon hiding, so basic cleanup does not require payment.

Pros: Pro combines shortcuts, five-second auto-hide, login startup and complete removal in a 10.00 USD one-time purchase.

Pros: Supports multiple displays and notched MacBooks.

Cons: Screen Recording permission is required on macOS Catalina and later to hide icons.

Cons: The free plan lacks Pro’s shortcuts and other additional controls, including the section that removes icons from the visible bar.

Alternatives

For a broader selection, browse the Menu Bar Customization Software list. Overhang is another free macOS option, with support for macOS 14 Sonoma or later and a universal binary for Apple silicon and Intel. Choose it if that newer system requirement and binary support suit your Mac.

SwiftBar is free and open source for macOS 12 or later, and runs plugins from a local folder. It is the better fit for users seeking a plugin-based, open-source approach rather than Vanilla’s menu-bar hiding focus. iBar-Menubar is a freemium macOS alternative with a free download and in-app purchases.

Lloyd is a free, MIT-licensed macOS menu-bar utility. Octobar offers a free tier limited to five active modules and a one-time Pro tier with unlimited active modules; choose it if module limits and submenu groups are more relevant to your needs.

Pelmet is a free, open-source option that requires macOS 27. xbar is free, open source and MIT-licensed. Bartender is the paid alternative, with a yearly Pro subscription at $19.99 a year or a one-time Bartender 7 license at $24.99 as a one-time purchase.

Verdict

Choose Vanilla if you want a focused macOS menu-bar hider with a free basic tier and an optional one-time Pro upgrade. Pro is worthwhile when its shortcuts, automatic hiding or complete-removal section solve a recurring annoyance; look elsewhere if the Screen Recording permission requirement is a deal-breaker or you want a different kind of menu-bar utility.