ChocolateBar vs GreatBar
ChocolateBar
chocolatebar.appGreatBar
greatbar.greatpixels.comSide by side
| Figure | ChocolateBar | GreatBar |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Menu Bar Customization Software | 8.0 (#4) | 7.7 (#9) |
| Privacy | The maker says the app only contacts its servers when checking for updates and that nothing leaves the Mac during its menu bar and window functions. | The app has no backend, its own account system, or telemetry; its shortcuts and website data remain on the Mac, while daily update checks disclose the user's IP address and app user agent to the hosting provider. |
| Purpose | ChocolateBar manages a crowded Mac menu bar by hiding third-party icons or displaying them in a second row with open app windows. | GreatBar puts frequently used websites, apps, files and folders in the Mac menu bar as individual shortcuts or grouped menus. |
Plans
In their own words
ChocolateBar
ChocolateBar has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
GreatBar
GreatBar is a free Mac app that puts shortcuts to websites, apps, files, and folders in the menu bar. Website shortcuts can open in panels that remember their size and page state, or in standalone windows that can stay above other windows. Separate browsing sessions let the same website use different logins, while private browsing keeps no cookies or history. Users can create distinct menu bars, such as work and personal setups, and shortcuts can open named macOS System Settings panes. Links for WhatsApp, Slack, Figma, Notion, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, Telegram, and Spotify can open in those apps when installed. An optional built-in MCP server lets an assistant inspect bars and propose changes for user review. GreatBar runs in the Mac sandbox and stores added files and folders as security-scoped bookmarks. It has no backend, account system, or telemetry, but its daily update check shares the user's IP address and app user agent with the hosting provider. Website views block ads and trackers by default. GreatBar requires macOS 14.0 or later.