ChocolateBar vs Hidden Bar
ChocolateBar
chocolatebar.appHidden Bar
github.comSide by side
| Figure | ChocolateBar | Hidden Bar |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 7.5 (#13) |
| 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 project says the app does not use third-party services that may collect information used to identify users. |
| Purpose | ChocolateBar manages a crowded Mac menu bar by hiding third-party icons or displaying them in a second row with open app windows. | Hidden Bar hides menu bar items to give a Mac a cleaner look. |
Plans
In their own words
ChocolateBar
ChocolateBar has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Hidden Bar
Hidden Bar is a free, open-source macOS app for hiding menu bar items. Click its arrow to expand or collapse the hidden section, and Command-drag icons across the divider to choose which items it hides. Preferences include automatic re-collapse after a selected delay and a system-wide shortcut. An optional second section stays hidden even when the main section is expanded; Option-click the arrow to reveal it. The app can launch at login through the macOS 13 or later SMAppService login item. It is available through Homebrew or manual download, and the project describes its direct download as notarized. The listed plan is free. On macOS 27, the direct download requires Accessibility permission to detect icon positions; hiding is per app, built-in macOS items remain visible, and the app must run from /Applications. That hiding feature relies on a private Apple framework that a macOS update could disrupt.