ChocolateBar vs SaneBar
ChocolateBar
chocolatebar.app
SaneBar
sanebar.comSide by side
| Figure | ChocolateBar | SaneBar |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Menu Bar Customization Software | 8.0 (#4) | 7.5 (#16) |
| Compatibility limit | ChocolateBar can show only icons that macOS is currently drawing in the menu bar. | The maker says most Apple menu extras and normal third-party menu bar apps work, while a small number of apps with unusual custom behavior may be edge cases. |
| Permissions | ChocolateBar requires Accessibility permission to read and click menu bar items and list active windows. | SaneBar requires macOS Accessibility permission and says it does not require Screen Recording for normal use. |
| 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 keeps menu bar contents and personal files on the Mac; its privacy policy describes limited update requests and anonymous aggregate app counts. |
| Purpose | ChocolateBar manages a crowded Mac menu bar by hiding third-party icons or displaying them in a second row with open app windows. | SaneBar hides menu bar apps and lets users reveal and open them when needed. |
Plans
In their own words
ChocolateBar
ChocolateBar has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
SaneBar
SaneBar is a macOS utility for hiding menu bar apps and bringing their icons back when needed. Hidden items appear in a floating Icon Panel or a full-width Second Menu Bar, with search, a one-click toggle, keyboard shortcuts, and per-icon hotkeys for managing them. Automation options include AppleScript, Shortcuts, and triggers tied to battery level, Wi-Fi, Focus, app launches, schedules, or scripts. Users can import layouts from Bartender or Ice and move settings between Macs. Icons can be locked with Touch ID or a password. SaneBar is open source under the MIT License, with public source code. It keeps menu bar contents and personal files on the Mac; its privacy policy describes limited update requests and anonymous aggregate app counts. It requires macOS Accessibility permission and says Screen Recording is not needed for normal use. The free plan includes all features and requires macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later and Apple Silicon. The maker says most Apple menu extras and ordinary third-party menu bar apps work, though a few apps with unusual custom behavior may be exceptions.