ChocolateBar vs Vanilla
ChocolateBar
chocolatebar.appVanilla
matthewpalmer.netSide by side
| Figure | ChocolateBar | Vanilla |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (#17) |
| Purpose | ChocolateBar manages a crowded Mac menu bar by hiding third-party icons or displaying them in a second row with open app windows. | Vanilla is a Mac app that hides menu bar icons. |
Plans
In their own words
ChocolateBar
ChocolateBar has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Vanilla
Vanilla hides menu bar icons on macOS. Its free plan covers icon hiding; the $10.00 USD one-time Pro purchase adds shortcuts for toggling menu bar and desktop icons, automatic hiding five seconds after toggling, and the option to start at login. Pro can also place icons in a “Completely Removed” section, where they are visible only in Vanilla’s preferences window. A Pro activation code can be used up to 10 times by default. On macOS Catalina and later, hiding icons requires Screen Recording permission. The maker says Vanilla takes menu bar screenshots for this function, but does not save or transmit them. It says internet access is limited to checking for updates and validating Pro codes. Vanilla supports MacBooks with display notches, though setup may involve rearranging menu bar items. The maker offers email support and suggests including device and operating system details in help requests. Vanilla is identified as Matthew Palmer’s product, and the product site dates to 2017.