GreatBar vs Ice 2

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.

Ice 2 is a free macOS app for hiding, arranging, and revealing menu bar items. It can tuck rarely used icons behind a divider; hidden items can be brought back with a click, hotkey, or by hovering over the edge. Its Ice Bar places hidden items in a separate bar that appears when needed. On macOS 27, a layout editor lets users drag apps into Visible, Hidden, or Always-Hidden sections, saving changes as they are made. Some functions are unavailable on that system: the separate Ice Bar, searching for one menu bar icon, and temporarily showing one icon. Ice 2 requires macOS 26 or later, and Accessibility permission may be needed on macOS 27 to find and hide menu bar apps. The app is open source under GPLv3 and is available through GitHub releases and Homebrew; the Mac App Store is listed as coming soon. The plan is free. Its maintainer is Teddy Chan, and the maker directs questions, bug reports, and feature requests to GitHub or email.