GreatBar vs JellyBar
GreatBar
greatbar.greatpixels.comJellyBar
jellybar.appSide by side
| Figure | GreatBar | JellyBar |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Menu Bar Customization Software | 7.7 (#9) | 7.5 (#15) |
| Privacy | 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. | The maker says JellyBar has no analytics or telemetry and makes no network requests of its own. |
| Purpose | GreatBar puts frequently used websites, apps, files and folders in the Mac menu bar as individual shortcuts or grouped menus. | JellyBar reorders, hides, and groups menu bar icons, keeping hidden icons one click away. |
| Support | The maker directs users to a feedback form and lists [email protected] for support and privacy questions. | Users can open a support ticket or email [email protected] for help and bug reports. |
| Updates | GreatBar checks for updates once a day and updates itself; automatic checks can be turned off in Settings. | JellyBar checks for updates in the background and prompts before installing; Homebrew users can upgrade with brew. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
JellyBar
JellyBar is a free macOS utility for rearranging, hiding and grouping menu bar icons. Its editor has Active and Hidden sections; dragging an icon between them updates the menu bar automatically. Hidden icons can be shown by hovering after a configurable delay, set to one second by default, or by clicking the chevron. Spacers in three sizes and bullet dots help organize groups. JellyBar keeps the 30 newest automatic layout backups. Manual snapshots remain pinned indefinitely and can sync to iCloud Drive. Accessibility permission is required, while Screen Recording is optional for icon previews in settings. The maker says there is no analytics, telemetry or app-originated network traffic. It supports macOS 15 Sequoia and later on Apple Silicon, including desktops, external displays and clamshell MacBooks with an external monitor. Native support for notched MacBook screens remains in development.