GreatBar vs Pelmet
GreatBar
greatbar.greatpixels.com
Pelmet
pelmet.fif7y.comSide by side
| Figure | GreatBar | Pelmet |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 7.1 (#22) |
| Purpose | GreatBar puts frequently used websites, apps, files and folders in the Mac menu bar as individual shortcuts or grouped menus. | Pelmet hides menu bar icons and brings them back on hover, click or keyboard shortcut. |
| Support | The maker directs users to a feedback form and lists [email protected] for support and privacy questions. | The maker describes Pelmet as a one-person project with no vulnerability-reporting SLA and says acknowledgements generally arrive within a few days. |
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.