GreatBar vs SaneBar
GreatBar
greatbar.greatpixels.com
SaneBar
sanebar.comSide by side
| Figure | GreatBar | SaneBar |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Menu Bar Customization Software | 7.7 (#9) | 7.5 (#16) |
| 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 app keeps menu bar contents and personal files on the Mac; its privacy policy describes limited update requests and anonymous aggregate app counts. |
| Purpose | GreatBar puts frequently used websites, apps, files and folders in the Mac menu bar as individual shortcuts or grouped menus. | SaneBar hides menu bar apps and lets users reveal and open them when needed. |
| Support | The maker directs users to a feedback form and lists [email protected] for support and privacy questions. | The maker directs privacy questions and issue reports to GitHub. |
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.
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.