GreatBar vs Vanilla

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.

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.