Hidden Bar vs SoundSource
Hidden Bar
github.comSoundSource
rogueamoeba.comSide by side
| Figure | Hidden Bar | SoundSource |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Menu Bar Apps | 7.6 (#12) | 7.5 (#14) |
| Privacy | The project says the app does not use third-party services that may collect information used to identify users. | The maker says it does not sell or rent user data and collects only the minimum data it reasonably needs. |
| Purpose | Hidden Bar hides menu bar items to give a Mac a cleaner look. | SoundSource gives users audio control of their Mac from the menu bar. |
| Support | The privacy policy lists [email protected] for questions or suggestions about that policy. | The maker offers email support and says it strives to reply within 24 hours. |
Plans
SoundSource
- SoundSource 6 Upgrade$25, paid once
- SoundSource License Key$49, paid once
In their own words
Hidden Bar
Hidden Bar is a free, open-source macOS app for hiding menu bar items. Click its arrow to expand or collapse the hidden section, and Command-drag icons across the divider to choose which items it hides. Preferences include automatic re-collapse after a selected delay and a system-wide shortcut. An optional second section stays hidden even when the main section is expanded; Option-click the arrow to reveal it. The app can launch at login through the macOS 13 or later SMAppService login item. It is available through Homebrew or manual download, and the project describes its direct download as notarized. The listed plan is free. On macOS 27, the direct download requires Accessibility permission to detect icon positions; hiding is per app, built-in macOS items remain visible, and the app must run from /Applications. That hiding feature relies on a private Apple framework that a macOS update could disrupt.
SoundSource
SoundSource has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.