JellyBar vs Octobar

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.

Octobar is a menu bar app for macOS with more than 16 tools, including desktop organization, system controls, file and app access, shortcuts, translation and utilities. Its modules include Tidy Desktop, Stay Awake, Hide Notch, Pack Menu, Connected Devices, Open Folder, Run Shortcut, Open App, Open Webpage, What's My IP, Translate, Read QR Code, Color Picker, New File from Finder, Lock Keyboard and Snippets. Run Shortcut can launch a macOS Shortcut by name. Translate uses Apple's on-device framework, though macOS may use Apple's online service if an on-device model is unavailable for a language pair. Octobar requires macOS 15 Sequoia or later and Apple Silicon, and is distributed through the Mac App Store. The free plan supports up to five active modules and includes the full catalog and free updates. Octobar Pro is 4.99 USD once, adding unlimited active modules, submenu groups, future modules and Family Sharing for up to six people. The maker says normal operation collects no personal data; configuration and preferences are stored locally. Some modules contact the internet for their stated functions.