Octobar vs Overhang

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.

Overhang is a free macOS app for accessing status bar items that macOS has stopped drawing. It lists each item beside the icon of the app that owns it and lets users open its menu. Listing items needs no permissions; optional click-through uses Accessibility. Some apps handle mouse events in a way Overhang cannot press, so the app brings the owning application to the front in those cases. It supports Macs with and without a notch, plus external displays. Settings cover launching at login and enabling click-through.

Overhang does not require a network connection and says it collects, sends, or stores no user information. It has no analytics, account system, or server. While running, it reads menu bar icon positions, sizes, and owning apps in memory, then discards that information when it quits. The free plan costs nothing and requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later; it is a universal binary for Apple silicon and Intel. The maker says release builds are signed with an Apple Developer ID certificate and notarized by Apple, and identifies GitHub repository releases as the only official builds. Support requests are directed to GitHub Issues.