12 top Mac menu bar applications for 2023
For short tasks, the macOS menu bar is a convenient location. You can add additional helpful features in addition to Control Center, Search, and Siri access. We’ve compiled a list of some of the finest menu bar applications for Mac so you can get the most out of this useful bar across the top of your screen.
These programs, which are now offered without charge, might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. I also detailed how to use these programs on the Mac menu bar inside each description. Why then wait? Let’s get going!
- Hidden Bar
- Spaced
- Folder Peek
- Punishment
- Weather Dock
- CheckMate
- Rocket Calendar
- Calculator Pro
- Mate
- MenubarX
- HocusFocus
- Hand Mirror
Using the Hidden Bar app, you can quickly hide and show menu bar icons. No matter how many icons you add, this is a terrific method to keep your menu bar tidy.
Holding Command while dragging the menu bar icons you want to hide to the left of the vertical line after installing the program. After that, you can hide and show your icons as desired by using the arrow.
The options for automatically hiding your icons after a predetermined length of time and initiating Hidden Bar when you log in can both be changed.
Check out Hidden Bar to keep your Mac menu bar orderly.
Price: Free
2. Spaced – Divide and rule apps
Utilizing Spaced is an additional useful method of menu bar organization. You may group and space out menu bar items using this software. For instance, you can create a space, then group a few more icons, such as those for a calendar, calculator, and to-do list.
Right-click the Spaced icon in the menu bar after installing the software, then select New to add a new space. The separator you want to use can then be chosen, such as a space, tab, dot, or dash.
By entering Settings, you can change the opacity if you choose a visual spacer like the dot or dash. Next, drag the icons you want to group together while holding down Command. For a neatly organized menu bar, you can add a number of slots and groups.
With Spaced, you can organize your menu bar similarly to how you can organize your Dock by grouping items and using spaces.
Price: Free
3. Folder Peek – Easy access to folders
Utilizing Spaced is an additional useful method of menu bar organization. You may group and space out menu bar items using this software. For instance, you can create a space, then group a few more icons, such as those for a calendar, calculator, and to-do list.
Right-click the Spaced icon in the menu bar after installing the software, then select New to add a new space. The separator you want to use can then be chosen, such as a space, tab, dot, or dash.
By entering Settings, you can change the opacity if you choose a visual spacer like the dot or dash. Next, drag the icons you want to group together while holding down Command. For a neatly organized menu bar, you can add a number of slots and groups.
With Spaced, you can organize your menu bar similarly to how you can organize your Dock by grouping items and using spaces.
Price: Free
Horo is a great choice if you want to set a timer for a break or restrict the amount of time you spend on a work. A countdown timer for a specific period of time or for a specific hour of the day can be started using natural language.
You’ll notice an hourglass icon appear on your menu bar after installing Horo. To start a brand-new timer, select it. For a 10-minute timer, type something like «10 minutes» or «10m.»
Simply enter «@9pm» to set the alarm for a specific time, such as 9 PM. You’ll hear an alarm when the timer expires.
With the free version, you can change a few parameters, such the alert sound volume and whether your Mac goes to sleep while a timer is running.
Horo for your menu bar is excellent when you just need a basic timer. Check out Horo Pro if you’re interested in additional features like reports, unique keyboard shortcuts, and customized alert sounds (in-app purchase).
Price: Free (In-app purchase at $9.99)
5. Weather Dock – Be in the know
Many of the weather apps you find if you search the Mac App Store can be added to your menu bar. However, Weather Dock is a good option if you want a straightforward app that only shows the current weather and doesn’t require additional purchases.
You can switch the settings from imperial to metric units and view the current temperature.
You can see specific geographical information when you click the symbol in the navigation bar. View the weekly forecast, sunrise and sunset times, wind speed, chance of precipitation, and more all in one location.
The ideal menu bar weather app is Weather Dock, which is easy to use and powerful.
Price: Free
6. CheckMate – Checklists done right
CheckMate is the way to go for taking care of to-dos or managing several lists from your menu bar. Create as many lists as you need with due dates, add your items, and check them off as you go.
When you initially launch CheckMate from the menu bar, sample lists will be displayed. These are effective illustrations of how to use the app.
To create your own list, choose Add List. After that, add a date, alter the icon’s color, and include your list of items. To stay on top of your to-do list, tick the boxes as you finish each thing.
Try CheckMate if you want a Mac alternative to the Reminders app that fits neatly in your menu bar.
Price: Free
7. Rocket Calendar – Stay organized
Sometimes the most helpful apps are the simplest ones. You may view the calendar that Rocket Calendar adds to your menu bar by clicking on it. Use the arrows to navigate through months and years, select a date to highlight it, and use the Today button to jump to the current day.
Depending on your macOS settings, you can view a light or dark appearance, and you can change the date’s color by modifying your accent color in System Settings. Additionally, you have the option to select any date and click Copy selected date to copy it to your clipboard and paste it as necessary.
Price: Free
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8. Calculator Pro – Topbar app
Calculator Pro is a feature-rich program for your menu bar that eliminates the need to look for your Mac’s calculator or take up space with it in the Dock.
Use the buttons on the keypad or the numbers on your keyboard, check the calculation history on the tape, adjust the window’s opacity, and, of course, quickly and easily conduct the calculations you require.
Price: Free (In-app purchase at $2.99)
9. Mate – Universal tab translator
You require Mate for your menu bar if you frequently translate words or phrases into or out of another language. You can either choose to translate what’s in your clipboard or write in the text you wish to translate.
In addition to seeing the translated text, a button allows you to hear it spoken aloud. Additionally, you can view your translation history, use the app’s extension for Safari, save items in the Phrasebook, and modify a number of settings for smart translations, keyboard shortcuts, and automatic copying.
Mate is a practical choice for rapid translations that you can hear or copy and paste.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $5.99)
Use MenubarX to add a little web browser to your menu bar. The MenubarX app has it all and more, whether you want to play a game, view a video, do research, or search the web.
If you click the icon in your menu bar, you’ll see a number of easily accessible websites and applications.
Any can be chosen to visit and remain inside the app’s little window. Additionally, you can enter a URL, change the window size, add your own bookmarks, and open any website in your more robust web browser.
The MenubarX software is perfect for doing web-related tasks without requiring a complete browser window.
Price: Free (In-app purchase at $4.99)
11. HokusFokus – Helps you focus
HokusFokus is a wonderful app that enhances focus if you’re looking for something a little different. With an adjustable overlay, it brightens the window you’re currently using while dimming the rest of your screen and other windows.
To activate the overlay, click the HokusFokus icon (a crystal ball) on the menu bar. Additionally, you can change the color to a shade that appeals to you and the opacity.
HokusFokus automatically highlights a different app when you choose or launch it.
HokusFokus can assist you concentrate on a certain browser app or website if necessary.
Price: Free
12. Hand Mirror – One-click camera access
One of those apps that you may not have known existed but for which you will be grateful. If you participate in a lot of video chats, Hand Mirror allows you to quickly check your camera before each one.
You can see if your hair is messy or if there are things in your background that you should take out. Just select the Hand Mirror symbol from the menu bar to carry out that quick but important check.
There are a few settings you can change, including the menu bar icon, the popover screen size, and how the screen closes after you’re done.
A notch trigger, window mask, and different icons are among the extra features offered by the Hand Mirror Plus version.
Avoid joining another video call so your supervisor won’t see the humiliating thing you have behind you. Take a look at Hand Mirror.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $4.99)
What apps for the macOS menu bar will you choose?
To provide a wide diversity of options and methods to use your Mac menu bar, each of these programs offers something unique compared to the others. At least a few of these ought to find their way to your menu bar. Tell us which ones you decide on!
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