GreatBar

Overview

GreatBar reaches beyond tidying menu-bar icons: website shortcuts can open in compact panels or separate windows, while files, folders, apps, and system settings can sit alongside them. That breadth makes it useful for people who move between web tools and local Mac resources throughout the day. It is less compelling if the only need is to hide or rearrange menu-bar items.

Its website panels remember their size and page state, so frequently revisited pages can return in a familiar form. Separate browsing sessions allow the same site to use different logins, and private browsing avoids retaining cookies or history. These are meaningful conveniences for anyone juggling work and personal accounts, though they apply to GreatBar's website views rather than replacing a full browser.

Key features

• Shortcuts and organization: GreatBar supports hiding and rearranging menu items, custom items, keyboard shortcuts, and grouped menus. Distinct bars can separate contexts such as work and personal, avoiding one crowded catch-all menu.
• Website panels and windows: Open sites beneath their menu-bar icons or in standalone windows. Windows can stay above others and keep audio or video playing after they are closed, which suits quick reference and background playback.
• App and system links: Links for WhatsApp, Slack, Figma, Notion, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, Telegram, and Spotify can open in the corresponding installed app. Shortcuts can also open named macOS System Settings panes, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Displays, and Privacy & Security.
• Assistant support: An optional built-in MCP server allows Claude, Codex, Cursor, or another MCP-compatible assistant to inspect bars and suggest changes for the user to review. Suggestions remain subject to user review rather than being applied automatically.
• Local operation and blocking: GreatBar has no backend, account system, or telemetry; shortcuts and website data stay on the Mac. Its website views block ads and trackers by default using bundled lists, with an option to opt out per link. Daily update checks send the user's IP address and app user agent to the hosting provider.

Pricing

GreatBar costs 0.00 USD per free, with a free plan and no free trial. The GreatBar plan is free for now while the app is new and requires macOS 14.0 or later. The plan includes the listed menu-item controls, custom items, keyboard shortcuts, and grouping, so there is no paid tier to weigh against a reduced free allowance.

Platforms

GreatBar runs on macOS 14.0 or later. It is signed and notarized by Apple, but the operating-system requirement rules it out for Macs that cannot run that release. It checks for updates daily and updates itself; automatic update checks can be disabled in Settings.

File and folder shortcuts work within the Mac sandbox, with access retained through security-scoped bookmarks. For support or privacy questions, the maker provides a feedback form and [email protected].

Who it's for

GreatBar is best for Mac users who want frequently used sites, files, app links, and settings in one configurable menu-bar system, especially those who benefit from separate work and personal bars or multiple logins to the same website. It is not the right fit for users on older macOS versions, or for someone seeking only a simple way to hide menu-bar icons.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Panels, standalone windows, remembered page state, and separate browsing sessions make website shortcuts more useful than basic launchers for recurring web tasks.
• Pro: Multiple bars and grouped menus help keep different contexts distinct, while shortcuts can also reach local files and named System Settings panes.
• Pro: The free plan includes customization controls without a trial deadline or paid upgrade tier.
• Con: macOS 14.0 or later is mandatory, excluding users who cannot upgrade their Mac.
• Con: Daily update checks disclose the user's IP address and app user agent to the hosting provider, despite the app's otherwise local design; users can turn off automatic checks.

Alternatives

For a broad comparison of this category, browse Menu Bar Customization Software.

• Hidden Bar is a free, open-source macOS option if hiding menu-bar icons is the main goal.
• iBar-Menubar is a macOS freemium alternative if a free download with in-app purchases suits better.
• Ice 2 is free and open source for Mac users who prefer that model.
• SaneBar is another free, open-source macOS choice.
• Thaw is free, with no purchase, subscription, or upgrade fee for new macOS versions.
• Vanilla offers a free plan focused on hiding menu-bar icons if that narrower function is enough.
• Bartender is worth considering for a paid option with a trial: Pro costs 19.99 USD per year while subscribed, or Bartender 7 costs 24.99 USD once.
• Overhang is a free macOS alternative.

Verdict

Choose GreatBar if you want a free, configurable menu-bar hub for web panels, app links, files, and separate work or personal setups. Its standout advantage is combining those destinations with useful website sessions and windows; look elsewhere if you need compatibility below macOS 14.0 or only want a lightweight icon-hiding tool.