Head-to-head · Menu Bar Apps
Bartender vs TG Pro
Bartender leads on 0 checks, TG Pro on 4, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBartender · 8.6/10
- Free planonly TG Pro
- Most featuresTG Pro · 3 of 3
Bartender scores higher on our rubric for menu bar apps: 8.6 against 6.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.
TG Pro offers free plan; Bartender doesn't. TG Pro offers keyboard shortcuts; Bartender doesn't publish it. TG Pro offers automation support; Bartender doesn't publish it. TG Pro offers intel mac support; Bartender doesn't publish it.
Bartender is the better fit for power users managing a crowded Mac menu bar. TG Pro is the better fit for mac users wanting fan and temperature controls.
- Bartender fits best
Power users managing a crowded Mac menu bar
- TG Pro fits best
Mac users wanting fan and temperature controls
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Bartender 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | TG Pro 6.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 6.7 |
| Ranking | #1 in Menu Bar Apps | #8 in Menu Bar Apps |
| Best for | Power users managing a crowded Mac menu bar | Mac users wanting fan and temperature controls |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | $10one-time |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS | macOS |
| Support | Email, Docs | |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Enterprise |
| Features Bartender 0/3 · TG Pro 3/3 | ||
| Keyboard shortcuts | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Automation support | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Intel Mac support | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| macOS versions | Not published | macOS 10.13 High Sierra through macOS 26 Tahoe |
| Primary function | Not published | Monitor |
| Menu bar items | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | A packed menu bar can make it harder to find the controls and status items you need. Bartender is a macOS desktop app for hiding selected items, revealing them on demand, rearranging order and spacing, and grouping related items. It is… Read the review → |
TG Pro brings Mac temperature and fan information into a menu bar dropdown, with a detailed main window for closer inspection. It monitors components including the CPU, GPU, logic board, drives, and battery, and can show fan speeds,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Bartender — where it wins
- Hide, reveal, rearrange, and group menu bar items.
- Use profiles, triggers, and monitor-based layouts for different workflows.
- Create custom items and invoke menu bar actions with shortcuts or search.
Where it doesn't
- It is a paid macOS desktop app with no free plan.
- Its focus is menu bar management rather than broader Mac customization.
- The three purchase tiers differ in access to upgrades and future tools.
TG Pro — where it wins
- Monitors temperatures across CPU, GPU, battery, drives, and other components
- Offers manual fan control and configurable automatic fan rules
- Free plan includes features except hardware diagnostics
Where it doesn't
- Hardware diagnostics require the paid license
- The license covers up to three personal Macs or one business Mac
- Its scope is limited to monitoring and controlling Mac hardware
- Bartender8.6/10 · Paid
A focused macOS utility for shaping a crowded menu bar around different workflows.
Visit BartenderFull verdict → - TG Pro6.7/10 · Free plan · paid from $10 · 14-day trial
A focused macOS utility for sensor monitoring, alerts, and fan control.
Visit TG ProFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Bartender vs Alfred
- Bartender vs Raycast
- Bartender vs LaunchBar
- Bartender vs Dato
- Bartender vs Unclutter
- Alfred vs TG Pro
- Raycast vs TG Pro
- LaunchBar vs TG Pro
All menu bar apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Guides on menu bar apps
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






