Head-to-head · Menu Bar Apps
Hidden Bar vs Unclutter
Hidden Bar leads on 1 check, Unclutter on 3, 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
- Free planonly Hidden Bar
- Most featuresUnclutter · 3 of 3
Hidden Bar and Unclutter score identically on our rubric (6.9 out of 10) for menu bar apps; Hidden Bar sits at #6 and Unclutter at #7 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.
Hidden Bar offers free plan; Unclutter doesn't. Unclutter offers keyboard shortcuts; Hidden Bar doesn't publish it. Unclutter offers automation support; Hidden Bar doesn't publish it. Unclutter offers intel mac support; Hidden Bar doesn't publish it.
Hidden Bar is the better fit for free users who only need menu-bar hiding. Unclutter is the better fit for mac users wanting clipboard, notes, and file-drop panels.
- Hidden Bar fits best
Free users who only need menu-bar hiding
- Unclutter fits best
Mac users wanting clipboard, notes, and file-drop panels
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Hidden Bar 6.9/10 Visit ↗ | Unclutter 6.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| Ranking | #6 in Menu Bar Apps | #7 in Menu Bar Apps |
| Best for | Free users who only need menu-bar hiding | Mac users wanting clipboard, notes, and file-drop panels |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | $20one-time |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS | macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Hidden Bar 0/3 · Unclutter 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 and later (including macOS 26 Tahoe) |
| Primary function | Not published | Clipboard |
| Menu bar items | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Hidden Bar is a free, open-source macOS utility for reducing menu bar clutter. It suits solo users and small teams who want to hide selected icons, rather than add custom menu items or other menu-bar features. Icons can sit on either side… Read the review → |
Unclutter is a macOS menu-bar utility that brings clipboard history, a file drop zone and quick notes into three configurable panels. It suits solo users and small teams who want frequently used content available without opening separate… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Hidden Bar — where it wins
- Hide selected icons and keep some always hidden, even when expanded
- Rearrange icons across the divider with Command-dragging
- Use a global shortcut and automatic collapse to manage visibility
Where it doesn't
- Only available for macOS
- Does not offer custom menu items or notch support
- App Store and direct-download builds may differ on newer macOS versions
Unclutter — where it wins
- Combines clipboard history, file drop and searchable quick notes
- Panels work across desktops, displays and fullscreen spaces
- AppleScript commands support basic file and note automation
Where it doesn't
- Runs on macOS only
- No free plan; the trial lasts 10 days
- Automation is focused on basic AppleScript file and note commands
- Hidden Bar6.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source macOS utility for hiding and organizing menu bar icons.
Visit Hidden BarFull verdict → - Unclutter6.9/10 · From $20 · 10-day trial
A focused Mac menu-bar workspace for clipboard, files and notes.
Visit UnclutterFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Bartender vs Unclutter
- Alfred vs Hidden Bar
- Alfred vs Unclutter
- Raycast vs Hidden Bar
- Raycast vs Unclutter
- LaunchBar vs Hidden Bar
- LaunchBar vs Unclutter
- Dato vs Hidden Bar
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





