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Head-to-head · Menu Bar Apps

Hidden Bar vs Unclutter

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Hidden Bar #6 in Menu Bar Apps 6.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Hidden Bar
Unclutter #7 in Menu Bar Apps 6.9/10 From $20 · 10-day trial ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit 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 Email
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
  • 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
  • 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
Cons
  • 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
  • Runs on macOS only
  • No free plan; the trial lasts 10 days
  • Automation is focused on basic AppleScript file and note commands
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 →
  1. Hidden BarMenu Bar Apps 6.9Free plan
  2. UnclutterMenu Bar Apps 6.9From $20 · 10-day trial

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

More comparisons

Guides on menu bar apps

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update