Head-to-head · Taskbar Customization Software
RainbowTaskbar vs Taskbar Groups
RainbowTaskbar leads on 0 checks, Taskbar Groups on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRainbowTaskbar · 7.3/10
- Free planboth
RainbowTaskbar scores higher on our rubric for taskbar customization software: 7.3 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #13 and #14.
RainbowTaskbar is the better fit for animated and highly visual taskbar styling. Taskbar Groups is the better fit for organizing taskbar shortcuts into launch groups.
- RainbowTaskbar fits best
Animated and highly visual taskbar styling
- Taskbar Groups fits best
Organizing taskbar shortcuts into launch groups
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Side by side
| Feature | RainbowTaskbar 7.3/10 Visit ↗ | Taskbar Groups 7.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.3 | 7.2 |
| Ranking | #13 in Taskbar Customization Software | #14 in Taskbar Customization Software |
| Best for | Animated and highly visual taskbar styling | Organizing taskbar shortcuts into launch groups |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Support | Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features RainbowTaskbar 4/6 · Taskbar Groups 4/6 | ||
| Taskbar positioning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transparency controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App grouping controls | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Multi-monitor support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Taskbar sizing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Portable version | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Windows | Windows |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | RainbowTaskbar is a free, open-source Windows utility for customizing the taskbar with animated effects, colors, transparency, images, websites, videos, and interactive web configurations. It is aimed at Windows users who want more control… Read the review → |
Taskbar Groups is a lightweight, open-source Windows utility for organizing application shortcuts into named groups that can be pinned to the taskbar. It is aimed at people who want a cleaner way to arrange frequently opened programs,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
RainbowTaskbar — where it wins
- Free and open-source with a portable Windows version
- Supports animation, transparency, blur, images, text, and videos
- Offers multi-monitor controls and shared user-created presets
Where it doesn't
- Available only for Windows
- Advanced WebView2 configurations may require more setup
- Focused on taskbar styling rather than broader desktop customization
Taskbar Groups — where it wins
- Groups executables, folders, Store apps, and Steam applications
- Custom icons, colors, opacity, and launch behavior settings
- Supports multiple monitors and vertical or top taskbars
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only, with no support for other platforms
- Focused on shortcut organization rather than full taskbar replacement
- Requires configuring groups and shortcut settings to fit each workflow
- RainbowTaskbar7.3/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source choice for highly visual Windows taskbar customization.
Visit RainbowTaskbarFull verdict → - Taskbar Groups7.2/10 · Free plan
A free, portable Windows tool for grouping and launching taskbar shortcuts.
Visit Taskbar GroupsFull verdict →
All taskbar customization software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update