Head-to-head · Taskbar Customization Software
RetroBar vs RainbowTaskbar
RetroBar leads on 0 checks, RainbowTaskbar on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRetroBar · 7.5/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresRetroBar · 5 of 6
RetroBar scores higher on our rubric for taskbar customization software: 7.5 against 7.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #11 and #13.
RetroBar is the better fit for classic taskbar layouts across multiple monitors. RainbowTaskbar is the better fit for animated and highly visual taskbar styling.
- RetroBar fits best
Classic taskbar layouts across multiple monitors
- RainbowTaskbar fits best
Animated and highly visual taskbar styling
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Side by side
| Feature | RetroBar 7.5/10 Visit ↗ | RainbowTaskbar 7.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.5 | 7.3 |
| Ranking | #11 in Taskbar Customization Software | #13 in Taskbar Customization Software |
| Best for | Classic taskbar layouts across multiple monitors | Animated and highly visual taskbar styling |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Support | Community | Docs |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features RetroBar 5/6 · RainbowTaskbar 4/6 | ||
| Taskbar positioning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transparency controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App grouping controls | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Multi-monitor support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Taskbar sizing | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Portable version | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Windows | Windows |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | RetroBar replaces the default Windows taskbar with classic Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista-style layouts. It is designed for Windows users who want a retro desktop interface while keeping everyday taskbar functions, including a… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
RetroBar — where it wins
- Classic Windows 95 through Vista-style layouts
- Multi-monitor taskbars with positioning and resizing
- Free, open-source project with installer and portable versions
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only availability
- Retro visual focus may not suit modern interface preferences
- No AI features
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
- RetroBar7.5/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source taskbar replacement for classic layouts and multi-monitor setups.
Visit RetroBarFull verdict → - RainbowTaskbar7.3/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source choice for highly visual Windows taskbar customization.
Visit RainbowTaskbarFull verdict →
All taskbar customization software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update