Head-to-head · Taskbar Customization Software
RetroBar vs Taskbar Groups
RetroBar leads on 0 checks, Taskbar Groups 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 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #11 and #14.
RetroBar is the better fit for classic taskbar layouts across multiple monitors. Taskbar Groups is the better fit for organizing taskbar shortcuts into launch groups.
- RetroBar fits best
Classic taskbar layouts across multiple monitors
- Taskbar Groups fits best
Organizing taskbar shortcuts into launch groups
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Side by side
| Feature | RetroBar 7.5/10 Visit ↗ | Taskbar Groups 7.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.5 | 7.2 |
| Ranking | #11 in Taskbar Customization Software | #14 in Taskbar Customization Software |
| Best for | Classic taskbar layouts across multiple monitors | Organizing taskbar shortcuts into launch groups |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Support | Community | Docs |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features RetroBar 5/6 · Taskbar Groups 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 | ||
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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 → |
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
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
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
- RetroBar7.5/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source taskbar replacement for classic layouts and multi-monitor setups.
Visit RetroBarFull 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