SaneBar vs Vanilla

SaneBar8.9Visit VVanilla7.8Visit

Higher score SaneBar #3 in Menu Bar Customization Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 6 of 7 features Visit SaneBar

vs

V Vanilla #9 in Menu Bar Customization Software 7.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 7 features Visit Vanilla

• SaneBar fits best

  Free users wanting polished organization

• Vanilla fits best

  Users wanting a proven low-cost option

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Side by side

Feature	SaneBar 8.9/10 Visit ↗	VVanilla 7.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	7.8
Ranking	#3 in Menu Bar Customization Software	#9 in Menu Bar Customization Software
Best for	Free users wanting polished organization	Users wanting a proven low-cost option
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free	$10 one-time
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	macOS	macOS
Support	Email	Email, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features SaneBar 6/7 · Vanilla 5/7
Hide menu items	✓	✓
Rearrange items	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Group menu items	✓	✓
Custom menu items	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Keyboard shortcuts	✓	✓
Multiple displays	✓	✓
Notch support	✓	✓
Our review
Pros	Hides, reveals, searches, and organizes menu bar icons Includes profiles, triggers, hotkeys, protection, and automation Free, MIT licensed, with no subscription or license key	Free plan covers selected menu bar icon hiding $10 one-time Pro adds shortcuts and automatic hiding Supports multiple displays and MacBooks with notches
Cons	Designed for macOS rather than cross-platform use Focuses on menu bar organization, not broader desktop customization Its integrations center on Apple Shortcuts, Bartender, and Ice	Available only for macOS Advanced controls require the Pro purchase Its scope centers on menu bar visibility rather than broader customization
Our verdict	SaneBar is a free, open-source menu bar manager for macOS users who want more control over crowded menu bars. It hides and reveals selected icons, keeps chosen items visible, and provides an Icon Panel or second menu bar view for accessing… Read the review →	Vanilla is a macOS menu bar utility for individual Mac users who want a less crowded desktop and more control over which icons remain visible. The free version hides selected menu bar icons, while Vanilla Pro expands that control with… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• SaneBar — where it wins

  • Hides, reveals, searches, and organizes menu bar icons
  • Includes profiles, triggers, hotkeys, protection, and automation
  • Free, MIT licensed, with no subscription or license key

  Where it doesn't

  • Designed for macOS rather than cross-platform use
  • Focuses on menu bar organization, not broader desktop customization
  • Its integrations center on Apple Shortcuts, Bartender, and Ice

• Vanilla — where it wins

  • Free plan covers selected menu bar icon hiding
  • $10 one-time Pro adds shortcuts and automatic hiding
  • Supports multiple displays and MacBooks with notches

  Where it doesn't

  • Available only for macOS
  • Advanced controls require the Pro purchase
  • Its scope centers on menu bar visibility rather than broader customization

• SaneBar8.9/10 · Free plan

  A capable free option for organizing crowded Mac menu bars.

  Visit SaneBarFull verdict →
• VVanilla7.8/10 · Free plan

  A low-cost macOS utility for hiding, removing, and controlling menu bar icons.

  Visit VanillaFull verdict →