Head-to-head · Touch Bar Apps
Touch Bar Visualizer vs mtm
Touch Bar Visualizer leads on 0 checks, mtm on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreTouch Bar Visualizer · 6.7/10
- Free planboth
Touch Bar Visualizer scores higher on our rubric for touch bar apps: 6.7 against 5.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
Touch Bar Visualizer is the better fit for users who want an audio visualizer on the Touch Bar. mtm is the better fit for terminal users seeking split virtual terminals.
- Touch Bar Visualizer fits best
Users who want an audio visualizer on the Touch Bar
- mtm fits best
Terminal users seeking split virtual terminals
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Side by side
| Feature | Touch Bar Visualizer 6.7/10 Visit ↗ | mtm 5.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 6.7 | 5.5 |
| Ranking | #5 in Touch Bar Apps | #8 in Touch Bar Apps |
| Best for | Users who want an audio visualizer on the Touch Bar | Terminal users seeking split virtual terminals |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | macOS | Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community | Docs |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Touch Bar Visualizer 0/6 · mtm 0/6 | ||
| Custom layouts | — | Not checked yet |
| App launching | — | Not checked yet |
| Media controls | — | Not checked yet |
| System controls | — | Not checked yet |
| Custom shortcuts | — | Not checked yet |
| Profiles | — | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Touch Bar Visualizer is a macOS desktop application that analyzes audio input and displays frequency visualizations on a compatible MacBook Pro Touch Bar. It runs in the background and appears in the Touch Bar Control Strip, making it… Read the review → |
mtm, the Micro Terminal Multiplexer, is a small open-source utility for Unix-like command-line environments. It is designed for solo users and small teams who want to divide one terminal into multiple virtual terminals without adopting a… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Touch Bar Visualizer — where it wins
- Free, open-source macOS application
- Block and line visualization modes
- Optional system-audio capture through BlackHole
Where it doesn't
- macOS desktop deployment only
- System-audio capture requires BlackHole
- No custom layouts, media controls, or system controls
mtm — where it wins
- Splits one terminal into multiple virtual terminals
- Directional navigation and quick switching between terminals
- Open-source, self-hosted tool for Linux and macOS
Where it doesn't
- No native Touch Bar controls are described
- Requires local compilation with ncurses or compatible curses
- Terminal-focused scope omits broader workspace features
- Touch Bar Visualizer6.7/10 · Free plan
A focused, free visualizer for showing live audio frequencies on the Touch Bar.
Visit projectFull verdict → - mtm5.5/10 · Free plan
A focused, free terminal multiplexer—not a Touch Bar utility.
Visit mtmFull verdict →
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All touch bar apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update