YASB Reborn vs RetroBar

YASB Reborn8.6Visit RRetroBar7.5Visit

Higher score YASB Reborn #3 in Taskbar Customization Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 6 features Visit YASB Reborn

vs

R RetroBar #11 in Taskbar Customization Software 7.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 6 features Visit RetroBar

• YASB Reborn fits best

  Power users wanting configurable taskbar bars

• RetroBar fits best

  Classic taskbar layouts across multiple monitors

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	YASB Reborn 8.6/10 Visit ↗	RRetroBar 7.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.6	7.5
Ranking	#3 in Taskbar Customization Software	#11 in Taskbar Customization Software
Best for	Power users wanting configurable taskbar bars	Classic taskbar layouts across multiple monitors
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Windows
Support	Community, Docs	Community
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo
Features YASB Reborn 5/6 · RetroBar 5/6
Taskbar positioning	✓	✓
Transparency controls	✓	✓
App grouping controls	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Multi-monitor support	✓	✓
Taskbar sizing	✓	✓
Portable version	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Specs
Platform	Windows	Windows
Our review
Pros	Supports multiple bars, monitors, and screen-specific layouts Adds grouping, window counts, previews, filtering, and title labels Open source with CSS themes and built-in system and media widgets	Classic Windows 95 through Vista-style layouts Multi-monitor taskbars with positioning and resizing Free, open-source project with installer and portable versions
Cons	Windows-only availability limits cross-platform use YAML and CSS configuration require comfort with customization Its extensive options may be more than casual users need	Windows-only availability Retro visual focus may not suit modern interface preferences No AI features
Our verdict	YASB Reborn is a free, open-source status bar and taskbar for Windows power users. It can replace or supplement the standard taskbar with configurable bars, application buttons, widgets, themes, and CSS styling. Users can define layouts… Read the review →	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 →

Strengths and trade-offs

• YASB Reborn — where it wins

  • Supports multiple bars, monitors, and screen-specific layouts
  • Adds grouping, window counts, previews, filtering, and title labels
  • Open source with CSS themes and built-in system and media widgets

  Where it doesn't

  • Windows-only availability limits cross-platform use
  • YAML and CSS configuration require comfort with customization
  • Its extensive options may be more than casual users need

• 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

• YASB Reborn8.6/10 · Free plan

  A flexible Windows taskbar replacement for users comfortable with deep customization.

  Visit YASB RebornFull verdict →
• RRetroBar7.5/10 · Free plan

  A free, open-source taskbar replacement for classic layouts and multi-monitor setups.

  Visit RetroBarFull verdict →