SaneBar
SaneBar: A capable free option for organizing crowded Mac menu bars. Ranked #3 of 25 in Menu Bar Customization Software by our editors (8.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free users wanting polished organization.
At a glance
- Editor score8.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree users wanting polished organization
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Hide menu itemsYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on SaneBar
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 hidden apps. Drag-based organization separates items into visible, hidden, and always-hidden zones, while support for multiple displays and display notches broadens its fit for different Mac setups.
Its strongest area is the depth of its organization tools. Users can search for and activate hidden menu bar apps, enable automatic re-hiding, and apply smart triggers for changing conditions. Profiles support different arrangements, with settings export and import for portability. Per-icon global hotkeys, custom styling, icon spacing controls, and Touch ID or password protection add control beyond simple hide-and-show behavior. AppleScript automation extends that control for workflows that need more than manual rearrangement.
The published Free plan includes all features, is MIT licensed, and has no subscription or license key. SaneBar also supports Apple Shortcuts and can import from Bartender or Ice, making it a practical fit within an Apple-focused menu bar setup. Choose it if you want a polished, feature-rich way to organize Mac menu bar icons without a recurring payment. Look elsewhere if you need a Windows or Linux solution, or if your priority is broader desktop customization beyond the menu bar.
Your product? Our editors can test SaneBar in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
SaneBar pricing
All 1 SaneBar plans and prices →
SaneBar fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Hide menu items | Yes |
| Rearrange items | Yes |
| Group menu items | Yes |
| Custom menu items | Not verified |
| Keyboard shortcuts | Yes |
| Multiple displays | Yes |
| Notch support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Apple Shortcuts, Bartender, Ice |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | sanebar.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
SaneBar integrations
SaneBar lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Apple Shortcuts
- Bartender
- Ice
Alternatives to SaneBar
- ThawA free, highly configurable way to organize, hide, and search macOS menu bar items.9.4
- BartenderA broad Mac menu bar toolkit for users who need profiles, triggers, widgets, and layouts.9.2
- PelmetAdvanced menu bar layout control without a paid tier.8.7
See all SaneBar alternatives →
SaneBar vs the competition
- SaneBar vs Thaw
- SaneBar vs Bartender
- SaneBar vs Pelmet
- SaneBar vs Ice 2
- SaneBar vs Hidden Bar
- SaneBar vs Foldaway
Compare SaneBar with any tool side by side →
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Featured on iTechGuides
SaneBar is listed in our Menu Bar Customization Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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