SaneBar review
A capable free option for organizing crowded Mac menu bars.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
SaneBar pros and cons
- 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
SaneBar fact sheet, pricing and score →
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