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Vanilla

Name: Vanilla
Price: 10 USD

Freemium#9 of 25 in Menu Bar Customization Software

Vanilla: A low-cost macOS utility for hiding, removing, and controlling menu bar icons. Ranked #9 of 25 in Menu Bar Customization Software by our editors (7.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for users wanting a proven low-cost option.

7.8/10Editor score

Visit Vanilla

Vanilla7.8 Visit Vanilla

At a glance

Editor score
7.8 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Users wanting a proven low-cost option
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
$10 one-time
Hide menu items
Yes
Founded
2017
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

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

Our verdict on Vanilla

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 complete icon removal, keyboard shortcuts, automatic hiding, and startup at login. Support for light and dark menu bars, multiple monitors, and MacBooks with display notches makes it suitable for a range of Mac desktop setups.

Pricing is straightforward. The free plan provides selected icon hiding at no cost. Vanilla Pro costs $10 USD as a one-time purchase and adds completely removing icons from the visible menu bar, toggling icons with a custom keyboard shortcut, automatically hiding icons after a configurable interval, and starting automatically when logging in. The automatic hiding feature includes a five-second interval, and the Pro tier is positioned as a single upgrade rather than a recurring subscription.

Vanilla's main strength is focused control over menu bar visibility without extending into a broader desktop customization system. Users who mainly want to hide clutter, reveal icons on demand, or keep menu bars usable across multiple displays should find the feature set well aligned with that goal. It is less suited to anyone looking for a wider set of menu bar organization or customization functions beyond hiding, removing, grouping, and shortcut-based access. Choose Vanilla for a simple, low-cost macOS utility; consider another tool if you need a broader customization scope or support beyond macOS.

Your product? Our editors can test Vanilla in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Vanilla pricing

Plans Free planFreemium A usable free plan; paid tiers unlock the limits above. Prices checked 20 Sep 2026.

See plans on matthewpalmer.net

All 1 Vanilla plans and prices →

Vanilla fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	$10 one-time
Hide menu items	Yes
Rearrange items	Not verified
Group menu items	Yes
Custom menu items	Not verified
Keyboard shortcuts	Yes
Multiple displays	Yes
Notch support	Yes
Money-back guarantee	30 days
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	macOS
Support	Email, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan (source)
Website	matthewpalmer.net
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to Vanilla

See all Vanilla alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Vanilla 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

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.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update