Vanilla review
A low-cost macOS utility for hiding, removing, and controlling menu bar icons.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Vanilla pros and cons
- 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
Vanilla fact sheet, pricing and score →
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