FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Cloud, Backup & PC

Free and open first

Best Menu Bar Apps in 2026

Menu bar apps add quick access to functions from a computer's menu bar. This list is for people comparing utilities for macOS, iOS, Windows, API, extension, or Linux use on a budget.

  1. 1

    Alfred

    Free plan APIiPhoneMac

    Alfred's free core covers launching and file searches, while Powerpack adds automation and related tools. The Single License covers one user and two of their own Macs for the current version.

    7.6 Free plan · paid from £34 Visit site
  2. 2

    Copy 'Em

    Free plan iPhoneMac

    Copy 'Em offers extensive clipboard capture, organization, and paste controls across Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Local storage by default and optional iCloud sync address different storage preferences.

    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    Flycut

    Free plan iPhoneMac

    Flycut offers clipboard history and favorites on Mac, with a smaller, 40-item history on iOS. Its listed features include iCloud sync, and the apps are free.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  4. 4

    eqMac

    Free plan Mac

    eqMac provides basic system-wide equalization for free, with a broader toolset in Pro.

    7.1 Free plan · paid from $1/mo Visit site
  5. 5

    Raycast

    Free plan APIExtensioniPhone+2

    Raycast brings built-in tools, extensions and AI features into a keyboard-focused launcher. The free plan has limits on Clipboard History and Notes, while Pro starts at $10 per month.

    7.1 Free plan · paid from $10/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
  6. 6

    Hidden Bar

    Free plan Mac

    Hidden Bar offers direct controls for tucking away menu bar items, including a second hidden section and automatic re-collapse. Check its macOS 27 permissions and limits if using that system version.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  7. 7

    Itsycal

    Free plan Mac

    Itsycal provides a focused calendar view from the Mac menu bar, with event creation, navigation controls, and limited meeting-link handling.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  8. 8

    Macs Fan Control

    by Macs Fan Control
    Free plan MacWindows

    Choose Macs Fan Control for Mac fan and sensor monitoring, with fan adjustment options on macOS and an automatic return to Auto when the app quits.

    6.9 Free plan · 14-day trial Visit site
  9. 9

    Maccy

    Free plan Mac

    Maccy focuses on searchable clipboard history with local storage and keyboard controls. Its direct version is free, while the App Store listing is a separate one-time purchase.

    6.8 Free plan Visit site
  10. 10

    StatsD

    Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted

    Choose StatsD if you need an open-source daemon to aggregate metrics on a self-hosted Linux system and send them to one or more backends.

    6.7 Open source Visit site
  11. 11

    TerminalShot

    Free plan Windows

    TerminalShot combines varied Windows capture modes with editable annotations and straightforward PNG sharing. Its scrolling and elevation limits, plus Windows-only support, matter for some workflows.

    6.3 Free plan Visit site
  12. 12

    Bartender

    Free trial Mac

    Choose Bartender if you want to shape what appears in the macOS menu bar and control it through profiles, search, and automation.

    6.1 Visit site
  13. 13

    LaunchBar

    Free plan Mac
    6.0 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
  14. 14

    Horo

    Free plan Mac
    5.9 Free plan Visit site
  15. 15

    Ice

    Free plan Mac
    5.9 Free plan Visit site
  16. 16

    iStat Menus

    Free trial Mac

    iStat Menus combines broad Mac monitoring with configurable menu displays, alerts, disk details and fan controls.

    5.8 14-day trial Visit site
  17. 17

    Paste

    Free trial iPhoneMac

    Paste organizes clipboard history, syncing, search, and reusable content across Apple devices.

    5.8 From $2.49/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
  18. 18

    MeetingBar

    Free plan Mac
    5.6 Free plan Visit site
  19. 19

    SoundSource

    Free trial Mac

    SoundSource offers detailed Mac audio controls, per-app routing, effects, and AirPlay streaming. Consider the 20-minute trial limit and license terms before choosing it.

    5.5 From $49 Visit site
  20. 20

    TG Pro

    Free plan Mac
    5.4 Free plan · paid from $10 · 14-day trial Visit site
  21. 21

    Dato

    Paid Mac
    4.4 Visit site
  22. 22

    Unclutter

    Paid Mac
    3.9 From $20 · 10-day trial Visit site
  23. 23

    ToothFairy

    Paid Mac
    3.8 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Check whether a tool has a free plan or free trial, what paid access starts at, and whether its licence lets you read or change the code. Compare supported macOS versions, primary function, menu bar items, keyboard shortcuts, automation support, and Intel Mac support.

Questions

Do menu bar apps have free plans?

Yes. Tools on this list offer free plans, while other entries are paid or provide a free trial.

Can I find a menu bar app with a free trial?

Yes. Bartender, iStat Menus, and LaunchBar list free trials; their trial lengths differ.

What platforms are covered?

Entries cover macOS, iOS, Windows, API, extension, and Linux platforms.

What Mac details should I compare?

Compare supported macOS versions and Intel Mac support, along with menu bar items, shortcuts, and automation support.

Are menu bar apps open source?

Check the licence for the specific tool if you need to read or change its source code. Pricing status does not establish an open-source licence.

More in Cloud, Backup & PC