Side by side
Cornice vs GreatBar
Both stand on menu bar customization software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source Mac
Cornice offers manual control over which menu bar items stay visible, with optional customization and window gestures. Its platform requirement and first-launch warning are worth considering before installation.
Visit Cornice Free plan Mac
GreatBar combines menu-bar shortcuts with website panels, separate browsing sessions and distinct bars. Its local-data approach has a stated exception: daily update checks disclose the user's IP address and app user agent to the hosting provider.
Visit GreatBarThe facts
| Cornice | GreatBar | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | greatbar.greatpixels.com |
| On menu bar customization software | #1 of 25 | #4 of 25 |
Cornice: what it does well
- Optional second divider keeps a zone hidden.
- Five chevron styles and adjustable divider dimensions.
- Sixteen interface languages, switchable without restarting.
- Hiding and revealing requires no permissions.
What to know first
- Users must place the divider by hand.
- Requires macOS 26 or later and Apple Silicon.
- First launch requires manually opening through a macOS warning.
- Gesture users must grant Accessibility access again after updates.
GreatBar: what it does well
- Shortcuts can be grouped into distinct menu bars.
- Website panels remember size and page state.
- Private browsing keeps no cookies or history.
- Website views block ads and trackers by default.
What to know first
- Requires macOS 14.0 or later.
- Daily update checks share IP address and app user agent.
- App links open in their apps only when installed.
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