Side by side

Deskloom vs RainbowTaskbar

Both stand on taskbar customization software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Deskloom

Free plan Windows

Choose Deskloom if you want a free Windows desktop customization app with local scenes, widgets, and reversible system changes. It requires a recent x64 Windows 11 release, and its Microsoft Store 1.0 product leaves classic desktop system icons unchanged.

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RainbowTaskbar

Free plan Windows

RainbowTaskbar offers a range of taskbar configuration options and supports multi-monitor arrangements. Close TranslucentTB before running it, and check for the .NET 8 runtime if needed.

Visit RainbowTaskbar

The facts

	Deskloom	RainbowTaskbar
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Windows	Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	bitinggoatsoft.win	rnb.ad2017.dev
On taskbar customization software	#5 of 34	#9 of 34

Deskloom: what it does well

Five built-in scenes work without an online gallery.
Includes five named taskbar styles.
Widgets include notes, system readings, and battery cards.
Scenes and layouts are stored locally.
Rollback and Windows defaults restoration support reversible changes.

What to know first

Requires Windows 11 version 25H2 (build 26200) or later.
Does not replace classic Windows desktop system icons.

RainbowTaskbar: what it does well

Free and open-source Windows taskbar customization.
Supports web and instruction-based configurations.
Web configurations can use WebGL, canvas, and video.
Supports complex multi-monitor setups.
Workshop downloads do not require an account.

What to know first

Requires the .NET 8 runtime if not installed.
Conflicts with TranslucentTB, which must be closed.
Uploading Workshop configurations requires Google or GitHub sign-in.

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