Side by side
OverflowBar vs SwiftBar
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 Mac
OverflowBar offers a focused way to reveal selected menu bar controls in a second row. Consider its permission requirements and early-release compatibility caveat, and expect to confirm opening it on first launch.
Visit OverflowBar Free plan Mac
Choose SwiftBar if you use macOS and want scheduled script output and interactive menu items without a paid plan. Look elsewhere if you need a platform other than macOS or do not want to work with executable plugins.
Visit SwiftBarThe facts
| OverflowBar | SwiftBar | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | swiftbar.app |
| On menu bar customization software | #19 of 25 | #15 of 25 |
OverflowBar: what it does well
- Free under the MIT License.
- Works with multiple displays and notches.
- Supports reduced-motion settings.
- Runs locally without analytics or advertising.
- Available as a DMG or Homebrew Cask.
What to know first
- Requires macOS 15 or later.
- Full features require Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions.
- The community release is ad-hoc signed and not notarized.
- Compatibility work is ongoing.
SwiftBar: what it does well
- Free and open source under the MIT license.
- Supports Bash, Python, Ruby, Swift, and JavaScript plugins.
- Formats menus with icons, colors, submenus, and click actions.
- Runs existing BitBar and xbar plugins.
- Offers a bundled plugin repository and Shortcuts support.
What to know first
- Requires macOS 12 or later.
- Plugins must be executable scripts that produce SwiftBar-formatted output.
- The free plan runs plugins from a local folder.
Alternatives to OverflowBar Alternatives to SwiftBar The whole list