Skip to content
Get packs

The best xbar alternatives

3 tools that do a similar job to xbar, 3 of them open source. Each entry says what it does and who it suits, so you can pick the one that fits instead of the most famous.

You're replacing

xbar

A macOS menu bar app that shows the output of your scripts and programs.

  1. 1

    Hammerspoon

    Open source · MIT · ★ 16.4k

    A macOS automation tool that runs Lua scripts to control your Mac's windows, keys, and system.

    Best for: Mac users comfortable writing small scripts who want custom keyboard shortcuts or window behavior; Power users who want to automate repetitive desktop tasks on macOS

    Full review xbar vs Hammerspoon
  2. 2

    Pear Desktop

    Open source · MIT · ★ 34k

    Unofficial desktop app for YouTube Music, with a plugin system, for Windows, macOS and Linux.

    Best for: People who want YouTube Music in a standalone desktop window; Users who want to customize the look of YouTube Music with CSS themes

    Full review xbar vs Pear Desktop
  3. 3

    MonitorControl

    Open source · MIT · ★ 34.6k

    Adjusts external monitor brightness and volume from the Mac menu bar or keyboard, with native macOS on-screen

    Best for: Mac users with an external monitor who want keyboard brightness keys to work on it; People who want a native-looking brightness and volume overlay on a non-Apple display

    Full review

How we pick: tools in the same category that solve the same problem, projects that name each other as alternatives, and open-source projects that describe themselves as an alternative to xbar. We don't take payment for placement.