A privacy-first, native macOS menu bar manager that hides unused icons, offers two viewing modes, and includes Touch ID lock and smart triggers.
SaneBar is a menu bar management application for macOS that allows users to hide unused application icons to declutter their menu bar while keeping them easily accessible. It solves the problem of a crowded, distracting menu bar by providing intuitive hiding, searching, and organization tools with a strong emphasis on user privacy and on-device data processing.
macOS users, especially power users and professionals, who have many menu bar applications and want to reduce clutter, improve focus, and maintain privacy. It's ideal for those who use tools like crypto wallets, VPNs, or messaging apps that benefit from the added security of Touch ID locking.
Developers choose SaneBar for its unique combination of robust privacy guarantees (on-device data), advanced features like Touch ID lock and smart triggers, and a one-time purchase model for the Pro version, offering a powerful, ethical alternative to subscription-based or telemetry-heavy competitors.
The privacy-first menu bar manager for macOS. Native, lightweight, and scriptable.
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All user data stays on-device with no cloud uploads, and network use is limited to updates and license checks, as emphasized in the privacy section.
Includes Touch ID/password lock for hidden icons, which the README notes is not available in competitors like Bartender or Ice.
Offers both a compact Icon Panel and a full-width Second Menu Bar, allowing users to choose based on their workflow preferences.
Pro version is a single $6.99 payment with no subscriptions, unlike some competitors that use subscription pricing.
Requires macOS 15+ and Apple Silicon only, excluding older Macs and Intel processors, which restricts its user base.
Needs system Accessibility permissions to function, which can be complex to set up and might deter privacy-conscious users.
Key features like smart triggers, profiles, and per-icon hotkeys are locked behind the Pro version, making the Basic version less powerful for power users.
SaneBar is an open-source alternative to the following products:
Ice is a comprehensive RPC framework for building distributed applications with support for multiple programming languages.
A macOS menu bar organizer that helps users manage and customize their menu bar icons, hiding or rearranging them for a cleaner interface.
A macOS utility that hides menu bar items to reduce clutter, allowing users to show hidden items with a toggle.