Alternatives · Utilities
SwiftBar alternatives
SwiftBar compared with 6 alternatives: Hammerspoon, Stats, iStat Menus, Bartender, Hidden Bar and 1 more.
SwiftBar is free to use. 4 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.
6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| SwiftBarThis tool | Free | Free | macOS |
| Hammerspoon | Free | Free | macOS |
| Stats | Free | Free | macOS |
| iStat Menus | Free trial · from $11.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Bartender | Free trial · from $19.99/yr | Trial only | macOS |
| Hidden Bar | Free | Free | macOS |
| Thaw | Free | Free | macOS |
How each one differs from SwiftBar
- Free
Hammerspoon
Free, open-source macOS automation scripted in Lua
- Hammerspoon is free. SwiftBar is free.
- Hammerspoon also covers workflow automation and window management.
- SwiftBar also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users comfortable writing Lua who want to script their own automation
- Free
Stats
Free, open-source system monitor for the Mac menu bar
- Stats is free. SwiftBar is free.
- Stats also covers system monitor.
Suits: Mac users who want system readings in the menu bar without buying a license
- Free trial · from $11.99 one-time
iStat Menus
System monitor that lives in the Mac menu bar
- iStat Menus starts at $11.99 one-time purchase (Single License), plus local taxes. SwiftBar is free.
- SwiftBar has a free plan. iStat Menus does not, though it has a free trial.
- iStat Menus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- SwiftBar is open source, according to its own site.
- iStat Menus also covers system monitor.
Suits: Mac users who want CPU, memory, network and temperature readings always visible
- Free trial · from $19.99/yr
Bartender
Menu bar manager for macOS that hides and organizes items
- Bartender starts at $19.99 / year (Bartender Pro) or $24.99 one-time (Bartender 7). SwiftBar is free.
- SwiftBar has a free plan. Bartender does not, though it has a free trial.
- Bartender can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- SwiftBar is open source, according to its own site.
- Bartender also covers workflow automation and clipboard manager.
Suits: Mac users with more menu bar items than fit, especially on MacBooks with a notch
- Free
Thaw
Free, open-source menu bar manager for macOS
- Thaw is free. SwiftBar is free.
Suits: Mac users with a crowded menu bar, including MacBooks with a notch
Limits worth knowing in SwiftBar
- macOS only; it runs on macOS Monterey (12) and later.
- It shows nothing by itself: every menu bar item needs a plugin script, taken from the plugin repository or written by the user.
- Every file in the plugin folder is imported as a plugin and made executable unless a .swiftbarignore file excludes it.
- Several preferences, such as hiding SwiftBar's own item, are not in the settings window and are set with Terminal commands.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to SwiftBar?
The alternatives to SwiftBar in this directory are Hammerspoon, Stats, iStat Menus, Bartender, Hidden Bar and Thaw. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with SwiftBar.
Is there a free alternative to SwiftBar?
Yes. Hammerspoon, Stats, Hidden Bar and Thaw are free to use.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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