6 Mac Menu Bar apps for minimalists

Boost productivity and maintain a clutter-free desktop.

Notion Calendar Menu Bar app
Notion Calendar Menu Bar app
Notion Calendar Menu Bar app

The menu bar on your Mac is an often underappreciated space that can enhance your workflow.

Many third-party apps offer quick access to useful features, which can be handy despite their often compact and small functions.

In this article, we handpicked 6 Mac menu bar apps that are minimalistic in both aesthetics and functionality.

  1. Corner Time

  2. Onigiri - Minimal Timer

  3. HiddenMe

  4. Ice - Menu Bar Manager

  5. Endel

  6. Notion Calendar


Corner Time (Paid)

Corner Time app on a MacBook desktop

Corner Time is a clock that is always visible in the corner of your screen.

It’s designed for those who find their menu bar too cluttered and prefer to keep it hidden while still being able to see the date and time.

You can get Corner Time on the App Store for a one-time fee of $1.99.


Onigiri - Minimal Timer (Paid)

Onigiri app floating display

Onigiri is a minimalist Pomodoro timer app for Mac that sits in your menu bar.

You can easily start a timer from the menu bar and monitor your progress by enabling its floating display.

This is helpful because it allows you to stay focused on your current tasks, like when using other apps in full screen. 

Onigiri can be downloaded from the App Store with a free trial that allows you to set up to 10 timers. The full version can be unlocked for $19.99.


HiddenMe (Paid)

HiddenMe Menu Bar App on MacBook Desktop

HiddenMe is an app that performs one simple task, which is to hide your desktop icons.

It is perfect for those who keep files whether temporarily or permanently on their desktop, but still wants to maintain a clean setup and appreciate their wallpaper.

HiddenMe is available on the App Store for $1.99.


Ice - Menu Bar Manager (Free)

Menu Bar Manager on MacBook Desktop

If your menu bar is cluttered with apps and controls that you actually need, consider installing a menu bar manager like Ice.

It allows you to hide less frequently used menu bar items and reveal them only when needed.

Ice is free and open-source, which is why many recommend it as a free alternative to Bartender.

You can download it on the developer's website or view it on GitHub.


Endel (Free and Paid)

Endel Menu Bar App on MacBook Desktop

On iOS and Android, Endel is a beautifully designed app that offers science-backed soundscapes to help you focus, relax, and sleep. It also includes guided exercises like breathwork.

On the Mac, it comes as a compact menu bar app that includes essential features, such as playing a soundscape or viewing your circadian guide.

Endel offers a free version with limited features and soundscapes.

A monthly plan for $19.99 or an annual plan for $119.99 is required to unlock all soundscapes and access features like the focus timer and guided exercises.


Notion Calendar (Free)

Notion Calendar Menu Bar app

Notion Calendar is a cleaner interface for Google Calendar that integrates with Notion.

After planning your day on the calendar, you can easily stay on track with your schedule using the menu bar app, no matter which app you are currently using.

Notion Calendar is available for free and can be downloaded from the Notion website.


Summary

And that’s a wrap on our roundup of 6 minimalist menu bar apps for Mac!

We hope this inspires you to make the most out of your menu bar and enjoy a tidier, more productive Mac setup.

Check out our directory to find more useful apps for your devices.

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