Same Plugin Model
xbar
Turning custom scripts into menu bar items, with a built-in plugin browser.
The Catch Creating and maintaining custom plugins still requires scripting knowledge.
SwiftBar Alternatives
SwiftBar alternatives for Mac: xbar runs script plugins with a plugin browser, SketchyBar replaces the whole menu bar, and ExtraBar builds menus from links.
SwiftBar turns script output into menu bar items. Plugins can be shell scripts, Python, Node.js, Ruby or compiled binaries, and it keeps BitBar compatibility. It is free under the MIT license and requires macOS 12 or later.
- Price
- Free
- Requires
- macOS 12 or later
- Open Source
- Yes
- Last Checked
- 2026-10-31
Why Look Elsewhere?
Writing and debugging SwiftBar plugins requires scripting familiarity, and there is no built-in script editor. Choose xbar for a plugin browser, SketchyBar for full control of the bar, or a shortcut tool when you do not want to write scripts.
Four Places to Start
Replace the Whole Bar
SketchyBar
Replacing the macOS menu bar with a scriptable, shell-configured status bar.
The Catch Setup happens in shell config files, and the native menu bar must be hidden to avoid overlap.
Links, Not Plugins
ExtraBar
Building a custom menu of apps, deep links, shortcuts and scripts.
The Catch It is paid, with no free trial and only a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Apple Shortcuts
Short Run
Organizing and running Apple Shortcuts from the menu bar.
The Catch It needs macOS 26 or later, and it cannot assign hotkeys to individual shortcuts.
Compare the Trade-Offs
| App | Best For | Price | The Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| xbar | Turning custom scripts into menu bar items, with a built-in plugin browser. | Free | Creating and maintaining custom plugins still requires scripting knowledge. |
| SketchyBar | Replacing the macOS menu bar with a scriptable, shell-configured status bar. | Free | Setup happens in shell config files, and the native menu bar must be hidden to avoid overlap. |
| ExtraBar | Building a custom menu of apps, deep links, shortcuts and scripts. | Paid | It is paid, with no free trial and only a 14-day money-back guarantee. |
| Short Run | Organizing and running Apple Shortcuts from the menu bar. | Paid | It needs macOS 26 or later, and it cannot assign hotkeys to individual shortcuts. |
Before You Switch
These comparisons use the linked directory entries, not a new hands-on test. Confirm current pricing, requirements and release status with each developer. Missing facts are marked “Not Listed.”
Questions Before Choosing
Do SwiftBar plugins work in xbar?
SwiftBar keeps BitBar compatibility, and xbar is the project formerly called BitBar. Plugins that use SwiftBar-only features, such as ephemeral plugins, may need changes.
Which alternatives are free?
xbar and SketchyBar are free and open source. ExtraBar and Short Run are paid.
Which alternative needs no scripting?
ExtraBar builds menu items from a name, an icon and a URL, and Short Run runs existing Apple Shortcuts. xbar can install community plugins, but custom items still need scripts.