I’ve been experimenting with different ways to keep up with Reddit without the constant pull of my browser tabs or the distraction of the full website. Like many people, I find myself getting lost in endless scrolling when all I wanted was a quick check of a few specific subreddits. That’s where ReddBar caught my attention.
ReddBar is a lightweight Reddit client that lives in your Mac menu bar and lets you browse subreddits without even logging in. The app is only 2.2 MB and requires macOS 13.5 or later. What makes it particularly appealing is its deliberately minimal approach. There are no comment threads to fall into, no infinite scroll mechanisms, just a straightforward list of posts from the subreddits you choose to follow.
The base app is free and lets you track up to 3 subreddits, which honestly might be enough for casual users who just want to monitor a couple of communities. For $3.99, the Pro plan removes that limitation and adds some useful features like post sorting by Hot, New, Top, or Rising, along with auto-refresh capabilities. I appreciate that the developer kept the pricing simple with a one-time purchase rather than yet another subscription.
In my experience using ReddBar on my Mac Mini M4, the app performs well with minimal system impact. The interface is clean and focuses on what matters: post titles, scores, and quick access to read more. The recent v1.2.0 update added bookmarking functionality, which I’ve found useful for marking posts to revisit later. Two-finger swipe navigation works as expected, and the built-in Safari browser integration means you don’t need to leave the menu bar environment to read articles.
One thing worth noting is that ReddBar is deliberately read-only. You can’t post, comment, or engage with Reddit’s social features. For some users, that’s a dealbreaker. For me, it’s actually the point. This app is about consumption, not participation, which helps maintain that distraction-free experience the developer emphasizes.
The font scaling options and compact mode settings give you some control over how much information appears in the dropdown, which is helpful if you’re working with a smaller display or simply prefer more breathing room in the interface. The developer lists several accessibility features including dark interface support, sufficient contrast options, and reduced motion support.
ReddBar is not going to replace the full Reddit experience for active community members who want to participate in discussions. It’s also not for users who need to monitor dozens of subreddits simultaneously. But if you’re looking for a quick, lightweight way to keep tabs on a handful of communities without the rabbit hole of the main website, this app delivers exactly what it promises. No ads, no tracking according to the developer’s privacy policy, and no account required. Just simple, focused Reddit browsing from your menu bar.
