Quick answer
Choose Tuck if you want a lightweight Bartender alternative with a real free tier, no analytics, one-time pricing, and Shelf Mode for notched MacBooks. Choose Bartender if you already rely on its deepest automation and do not mind its pricing model.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Tuck | Bartender |
|---|---|---|
| Hide menu bar icons | Yes | Yes |
| One-click toggle | Yes | Yes |
| Global shortcut | ⌘⇧B | Yes |
| Notched MacBook support | Shelf Mode | Yes |
| Free tier | Unlimited | Trial |
| Pricing | One-time Pro | Paid license/plan |
| Telemetry | No analytics or telemetry | Privacy concerns discussed by users |
Privacy and trust
Tuck does not include analytics, telemetry, or crash reporting. Network access is limited to license validation and Sparkle update checks. That makes it easier to verify what the app is doing with a network monitor.
Switching from Bartender
- Quit Bartender and remove it from login items.
- Install Tuck and grant Accessibility permission.
- Hold ⌘ and drag icons so the ones you want hidden sit to the left of Tuck.
- Click Tuck or press ⌘⇧B to toggle.