Software Alternatives & Startups

MenubarX VS Rectangle

Compare MenubarX VS Rectangle and see what are their differences

MenubarX

MenubarX.app is a powerful Mac menu bar browser that can pin any webpage on your menu bar just like a native App.

Rating
0 reviews
Rectangle

Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Rectangle seems to be a lot more popular than MenubarX. While we know about 480 links to Rectangle, we've tracked only 8 mentions of MenubarX.

social mentions
8 vs 480
Productivity popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
85 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

MenubarX
Rectangle
Website menubarx.app rectangleapp.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

MenubarX 5 features
Rectangle 5 features
  • Convenience
    MenubarX provides quick access to web apps and sites directly from the menu bar, reducing the need to switch between applications or open a browser.
  • Space Saving
    It helps in saving screen real estate by allowing users to run multiple web tools in a compact menu bar format.
  • Customization
    Users can customize their menu setup, organizing tools and apps that they frequently use for easy and immediate access.
  • Productivity
    By keeping web apps readily available and out of the way, MenubarX can improve productivity, aiding in efficient task management.
  • Minimal System Resource Usage
    Unlike full-fledged applications, MenubarX typically uses fewer system resources, leading to better performance and less battery drainage on laptops.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Functionality
    Being a menu bar application, it may not offer the full functionality of standalone desktop apps or even full browsers, which could limit its effectiveness for some tasks.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might find there is a learning curve to effectively using and customizing MenubarX to its full potential.
  • Dependency on Web Apps
    Its utility is tied to the availability and stability of web apps, which could be problematic if particular web services experience downtime.
  • Limited Screen Space
    The menu bar can become crowded if too many web apps are added, which may negate some of the space-saving advantages.
  • Cost
    Depending on the pricing model, access to advanced features might require a paid subscription, which could deter budget-conscious users.
  • Ease of Use
    Rectangle offers an intuitive user interface that makes window management straightforward and user-friendly.
  • Customizable Shortcuts
    Users can easily configure keyboard shortcuts to better suit their workflow, making window management faster and more efficient.
  • Free
    Rectangle is available for free, making it accessible to anyone without the need for a financial investment.
  • Frequent Updates
    The app receives regular updates, introducing new features and ensuring compatibility with the latest macOS versions.
  • Lightweight
    Rectangle is a lightweight application that doesn't consume many system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on older Macs.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Rectangle lacks some of the more advanced features found in paid window management applications, such as multiple monitor support and more complex window arrangements.
  • MacOS Only
    Rectangle is only available for macOS, so users of other operating systems are unable to take advantage of its features.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users report occasional bugs or unpredictable behavior, which might require troubleshooting or waiting for a future update.
  • Learning Curve for Shortcuts
    While customizable shortcuts are a benefit, there is an initial learning curve for users to memorize and effectively use these shortcuts.
  • Basic Aesthetic
    The app's design and aesthetic are quite basic, lacking the polish and visual appeal found in some other similar tools.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

MenubarX
Rectangle

No analysis of MenubarX yet.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Rectangle is highly regarded for its ease of use, extensive customization options, and the fact that it is free and open-source. It provides essential functionality without unnecessary complexity, making it suitable for both casual users and power users who need efficient window management.

Why this product is good

  • Rectangle is a popular window management tool for macOS, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to efficiently organize and resize application windows using customizable keyboard shortcuts or by dragging windows into pre-defined areas of the screen. This can enhance productivity by minimizing the time spent arranging windows and improving multitasking capabilities.

Recommended for

    Rectangle is recommended for macOS users looking for a straightforward, lightweight solution to manage application windows. It is particularly beneficial for those who frequently work with multiple applications at once, including developers, designers, and anyone who values a tidy and organized desktop environment.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

MenubarX 3 videos + Add
Rectangle 3 videos + Add

SCOM1164 - Tip - MenubarX - Preview

More videos

  • - Why You Should Get The PRO Version of MenuBarX For Mac
  • - MenubarX for macOS Preview

SKYWALKER RECTANGLE TRAMPOLINE REVIEW!!!

More videos

  • - Skywalker Rectangle Trampoline Review #1
  • - Marvin Malton 160 Rectangle Flying Hour Watch Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
MenubarX
Rectangle
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
11% 11%
Mac
89% 89%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using MenubarX and Rectangle. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

MenubarX no reviews yet
Rectangle no reviews yet

We have no reviews of MenubarX yet. Be the first one to post

  • Best 6 Mac Window Managers
    mackeeper.com · Sep 2023

    Rectangle shows that you don’t need to dip into your bank account to get window resizer tools. This free Mac window manager lets you manage multiple windows using keyboard shortcuts, menu options, or by dragging and...

  • Top 6 Window Manager Apps for Mac

    Most window manager apps for Mac support multiple monitors. They can help you move windows between screens and create custom layouts for each monitor. Many window manager apps – such as BetterSnapTool, Magnet, and...

  • The 6 Best Mac Window Management Tools
    www.makeuseof.com · Apr 2023

    However, it might take some time for you to get used to the shortcuts in the Rectangle app since there are many. Furthermore, you can also add some of your apps to exceptions if you want to keep them away from...

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

MenubarX 8 mentions
Rectangle 480 mentions
  • This but for the Menu bar
    MenubarX might be what your looking for. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Is there a macOS app that will launch a Safari web view of a specific website without borders, buttons etc?
    Https://menubarx.app has a detached mode, might for what you need. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Is there an app that allows me to pin any website to the system tray on my Windows taskbar?
    Something like this (https://menubarx.app/) but for the Windows system tray on the bottom right on the screen. Source: almost 4 years ago

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  • Apple introduces M6 and M5 Ultra for a big leap in performance and AI compute
    Rectangle solved my macos window management annoyances. https://rectangleapp.com/ Not involved in dev of this, just a happy user. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Released
    As a both old Linux and now decade user of MacOS, after I got used to no middle-click paste and no focus-follows-mouse: 1. Keyboard shortcuts are Emacs, Ctrl-A: start of line, E: end of line, K: kill selected or to end of line, Y to... - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Native Instant Space Switching on macOS
    Every macOS user uses Rectangle.app — https://rectangleapp.com The ones who don't use it is because they don’t know it exists. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago

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Alternatives to MenubarX and Rectangle

When comparing MenubarX and Rectangle, you can also consider the following products.