Software Alternatives & Startups

NotchNook VS AmpShell

Compare NotchNook VS AmpShell and see what are their differences

NotchNook

NotchNook is back — Dynamic Island for Mac

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Paid Free trial $2 / Monthly (2 Macs; lifetime license available for $15)
AmpShell

AmpShell is a DOSBox front-end for Windows.

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, NotchNook seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 2 times since March 2021.

social mentions
2 vs 0
Productivity popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
197 vs 33

Base details

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

NotchNook
AmpShell
Website getnotchnook.com ampshell.tuxfamily.org
Pricing
Paid Free trial $2 / Monthly (2 Macs; lifetime license available for $15) Official pricing
Listed in

About NotchNook and AmpShell

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

NotchNook
AmpShell

The best notch app is back—with updates for your Mac. Music, calendar, notes, tasks and files, right in your Mac’s notch. NotchNook is a notch app for Mac developed and sold by lo.cafe Ltda. It turns the MacBook notch into a workspace for music controls, calendar events, notes, to-dos, timers, a...

Read more about NotchNook

No description of AmpShell yet.

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

NotchNook 3 features
AmpShell 3 features
  • Files Tray and AirDrop
    Keep files close for drag-and-drop between apps and AirDrop transfers.
  • Widgets
    Music controls, calendar, notes, to-dos, timers, a camera mirror and Shortcuts.
  • macOS compatibility
    macOS 14.6 or later, Apple silicon and Intel; works with or without a notch and on multiple displays.
  • Open Source
    AmpShell is open-source software, allowing users to access and modify the source code freely, promoting transparency and community-driven development.
  • Easy Management of Amiga Emulator
    Provides an intuitive interface for managing WinUAE configurations and launching games, simplifying the process for users.
  • Platform Support
    AmpShell supports modern Windows systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited to Windows
    AmpShell is only available for Windows platforms, restricting its use for users of other operating systems such as macOS or Linux.
  • Requires WinUAE
    Users need to have WinUAE installed separately, which adds an extra step for those new to Amiga emulation.
  • Potential for Reduced Development
    As an open-source project, the continuation of development may rely heavily on community interest, potentially leading to slower updates and new features.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

NotchNook 5 videos + Add
AmpShell 1 video + Add

NotchNook is back: a Dynamic Island for your Mac (MacBook notch app)

More videos

  • - Notchnook Review: UPGRADE your macOS notch (NEW)
  • - NotchNook: The Ultimate Tool for MacBook Pro Personalization!
  • - NotchNook Review: Best MacBook Notch Customization App?
  • - Notchnook vs Dynamic Lake vs Alcove – Don't Pick The Wrong macOS Notch in 2026! (FULL REVIEW!)

AmpShell's Live PS4 Broadcast

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
NotchNook
AmpShell
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
Mac
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing NotchNook and AmpShell.

What's the story behind your product?

NotchNook's answer

NotchNook launched in 2024 to make the MacBook notch useful for everyday work. The macOS app is developed and sold by lo.cafe Ltda. Its official product website is https://getnotchnook.com/, with downloads, release notes, plans and support. The official lo.cafe company website is https://locafe.app/.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

NotchNook's answer

NotchNook is a native macOS application built with Swift and SwiftUI.

What makes your product unique?

NotchNook's answer

NotchNook combines everyday Mac tools in one panel at the top of the display: music controls, calendar, quick notes, to-dos, timers, a camera mirror and Shortcuts. The Tray keeps files within reach for drag-and-drop and AirDrop. It works with or without a physical notch and across multiple displays.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

NotchNook's answer

Choose NotchNook if you want music, calendar, notes, tasks and a file shelf together in a Mac-native interface. A 48-hour trial lets you try every feature before buying, without a card. Both monthly and lifetime plans include the same features.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

NotchNook's answer

Mac users who want quick access to everyday tools without interrupting their current work: people handling files, listening to music, taking notes or moving between meetings. It supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs running macOS 14.6 or later.

User comments

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

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

NotchNook 2 mentions
AmpShell 0 mentions
  • A macOS app that blurs your screen when you slouch
    I love this, but I’d rather have an indicator in the menu bar, an app notification, or maybe a nice flow around the "notch" like NotchNook. (https://lo.cafe/notchnook) Can't really afford to play with an app that would have such an... - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Stripe blocks small dev sales and wants to refund $100k in legit purchases
    I wondered how the webpage https://lo.cafe/notchnook managed to sell $100k in download. I mean one cannot even zoom in on the screenshot, there's no list of features. Then I saw the tool was reviewed on, for example... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago

Tracking AmpShell since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to NotchNook and AmpShell

When comparing NotchNook and AmpShell, you can also consider the following products.