Mac Power Users

stats

Stats is the definitive open-source system monitor for 2026 and arguably the single most useful menu bar app for developers. It provides a highly customizable dashboard for CPU, GPU, RAM, Disk, Network, Battery, and Bluetooth usage directly in your menu bar with real-time graphs and percentage readouts. Unlike heavier alternatives like iStat Menus, Stats is optimized for Apple Silicon M-series chips, offering granular control over temperature sensors, fan speeds, and power consumption without the battery drain. It allows you to see exactly what is slowing down your system at a glance, identify runaway processes consuming memory, and monitor network throughput during file transfers or API testing. The modular design lets you enable only the monitors you care about, keeping your menu bar clean while still having full system visibility one click away.

hiddenbar

HiddenBar is the essential utility for decluttering your menu bar, and in 2026 it is practically a requirement for any MacBook user. It adds a simple arrow icon that lets you collapse and expand your menu bar items, hiding the ones you do not need to see constantly. It is particularly vital for MacBook users with the camera notch, preventing icons from being obscured by the housing. HiddenBar is completely free, open-source, and does one job perfectly. Unlike the paid Bartender app, it requires no subscription and no account. You simply Cmd-drag icons to either side of the divider to organize what is always visible versus what is hidden, and it remembers your preferences across reboots.

itsycal

Itsycal repairs the disconnection between the macOS clock and your schedule. It sits next to (or replaces) the system clock, showing a tiny monthly calendar and your upcoming appointments when clicked. It integrates seamlessly with the native Apple Calendar app, supports video meeting links, and offers a keyboard-centric workflow for quickly checking dates without opening a full calendar application.

monitorcontrol

MonitorControl is a game-changer for anyone using external displays and one of the most underrated Mac utilities available. It uses DDC/CI software protocols to send brightness and volume commands to your monitor via HDMI or USB-C. This means you can use your Mac's native brightness keys (F1/F2) and volume keys (F11/F12) to control third-party monitors from LG, Dell, Samsung, and BenQ, eliminating the need to reach for clumsy physical buttons on the screen itself. For multi-monitor setups, MonitorControl lets you control each display independently from a single menu bar dropdown. It also supports software dimming as a fallback for monitors that do not support the DDC protocol, ensuring universal compatibility.