Compare the notch apps. Honestly.
We use each app’s own pages, date every check, link every source, and say plainly where another app does more.
Included Partly Not listed
 NotchStar | Boring Notch | Alcove | MacNotch | OmniNotch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price and access | |||||
| Price | $4 once, 7 day trial | Free | $14.99 | From $4.99 a month via Setapp | $19.99 once |
| Needs macOS | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 |
| Open source | Not listed | Included | Not listed | Not listed | Partly built on an MIT project |
| Notarized by Apple | Not listed not yet, version 1.0 is signed only | Not listed not notarized, per its README | Not listed | Included per Setapp | Not listed not yet, per its site |
| In the notch | |||||
| Now playing | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Calendar | Included | Included | Not listed | Included | Included |
| Reminders | Included | Not listed on its roadmap | Not listed | Included | Included |
| File shelf and AirDrop | Included | Included | Not listed | Included | Included |
| Clipboard history | Included | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Included |
| Timers and Pomodoro | Included | Not listed | Not listed | Included | Included |
| Teleprompter and mirror | Included | Not listed mirror on its roadmap | Not listed | Not listed | Included |
| System stats | Included | Not listed | Not listed | Included | Included |
| Beyond the basics | |||||
| Live activitieswhile the notch is collapsed | Not listed | Not listed | Included | Partly | Not listed |
| Lock screen widgets | Not listed | Not listed | Included | Not listed | Not listed |
| Widgets and weather | Not listed | Not listed weather on its roadmap | Not listed | Included | Included |
| Volume and brightness HUD | Not listed | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| On device AI chat | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Included |
Checked on 7 October 2026 against each app's own page: Boring Notch README, Alcove website, MacNotch on Setapp, OmniNotch website. “Not listed” means the page does not mention it, which is not proof the feature is missing. NotchNook is left out because its site was unreachable. Prices and features change, so check before you buy.
Head to head.
- NotchStar vs Alcove
- Alcove aims for a Dynamic Island feel with live activities and lock screen widgets; NotchStar is a toolbox of everyday utilities and does not do live activities. Read the comparison
- NotchStar vs Boring Notch
- Boring Notch is free and open source with a strong music and AirDrop focus; NotchStar is a paid app with more utility tools, such as clipboard history, timers and a teleprompter. Read the comparison
- NotchStar vs MacNotch
- MacNotch is the broader app, with widgets, device batteries, file actions and profiles, sold through Setapp; NotchStar is smaller, native feeling and sold as a $4 once purchase. Read the comparison
- NotchStar vs OmniNotch
- OmniNotch ships more tools today, including on device AI chat and live revenue tracking; NotchStar is narrower and focused on a native, restrained experience. Read the comparison
Spotted a mistake?Tell us on the support page and we will correct it.
Put your notch to work.
Download NotchStar, open your first tool in seconds, and decide after 7 days whether it earns $4.