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.
| NotchStar | Alcove | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4 once, with a 7 day trial | $14.99 purchase, per its website |
| Minimum macOS | macOS 14 or later | macOS 15 or later |
| Live activities in the collapsed notch | Not listed | Included |
| Lock screen widgets | Not listed | Included |
| Customisable volume and brightness HUDs | Not listed | Included |
| Swipe gestures | Not listed | Included |
| Now playing | Included | Included |
| Clipboard history | Included | Not listed Not stated on its website |
| File shelf with AirDrop | Included | Not listed Not stated on its website |
| Timers and Pomodoro | Included | Not listed Not stated on its website |
| Teleprompter and mirror | Included | Not listed Not stated on its website |
Sources: Alcove website (checked 7 October 2026). “Not listed” means the source does not mention it, which is not proof the feature is missing. Prices and features change, so check before you buy.
Choose Alcove if…
- You want the Dynamic Island feel: live activities, instant notifications and lock screen widgets.
- You run macOS 15 or later and care most about fluid motion and HUDs.
- Replacing the system volume and brightness indicators is a priority.
Choose NotchStar if…
- You want a toolbox: clipboard history, a file shelf with AirDrop, timers, a teleprompter and system stats.
- You are on macOS 14 and need support for it.
- You prefer an app that stays out of the way until you open it.
The verdict.
These apps solve different problems. Alcove is about ambient, glanceable activity; NotchStar is about quick tools you open on purpose. Choose Alcove for live activities and widgets, NotchStar for utilities.
Alcove is one of the most polished notch apps and leans into the Dynamic Island idea. This comparison uses only what Alcove’s website states on the date above; things it does not mention are marked not stated.
Questions.
Does NotchStar have live activities?
No. It does not show live status while the notch is collapsed. That is a deliberate scope choice for the first release.
Which one supports older Macs?
NotchStar supports macOS 14 or later. Alcove's website lists macOS 15 or later.
Is Alcove a subscription?
Its website shows a $14.99 purchase button. Check its site for current terms before buying.
More comparisons.
- 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 it
- 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 it
- 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 it
- Best Mac notch apps
- A neutral roundup of the options. Read the guide
Put your notch to work.
Download NotchStar, open your first tool in seconds, and decide after 7 days whether it earns $4.