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.
| NotchStar | MacNotch | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | $4 once, with a 7 day trial | Subscription via Setapp: from $4.99 a month for MacNotch alone, or inside a $14.99 a month Setapp membership |
| Minimum macOS | macOS 14 or later | macOS 14 or later |
| Now playing with controls | Included | Included Including scrubbing; Spotify, Apple Music and browser players |
| Calendar events | Included | Included With countdowns and meeting detection |
| Reminders / tasks | Included | Included Task list that syncs with Reminders |
| Pomodoro timer | Included | Included |
| Quick notes | Included | Included |
| CPU, RAM and storage monitoring | Included Plus battery and network | Included |
| Drop files for actions (AirDrop, zip, convert) | Partly AirDrop and a file shelf only | Included |
| Widget grid, toggles and weather | Not listed | Included |
| Bluetooth device batteries | Not listed | Included |
| Profiles | Not listed | Included |
| Clipboard history | Included | Not listed Not stated on its Setapp page |
| Teleprompter and camera mirror | Included | Not listed Not stated on its Setapp page |
Sources: MacNotch on Setapp (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 MacNotch if…
- You want the widest feature set: widgets, weather, device batteries, file actions and profiles.
- You already have a Setapp membership, which includes it.
- You are happy with a subscription.
Choose NotchStar if…
- You want clipboard history, a teleprompter and a camera mirror, which its page does not list.
- You would rather pay once than subscribe.
- You want a smaller app that does fewer things with a native look and feel.
The verdict.
MacNotch is the more feature rich product today, and if its widgets and file actions are what you want, choose it. NotchStar is for people who want a focused set of utilities, a native feel and a one time price.
MacNotch is a feature heavy notch utility. This page uses what its Setapp listing says on the date above. NotchStar is smaller by design, and several of MacNotch’s features, such as widgets and device batteries, are not in NotchStar.
Questions.
Is MacNotch only available on Setapp?
The Setapp page we checked sells it through Setapp, either inside a membership or as a single app. Check for other channels before deciding.
How is MacNotch rated?
Its Setapp page showed 97% from 33 ratings on 7 October 2026. That is a small sample, and ratings change.
Does NotchStar have a widget grid?
No. NotchStar uses fixed tools that you can reorder or hide in Settings.
More comparisons.
- 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 it
- 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 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.