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.
| NotchStar | OmniNotch | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of tools | 10 | 20, per its website |
| Price | $4 once, with a 7 day trial | $19.99 once after a launch sale that ended 5 October 2026, per its website |
| Minimum macOS | macOS 14 or later | macOS 14 or later |
| On device AI chat | Not listed | Included Using Apple Intelligence |
| AI usage and revenue tracking | Not listed | Included |
| Weather, stocks, unit converter, emoji picker | Not listed | Included |
| Clipboard history | Included Skips password manager copies | Included Skips password manager clips when it can detect them |
| File shelf with AirDrop | Included | Included |
| Now playing | Included | Included |
| Calendar and reminders | Included | Included |
| Timers and Pomodoro | Included | Included |
| Teleprompter and camera mirror | Included | Included |
| Reorder and hide tools | Included | Included Customisable tool ordering |
Sources: OmniNotch website (checked 7 October 2026), OmniNotch vs NotchNook page (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 OmniNotch if…
- You want the most tools in one app, including AI chat, weather and stocks.
- On device AI in the notch is a feature you will actually use.
- You want something you can buy and download today.
Choose NotchStar if…
- You want a smaller set of tools, each built to feel native to macOS.
- You care about accessibility details such as VoiceOver labels and Reduce Motion support.
- You want a low price: NotchStar is $4 with a 7 day trial.
The verdict.
OmniNotch does more today, and if you want AI chat or its extra widgets it is the stronger choice. NotchStar is a deliberate subset, and we would rather you pick the app that matches what you need.
OmniNotch is a close competitor and a broader one. We compare using its website’s own claims on the date above. Where it lists more than NotchStar does, this page says so plainly.
Questions.
Is OmniNotch notarized?
Its website said, when we checked, that it was not yet notarized by Apple and needed manual approval on first launch. Check its current download page.
Does NotchStar have AI features?
Not in the first release. AI features are not committed on the roadmap.
Are the two apps built the same way?
Both are native Mac apps. OmniNotch says it is built on the open source NotchDrop project. NotchStar is its own codebase.
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 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
- 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.