MenubarX: A Smart Menu Bar Browser That Lends A Hand for Multitasking

We regularly come across menu bar apps that make the macOS menu bar more powerful.

MenubarX, a recent entry to that list, lets you browse the web right from the menu bar. So, the next time you wish to watch something on YouTube or check an Instagram story, you can do it without disturbing your regular web browser environment.

What does MenubarX do?

MenubarX is essentially a menu bar utility designed for macOS. It not only lets you browse the web from the menu bar interface but also offers space for customization and optimization. You can use MenubarX to open any website or web app, including Instagram, Notion, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, etc.

Because MenubarX is well aware of space constraints, it offers multiple viewing options. That is, you get to simulate different devices and user agents. Given that many websites are designed to work well on mobile devices, you’d love the option to launch Instagram or Twitter on an iPhone-sized window, for example.

It also means you don’t have to keep a full tab open on your core browser. Instead, the Instagram feed or a YouTube video stays on the menu bar. Depending on your needs, MenubarX lets you create as many tabs as you want.

Core features

• MenubarX lets you open virtually any website by simulating devices, operating systems, and multiple user agents. This option lets you find the optimal viewing experience for a website/web app.
• Built-in options for ad-blocking, bookmarks management, and synchronization with iCloud. The ad blocker on MenubarX works with almost every website you open.
• Predesigned simulate designs for devices like Kindle, allowing users to read their eBooks in the best layout.
• Customizable window design allows you to choose between multiple resolutions, thus impacting the RAM consumption and other system resources.
• A detailed and customizable User Interface, which allows users to toggle dedicated modules and take care of notifications.
• A native-designed app for macOS, MenubarX works great with menu bar management apps like Bartender.

TheSweetBits review

MenubarX is more than just a menu bar utility, it’s a tool that gives web browsing a native feel within macOS. Here’s our in-depth look at its capabilities:

The Setup

It takes only a few seconds to set up MenubarX, and it doesn’t require many permissions. Once you install it, everything works snappily. You can keep your browser tabs on the menu bar or detach them for a better level of control. This customizability allows you to integrate these smart web browser tabs into multi-display workspace designs.

Minimal, seamless browsing

At its core, MenubarX is designed to make browsing web, WAP, and PWA (Progressive Web App) sites feel more like using a native app than a webpage. Once you type in a URL, MenubarX’s interface hides the address bar to immerse you in a more app-like experience. It’s surprisingly versatile, too. There’s no need to install a dozen apps to check different sites, and there’s no cluttered browser window hogging memory and screen space. The experience feels streamlined, lightweight, and, perhaps best of all, completely unobtrusive.

To kickstart your MenubarX journey, the app comes preloaded with a curated default navigation page containing over 80 common web apps, from work and study tools to games. So, if you’re not sure what to try first, MenubarX has you covered.

Window size customization

For those who are tired of the complexity of full browsers but still want some flexibility, MenubarX offers a simpler alternative. Unlike Chrome or Safari, MenubarX allows you to instantly switch between desktop and mobile views of a site. Whether you want to check a mobile-optimized version or an alternate layout, you can easily simulate different devices like iPhone, iPad, Android, or even Kindle.

The adjustable window size helps you take advantage of responsive site layouts—if a site looks better on a narrower or taller display, just drag to resize the window and adjust it as you wish.

Auto-refresh

MenubarX doesn’t just stop at giving you a convenient browsing window. It also provides an auto-refresh feature, which is a game-changer if you track live updates like stocks, sports, or news feeds. Instead of repeatedly clicking refresh, MenubarX will handle it for you, so you’re always up-to-date. This is especially useful for those of us who need to stay informed on current events or price changes without the hassle of continuously checking back.

Notifications and background activity

MenubarX supports H5 notification push, making it a gem if you often use web apps with notifications, like web-based messaging platforms (e.g., WhatsApp Web or WeChat). While the window is minimized, you’ll still receive real-time updates, so you won’t miss important messages or pings. It brings the best of native notifications to the web apps you use the most, which can make working on a Mac feel less scattered.

Plus, MenubarX can run audio in the background, meaning you can stream music, a podcast, or an audio-based news feed while using other apps without needing to install additional software. Say goodbye to separate music or podcast apps, and let MenubarX handle it all.

Pro version perks

Upgrading to MenubarX Pro unlocks the full power of the app, letting you open unlimited tabs and save bookmarks, making it ideal for power users. With Pro, there’s no limit to how many web apps you can have ready to go at a click—whether that’s a mix of work, personal, and entertainment, or perhaps just a ton of bookmarks for news junkies.

Pricing

The basic version of MenubarX is free to use, but it limits the number of tabs, bookmarks, and a few custom features. The full Pro version will set you back at $4.99, which offers a lifetime license. However, you can get the same feature set and future updates through Setapp, which offers MenubarX and 200 other apps for $10 a month.

Our take

Compared to the many menu bar apps we have tried, MenubarX offers some productivity-focused options. In most cases, a customizable web browser accessible from the menu bar is an excellent thing for people who value their sacred workspaces. Overall, considering that the basic features are free, MenubarX is definitely worth checking out.

For more details, visit https://menubarx.app/