uBar
brawer.ca
uBar is a macOS app that replaces the standard Dock with a customizable taskbar, similar to the Windows Taskbar. It offers enhanced window management, application grouping, and a more informative display of running applications.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Windows-like taskbar experience on macOS
- Improved window management and previews
- Customizable and configurable
- Better organization of applications
- Multi-monitor support
Top Dislikes
- Can be buggy or unstable for some users
- Customer support can be unresponsive
- Some users report crashes
- Price might be considered high for a utility app
Popular Comments
ben-marko - MacUpdate
2022-03-09
Great features, I love uBar, it is so useful. It also crashes about 6-10 a day. ... Really irritating. Contacting customer support seems to be a pipe dream, as they don't respond. I really hope they fix it's bugs, it's the only app like it and I would hate to see it go.
JIm Luther - Setapp
2024-12-17
Very, very good app. Gives me a clear picture of what is running. Like the flexibility to pin it to any screen edge.
Chris Boyd - Setapp
2024-11-22
Works quite well.
laptopmag.com
2024-05-25
With the help of an app called “uBar,” I replaced my Mac's dock with a Windows-style taskbar on the bottom. It not only looks like the taskbar you'd have on a PC but also brings over most of its functions...
heanzi - MacUpdate
2023-08-29
uBar is beyond repair. Guys, use mac-taskbar.com it is lightweight
Hamad Ali - Setapp
2025-01-26
I wish to have stacked applications instead of horizontally aligned and taking more space.
Detailed Review
uBar is a utility application for macOS designed to replace the default Dock with a more feature-rich and customizable taskbar, drawing inspiration from the Windows Taskbar. It aims to provide users, especially those transitioning from Windows, with a familiar and efficient way to manage applications and windows on their Mac. uBar offers a range of features to enhance productivity and organization, though user experiences can vary in terms of stability.
Standout Features
- Taskbar Interface: Replaces the macOS Dock with a taskbar that spans the screen, offering a more traditional Windows-like experience.
- Window Previews: Provides window previews when hovering over application icons, allowing users to quickly see open windows.
- Application Grouping: Groups windows by application, which can be configured to always, never, or automatically group.
- Customization: Offers extensive customization options for appearance, behavior, and positioning of the taskbar. Users can adjust the size, theme (light or dark), and number of rows.
- Multi-Monitor Support: Allows users to display uBar on any or all monitors, similar to the Windows Taskbar multi-monitor functionality.
- Favorites Area: Includes a dedicated area for favorite applications, as well as shortcuts for "Show Desktop" and "Trash".
- Activity Mode: Displays application CPU and Memory usage when holding the Ctrl key.
Conclusion
uBar can be a valuable tool for Mac users who prefer a taskbar-style interface for managing their applications and windows, especially for users coming from Windows. It offers enhanced window management and customization options compared to the standard macOS Dock. However, some users have reported issues with stability and occasional crashes, and customer support responsiveness has been criticized. While the features are generally well-received and can significantly improve workflow for many, potential buyers should be aware of the reported stability issues and consider trying the 14-day free trial or Setapp subscription before committing to a purchase. Alternatives like "Taskbar for macOS" or "ActiveDock" might be worth considering for users seeking similar functionality.