Softset Notch vs Notch Buddy
Last verified · Written by Softset, the makers of Softset Notch
In short
Notch Buddy offers nineteen notch tools at the time of writing, including revenue and analytics widgets. Softset Notch starts with six modules and shares its system engine with Softset Pulse.
Softset Notch is in development; this page compares the planned first version.
Who each is for
Choose Softset Notch if…
- You want a small set of polished modules: music, shelf, clipboard, timers, calendar, and system.
- You use other Softset apps and want the same engine and event banners across them.
Choose Notch Buddy if…
- You want more tools today, like notes, weather, screen time, emoji, and unit conversion.
- You want analytics dashboards in the notch.
Side by side
| Feature | Softset Notch | Notch Buddy |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase model | One-time purchase; pricing announced at launch. | One-time purchase. source |
| Price | Announced at launch. | $19.99 regular price (launch price $5.99 for the first 100 customers). source |
| Refunds | 30 days. | 14 days. source |
| macOS | macOS 14 or later. | macOS 14 or later; Apple silicon and Intel. source |
| Macs without a notch | Simulated notch. | Simulated notch, per display or automatic. source |
| Modules | Now Playing, Shelf, Clipboard, Timers, Calendar, System, event banners. | 19 tools, including Shelf, Calendar, Timers, Stats, Clipboard, Notes, Weather, Revenue, and Analytics. source |
| Revenue | Stripe, read-only, optional. | Revenue and analytics tools with read-only keys. source |
| Credentials | Stored in the Keychain. | Stored in the login keychain, read-only. source |
| Local data | Clipboard, shelf, and timers stay on your Mac. | States clipboard, notes, and shelf files stay on your Mac. source |
Differences
Number of modules
Notch Buddy has more tools today. Softset Notch launches with six modules, plus event banners that any Softset app or your own scripts can send.
Shared engine
Softset Notch's system module is built on the same engine as Softset Pulse, so the numbers agree across both apps.
Looking for a Notch Buddy alternative?
If you’re searching for “notch buddy alternative” or “notchbuddy alternative for mac”, the table above covers what changes when you switch. Softset Notch’s own page has the full details, including its privacy and permissions trust card.
Softset Notch
A small, interactive space at the top of your screen for what's playing, files in transit, your clipboard, timers, your next meeting, and your Mac's CPU, memory, and battery. Works on MacBooks with a notch and on other displays.
In development. Early access builds go to people on the list first.