Comparison · updated October 2026
AI usage menu bar apps for Mac, compared.
Want your Codex, Claude and other AI coding limits in the Mac menu bar? Here's how the popular apps compare on download size, macOS support, price and providers.
Download Mana for MacMana: 3.7 MB · no permission pop-ups · free for one ring
Side by side
| App | Download | Requires | Price | Providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mana | 3.7 MB | macOS 14+ | Free (1 ring) · $19.99 once | 6 built in + plugins |
| CodexBar | 86.3 MB | macOS 14+ | Free (MIT) | 100+ listed |
| OpenUsage | 23.3 MB | macOS 15+ | Free (MIT) | 11 listed |
| SessionWatcher | Not stated | macOS 14+ / Windows | From $6.99; Pro $59 or $24/yr | 22 listed |
| CodexUsageBar | Under 5 MB | macOS 12+ | Free (open source) | Codex |
| Code Meter | 8.9 MB | macOS 26+ | Free on App Store | 14 listed |
Figures come from each app's website, GitHub releases or App Store listing as of October 2026 and may change.
Why Mana
- Lightweight. A 3.7 MB download — a fraction of most multi-provider alternatives.
- No pop-ups. Built-in providers work without permission dialogs, Keychain approval, an extra login or Full Disk Access.
- Read it without clicking. Rings show up to two remaining quotas per provider right in the menu bar.
- Any quota. Plugins add other vendors and internal company quota systems; your AI coding agent writes them.
- Runs on macOS 14 and later.
Detailed comparisons
Questions
What is the lightest AI usage menu bar app for Mac?
Mana is a 3.7 MB download and tracks six AI providers plus plugins. Most multi-provider alternatives are much larger: CodexBar is 86.3 MB, OpenUsage 23.3 MB and Code Meter 8.9 MB. CodexUsageBar lists under 5 MB but tracks Codex only.
Which AI usage menu bar app works without permission pop-ups?
Mana's built-in providers work without permission dialogs, Keychain approval, an extra login or Full Disk Access. It reads the sessions your AI tools already keep on your Mac.
Which apps track Codex and Claude together in the menu bar?
Mana, CodexBar, OpenUsage, SessionWatcher and Code Meter all track both. Mana shows them as rings with up to two remaining quotas per provider, readable without clicking.
Mana is independent software by Silent Spell, not affiliated with the other apps listed or the AI providers. See how Mana accesses quota data.