NotchNook alternatives for Mac: simpler, free and open-source options
NotchNook made the MacBook notch useful, and it’s still a good app. People look for an alternative for a few reasons: the price, the amount of setup, or simply wanting the notch to do less. Here’s where each option lands.
Why people switch from NotchNook
- Too much in the notch. Widgets, shortcuts and trays can turn a small space into a second dashboard.
- Price. It’s a paid app; some people want to try the idea for free first.
- Calls and messages. Some want incoming calls and replies in the notch, not only media and files.
Alcove
The closest thing to the iPhone’s Dynamic Island on a Mac. Very polished animations, Live Activities and system HUDs. Paid, one-time. Pick it if the look matters most.
Boring Notch
Free and open source on GitHub, with a long feature list: music, calendar, a file shelf, HUDs and a camera mirror. Pick it if you like to tinker and don’t mind tuning settings.
DynamicLake Pro
Lots of modules and deep customisation. Pick it if you want to build your own notch.
peeq
peeq goes the other way: only what you need, nothing you don’t. The notch shows what’s playing, rings for FaceTime and iPhone calls, lets you reply to Messages and WhatsApp, runs a timer, previews screenshots and holds files for AirDrop. There’s nothing to arrange and no widget grid. It’s free during the beta.
Quick pick
| If you want… | Try |
|---|---|
| The iPhone look on your Mac | Alcove |
| Free and open source, lots of options | Boring Notch |
| To customise everything | DynamicLake Pro |
| Widgets and shortcuts in the notch | NotchNook |
| Calls, messages and music, and nothing else | peeq |
Features as reported in October 2026. Check each developer’s site for current prices.
For a deeper side-by-side, read peeq vs NotchNook, Alcove, Boring Notch and DynamicLake. Or get early access to peeq.