vs
Vanilla
PeekFocus · A complement to Vanilla, not a replacement
PeekFocus vs Vanilla
Vanilla is the small, beloved utility that hides extra menu bar icons behind a divider. PeekFocus does something different: it dims or blurs the windows behind your active one. They're not really competitors — they're cousins. Many people happily use both.
At a glance
| PeekFocus | Vanilla | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Dim/blur background windows | Hide extra menu bar icons |
| Pricing | $4.99 one-time, 7-day trial | Free + Pro tier |
| Lives in | Menu bar app | Menu bar utility |
| Helps with | Visual clutter on screen | Visual clutter in menu bar |
| Distribution | Mac App Store, sandboxed | Direct + Pro license |
Different problems
Two kinds of clutter
If you searched "Vanilla alternative" looking for window-focus, you may have meant a different category. Here's the honest read:
Vanilla is the right tool for menu bar tidiness — too many icons up there, too much visual noise. It's been a quiet classic for years.
PeekFocus is for the rest of the screen. When you want one window to feel like the only one, PeekFocus dims or blurs everything behind it. Different problem, different solution.
If you wanted a Vanilla alternative
You probably want Bartender or Hidden Bar
For menu bar icon hiding specifically, look at Bartender (paid, deepest control) or Hidden Bar (free, simple divider). PeekFocus doesn't touch the menu bar.
If you want both — a clean menu bar and calmer windows — Vanilla and PeekFocus run side by side without friction.
If you arrived for window focus
PeekFocus may be exactly what you wanted
If "less visual noise" was the search and you're tired of all your windows competing for attention, PeekFocus offers three modes (Standard, Ambience, Focus) and a keystroke toggle. It's $4.99 once on the Mac App Store.
FAQ
Does PeekFocus hide my menu bar icons?
No. PeekFocus only affects windows. For menu bar cleanup, Vanilla or Bartender are the right tools.
Can I use Vanilla and PeekFocus together?
Yes — they don't overlap and play nicely together.
What does PeekFocus actually do?
It dims or blurs every window except the one you're using. Three modes, one keystroke.
Is there a free trial?
Yes — 7 days through the Mac App Store, then a one-time $4.99 unlock.
Different calm, complementary
Vanilla cleans your menu bar. PeekFocus calms your windows. Use both — that's the actual answer.