boringBar: Taskbar-style dock replacement for macOS

What it does

boringBar is a replacement for macOS's Dock that displays only the windows in the currently active desktop and Space. Instead of showing all applications regardless of where they are, it organizes windows by their desktop location. Users can scroll on the bar to switch between desktops, see window previews by hovering, and access a built-in app launcher. The tool also displays notification badges and can hide the standard Dock when active.

Who it is for

The tool targets macOS users who switch between multiple desktops frequently and find the standard Dock confusing because it mixes windows from different workspaces. Power users and remote workers who manage many open windows across spaces are the primary audience. Users familiar with taskbars on Linux or Windows may find this closer to their previous workflow.

Pricing

Personal licenses cost $29.99 as a one-time purchase under a perpetual license model. A business license option is also listed but details are not fully visible. The site offers a 14-day free trial with all features unlocked.

How it stands out

The core differentiator is space-aware window organization. macOS's Dock conflates applications with windows across all spaces, forcing users to hunt through a jumbled view. boringBar separates them by current desktop, reducing cognitive load. The desktop switcher with window count badges lets users see at a glance which spaces are active. Features like scrollable space navigation, thumbnail previews, and multi-display support address practical pain points in managing complex window setups.

What a founder should check

First, assess how much existing workflow inertia the Dock has among macOS users. Many long-time Mac users optimize around its behavior despite its limitations. Second, investigate whether macOS or third-party tools have closed this gap in recent updates; Apple occasionally incorporates user-requested features. Third, examine the moat around accessibility and screen recording permissions. boringBar requires system-level permissions that could be restricted in future OS versions, or competitors might integrate similar functionality directly into window managers or other system tools. The $29.99 one-time price point is low, so switching costs are minimal, meaning retention depends heavily on continuous quality and staying ahead of built-in alternatives.

Thinking of building something like this?

Every launch here is a competitor to somebody's idea. If yours is close, check it against the market before you build: the Full Check names the rivals, the prices and the gaps.