ctrlhqctrlhq vs NotchNookTwo notch apps, built for different days.
ctrlhq vs NotchNook: both live in the MacBook notch. NotchNook is built for media and files; ctrlhq adds tasks, time tracking, meeting notes, recording and Mac cleanup.
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- ctrlhq
- Productivity app in the notch
- $19 launch price (then $49) · macOS 26 Tahoe+ · native, about 12 MB
- NotchNook
- notch app
- $25 once (5 Macs) or $3/month
NotchNook made the notch useful. It's polished, it's popular, and it's built around music controls, a file tray and quick widgets.
ctrlhq starts from a different question: what if the notch ran your workday? Tasks and a running timer sit beside the notch all day, and one hover opens time reports, focus sessions, meeting notes, screen recording and tools that clean up your Mac. If you want a nicer media player in the notch, NotchNook is a great pick. If you want the notch to keep you on track, that's what ctrlhq is for.
ctrlhq vs NotchNook, side by side
| Feature | ctrlhq | NotchNook |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19 once (launch price, then $49) | $25 once or $3/month |
| Music and now playing | ||
| File shelf with AirDrop | ||
| Calendar | ||
| Webcam mirror and Shortcuts widgets | ||
| Tasks and time tracking | ||
| Idle detection and time reports | ||
| Screen recording | ||
| On-device meeting notes | ||
| Teleprompter under the camera | ||
| Disk cleanup and app uninstaller | ||
| External monitor brightness | ||
| Macs per license | 1 | 5 (one-time) or 2 (subscription) |
| macOS | 26 Tahoe or later | 14.6 or later |
NotchNook details from its website, checked September 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Choose NotchNook if
- You're on macOS 14 or 15, which ctrlhq doesn't support.
- You mostly want music controls, a file tray and a pretty Dynamic Island.
- You need one license across several Macs.
Choose ctrlhq if
- You want your tasks and a running timer in view all day.
- You'd rather have one app than a notch app plus a time tracker, recorder, cleaner and clipboard manager.
- You record demos or take meeting notes and want everything on-device.
Lightweight by design
ctrlhq is a native Swift app, about 12 MB to download, with no background daemons or helper apps. One app that's already in your notch replaces a shelf of single-purpose ones, and every menu bar icon that came with them.
The ctrlhq features that cover NotchNook
Time tracking
Your tasks and the running timer live in the notch, so you never forget to start or stop.
Meeting notes
ctrlhq notices a call and offers to take notes. Transcribed on-device, with a summary and action items.
Screen recording
Record a screen or one window with your face in a bubble, your mic and your Mac's audio.
File shelf
Drop files on the notch to hold them. Drag them out later, or AirDrop them in one move.
Questions
Is ctrlhq a NotchNook alternative?
Yes, if you use the notch to get work done. ctrlhq covers the file shelf and now playing, and adds tasks, time tracking, focus sessions, recording, meeting notes and Mac cleanup. It doesn't try to copy every NotchNook widget.
Can I run both?
Not at the same time. Both apps draw in the notch, so pick one.
Is ctrlhq made by the NotchNook team?
No. ctrlhq is an independent app and isn't affiliated with lo.cafe.
Run it next to NotchNook.
Every feature for $19 launch price (then $49), no subscription. Not for you? Full refund within 14 days.
14-day money-back guaranteeAlready bought? Download
NotchNook is a trademark of its owner. ctrlhq isn't affiliated with it.