# ctrlhq vs NotchNook: Two 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.

- ctrlhq: $19 once (launch price, regular $49), no subscription, 14-day money-back guarantee. Native, about 12 MB. macOS 26 Tahoe or later.
- NotchNook: notch app. Price: $25 once (5 Macs) or $3/month. Source: https://lo.cafe/notchnook
- Facts checked September 2026.

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 at a glance

| | ctrlhq | NotchNook |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19 once (launch price, then $49) | $25 once or $3/month |
| Music and now playing | Yes | Yes |
| File shelf with AirDrop | Yes | Yes |
| Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Webcam mirror and Shortcuts widgets | No | Yes |
| Tasks and time tracking | Yes | No |
| Idle detection and time reports | Yes | No |
| Screen recording | Yes | No |
| On-device meeting notes | Yes | No |
| Teleprompter under the camera | Yes | No |
| Disk cleanup and app uninstaller | Yes | No |
| External monitor brightness | Yes | No |
| Macs per license | 1 | 5 (one-time) or 2 (subscription) |
| macOS | 26 Tahoe or later | 14.6 or later |

## 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. It replaces a handful of single-purpose apps with one that's already running in your notch.

## The ctrlhq features that cover NotchNook

- [Time tracking](https://ctrlhq.app/features/time-tracking): Your tasks and the running timer live in the notch, so you never forget to start or stop.
- [Meeting notes](https://ctrlhq.app/features/meeting-notes): ctrlhq notices a call and offers to take notes. Transcribed on-device, with a summary and action items.
- [Screen recording](https://ctrlhq.app/features/screen-recording): Record a screen or one window with your face in a bubble, your mic and your Mac's audio.
- [File shelf](https://ctrlhq.app/features/file-shelf): Drop files on the notch to hold them. Drag them out later, or AirDrop them in one move.

## FAQ

### 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.

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NotchNook is a trademark of its owner. ctrlhq isn't affiliated with it. Download ctrlhq: https://ctrlhq.app/download · All comparisons: https://ctrlhq.app/compare