Compare software

Alcove vs Droppy: catalog facts
Alcove	Droppy
Best for: MacBook owners who want the notch to show notifications and media controls	Best for: Mac users who want a notch panel for media, files and clipboard in one place
Paid Costs $14.99 to purchase.	Paid One-time purchase for the Mac app; the iOS companion app is free.
macOS	macOS
Makes use of the otherwise idle notch area Customisable HUDs for system indicators All 4 strengths for Alcove Makes use of the otherwise idle notch area Customisable HUDs for system indicators Live activities and swipe gestures Native Mac app	File tray that can zip or convert dropped files Built-in clipboard history All 4 strengths for Droppy File tray that can zip or convert dropped files Built-in clipboard history Works on Macs with or without a notch Many included extensions at no extra cost
Paid app Closed source All 3 limitations for Alcove Paid app Closed source Mainly useful on Macs with a notch	macOS only Requires a purchase
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Alcove tryalcove.com Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Droppy getdroppy.app Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.