I recently discovered an app that solves a problem I didn’t even realize I had. Like many Mac users, I connect various USB devices throughout the day - external drives, dongles, keyboards, mice - but I never had a clear overview of what’s actually connected and how it’s performing. MenuBarUSB has been running on my M2 MacBook Air for the past week, providing exactly this visibility in the most unobtrusive way possible.
Developer Rafael built MenuBarUSB as a simple menu bar utility that displays your USB connections with detailed information about each device. The app shows device names, connection speeds (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, etc.), and even allows you to rename devices for easier identification - a feature that arrived in the latest v1.6 release from September 1st.
What strikes me about MenuBarUSB is its focused approach. Rather than trying to be a comprehensive system monitor, it does one thing exceptionally well: USB device management. The interface is clean and follows macOS design conventions perfectly, with a straightforward list showing each connected device alongside its speed and connection details.
The performance impact is negligible - exactly what you’d expect from a well-designed utility. During my testing, MenuBarUSB consistently used minimal system resources while providing real-time updates as I connected and disconnected devices. The app responds instantly to USB events, making it genuinely useful for troubleshooting connection issues or verifying device recognition.
I particularly appreciate the device naming functionality. Instead of seeing cryptic manufacturer names, you can assign meaningful labels like “Backup Drive” or “Work Keyboard.” This small touch transforms the utility from a technical readout into a practical management tool that non-technical users can actually benefit from.
The settings menu, introduced in v1.5, provides basic configuration options without overwhelming complexity. The developer struck the right balance between functionality and simplicity - there are enough options to customize the experience without creating decision paralysis.
Installation couldn’t be easier if you’re comfortable with Homebrew. Two commands (brew tap rafaelswi/menubarusb followed by brew install --cask menubarusb) handle everything. For users who prefer direct downloads, releases are available on GitHub with both standard and lightweight versions - the latter being roughly 65% smaller while maintaining full functionality.
The open-source nature of MenuBarUSB deserves mention. The MIT license and public codebase on GitHub provide transparency that’s increasingly rare in the utility space. This approach builds confidence in long-term viability and demonstrates the developer’s commitment to the project.
MenuBarUSB targets a specific use case effectively rather than attempting broad appeal. If you frequently work with multiple USB devices, need to troubleshoot connection issues, or simply want better visibility into your Mac’s peripheral ecosystem, this utility delivers practical value.
The main limitation is scope - this is purely a USB monitoring tool. Users seeking comprehensive system monitoring or device management beyond USB connections will need additional software. Additionally, the GitHub-first distribution means discovery relies on technical channels rather than mainstream app stores.
At 166 GitHub stars and active development, MenuBarUSB represents the kind of focused, well-executed utility that makes the Mac platform special. It’s completely free, respects your privacy, and solves a real problem with elegant simplicity.
For anyone who regularly connects external devices to their Mac, MenuBarUSB provides exactly the visibility you need without the bloat you don’t. Sometimes the best solutions are the most straightforward ones.
