Discover the Best PandaBar Alternatives for Mac and Beyond
PandaBar is a beloved native Mac app that lets you control Pandora right from your menu bar, keeping your dock clutter-free. It's fantastic for quick song playback control and rating. However, if you're looking for different features, multi-platform support, or simply exploring other options, a PandaBar alternative might be exactly what you need. This article dives into some of the top alternatives that offer similar, and in some cases, enhanced ways to enjoy your Pandora music.
Top PandaBar Alternatives
Whether you prioritize open-source solutions, cross-platform compatibility, or unique features, there's a PandaBar alternative out there for you. Let's explore some of the best.

Hermes
Hermes is a fast, free, and open-source PandaBar alternative specifically designed for Mac. It offers a highly usable interface and boasts features like lightweight operation, Growl integration, Last.FM Scrobbler, and music streaming, making it a robust choice for Pandora enthusiasts.

Elpis
For Windows users seeking a PandaBar alternative, Elpis is a fantastic free and open-source Pandora client. It's designed to be simple, lightweight, and provide a seamless way to enjoy Pandora music with a notable low memory footprint, making it ideal for systems where resources are a concern.

Pithos
Pithos is an excellent open-source PandaBar alternative for Linux users, specifically for the GNOME Desktop. It provides a more integrated desktop experience than the official Flash client and offers internet radio functionality without being a CPU hog.

pianobar
Pianobar stands out as a versatile free and open-source PandaBar alternative available across Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD. While it's a console-based replacement, it offers full control over your Pandora stations, including creation, deletion, and renaming, alongside Last.FM Scrobbler and proxy support.

Pandorita
Pandorita is another native Mac OS X client for Pandora, making it a direct PandaBar alternative. It's entirely written in Cocoa and prides itself on being lightweight and easy to use, offering a clean and focused Pandora experience without extraneous features.

PianoPub
PianoPub is a free Pandora internet radio player for OS X and serves as a good PandaBar alternative, especially for those familiar with Pianobar, as it's a port of that project. It functions as a straightforward music and radio player for your Pandora account.

PandoraBrowse
PandoraBrowse is a free Windows-based PandaBar alternative that acts as a mini-browser for Pandora, allowing you to minimize the music service to your taskbar. Its portable nature is a key feature, offering flexibility for users on the go.

Pianobar Remote
While not a direct desktop client, Pianobar Remote is a useful PandaBar alternative for those who control their Pandora from a Linux or Mac computer running Pianobar. This free Android and Android Tablet app provides remote control functionality for internet radio and music streaming.
Ultimately, the best PandaBar alternative for you will depend on your operating system, whether you prefer open-source solutions, and the specific features you prioritize for your Pandora listening experience. Explore these options to find the perfect fit!