Guide
Alcove Alternative for Mac: More Than Media
If you like Alcove but want the notch to do more than play music, Brim is the alternative: Now Playing with synced lyrics, plus coding agents, AI chat on your own plans, clipboard, a file shelf with AirDrop and twenty tools, for $4.99 once.
Updated October 5, 2026 · brimnotch.com/guides/alcove-alternative
What you keep
Album art, controls and a closed-notch live activity for music, plus time-synced lyrics.
What you gain
- Coding agents and approvals.
- AI chat on ChatGPT, Claude, Apple or your own keys.
- Clipboard, shelf and AirDrop.
- Sales, AI usage, timers and more.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Brim’s animation like Alcove’s?
- Brim has its own spring animation. If Alcove’s exact motion is why you bought it, keep it.
Related reading
Try Brim
$4.99, once — your agents, any AI, and twenty tools in one hover.