Taskglass vs Usage
By Junaid, maker of Taskglass · Updated · I make Taskglass, so weigh it accordingly
Short answer
Usage is a well-rated monitor on the Mac App Store that also runs on iPhone and iPad, with widgets and iCloud sync. Taskglass is a direct-download Mac app focused on explaining what's happening on your Mac: grouped apps, plain-English process explanations, a 30-day timeline with event markers, and per-app battery drain.
Choose Usage if…
- You want to monitor your iPhone and iPad too.
- You prefer buying through the App Store or Setapp.
- Widgets and iCloud sync matter most to you.
Choose Taskglass if…
- You want explanations and an "Is this safe?" badge for each process.
- You want a 30-day timeline that explains events.
- You want a single one-time price for up to 3 Macs.
Side by side
| Feature | Taskglass | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From $5 one-time (launch ladder), then $14 | Free download, Pro via in-app purchase |
| Platforms | Mac | Mac, iPhone, iPad |
| Distribution | Direct download | Mac App Store, Setapp |
| Plain-English process explanations | 214 processes | No |
| Timeline with event markers | 30 days | History charts |
| Widgets | Not yet | Yes |
Usage details checked November 5, 2026. Products change, so check with Independent developer for the latest.
What Usage does well
- Runs on Mac, iPhone and iPad, with widgets and iCloud sync.
- Dozens of menu bar modules.
- Easy to get from the Mac App Store or Setapp.
- Highly rated on the App Store.
Where it falls short
- Mac App Store sandboxing limits access to some system data; a separate helper is needed for parts of it.
- Pro features are a separate purchase.
At a glance
- Price
- Free download, paid Pro (In-app purchase or subscription)
- Made by
- Independent developer
- Get it from
- Mac App Store and Setapp
Questions
Why isn't Taskglass on the Mac App Store?
The App Store sandbox blocks much of the process and sensor access a system monitor needs. Selling directly lets Taskglass read that data without a separate helper download.