AIUsageWatchBest AI usage monitors for Mac.
Four tools. Different jobs.
A practical shortlist for Claude, Codex and other AI workflows: what each tool shows, who it suits and what to check before choosing.
The quick choice
For a compact overview of configured Claude, Codex, Cursor and Grok accounts, consider AIUsageWatch when released. For a wider provider catalog and reporting features, consider CodexBar. For Claude-specific dashboards and companion-device use, look at Usage for Claude. For local token history and estimated costs in a terminal, use ccusage.
AIUsageWatch
Best fit for a compact, configurable view of remaining allowance by account
A free native Mac app for Claude, Codex, Cursor and Grok, with one colored bar per configured account. The filled portion is what remains. Separate Claude and Codex directories let you keep personal and work accounts visible together; custom labels, letters and colors help identify them.
The menu adds percentages, available reset times and reading status. A configurable warning dot helps you spot Codex banked resets before they expire. Cached readings remain visible with their age after a failed refresh. Provider figures differ: Cursor uses included usage; Grok uses a CLI log. It does not have a token-cost reporting dashboard. A live 100% weekly Codex reading can trigger a small starter request that uses allowance.
Availability: free; macOS 14+; public release in preparation. Explore the preview ↗ · Read the starter behavior ↗
CodexBar
Best fit for broader provider coverage and reporting
CodexBar is a free, open-source menu bar monitor with a wider provider catalog, reset countdowns, spend information and widgets where supported. Its range makes it useful when your tools extend beyond AIUsageWatch’s four providers. Official source ↗
Usage for Claude
Best fit for claude dashboards, history and companion devices
Usage for Claude focuses on Claude subscription monitoring, with menu bar access, history dashboards, notifications and companion devices. Its App Store listing is free with in-app purchases. It suits people who want more detail around Claude rather than a combined view of several providers. Official source ↗
ccusage
Best fit for local token history and estimated cost analysis
ccusage is a local command-line tool for token usage and estimated costs across supported coding agents. It offers date and session reports plus JSON output. Choose it for usage analysis and scripts; those estimates answer a different question from subscription allowance left. Official source ↗
At a glance
| Question | AIUsageWatch | CodexBar | Usage for Claude | ccusage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary job | Allowance left by account | Broad provider monitoring | Claude dashboard & history | Token history & estimated costs |
| Interface | Mac menu bar | Menu bar & supported widgets | Menu bar, dashboard & companions | Terminal tables & JSON |
| Provider scope | Claude, Codex, Cursor, Grok | Wider catalog | Claude | Supported coding agents |
| Cost reporting | No | Where supported | Check current listing | Estimated token costs |
| Availability | Free; release in preparation | Public releases | Free with in-app purchases | Public MIT-licensed CLI |
How to choose an AI usage monitor
- Start with the number you need. Remaining plan allowance, historical tokens and estimated cost are different measures.
- Check your providers and account setup. Support for a provider does not automatically mean support for every authentication method or several independent accounts.
- Look for reading context. Reset times, source and the age of a saved figure help you decide how much confidence to put in it.
- Choose the interface you will use. A menu bar glance, a history dashboard and a terminal report serve different habits.
- Read permissions and request behavior. Some readers require session cookies or authenticated network calls. AIUsageWatch’s Codex starter can consume a small amount of allowance.
What about VibeMeter?
The original steipete/VibeMeter repository is archived, labels the project deprecated and names CodexBar as its successor. We keep it out of the active recommendations. Read the VibeMeter alternative guide →
A better view changes the small decisions
Instead of opening a provider dashboard before every task, you can glance at an account bar. Instead of remembering which personal or work account has room, you can give each one a recognisable identity. Instead of treating a failed refresh as a zero balance, you can read the saved figure with its age. These are practical interface benefits; they do not establish measured productivity gains or prevent every quota interruption.
Common questions
What is the best free AI usage monitor for Mac?
The best fit depends on your task. AIUsageWatch focuses on remaining allowance by configured account and is preparing its public release. CodexBar offers wider provider coverage. Usage for Claude centres on Claude dashboards and companion devices. ccusage analyses local token history and estimated costs. This guide is published by AIUsageWatch’s maker.
Which tool can show multiple Claude and Codex accounts together?
AIUsageWatch supports separately configured Claude Code and Codex directories, with account labels, colors and letters. Its default Claude account uses Safari. Check authentication and multiple-account details for any alternative before choosing.
Will a monitor increase my AI allowance?
No. A monitor makes available information easier to see. It does not change your provider plan, increase quota or guarantee that your next request will succeed.
Are token-cost estimates the same as subscription usage?
No. Estimated costs describe token use under a pricing model; subscription allowance comes from the provider’s own limits and windows. Do not treat the two as interchangeable.
Official references
CodexBar ↗ · Usage for Claude ↗ · ccusage ↗ · VibeMeter ↗
No independent performance testing, star ratings or clinical research is used in this guide. The recommendations are based on documented features and the workflows described above.
A clearer view of your AI allowance.
AIUsageWatch is free. Public release is in preparation.