AI Tool

Gaugelet Review

Gaugelet is a native macOS menu-bar application that displays real-time ChatGPT and Codex allowance without backend connections or analytics.

shipped Aug 23, 2026codefree

code

Why it matters

1Native macOS menu-bar application for real-time AI usage tracking.

2Refreshes usage data every five minutes.

3Emphasizes local-first privacy with no backend, analytics, or telemetry.

4Tracks usage across OpenAI, Codex, Claude, and Gemini.

About Gaugelet

Business Model

Open Source

Headquarters

Panama, Panama

Team Size

Funding

bootstrapped

Platforms

macOS

Target Audience

Mac users who utilize ChatGPT and Codex services

GitHubOpen Source

Specs

GitHub

View Repository →

API Available

Yes, public API

overview

What is Gaugelet?

Gaugelet is an AI usage tracking tool developed by Lammworks that enables Mac users to monitor their ChatGPT and Codex allowance in real-time. It functions as a native macOS menu-bar application, providing local readings without analytics or backend connections, prioritizing user privacy. The tool also tracks usage, credits, and reset timing across various AI providers, including OpenAI, Claude, and Gemini.

features

Key Features of Gaugelet

Gaugelet provides a suite of features designed for privacy-conscious users to monitor their AI service consumption directly from their macOS menu bar. Its core functionality revolves around real-time tracking and local data processing.

Native macOS menu-bar application for direct access.
Real-time display of ChatGPT and Codex usage allowance.
Tracks usage, credits, and reset timing for OpenAI, Codex, Claude, and Gemini.
Operates with no back-end, analytics, or telemetry for enhanced privacy.
Customizable themes for personalized visual experience.
Ensures local-first privacy by processing data on the user's device.
Usage data refreshes automatically every five minutes.
Open-source project available on GitHub.

use cases

Who Should Use Gaugelet?

Gaugelet is primarily designed for macOS users who actively engage with AI services and require a transparent, private method to monitor their usage and associated allowances. Its focus on local data processing makes it suitable for users with privacy concerns.

Mac users who utilize ChatGPT and Codex services and need to monitor their allowance.
Developers or researchers tracking API usage for OpenAI, Claude, or Gemini.
Individuals prioritizing data privacy, as Gaugelet operates without telemetry or backend connections.
Users seeking a simple, real-time overview of their AI credit consumption.

how to use

How to Use Gaugelet

Gaugelet is a native macOS application that integrates into the menu bar, providing immediate access to AI usage statistics. Installation and configuration are straightforward, focusing on local setup.

1Download the Gaugelet application from the official website or GitHub repository.
2Install the application on a macOS device.
3Launch Gaugelet, which will appear in the macOS menu bar.
4Configure API keys for desired AI providers (e.g., OpenAI, Claude, Gemini) within the application settings.
5Monitor real-time usage and allowance directly from the menu bar display.
6Customize themes and refresh intervals as needed through the application preferences.

pricing

Gaugelet Pricing & Plans

Gaugelet is offered as a free, open-source application. There are no paid tiers or subscription plans associated with its core functionality, making it accessible without financial commitment.

Free: Full access to all features, including real-time usage tracking for multiple AI providers, customizable themes, and local-first privacy.

Enjoying this? Get one like it in your inbox each morning.

one email a day · unsubscribe in two clicks · no third-party tracking

Pros

+Provides real-time usage tracking for multiple AI providers (OpenAI, Codex, Claude, Gemini).
+Ensures local-first privacy with no backend, analytics, or telemetry data collection.
+Native macOS menu-bar application offers convenient and immediate access.
+Completely free and open-source, promoting transparency and community contributions.
+Customizable themes allow for personalized user experience.

Cons

−Limited to macOS platform, excluding users on Windows, Linux, or mobile devices.
−Refresh rate is fixed at every five minutes, which may not be 'real-time' enough for some users.
−Specific details on supported models for each AI provider are not explicitly stated.
−Lacks advanced features like budget alerts or detailed cost breakdowns found in some alternatives.

Similar Tools

Gaugelet vs Competitors

Gaugelet operates within a niche market of AI usage tracking tools, distinguishing itself through its multi-provider support, macOS native integration, and strong emphasis on privacy. It competes with several alternatives that offer similar menu bar functionalities but often differ in scope or data handling.

SwiftBar↗

SwiftBar allows users to display the output of any script in the macOS menu bar, offering extreme customization for various data sources.

While SwiftBar provides the same menu bar display product shape as Gaugelet, users need to write and maintain a custom script to fetch and parse OpenAI API usage data, unlike Gaugelet which is a ready-to-use, purpose-built application. This means a different initial setup workflow.

See every Gaugelet alternative, compared→

Related AI Tools

Other tools in this category, matched by shared tags

Parallel Agents BugHarbor Fantasy Football AI Weekly Recaps Rubbletag TerzyApp DocChief AI

Visit Gaugelet↗

Connect

⌘

GitHubgithub.com/lammworks/Gaugelet