Gaugelet is a native macOS menu-bar application that displays ChatGPT and Codex allowance in real-time, refreshing every five minutes.
Why it matters
overview
Gaugelet is a utility tool developed by Diego Lamm that enables Mac users to monitor their ChatGPT and Codex API allowance in real-time. It operates as a native macOS menu-bar application, providing local readings without any analytics or backend connections.
features
Gaugelet provides several features designed for privacy-focused, real-time monitoring of AI service allowances directly from the macOS menu bar.
use cases
Gaugelet is designed for specific users who require immediate and private access to their AI service usage statistics.
how to use
To use Gaugelet, users download and install the application on their macOS device, which then integrates into the system's menu bar for real-time allowance display.
pricing
Gaugelet is offered as a completely free and open-source application, with no hidden costs or premium tiers.
Similar Tools
Gaugelet operates within a niche of macOS menu bar applications designed for AI usage monitoring, distinguishing itself through its specific focus and privacy model.
Tracks usage, credits, and reset timing across multiple AI providers including OpenAI, Codex, Claude, and Gemini, with a focus on local operation and no telemetry.
Like Gaugelet, TokenBar is a free, open-source macOS menu bar app focused on local data. It offers broader support for AI providers beyond just ChatGPT and Codex, and explicitly mentions tracking rate limits and quotas.
Tracks usage for over 60 AI providers, including OpenAI, ChatGPT, and Codex, and displays it natively in the Mac's notch with animated visuals and smart pace projections.
Notchy is also completely free and tracks OpenAI/Codex usage in real-time like Gaugelet. It differentiates by integrating with the Mac's notch for display and supporting a much wider range of AI providers, offering more visual feedback than Gaugelet's simpler display.
Provides real-time cost tracking for Claude and OpenAI APIs, including budget alerts, session tracking, and per-model breakdowns, with all data processed locally.
FavTray offers a free core similar to Gaugelet's real-time usage display, but expands on it with cost tracking, budget alerts, and session breakdowns for both OpenAI and Claude. While the core is free, advanced features require a one-time purchase, unlike Gaugelet which is entirely free.
Focuses on tracking OpenAI usage and spend from the menu bar to catch API cost drift before invoices, with a local-first approach.
Similar to Gaugelet, Tokens 4 Breakfast is a macOS menu bar app that keeps OpenAI usage visible. It offers a free tier for one provider, whereas Gaugelet is fully free for its specific scope. Tokens 4 Breakfast emphasizes cost awareness and preventing 'API drift' over just allowance.
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