TouchBarFix vs Alternatives
Compare the different ways to fix your MacBook Pro Touch Bar.
| Method | Price | Complexity | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Commands | Free | High | 1 min | Technical users |
| TouchBarFix App | €2.99 | None | 30 sec | Non-technical users |
| Open Source Version | Free | Medium | 1 min | Developers |
| System Restart | Free | None | 3-5 min | When all else fails |
| Apple Repair | Varies | None | Days | Hardware issues |
Option 1: Terminal Commands (Free)
For users comfortable with the command line, you can restart Touch Bar processes manually:
pkill "Touch Bar agent"
killall ControlStrip
killall TouchBarServerPros
- Completely free
- No download required
- Full control over what runs
Cons
- Requires Terminal knowledge
- Easy to make typos
- Need to remember commands
Option 2: TouchBarFix App (€2.99)
A one-click macOS app that runs the same commands safely and automatically.
Pros
- One-click, no Terminal needed
- 30-second fix time
- Visual feedback and logging
- Lifetime updates included
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Costs €2.99
- Requires download
Option 3: Open Source Version (Free)
The same TouchBarFix tool, available for free on GitHub. Requires some Terminal usage to run.
Pros
- Completely free
- Open source code
- Same underlying fix
Cons
- Requires Terminal to run
- Manual setup needed
- No GUI interface
Option 4: System Restart (Free)
A full Mac restart always fixes software-related Touch Bar issues.
Pros
- Always works for software issues
- No tools needed
- Clears other issues too
Cons
- Takes 3-5 minutes
- Closes all open work
- Interrupts your workflow
Option 5: Apple Repair (For Hardware Issues)
If software fixes don't work, your Touch Bar may have a hardware problem.
Important: Try software fixes first. If the Touch Bar stays frozen even after restarting your Mac, it's likely a hardware issue.
When to choose
- Issue persists after restart
- Physical damage visible
- Water damage occurred
Considerations
- Price varies by model and warranty
- May take several days
- Requires appointment
Our Honest Recommendation
If you're comfortable with Terminal: Use the free commands. They do exactly what TouchBarFix does.
If you want convenience: TouchBarFix (€2.99) saves time and eliminates the chance of typos. One click and done.
If you're a developer: Check out our open-source version on GitHub.
If nothing works: The issue is likely hardware. Try a full restart first, then contact Apple if it persists.