Windows Sidebar vs Rainmeter

Struggling to choose between Windows Sidebar and Rainmeter? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Windows Sidebar is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like gadgets, widgets, desktop-accessories, news, weather, photos.

It boasts features such as Displayed mini-applications known as gadgets, Provided widgets for quick access to information like weather, news, photos, etc, Gadgets were hosted on a sidebar that could be positioned on either side of the screen, Included built-in gadgets like a calendar, clock, email notifier, etc, Could add third party gadgets, Gadgets could be dragged around and resized on the sidebar and pros including Provided quick access to frequently used information, Customizable with different gadgets, Made some tasks convenient like checking weather or emails.

On the other hand, Rainmeter is a Os & Utilities product tagged with desktop, customization, skins, widgets, personalization.

Its standout features include Customizable desktop skins, Desktop widgets, Visual customization of desktop elements, Extensive personalization options, Ability to add visual flair to desktop, and it shines with pros like Very customizable, Lets you personalize desktop, Many custom skins and widgets available, Lightweight and low resource usage, Open source and free.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Windows Sidebar

Windows Sidebar

Windows Sidebar was a component of Microsoft Windows that displayed mini-applications known as gadgets. It was introduced in Windows Vista and Windows 7, but was later discontinued. The gadgets provided easy access to information like weather, news, photos, etc.

Categories:
gadgets widgets desktop-accessories news weather photos

Windows Sidebar Features

  1. Displayed mini-applications known as gadgets
  2. Provided widgets for quick access to information like weather, news, photos, etc
  3. Gadgets were hosted on a sidebar that could be positioned on either side of the screen
  4. Included built-in gadgets like a calendar, clock, email notifier, etc
  5. Could add third party gadgets
  6. Gadgets could be dragged around and resized on the sidebar

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Provided quick access to frequently used information

Customizable with different gadgets

Made some tasks convenient like checking weather or emails

Cons

Could be distracting and take up screen space

Limited selection of useful default gadgets

Performance issues on some hardware configurations

Security issues with some third party gadgets

Discontinued so no longer supported


Rainmeter

Rainmeter

Rainmeter is a customizable desktop tool for Windows that enables users to personalize their desktop with skins, widgets, and other visual elements. It offers extensive customization and personalization options for the look and feel of the Windows desktop.

Categories:
desktop customization skins widgets personalization

Rainmeter Features

  1. Customizable desktop skins
  2. Desktop widgets
  3. Visual customization of desktop elements
  4. Extensive personalization options
  5. Ability to add visual flair to desktop

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Very customizable

Lets you personalize desktop

Many custom skins and widgets available

Lightweight and low resource usage

Open source and free

Cons

Steep learning curve

Setting it up can be tricky

Not very user friendly

Can be unstable if not configured properly