HazeOver app icon

HazeOver

Dims background windows so the active one stands out

Mac$4.99 once

The verdict

On sale since 2011 and updated for macOS 27 in October 2026, HazeOver dims every window except the one you are working in, from a faint shade to near blackout. On a big display or 2 monitors you always know which window has focus, and at night it cuts the glare behind your work. It does one thing only, and Stage Manager covers part of the same need for free.

The Useful TechResearched and written with AI under our rulesUpdated 14 Oct 2026

Get it if

You work on a large display or 2 monitors and keep typing into the wrong window.

Skip it if

You work in full-screen apps or Stage Manager, which already keep one window in front.

Screenshots 4

What it helps you do

  • See which window is active at a glance
  • Cut glare from bright background windows
  • Focus on one task on a big display
  • Turn dimming on with a Focus mode

Plans and prices

  • Mac App Store

    $4.99

    $4.99 once

  • Trial

    Free

    Free download from hazeover.com

  • Setapp

    Included

    Included in a Setapp subscription from $14.99 a month, with a 7-day free trial

What changed

  1. Version 1.9.9

    Updated for macOS 27 Golden Gate. · Change HazeOver settings directly from Spotlight and assign quick keys to actions. · Fixed: the Settings window could open unexpectedly when using the new Siri app. · Fixed: menu bar icon scrolling did not work on macOS 27, or changed intensity unintentionally.

  2. Added to The Useful Apps

Written up in The Useful Tech

Pick something else if

All 8 HazeOver alternatives

The details

Runs on
Mac
Requires
macOS 13 or later
Version
1.9.9
Size
2 MB
Made by
Maxim Ananov
Menu bar app
Lives in the menu bar
Free trial
Try the paid version first
Privacy
Collects no data, per its App Store label
Family Sharing
1 purchase for the family

Developer's websiteSpot a wrong price or fact?