Notchify for WindowsNotchify vs BuildNotch.
Both put an interactive bar at the top of Windows. One is a complete Dynamic Island, the other a developer workspace. Here is everything each one lists, side by side.
Last checked: October 8, 2026
Feature comparison
| Feature | NotchifyKingpindev | BuildNotchTudor |
|---|---|---|
| Basics | ||
| Windows versions | 10 (1809 or later) and 11 | 10 (2004 or later) and 11, x64 |
| Where you get it | Microsoft Store, product ID 9P0JFN5L96VH | Direct installer, delivered through its payment portal |
| Installer trust | Installed and updated by the Microsoft Store | Not code-signed yet, so Windows SmartScreen may warn on first run (from its own FAQ) |
| Free trial | Yes, on the Microsoft Store | |
| Pricing model | Paid, with a free trial | Paid, one-time license |
| Languages | 10 | |
| Rendering | Native, GPU-accelerated, 60 to 240 Hz | |
| Music | ||
| Media controls with album art | ||
| Seek bar, shuffle and repeat | Progress display | |
| Synced lyrics | On the island, in the player and in a pinnable widget. Click a line to jump | |
| Audio visualizer | ||
| Inside the island | ||
| Windows notifications | Popups plus a panel: stack, swipe away, open the app | |
| Clipboard history | Text, links, images and files. Pin, delete, drag out into other apps | Text, code, links and images. Remove entries |
| File tray | Drop files in, drag them out later | Added in version 1.1.0 (September 2026) |
| Bluetooth connect alerts with battery | Yes, including BLE devices | |
| Mic and camera indicators | ||
| System monitor | CPU, memory, disk and network | CPU, memory, network and battery |
| Volume, brightness, audio output | Control Center and output switcher widgets | |
| Quick actions | Lock, sleep, mute, switch theme, snip the screen | |
| Weather and calendar | Weather, calendar with your next event | |
| Timers | Countdown, stopwatch, alarm and Pomodoro. A running timer stays on the island | Pomodoro with seven timer styles |
| Tasks and notes | ||
| App shortcuts | Apps, folders, files and websites | Favorite apps, projects and detected AI apps |
| Developer tools | Not included | GitHub activity, AI usage limits, code playground |
| Look and placement | ||
| Styles and themes | Notch or Island style, 14 themes plus a theme editor | Seven timer styles, profile image |
| Position | Eight positions: top, bottom, left or right edge, or any corner | Top of the screen |
| Open on hover | Yes, plus an optional Hover to Show mode | Yes, click to pin it open |
| Multiple monitors | Pick a display or follow the cursor | |
| Fullscreen apps | Hides by default, can stay visible | |
Who had it first
| Feature | Notchify had it | The others |
|---|---|---|
| Clipboard history inside the island | Early August 2026 (Windows Central) | BuildNotch: September 2026. |
| File tray with drag and drop | April 2026, first release | BuildNotch: September 2026, version 1.1.0. |
| On the Microsoft Store | April 2026 | BuildNotch: not on the Store. |
A note on other comparisons
BuildNotch publishes its own "BuildNotch vs Notchify" page. Its table does not include several Notchify features: synced lyrics, the notification panel, microphone and camera indicators, multi-monitor cursor follow, the 10 languages, Microsoft Store distribution and the free trial. It also lists a file shelf for both apps; BuildNotch's own changelog shows its file tray arrived in version 1.1.0 in September 2026. The table above lists both apps in full.
Questions
Is Notchify or BuildNotch better?
They aim at different things. Notchify is the complete Dynamic Island for Windows, on the Microsoft Store since April 2026: media with synced lyrics, Windows notifications with a panel, clipboard history, a file tray, Bluetooth battery, quick actions and 20+ widgets, with a free trial. Its file tray (since April 2026) and clipboard history (since August 2026) came before BuildNotch added its own in September 2026. BuildNotch is a developer workspace at the top of the screen, with project shortcuts, GitHub activity, AI usage and a code playground, sold as a direct download.
Is BuildNotch on the Microsoft Store?
Its website says the installer is delivered through its payment portal, not the Microsoft Store, and that it is not code-signed yet, so Windows SmartScreen may show a warning. Notchify is installed and updated through the Microsoft Store.
Does BuildNotch show synced lyrics or Windows notifications?
Neither is listed on the BuildNotch website or in its changelog as of October 8, 2026. Notchify shows synced lyrics on the island, in the player and in a lyrics widget, and shows Windows notifications as popups and in a notification panel.
Is there a free trial?
Notchify has a free trial on the Microsoft Store. The BuildNotch website does not mention a trial.
BuildNotch is a trademark of its respective owner. Notchify is not affiliated with BuildNotch or its developer.
The complete Dynamic Island for Windows.
Get Notchify from the Microsoft Store. A free trial is available, so you can try it first.