Choose Veil if…
- You share your screen in meetings and want to hide chat apps, notes, and browser tabs.
- You record tutorials or demos and need a clean background.
- You prefer a manual on/off toggle over automatic gestures.
Veil vs Monocle
Different tools for different jobs.
Monocle dims distractions so you can focus. Veil blurs background windows so you can screen-share without exposing private apps. Both keep one window clear—but for different reasons.
Feature comparison
Both apps keep one window clear while dimming or blurring the rest. The difference is why—and that shapes every design decision. Pricing as of September 2026.
| Feature | Veil | Monocle |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Screen-share privacy | Focus / reduce distractions |
| Best for | Meetings, demos, recordings | Deep work, writing, browsing |
| Activation | Manual toggle from menu bar | Shake-to-activate gesture |
| Overlay style | Blur or dim background windows | Dim background windows |
| Auto-follow focus | Yes (frontmost window mode) | Yes (cursor-based reveal) |
| Lock to specific app | Yes (Cover App mode) | Limited |
| Multi-display support | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | $7.90 lifetime (1 Mac) | $14 single seat / $25 three seats |
| Trial | 3-day free trial | 7-day free trial |
| Distribution | Signed DMG from veilformac.com | Direct download from heyiam.dk |
| Notarized by Apple | Yes | Yes |
Choose Monocle if…
- You want an always-on focus mode while working.
- You like shake-to-activate or cursor-reveal interactions.
- You need a subtle, ambient dimming throughout the day.
They solve different problems
Monocle is "noise-cancelling for your screen"—a focus tool that quietly dims distractions while you work. Veil is a privacy tool you toggle before sharing your screen, so chats and personal tabs stay hidden from viewers. Both apps keep one window clear, but for different moments.
Which should you choose?
There's no single "better" app—they solve different problems:
- Choose Veil if your main concern is hiding sensitive windows before screen sharing. Veil is purpose-built for meetings, demos, and recordings.
- Choose Monocle if you want an always-on focus mode throughout the day. Monocle is designed for distraction reduction during solo work.
- Use both if you need daily focus and meeting privacy. They don't conflict—run Monocle for deep work, toggle Veil when you go live.
FAQ
Comparison questions
Does Veil work like Monocle's shake-to-activate?
No. Veil uses a manual toggle from the menu bar. You turn it on before a call or recording, then turn it off when done. There's no gesture activation.
Can I use both apps?
Yes. Some people use Monocle for daily focus and Veil specifically before screen sharing. They serve different purposes and don't conflict.
Is Veil cheaper than Monocle?
Yes. Veil is $7.90 one-time for one Mac. Monocle is $14 for one seat or $25 for three seats. Both are one-time purchases with free updates.
Related comparison pages
- Mac screen privacy apps — Overview of privacy tools by category
- Veil vs BlurScreen — Window blur vs region blur
- Veil vs Stealthly — Window blur vs presentation cleanup
- HazeOver alternative for Mac
Related guides
- What is screen privacy on Mac? — Educational hub on protecting sensitive information
- macOS screen sharing privacy app — How Veil helps during screen sharing
- HazeOver alternative for Mac — Compare Veil with HazeOver
- Monocle alternative for Mac — Other apps like Monocle