runic Review — macOS Menu Bar App for AI Cost and Token Tracking

What is runic?

runic is a lightweight macOS menu bar application designed to monitor AI usage. It provides visibility into token consumption and associated costs, allowing users to keep track of their AI spending directly from the system tray.

Key Features

• Menu Bar Integration: Runs directly in the macOS menu bar for constant, unobtrusive access to usage data.
• Cost Tracking: Monitors and displays the financial cost of AI usage.
• Token Monitoring: Tracks token consumption to provide detailed insights into API usage volume.

Pricing

Public / open project materials as listed on the official site or repository; confirm license and any paid packaging there before relying on this page.

Limitations

• macOS Only: The application is specifically built for macOS and does not support Windows or Linux.
• Limited Scope: Focuses exclusively on cost and token tracking without providing broader AI management or generation capabilities.

Who is it for?

Developers and teams using AI APIs on macOS who need a simple, always-visible way to monitor their token usage and associated costs.

Alternatives

• TokenBar — Cross-platform AI quota monitor
• purrge — macOS AI disk cleanup with agent review
• OpenCode — Open-source coding agent across surfaces