Gobbl
The short version
Pick Gobbl if you want a free, MIT-licensed notch app with a pet, Allow/Deny for Claude Code, the Gobbl key for writing anywhere, and opt-in screen memory.
Pick Droppy if you want a mature, focused notch utility with an iPhone companion and a wider set of extensions, and don't mind a small one-time price.
Gobbl and Droppy, side by side
| Feature | Notch, dictation, memoryGobbl | Notch appDroppy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free. AI features free during the beta | About $10 one-time |
| Open source | Yes, MIT | Source-available (GPL-3.0 with Commons Clause) |
| Platforms | macOS 14+ | macOS 14+, iPhone companion |
| On-device dictation | Yes, Whisper on your Mac (Apple silicon) | Yes, on-device |
| Free-tier word cap | None | Paid app |
| Screen memory and to-dos | Yes, opt-in beta, with auto-ticking to-dos | Not listed |
| MCP connector | Yes, one switch for 9 AI apps (Memory beta) | Developer kit only |
| AI coding agents in the notch | Claude Code and Codex status, Allow/Deny for Claude Code | Status only (Claude Code, Codex, more) |
| Pet | Yes, Gob | No |
| Privacy | Local first; AI via a provider that keeps no data; log of every request | Local first |
Checked against each product's own website and public sources on 14 September 2026. Prices are in US dollars where the maker lists them; NotchNook's price differs between sources, so we don't quote one. Products change quickly: if something here is out of date, open an issue and we'll fix it.
Where Droppy is stronger
- An iPhone companion app, and end-to-end encrypted sync.
- A larger extension catalogue, including agent status for more coding tools (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor and others).
- On-device dictation too.
- A longer track record as a dedicated notch utility.
Where Gobbl is stronger
- Free, and open source under the MIT license. Droppy costs about $10 once and is source-available under GPL-3.0 with the Commons Clause.
- Answer Claude Code's permission requests from the notch with Allow and Deny; Droppy's agent view is status only.
- The Gobbl key: write, rewrite, edit in versions and ask /g questions in any text field.
- Opt-in screen memory with to-dos that tick themselves off, people and project cards, and a memory chat.
- Chat in the notch with reminders, a morning brief and an evening wrap.
- Gob, a pet with moods, hats, streaks and shareable skins. No other notch app has a character.
Which to pick
Both are good notch apps. If you want a dependable shelf and clipboard with an iPhone companion, Droppy is a fine choice. If you want an open-source Droppy alternative that also writes, remembers and approves your agent's requests, try Gobbl. It's free, so it costs nothing to compare.
Droppy's website: getdroppy.app.