How do I switch from Velja to Switchbar?

Download Switchbar and make it your default browser. It finds your browsers, profiles, and apps on its own. Pick your favorites, then add rules as you go by checking "Remember this choice" in the picker, or import rules you've exported from another Switchbar install.

Can Switchbar open links in a specific browser profile?

Yes. Switchbar lists your browser profiles alongside your browsers, so you can open a link in a specific profile, or in an Incognito or InPrivate window, with one click or a rule.

Does Switchbar remove tracking parameters like Velja?

Yes. Switchbar removes tracking parameters and unwraps Outlook Safe Links by default, and expands common short links such as bit.ly and t.co before deciding where a link opens.

Yes. Switchbar is free to use, with no account needed, and it runs on both Mac and Windows.

Switchbar vs. Velja

The essentials of a great browser picker, free on Mac and Windows, in 30 languages.

Velja is a polished, native Mac browser picker by Sindre Sorhus, with source-app rules, JavaScript URL transforms, and deep macOS integration. Switchbar covers the everyday essentials, choosing a browser, profile, or app, simple rules, and cleaner links, for free on both Mac and Windows.

Download for macOS

Also available on Windows.

Last reviewed October 8, 2026 · Compared with Velja 3

At a glance

Switchbar

A free picker that opens every link in the right browser, profile, or app, with simple rules and link cleanup built in. Best for people who want those essentials on Mac, Windows, or both, in their own language.

Velja

A native, sandboxed Mac app that routes links to browsers, profiles, and native apps, with source-app rules, JavaScript transforms, and Shortcuts support. Best for Mac users on the latest macOS who want deep system integration.

The essentials, ready out of the box

Both apps open links in the right browser profile or desktop app, expand short links, and remove tracking parameters. Switchbar also suggests the matching desktop app first, so a Zoom or Figma link is one click away.

Velja adds more ways to automate: rules based on the app a link came from, JavaScript URL transforms, Shortcuts actions, and Focus filters.

Mac and Windows

Velja is Mac only, and its current version requires macOS 26, with older versions available for earlier macOS releases. Switchbar runs on both Mac and Windows with the same picker and rules.

In your language

Switchbar is available in 30 languages. Velja's interface is in English.

Feature comparison

Feature	Switchbar	Velja
What it is	A free picker that opens every link in the right browser, profile, or app	A native browser picker for Mac
Platforms	macOS, Windows	macOS 26 or later; older versions for earlier macOS
Picker	A row of your favorite browsers, profiles, and apps, at the center of the screen or under your pointer, with keyboard shortcuts	A horizontal prompt with letter or number shortcuts that can appear only while you hold Fn
Browser profiles	Open links in a specific browser profile, or in an Incognito or InPrivate window	Profiles in Chromium browsers and Firefox, plus private windows
Desktop apps	Opens links in desktop apps like Zoom, Figma, Spotify, and Notion, suggesting the matching app first	Opens links in about 26 native apps, such as Zoom, Figma, and Spotify
Rules	Rules by URL, domain, or email address with wildcards, set in a few clicks or right from the picker	URL matching, source app, modifier keys, and JavaScript transforms
Link cleanup	Removes tracking parameters and expands common short links, on by default	Expands short links and removes 200+ tracking parameters
Browser extensions	Chrome extension and bookmarklet	Safari, Chrome, and Firefox extensions
Languages	30 languages	English

Why Switchbar

Why choose Switchbar

Free, on Mac and Windows

Switchbar is free, needs no account, and works the same way on both platforms.

In 30 languages

Use Switchbar in your own language, from Japanese and Vietnamese to German and Spanish.

The right app first

When a link belongs to a desktop app you have installed, Switchbar puts that app first in the picker.

Where Velja may be a better fit

You want rules based on the app a link came from, or JavaScript URL transforms.
You automate with Shortcuts, Focus filters, or the share extension.
You prefer a native app from the Mac App Store.
You want a Safari or Firefox extension.

Which should you choose?

Choose Velja if you use the latest macOS and want a native app with deep system integration and advanced automation.

Choose Switchbar if you want a free picker with clean links and simple rules on Mac, Windows, or both, in your own language.

Frequently asked questions

How do I switch from Velja to Switchbar?: Download Switchbar and make it your default browser. It finds your browsers, profiles, and apps on its own. Pick your favorites, then add rules as you go by checking "Remember this choice" in the picker, or import rules you've exported from another Switchbar install.
Can Switchbar open links in a specific browser profile?: Yes. Switchbar lists your browser profiles alongside your browsers, so you can open a link in a specific profile, or in an Incognito or InPrivate window, with one click or a rule.
Does Switchbar remove tracking parameters like Velja?: Yes. Switchbar removes tracking parameters and unwraps Outlook Safe Links by default, and expands common short links such as bit.ly and t.co before deciding where a link opens.
Is Switchbar free?: Yes. Switchbar is free to use, with no account needed, and it runs on both Mac and Windows.

Take control of your links today

Free to use. Available for macOS and Windows.