Keeping all of your apps up-to-date on a Mac can be a lot of work, especially for those apps downloaded outside the App Store. Fortunately, several tools are available to help Mac users manage app updates. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best tools available including my personal favorite.
Why You Need a Non-App Store App Updater
Most Mac users rely on many apps that aren’t available in the App Store. Since most apps don’t automatically update themselves, they need to be checked manually for updates.
Keeping your apps updated is essential for security and stability. Outdated apps may slow down performance, cause crashes, or make your system vulnerable to security risks.
An app updater can solve this issue by making sure you always have the latest versions of all your apps without the hassle of checking each one individually.
Let’s take a look at some options.
MacUpdater
MacUpdater is my personal favorite tool for keeping Mac apps updated. It’s is a simple, user-friendly tool that scans your installed apps and lets you know if any updates are available.
Of all the update tools I’ve tried, I’ve found that this one consistently finds the most updates for my apps.
MacUpdater has both a free and a paid version.
With the free version, MacUpdater scans your apps and shows you which ones have updates. The paid version goes a step further and allows you to install updates directly from the app.
The free version works well for anyone willing to download updates manually.
Pros and Cons
Pros: MacUpdater is easy to use, with a straightforward interface that makes it simple to check for updates. It doesn’t require much effort on your part and provides quick notifications for new updates.
Cons: The free version only shows you which apps need updating and doesn’t give you an way to update them from within the app. However, based on the info it provides, you can manually update the apps yourself.
Latest
Latest is another tool for updating non-App Store apps on Mac, and it’s both free and open-source. This tool is a good option for users looking for a simple, no-cost solution to track app updates.
Latest scans your system to identify installed apps and checks if there are new versions available. While Latest is effective for basic update tracking, it doesn’t offer as many advanced features as some other tools, such as automatic installation of updates.
Still, for users who want a simple and reliable way to stay informed about new versions of their apps, Latest can be very helpful.
And the best part is that it’s completely free.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Latest is completely free and open-source, so there are no costs involved. It has a simple, user-friendly interface, making it accessible for anyone, even if they aren’t tech-savvy.
Cons: Latest lacks some advanced features found in other tools, like automatic update installation, and may not cover as many apps as tools like MacUpdater.
Homebrew (and Cork)
Homebrew is a well-known package manager for Mac that many people use to install, manage, and keep their apps updated.
To use Homebrew as an app updater, you need to install apps through Homebrew itself. Once installed, Homebrew can check for updates and keep everything current in one place, saving time compared to updating each app separately.
For those who prefer not to use Homebrew’s command-line interface, Cork offers a graphical version, making it easier for anyone who prefers a visual interface. With Cork, users can see which apps need updates and manage them through a simple, clickable interface, without needing to enter commands.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Homebrew supports a wide range of apps and gives users control over updates. Cork provides a simpler, GUI option for easier access.
Cons: Not all apps are available through Homebrew, and its command-line nature can be challenging for beginners, though Cork makes it more accessible.
Check out Homebrew here and Cork here.
Let’s Compare Them
To help you decide which tool might be best for you, here’s a quick comparison of MacUpdater, Latest, Homebrew, and Cork. Each tool has its own strengths, so the right choice depends on your needs, budget, and comfort level with technology.
| Tool | Cost | Ease of Use | Key Features | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacUpdater | Free (limited) / Paid | Very easy | Scans for updates, installs with paid version | Free version has limited functionality |
| Latest | Free | Easy | Free and open-source, scans for updates | Lacks automatic update installs, limited app coverage |
| Homebrew | Free | Moderate (CLI) | Manages a wide range of apps | Requires command-line knowledge, not all apps available |
| Cork (with Homebrew) | Free | Easy | GUI for Homebrew, app installation & updates | Dependent on Homebrew’s app coverage |
Conclusion
Keeping apps updated on your Mac is essential for maintaining performance, security, and access to the latest features. While updating these apps can be challenging, tools like MacUpdater, Latest, and Homebrew (with Cork), make the process much easier.
If you want a user-friendly tool with powerful features, MacUpdater is my favorite choice.
For a free, open-source solution, Latest provides basic update notifications.
Homebrew is ideal if you’re comfortable with the command line and want control over a wide range of apps, while Cork makes Homebrew’s functionality more accessible for GUI users.
Let us know in the comments how you prefer to keep your Mac apps updated.
