Topgrade

Windows · Mac · Linux

Freedom report

Three barsScore 6.4

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely3 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

Topgrade is a free command-line tool that finds tools on your system and runs their update commands. Start it with the `topgrade` command. It supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and FreeBSD, with installation options including self-updating binaries, source installation, and package managers. Its example configuration covers Arch package managers, DNF, Nix, Homebrew, Flatpak, and Winget. Topgrade can pull or fetch selected Git repositories and run custom commands before, during, or after its built-in commands. It can also use SSH to run Topgrade on configured remote hosts before working locally. On first run, it creates a configuration file if needed and loads and merges files from `topgrade.d`. The project is a fork of r-darwish's Topgrade that aims to remain maintained. Its example configuration advises against running it as root on Unix because it invokes sudo or an equivalent when needed. The security policy supports only the latest version, with no fixes backported.

Who it is for

Topgrade suits people who want to update multiple tools through a command-line workflow, including users who configure package managers, Git repositories, or remote hosts.

What is good

Free plan; self-updating binaries and source installation.
Supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and FreeBSD.
Can update configured Git repositories.
Custom commands can run around built-in commands.
Can run remotely over SSH.

What to know first

Command-line workflow uses the `topgrade` command.
Only the latest version is supported.
Fixes are not backported.
Example configuration advises against running as root on Unix.

Verdict

Topgrade brings updates for configured tools into one command-line workflow, with options for repositories, custom commands, and remote hosts. Users should note its Unix root guidance and latest-version-only support policy.

Topgrade plans and pricing

All plans

Topgrade Free Open-source CLI · self-updating binary or install from source · package-manager installation options github.com · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on software update tools

Free plan: Yes
Operating systems: cross-platform
Silent installation: Yes
Bulk app updates: Yes
Custom app support: Yes

Best Topgrade alternatives

See all 20

Two bars UniGetUI Free tier No. 1Free6.5 One bar IObit Uninstaller Free tier No. 2$1.23/mo6.4 One bar AppGeek Free tier No. 4Free6.3 One bar Avira Phantom VPN Free Free tier No. 5Free6.3 One bar Avira Software Updater Free tier No. 6Free6.3 One bar Ninite Updater Free tier No. 7Free6.3

The record

Purpose: Topgrade detects the tools you use and runs the appropriate commands to update them.
CLI workflow: The project README says to run Topgrade with the `topgrade` command.
Install options: The project lists self-updating binaries and source installation for all platforms, plus package-manager installation options.
Supported operating systems: The release page provides binaries for Apple macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD.
Package integrations: The example configuration includes settings for Arch package managers, DNF, Nix, Homebrew, Flatpak, and Winget.
Git repositories: Topgrade can pull or fetch predefined and user-configured Git repositories, with a setting to choose fetch instead of pull.
Custom commands: Custom commands can be configured to run before, during, or after Topgrade's built-in commands.
Remote execution: Topgrade can use SSH to run Topgrade on configured remote hosts before acting locally.
Configuration: On first run, Topgrade creates a configuration file if one does not already exist, and it also loads and merges files from `topgrade.d`.
Privilege guidance: The example configuration says Topgrade should not be run as root on Unix because it invokes sudo or an equivalent where needed.
Security reporting: The security policy directs vulnerability reports to the repository's Security tab.
Supported versions: The security policy says only the latest Topgrade version is supported and fixes are not backported.
Support and community: The project invites users to open an issue or discussion for questions and provides a Discord server for discussion.
Project history: The repository describes this project as a fork of r-darwish's Topgrade that aims to keep it maintained.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Software Update Tools in 2026#3 of 32

Is Topgrade yours?

Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.

Claim it free Promote Topgrade

Sources

github.com/topgrade-rs/topgrade· checked 30 Sept 2026
github.com/topgrade-rs/topgrade/releases· checked 30 Sept 2026
github.com/topgrade-rs/topgrade/blob/main/config.e· checked 30 Sept 2026
github.com/topgrade-rs/topgrade/blob/main/SECURITY· checked 30 Sept 2026