Freedom251 › Software Update Tools
Updatest
What Updatest is
Updatest is a paid macOS application from Huge Ideas that scans installed apps for updates from Homebrew, the Mac App Store, Sparkle, Electron, and GitHub Releases. It provides a visual interface for Homebrew apps and formulas, including one-click updates and adoption of apps installed manually. Scheduled scans and custom app support are available. For each app, Updatest can display download URLs, version numbers, bundle IDs, file sizes, developer information, code-signing and notarization details, and permission requirements. An optional Updatest Network can reveal possible versions shared by other users when local sources do not expose an update. The network only discovers versions; downloads and installation still use existing sources. Updatest runs locally without collecting personal data, while network use sends bundle identifiers, installed versions, and a salted one-way hashed device identifier. It requires macOS 15 or later, internet access when opening, and App Management permission. Individual pricing is 12.99 USD one time for three Macs, with a 14-day trial.
Who it suits
It suits Mac users who want one place to find and manage updates from several supported sources, including Homebrew. It also fits households or organizations needing licenses for multiple Macs, scheduled scans, or custom app support.
What it does well
- Supports five update sources
- Visual Homebrew management with one-click updates
- Shows detailed app and signing information
- Scheduled scans and custom app support
- Runs locally without personal-data collection
What to know first
- Requires macOS 15.0 or later
- No free plan
- Needs internet access when opened
- App Management permission is required
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | One-time purchase · 3 Macs at once · Updatest Network free preview | $12.99, paid once |
| Household | One-time purchase · 10 Macs at once · Updatest Network free preview | $24.99, paid once |
| Updatest Network | Optional subscription; pricing details coming soon · Currently free preview for license holders; preview features may change | On request |
| Enterprise | One-time purchase · Custom number of Macs · Updatest Network free preview | On request |
As updatest.app lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Updatest combines multi-source update discovery with detailed application information and Homebrew controls on macOS. Its optional network can identify versions that local sources miss, but installation still follows the original sources and requires a paid license after the trial.
Facts from Updatest's own pages
- App details
- The app shows available download URLs, version numbers, bundle IDs, file sizes, developer information, code signing, notarization, and permission requirements. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- App permission
- Updatest requires App Management permission to update applications. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Company
- The site credits Huge Ideas as the maker of Updatest. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Homebrew management
- Updatest provides a visual interface for Homebrew app and formula updates, including one-click updates and adopting manually installed apps. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Internet requirement
- Updatest requires an internet connection to check update sources when the app opens. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- macOS requirement
- Updatest requires macOS 15.0 or later. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Network discovery
- The optional Updatest Network can use version information shared by other users to surface potential updates when local sources do not provide them. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Network limits
- The Updatest Network provides version discovery only; downloads and installation continue through the existing update sources and rules. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The app runs locally and does not collect personal data; enabling the optional network transmits app bundle identifiers, installed versions, and a salted, one-way hashed device identifier for deduplication. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Updatest scans apps on a Mac for supported update sources and helps users discover and install updates. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can report bugs or request features by emailing Updatest support. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported sources
- It supports Homebrew, Mac App Store, Sparkle, Electron, and GitHub Releases. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Update source constraint
- Apps without information exposed through supported sources may not be checked locally and may require a manual source, Homebrew adoption, or network discovery. · updatest.app, 11 Oct 2026
Where Updatest stands on Freedom251
- Software Update Tools#27 of 29