Compare

Greypaint and Floodtide, side by side.

Two newer Mac app updaters that read each app's own update source. Here is what each does well, so you can pick the one that fits.

$6.49 once after the trial · macOS 26 or later

115 apps updated and checked so far. Check yours
Reading each app's own sourceexample
  • RectangleSparkle feedsame developer ✓
  • Podman DesktopGitHub releasesame developer ✓
  • DiscordHomebrewsame developer ✓
  • 1PasswordHomebrewsame developer ✓
  • HandBrakeSparkle feedsame developer ✓

Each answer comes from the developer.

What they share

Two apps built on the same idea.

Update sourcesBoth read the developer's own update source: Sparkle feeds, Electron feeds, GitHub Releases, Homebrew and the Mac App Store.
Checks before installBoth check that an update is signed by the same developer as the app you have.
A way backBoth keep the previous version so you can undo an update.
Price modelBoth are one-time purchases with a 14-day free trial and no subscription.

Where Floodtide is strong

What Floodtide does well.

Runs on more MacsFloodtide needs macOS 13 or later. Greypaint needs macOS 26 or later. If your Mac is older, Floodtide is the one that runs.
Mac App Store updates inside the appFloodtide can install App Store updates itself, with some exceptions it lists (such as apps over 675 MB). Greypaint opens the App Store page instead.
A larger signed catalogIt lists 4,795 verified bundles and a signed catalog of 1,983 apps.
Scheduling controlsDaily or weekly checks, per-app automatic toggles, quiet hours, and a separate switch for major versions.
Free scanningAfter the trial, scanning stays free. Installing needs the license.
LanguagesEnglish and German.

Sources: bhopstudio.com/floodtide, changelog.

Where Greypaint is strong

What Greypaint adds.

Price$6.49 once. Floodtide is $14.99 (£10.99 or €12.99) once for up to 3 Macs.
Rollback, settings tooYou can put the previous version back and choose to bring its settings with it.
Developer toolsHomebrew formulae and global npm, pnpm and uv packages, in the same window.
Move to a new MacExport your apps, tools and Greypaint choices to one file, and import it on the new Mac. Each app installs from the same developer.
Careful with open appsIt asks before closing an app you are using, can install when you quit it, and lets you cancel an update in progress.
AutopilotChoose nothing without you, critical updates only, or everything. Big version jumps are flagged and never install on their own.
A public list of what worksgreypaint.app/apps lists 115 apps that were updated and checked end to end. Each has a "Not working?" button.

Side by side

Floodtide and Greypaint.

FloodtideGreypaint
Price$14.99, £10.99 or €12.99 once, up to 3 Macs$6.49 once, 14-day trial
Trial and refund14-day trial, 14-day refund14-day trial, 14-day refund
NeedsmacOS 13 or latermacOS 26 or later
Update sourcesSparkle, Homebrew, GitHub Releases, Electron, signed catalog, Mac App StoreSparkle, Electron feeds, Homebrew, GitHub Releases, Mac App Store
Mac App Store appsInstalls in the app, with exceptionsShows them and opens the App Store page to update
RollbackBackup and one-click undo, kept 3 days to 1 monthPrevious version, optionally with settings
Developer toolsHomebrew formulae. npm, pnpm, uv: Not listedHomebrew formulae, npm, pnpm, uv
Move to a new MacNot listedExport and import file
SchedulingDaily or weekly, per-app toggles, quiet hoursHourly to daily, Autopilot, quiet hours, install on quit
Optional data sharingCoverage sharing and usage analytics, both optionalAnonymous update results, optional
Source codeNot open sourceClosed source
DeveloperbhopstudioGreypaint, a small indie team

"Not listed" means the product's own pages don't mention it. Facts were taken from each product's own site on 10 October 2026, and may have changed since.

Which to pick

A short way to choose.

Questions

Common questions

Is Greypaint cheaper than Floodtide?

Greypaint is $6.49 once. Floodtide is $14.99 (or £10.99 or €12.99) once and covers up to 3 Macs. Greypaint's license is for one person on the Macs they control.

Does Greypaint update Mac App Store apps?

It shows them and opens the App Store on that app's page, where you update it. Floodtide can install many App Store updates itself.

Can I run both?

Yes. Each has a 14-day trial, so you can compare what they find. Just don't let both install updates for the same app at the same time.

Does Greypaint run on macOS 13 or 14?

No. Greypaint needs macOS 26 or later. Floodtide lists macOS 13 or later.

Last checked 10 October 2026 · Written by the makers of Greypaint

Try Greypaint next to Floodtide for 14 days.

$6.49 once after the trial · macOS 26 or later

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