Compare

Greypaint and Latest, side by side.

Latest is a free, open source Mac app updater by Max Langer. Here is what it does well, and where Greypaint covers more.

Download the 14-day trial

$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

Both tell you what is out of date.

Sparkle and App StoreBoth read the update feeds that Sparkle apps publish and check Mac App Store apps.
Release notesBoth show what changed in an update.

Where Latest is strong

What Latest does well.

Free and open sourceLatest is free under the GPL-3.0 license, and you can read the source on GitHub. The developer accepts donations.
Runs on older MacsThe 0.11 release lists macOS 10.15 Catalina as its minimum. Greypaint needs macOS 26 or later.
SimpleIt does one job: show which apps have updates, and update them. For Sparkle and App Store apps, that can be everything you need.
Community translationsTranslations are contributed through Weblate.

Sources: github.com/mangerlahn/Latest, max.codes/latest, releases.

Where Greypaint is strong

What Greypaint adds.

More sourcesLatest lists Mac App Store and Sparkle. Greypaint also reads Electron feeds, Homebrew and GitHub releases, so apps without a Sparkle feed are covered.
Checks before it replacesThe new copy must come from the same developer and be accepted by macOS, or it isn't installed.
Rollback, settings tooThe previous version is kept. You can put it back, and choose to bring its settings with it.
Developer toolsHomebrew formulae and global npm, pnpm and uv packages, in the same window.
Autopilot and move to a new MacLet critical updates install on their own, and export your apps to one file for the next Mac.
A public list of what worksgreypaint.app/apps lists 115 apps that were updated and checked end to end.

Side by side

Latest and Greypaint.

LatestGreypaint
PriceFree, donations welcome$6.49 once, 14-day trial
Source codeOpen source, GPL-3.0Closed source
NeedsmacOS 10.15 or later (0.11 notes)macOS 26 or later
Update sourcesMac App Store, SparkleSparkle, Electron feeds, Homebrew, GitHub Releases, Mac App Store
Homebrew and GitHub appsNot listedYes
Developer toolsNot listedHomebrew formulae, npm, pnpm, uv
RollbackNot listedPrevious version, optionally with settings
Automatic installsNot listedAutopilot: nothing, critical only, or everything
Latest release0.11 stable (12 June 2025). 0.12 beta 2 (9 February 2026)1.4.2 (October 2026)
Privacy policyNot listedWritten privacy policy

"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 Latest really free?

Yes. Latest is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license, and the developer accepts donations.

Do I need Greypaint if I only use App Store and Sparkle apps?

Possibly not. A free checker like Latest may be all you need. Greypaint adds Homebrew, Electron and GitHub sources, rollback, checks before install and developer tools.

Can I use both?

Yes. Just don't let both install updates for the same app at the same time.

Does Greypaint run on older Macs?

No. Greypaint needs macOS 26 or later. Latest's 0.11 release lists macOS 10.15 or later.

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

Try Greypaint next to Latest for 14 days.

Download the 14-day trial Check your apps

$6.49 once after the trial · macOS 26 or later

Other comparisons:UpdatestFloodtideMacUpdaterBest Mac app updaters