Compare

Greypaint and Updatest, side by side.

Both are one-time 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.

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

Two apps, a lot in common.

Update sourcesBoth read update sources directly: Sparkle, Electron, GitHub Releases, Homebrew and the Mac App Store.

Price modelBoth are one-time purchases with a 14-day free trial. Neither is a subscription.

Your app listBoth keep the list of your apps on your Mac. Each has an optional way to share anonymous information, described below.

Where Updatest is strong

What Updatest does well.

Runs on more MacsUpdatest needs macOS 15 or later. Greypaint needs macOS 26 or later. If your Mac is on 15, Updatest is the one that runs.

Licenses for more MacsIndividual covers 3 Macs. Household covers 10. There is an Enterprise option, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Security details per appIt shows code signing, notarization and permissions for each app.

Homebrew adoptionA visual way to bring hand-installed apps under Homebrew, plus Homebrew formulae updates.

Updatest NetworkAn optional, community-based source that is free for license holders during its preview.

Sources: updatest.app, pricing, privacy.

Where Greypaint is strong

What Greypaint adds.

Price$6.49 once, for one person's Macs. Updatest's Individual plan is $12.99.

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.

Move to a new MacExport your apps, tools and Greypaint choices to one file. Each app installs from the same developer on the new Mac.

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.

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

Updatest and Greypaint.

	Updatest	Greypaint
Price	$12.99 (3 Macs) or $24.99 (10 Macs), one-time	$6.49 once, 14-day trial
Trial and refund	14-day trial, 30-day money-back	14-day trial, 14-day refund
Needs	macOS 15 or later	macOS 26 or later
Update sources	Homebrew, Mac App Store, Sparkle, Electron, GitHub Releases, Updatest Network (optional)	Sparkle, Electron feeds, Homebrew, GitHub Releases, Mac App Store
Mac App Store apps	Listed as a source	Shows them and opens the App Store page to update
Developer tools	Homebrew formulae. npm, pnpm, uv: Not listed	Homebrew formulae, npm, pnpm, uv
Rollback	Not listed	Previous version, optionally with settings
Checks before install	Shows code signing and notarization details	Same developer and accepted by macOS, or it isn't installed
Move to a new Mac	Not listed	Export and import file
Optional data sharing	Updatest Network: bundle IDs, versions, hashed device ID	Anonymous update results: bundle ID, source, outcome, no app list
Source code	Not listed	Closed source

"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.

Pick Updatest if your Mac runs macOS 15, you want one license for several Macs, or you like seeing security details for each app.
Pick Greypaint if your Mac runs macOS 26 or later and you want rollback, developer tools, move-to-a-new-Mac, and a public list of apps checked end to end.
You can try both. Each has a 14-day trial.

Questions

Common questions

Is Greypaint cheaper than Updatest?

Greypaint is $6.49 once. Updatest's Individual plan is $12.99 once and covers 3 Macs, and its Household plan is $24.99 for 10 Macs. Greypaint's license is for one person on the Macs they control.

Can I run Greypaint and Updatest together?

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 15?

No. Greypaint needs macOS 26 or later. Updatest lists macOS 15 or later.

Will Greypaint update my apps?

Search your important apps on greypaint.app/apps. It lists 115 apps that were updated and checked end to end, and you can scan your Mac during the trial.

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

Try Greypaint next to Updatest for 14 days.

Download the 14-day trial Check your apps

$6.49 once after the trial · macOS 26 or later

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