Is it just me, or this years Black Friday is very "meh"?

Last year I bought around... 10 apps maybe. And ok, I've got them now so their current deals don't matter to me. But looking through this year's offers, I feel like something is missing. There are a few promotions for useful apps (although these are usually 20-30%, sooooometimes max 50%), but most of them are some kind of AI junk, while the creators of decent tools seem to have decided not to participate in BF.



Did something happen? Or maybe I have unrealistic expectations?

https://redd.it/1p8q8v2
@macappsbackup

A free, open-source Launchpad alternative for macOS Tahoe - fullscreen, floaty HUD & no BS

Long story short: macOS Tahoe killed Launchpad, and the existing “alternatives” felt distracting, upsell-y, or subnoscription-gated. So I built my own - **completely free, open-source, and designed to feel native again.**

[Launchy - the open-source launchpad alternative macOS users have been waiting for!](https://preview.redd.it/5nufjzuo6z3g1.png?width=3360&format=png&auto=webp&s=256804bc20b21a3a1d20725360acd046c9e1b0ed)

# 🚀 Launchy - a clean, fast, no-nonsense Launchpad replacement

* **Fullscreen mode** that mirrors classic Launchpad: smooth paging, folders, right-click actions, tidy 7×5 grid - exactly how many of us liked it.
* **Floaty Mode** \- a lightweight HUD panel with classic behavior but a modern macOS feel.
* **Keyboard-friendly:** instant search, launch via Return, page with arrow keys, or jump directly with **Control + number** (1-0).
* **Right-click menus** on apps & folders for renaming, moving, hiding, folder creation, and keeping everything sorted just like before.
* **Works the way you expect:** your apps appear immediately, layouts stay consistent, and the grid remains fast on every Space.
* **Hot corners** \- flick your cursor into a corner to show/hide Launchy.
* **Menu bar & Dock integration:** quick access, settings, auto-update, right-click folders, and layout mirroring.
* **Two hotkeys:** one to show/hide, one to toggle fullscreen ⇄ floaty.
* **No ads, no paywall, no “pro tier.”** MIT-licensed and free forever.
* **18+ languages built in:** 🇺🇸 🇩🇪 🇪🇸 🇲🇽 🇫🇷 🇮🇹 🇧🇷 🇵🇹 🇨🇳 🇯🇵 🇰🇷 🇹🇭 🇹🇷 🇺🇦 🇷🇺 🇦🇪 🇹🇿 🇳🇬 … and counting.
* **Auto-updating** via Sparkle.

If you miss Launchpad or want a clean, minimal launcher that doesn’t nag you - give it a spin. I’m polishing animations, folder previews, and Floaty Mode’s visuals next.

👉 **Download:** [https://github.com/Punshnut/macos-launchy/releases/latest](https://github.com/Punshnut/macos-launchy/releases/latest)

(macOS native & open source)

Have fun launching ✨

https://redd.it/1p8rpi7
@macappsbackup

Elephas Black Friday Deal - 20% off on all LTD plans

Hey r/macapps

Excited to share that Elephas Black Friday deal is here - 20% off on all Lifetime Plans.

Code - BFCM25 at checkout -> https://elephas.app/pricing

We have shipped some cool features and updates recently.

\- Apple Notes Integration -> Index your Apple Notes and chat with them

\- Support for 100% offline AI Models - for indexing as well as chat

\- Agentic mode with multi-step reasoning

\- Image creation features

\- Zoom integration (index your zoom call trannoscripts)

\- Workflow automation features and micro tools (PDF Form filling, PDF/MD export etc.)

3.5 years ago Elephas started from this subreddit as a simple AI client for Mac. With your support and feedback it has evolved into a full blown knowledge management tool.

Hope you continue to find it useful.

Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!



https://redd.it/1p8th79
@macappsbackup

Crates - next gen music player and library - 40% OFF on Supporter version

Head on to https://crates.app/ \- use code BLACKFRIDAY25 in checkout! Offer valid until Monday!

Crates is a user-focused, next gen music app that aims to offer a better experience around music collecting, listening and music discovery and allows you to own your playlists and data. Import your local files, or even Spotify playlists, and stream from services like YouTube, Bandcamp, SoundCloud and Apple Music. Browser extensions are available for Chrome/Safari/Firefox to import/bookmark links and even your whole Bandcamp collection!

The Supporter version offers lots of perks, including syncing with the iOS app, Gems (a fresh take on community suggestions), YouTube search in-app, and of course supports the continuous development.

Under active development with more features coming soon!

https://preview.redd.it/n0c4wxy3904g1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5b14866be917cbebdfbbd9c9921cb6a57cebcdc5



https://redd.it/1p8vmmy
@macappsbackup

WTF is up with PDF Expert's Black Friday deal?

The Black Friday "deal" is $1.99/week ($103.48/year), which is WAY MORE expensive than the regular price of $80/year. The site tells me there was a previous deal of some kind that expired.

Subscribing WEEKLY to an app is a new low for software subnoscriptions.

https://redd.it/1p8vll6
@macappsbackup

This Black Friday Weekend I’m Donating the Developer Proceeds from my App "Budget Flow" to Charity – 50% Off Lifetime for You! 💸
https://redd.it/1p8viv9
@macappsbackup

I created Termix, a powerful SSH client and SFTP file manager. I made it completely free during Black Friday. Enjoy!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/termix-ssh-client-terminal/id6739386670

https://redd.it/1p8zxjq
@macappsbackup

macOS app switching with spatial consistency - update 1.2
https://redd.it/1p92uiu
@macappsbackup

Carbon Copy Cloner - Cyber Weeks 20% off

Carbon Copy Cloner went on sale today, until Dec 5 - 20% off

An excellent addition to Time Machine backups, recommended highly!


https://bombich.com

https://redd.it/1p8ymo3
@macappsbackup

Grab a Mac Firewall This Black Friday

Black Friday's finally here, and like many of you, I've been snagging some sweet Mac app deals! This sub has been buzzing with tons of posts about all the fantastic discounts out there. But I wanted to share a personal tip for all you Mac enthusiasts: now's a great time to grab a firewall app for your Mac! You can usually find some awesome discounts on them around this time of year.

You'd be amazed at how much network activity happens behind the scenes on your Mac. A good firewall app doesn't just let you block and allow connections; it gives you a peek into everything going in and out. You'll instantly see which app is connecting where, and quickly spot those "data kraken" apps that are constantly chugging away at your network traffic.

Blocking certain connections or setting up custom rules can be super handy. For instance, I often block all outgoing connections by default and then only allow what's absolutely necessary. Some apps work perfectly fine without internet access, while others need it for things like API calls, streaming, or even just licensing. Plus, firewalls are an excellent way to prevent apps from updating or transmitting your telemetry data back to their servers. These are just a few reasons why a firewall is so useful.

I'm not here to recommend a specific tool, but rather to encourage you to explore your options. There are several popular application-based firewalls for Mac out there, and I'll briefly introduce you to a few. And yes, I’ve purchased and tried all the options I’ll introduce below. But the best one will depend on your specific needs!

# Little Snitch

Developer: Objective Development
Origin: Austria
Regular: $59.00
Black Friday: $41.30
SetApp: Unavailable
Homebrew: brew install --cask little-snitch

https://preview.redd.it/i1q5h8k1e24g1.png?width=2188&format=png&auto=webp&s=ce715c1bb4d0b8cc9ddc822e4396e2d0d776265c

Ah, Little Snitch! This one's often considered the granddaddy of macOS application firewalls, and for good reason. It's incredibly powerful, giving you granular control over every single outgoing and incoming network connection your Mac makes. When an app tries to connect to the internet for the first time, Little Snitch pops up with a clear alert, letting you decide whether to allow or deny it, and you can even set rules for specific domains or ports. Its network monitor is a fantastic visual tool, showing you exactly what's communicating where in real-time. Where Little Snitch truly shines is its depth of control and detailed logging, making it perfect for power users who want to know everything. However, that power can also be its slight downfall for beginners, as the sheer number of alerts and options can feel a bit overwhelming initially.
One of its most outstanding features is its support for and display of the Internet Access Policy (IAP) standard, developed by Objective Development itself, which provides clear insights into an application's intended network behavior. I’ve already shared a post about IAPs in the past and why more apps should support them. If you’re interested, you can find it here.

It’s also worth noting that there’s a lightweight version of Little Snitch called Little Snitch Mini, which is subnoscription-based. It offers a simpler interface and more limited functionality, catering to users who prefer basic blocking without the full complexity of the main app.

# LuLu

Developer: Objective-See
Origin: United States
Regular: free
SetApp: Unavailable
Homebrew: brew install --cask lulu

https://preview.redd.it/y7u0vun2e24g1.png?width=3104&format=png&auto=webp&s=f48f06ac2e136a9f411361887538232633c1df2c

LuLu is a fantastic free and open-source option that's gained a lot of traction, especially for those who

appreciate transparency and community-driven development. Developed by Patrick Wardle, a well-known macOS security researcher, LuLu focuses on simplicity and effectiveness. It primarily acts as an outgoing network connection blocker, alerting you when applications try to connect to the internet and allowing you to create rules. While it might not have the same extensive feature set or the fancy network monitor of Little Snitch, its core function of blocking unwanted connections is solid. Its main draw is its price tag (free!) and its commitment to open source, making it an excellent choice for users who want basic, reliable firewall protection without spending a dime. However, its user interface can feel a bit clunky and looks somewhat dated, which might not appeal to everyone, and it might lack some of the advanced customization options found in paid alternatives.

# Radio Silence

Developer: Juuso Salonen
Origin: Finland
Regular: $ 9.00
SetApp: Unavailable
Homebrew: brew install --cask radio-silence

https://preview.redd.it/ffhw1dt3e24g1.png?width=932&format=png&auto=webp&s=479e954e74976feeb0d31361bf80f3714b942748

Radio Silence takes a different approach, aiming for ultimate simplicity. If you're looking for a firewall that you can set and forget, this might be your jam. Instead of constant pop-ups, Radio Silence lets you simply drag and drop applications into its interface to block their internet access permanently. There are no complex rules, and no detailed logs. It's designed for users who just want to stop specific apps from phoning home without any fuss. This minimalist design is both its greatest strength and its biggest limitation. It's incredibly easy to use, but if you need to understand why an app is connecting or want fine-grained control over specific connections, Radio Silence will fall short. It's also unique in that it doesn't operate as a menu bar app, and its monitor only shows IP addresses, making it difficult to know what specific website is being accessed.

# Tiny Shield

Developer: Proxyman LLC
Origin: United States
Regular: $39.00
Black Friday: $15.60
SetApp: Available
Homebrew: brew install --cask tiny-shield

https://preview.redd.it/rglhzf55e24g1.png?width=1046&format=png&auto=webp&s=fd99ed912e27bf2905cc809ec788daf03b3a9d36

Tiny Shield is a relatively newer player in the macOS firewall space, and it aims to be a user-friendly option with a clean interface. It focuses on providing a straightforward way to control network connections for your applications. Like others, it alerts you when an app tries to connect and allows you to create rules to permit or deny access. Its simplicity makes it quite straightforward and easy to use for beginners, reminding some of the more streamlined approach seen in Little Snitch Mini. While it offers a good balance of features and ease of use, it's still building its reputation against more established names. It might not have the extensive community support or the decades of refinement seen in Little Snitch, but its modern interface makes it an interesting contender.

# TripMode

Developer: Alix Sàrl
Origin: Switzerland
Regular: $49.99
SetApp: Available
Homebrew: brew install --cask tripmode

https://preview.redd.it/ij24w027e24g1.png?width=732&format=png&auto=webp&s=e431a9e59785adadd301d4bc31c736ce8e1afc62

TripMode is a bit of a niche player, but a very effective one for its specific purpose. While it can act as an application-based firewall, its main purpose isn't general-purpose security. As its name suggests, it's designed for situations where you're on a limited or expensive internet connection, like tethering from your phone or using public Wi-Fi. Its core feature is automatically blocking all non-essential internet traffic when you're connected to a specific network, letting you manually allow only the apps you need. This is incredibly useful for saving data and preventing background apps from eating up your allowance. It excels

at data management and cost-saving, but if you're looking for a comprehensive security firewall for everyday use, you might find its features a bit too specialized. Besides that, it’s incredibly easy and straightforward to use, making it also interesting for beginners.

# Vallum

Developer: Murus
Origin: Italy
Regular: $15.00
Black Friday: $12.50 (Vallum Bundle)
SeApp: Unavailable
Homebrew: brew install --cask vallum

https://preview.redd.it/ye8l5e58e24g1.png?width=1898&format=png&auto=webp&s=b194b574ee2dddf6d00dcdefceb09a4d96d33322

Vallum positions itself as a powerful and flexible firewall for macOS, offering a good blend of features for both casual users and those who want more control. It provides application-level filtering, allowing you to block or allow connections for individual apps, and also includes a network monitor to visualize traffic. One of its standout features is its ability to create complex rule sets, including rules based on network interfaces, which can be very useful for advanced users. For instance, you can define rules that only apply when your Mac is connected to a specific Wi-Fi network, or when using a particular VPN. This level of contextual awareness goes beyond simple application blocking, offering a more dynamic and adaptive firewall experience. However, new users might find the initial setup and understanding of its advanced features a bit overwhelming.

# Final words

So, there you have it! A quick tour through some of the most popular application-based firewalls for macOS. One option I haven’t mentioned is Scudo, developed by the same developer as Vallum, which reminds a bit to Little Snitch. However, it hasn’t received any updates in the past few years, and I don’t believe it’s currently in active development. Therefore, I decided to exclude it from the comparison. Please share any additional options I may have overlooked in the comments.

As you can see, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you're a power user craving granular control, someone who just wants to block a few apps from phoning home, or a traveler looking to save data, there's an option out there for you. The best choice really depends on your personal needs, technical comfort level, and how much control you want over your Mac's network activity. For the record, I have no affiliation with any of the apps mentioned. Happy firewalling!

https://redd.it/1p967qn
@macappsbackup

I got roasted for my "95 App List." Here is the purified Top 20 I actually use.
https://redd.it/1p97n0o
@macappsbackup

Trickster 50% off
https://www.apparentsoft.com/trickster

https://redd.it/1p987li
@macappsbackup

Have you used Lookaway? (50% off Black Friday)

People who have used Lookaway, what is your review?

Has it improved your productivity in any manner?

I'm considering purchasing a license which includes 2 devices. Anybody willing to share? Please DM

https://redd.it/1p99vgp
@macappsbackup

Better Touch Tool Use case Repository (33% off Black Friday)

Have you used BTT? If yes what’s the most useful automation that you have implemented using the app?

Let’s create a repository of use cases so that we all can benefit and learn from each other.


https://redd.it/1p9c4w3
@macappsbackup

TimeScroll is now open source, with new features! — find anything you saw on your Mac
https://redd.it/1p9ggxd
@macappsbackup

Eagle.cool - 30% BF Offer

Eagle helps you to collect, organise and search links, photos and any resources that are relevant to your project. They currently run a BF 30% offer and get it for $24.46.



You can find the offer details here



Also I‘m a raindrop user, so can any Eagle users provide your use cases? How is it different from Raindrop?

https://redd.it/1p9k9jr
@macappsbackup

Still cooking

https://reddit.com/link/1p9ni9f/video/xntnowbit64g1/player

still working on this focus app , I know its taking quite some time but I guess you will appreciate the attention to detail , plus all these feature are disableable from the settings .

I'd like you feedback on this alarm feature

https://redd.it/1p9ni9f
@macappsbackup

[Share] I built a macOS Dock alternative (Infynidock) over 4 years – free to download for Black Friday

Hey folks,
I’ve been lurking here in r/macapps forever checking out your favorite tools, and today I’m sharing something I’ve built solo over 4 years: Infynidock, a macOS Dock alternative focused on speed and flexibility.

I built it because I got frustrated with the default Dock: switching between windows felt slow, customization options were too basic, and the UI felt a bit stale. So Infynidock fixes that with:

* Faster window switching (cuts down the time to jump between apps/windows)
* Way more customization (tweak icon sizes, spacing, hidden triggers, and even layout positions)
* A cleaner, smoother UI that fits modern macOS vibes

Since it’s Black Friday, I’m opening it up for free downloads for a few days. It’s not perfect (solo project vibes), but if you’re someone who wants a Dock that’s faster to use and more tailored to your workflow, this might click.

👉 Download link: [infynidock Download](https://infyniclick.com/)

https://preview.redd.it/38av226l984g1.png?width=3278&format=png&auto=webp&s=8efeca54c73d91e3ce9c0d539a996a26298c92a3

https://preview.redd.it/u30gg6ul984g1.png?width=1972&format=png&auto=webp&s=b001a4421c240364773586cb6c69702832b702b9

I’ve been working on this solo, so I’m not sure if it’ll fit everyone’s workflow – but if you grab it, I’d love any feedback (good or bad)! Helps me make it better. Feel free to pass it along to any Mac friends who might dig it too.

(Quick note: I’m pretty new to posting here – if this isn’t the right spot, just let me know and I’ll move it to the sticky self-promotion thread! )

https://redd.it/1p9tzoi
@macappsbackup

12 Must Have Mac Apps 2025 [ThisIsE]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sykUaXn7xI0

https://redd.it/1p9r9c4
@macappsbackup