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
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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
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TimeScroll is now open source, with new features! — find anything you saw on your Mac
https://redd.it/1p9ggxd
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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
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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
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12 Must Have Mac Apps 2025 [ThisIsE]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sykUaXn7xI0

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

Does anyone know how uPDF compares to PDF xpert?

uPDF isn't in the comparison spreadsheet. With it's current price being the same as one year of PDF Expert, I', thinking it might be worth making the switch.

Has anyone compared the two?

https://redd.it/1p9ynjl
@macappsbackup

Dock Door is better than Wins; Free vs Paid

For window switching and ⌘ Tab enhancement, dock door is way better than wins

In wins, to move to another window of same app, I have to use arrow key but in DD, can shift directly from ⌘ tab to A to move a row above and also switch apps again via tab

but do note, both enable with same feature, use more system resource, wins is little less as it is less customizable

Dock Door

Wins has more!?

1. Edge Snap- now built in mac

2. Floating Window- not want it, its window style dragging window to top, and give some predefine layout option

3. Aero Shake

4. Mission control Pro- close button in mission control

5. Flick Dock

6. Window management- Raycast is better

https://redd.it/1p9y0hi
@macappsbackup

This holiday, make it snow on your Mac! Or rain? Or fog? With my FREE app, Mossum!

Thank you for the support my app has been getting!!

I just pushed an update to Mossum that adds a convenient new menu bar control panel and the ability to set static views. So now you can make it snow on your desktop all the time, not just when it's actually snowing outside! The update also includes numerous bug fixes and additional features. Happy Thanksgiving!

https://reddit.com/link/1pa0040/video/nisiu8fsh94g1/player

https://redd.it/1pa0040
@macappsbackup

Limited-Number Lifetime Giveaways Are Predatory & Do More Damage Than Good

Limited Time Giveaway: "For the next 72 hours you can get my app for free."

Limited-Number Giveaway: "The first 50 people who do ____ get my app for free."

The latter of these two options is extremely predatory and makes me never want to touch an app the developer makes.

The intention behind it is to give away as few lifetime licenses as possible, while driving their app up the charts in downloads with people in a rush to try and be one of the few who will get it. But usually in a few minutes they are all gone, but you know what's left? The post that is gaining more and more upvotes, the downloads from people hoping they will be able to get the lifetime license. A highly upvoted post with a highly downloaded app, that is designed to create more subscribers they can milk. Don't even get me started on how often codes are just redeemed by bots that scrape subs for giveaways like this.

It's your app, you can do what you want, but you would win a lot more hearts if you gave it away from a reasonable period of time instead of the predatory alternative.

You will drive your app up the charts more. You will endear yourself to a lot more satisfied customers. I know you will be giving away more license in the end, but there is no way in 72hours you will give away even a fraction of a single percent of the pool of potential customers out there.

I'm sure I will be downvoted for saying this, but I'm really tired of seeing developers doing this and knowing it's just a strategy to get free advertising while rug-pulling the vast majority of people who see the post.

https://redd.it/1pa2k12
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LaunchOS 60% Off Black Friday + 5% Additional Off with code (Launchpad replacement)

I just want to make a post about this Launchpad replacement. It is without a doubt the most polished one I have seen. It truly is an improvement on the original Launchpad and even has an import setting to get your previous Launchpad layout. You can hide apps and it supports Hot Corners which is a must. And it looks REALLY nice and has Liquid Glass effect too.

You can get it for 60% off right now for Black Friday and with the code EARLYBIRDBLACKFRIDAY you can get an additional 5% off.

I am not the developer. I am just a customer who really likes this app and sees a great deal right now.

Website of the app: https://launchosapp.com

https://redd.it/1pa6jwe
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Devonthink 4 VS Paperless

What justifies using Devonthink over Paperless? Does it have any important features that Paperless doesn't?

https://redd.it/1p9ydda
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Need a good app for reading and notes/highlights

I am looking for an app that has as much of my reading sources AND my reading history in one place as possible.

I tried Readwise and Reader. I didn't love the method of using Readwise in general, and I hated that Readwise and Reader are separate universes. Reader can keep track of new highlights I make but not import old ones. Lame.


I want to:

READ: articles, PDFs, maybe some ebooks (but most of that happens on my kindle), emails would be nice, and other documents.

REVIEW: Kindle highlights, web highlights, annotations, and other notes on books/articles/etc that I read


Are there any solutions here? I'd pay a reasonable monthly subnoscription for this, but I'm not going to pay a monthly sub for an app to read one thing, another app to read other things, an app to sync all those different data streams, and another app to then review my notes and highlights, etc. That's insanity.

https://redd.it/1pa46jk
@macappsbackup

HiFidelity — A native macOS offline music player (SwiftUI, BASS, TagLib)[Open Source]

https://redd.it/1pab046
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