Compare
Greypaint and Floodtide, side by side.
Two Mac app updaters that read each app's own update source. Below is what each does well.
$6.49 once after the trial · macOS 15 or later
560 apps updated and checked so far. Check yours
RectangleSparkle feedsame developer ✓
Podman DesktopGitHub releasesame developer ✓
DiscordHomebrewsame developer ✓
1PasswordHomebrewsame developer ✓
HandBrakeSparkle feedsame developer ✓
Each update is matched to its developer.
What they share
Where they overlap.
Update sourcesBoth read the developer's own update source: Sparkle feeds, Electron feeds, GitHub Releases, Homebrew and the App Store.
Checks before installBoth check that an update is signed by the same developer as the app you have.
RollbackBoth 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
Floodtide's strengths.
Runs on more MacsFloodtide needs macOS 13 or later. Greypaint needs macOS 15 or later. If your Mac is on 13 or 14, Floodtide is the one that runs.
App Store updates inside the appBoth install App Store updates in the app. Floodtide lists some exceptions (such as apps over 675 MB). Greypaint's is in beta, with the App Store as a fallback if an update fails.
Signed catalogFloodtide lists a signed catalog of 1,983 apps and 4,795 verified bundles. Greypaint tracks 4,000+ 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
Where Greypaint differs.
Price$6.49 once. Floodtide is $14.99, £10.99 or €12.99 once for up to 3 Macs.
Settings with rollbackGreypaint can bring an app's settings back along with the old version.
Developer toolsFloodtide's pages list Homebrew formulae but not npm, pnpm or uv. Greypaint updates all four.
Move to a new MacGreypaint exports your apps, tools and choices to one file that you import on the new Mac. Floodtide's pages don't list this.
Careful with open appsIt asks before closing an app you are using, and can install the update when you quit it.
AutopilotAutopilot has three levels: nothing installs on its own, critical updates only, or everything. Big version jumps are flagged and never install on their own.
A public list of what worksEvery app on greypaint.app/apps was updated and checked end to end, 560 so far. Each has a "Not working?" button.
Side by side
Floodtide and Greypaint.
| Floodtide | Greypaint | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99, £10.99 or €12.99 once, up to 3 Macs | $6.49 once, 14-day trial |
| Trial and refund | 14-day trial, 14-day refund | 14-day trial, 14-day refund |
| Needs | macOS 13 or later | macOS 15 or later |
| Update sources | Sparkle, Homebrew, GitHub Releases, Electron, signed catalog, App Store | Sparkle, Electron feeds, Homebrew, GitHub Releases, App Store |
| App Store apps | Installs in the app, with exceptions | Installs in the app (beta), with the App Store as a fallback |
| Rollback | Backup and one-click undo, kept 3 days to 1 month | Previous version, optionally with settings |
| Developer tools | Homebrew formulae. npm, pnpm, uv: Not listed | Homebrew formulae, npm, pnpm, uv |
| Move to a new Mac | Not listed | Export and import file |
| Scheduling | Daily or weekly, per-app toggles, quiet hours | Hourly to daily, Autopilot, quiet hours, install on quit |
| Optional data sharing | Coverage sharing and usage analytics, both optional | Anonymous update results, optional |
| Source code | Not open source | Closed source |
| Developer | bhopstudio | Greypaint |
"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
Which fits your Mac.
- Pick Floodtide if your Mac runs macOS 13, 14 or 15.
- Pick Greypaint if you're on macOS 15 or later and want an app's settings restored with the old version, developer tools, an export for a new Mac, or the public list of checked apps.
Questions
Common questions
Is Greypaint cheaper than Floodtide?
Greypaint is $6.49 once. Floodtide is $14.99, £10.99 or €12.99 once and covers up to 3 Macs.
Does Greypaint update App Store apps?
Yes, in beta. Greypaint installs App Store updates itself, and can open the App Store on that app's page if one fails. Floodtide also installs many App Store updates itself.
Last checked 17 October 2026 · Written by the makers of Greypaint
Try both for 14 days.
$6.49 once after the trial · macOS 15 or later
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