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 differs.

Download the 14-day trial

$6.49 once after the trial · macOS 15 or later

560 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 ✓

Greypaint reads these sources directly.

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Both tell you what is out of date.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 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 15 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

Where Greypaint is strong.

More sourcesLatest lists App Store and Sparkle. Greypaint also reads Electron feeds, Homebrew and GitHub releases, so apps without a Sparkle feed can still be found.
Install checksGreypaint installs a new copy only if it comes from the same developer and macOS accepts it.
RollbackLatest's pages don't list rollback. Greypaint keeps the previous version and can restore its settings too.
Developer toolsLatest's pages don't list developer tools. Greypaint updates Homebrew formulae and global npm, pnpm and uv packages in the same window.
AutopilotAutopilot can install critical updates on its own.
Move to a new MacYou can export your apps to one file for the next Mac.
A public list of what worksYou can see which of 560 apps were updated and checked end to end at greypaint.app/apps.

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 15 or later
Update sourcesApp Store, SparkleSparkle, Electron feeds, Homebrew, GitHub Releases, App Store
Homebrew and GitHub appsNot listedYes
Developer toolsNot listedHomebrew formulae, npm, pnpm, uv
RollbackNot listedPrevious version, optionally with settings
Automatic installsNot listedAutopilot, so you choose how much installs on its own
Latest release0.11 (12 June 2025); 0.12 beta 2 (9 February 2026)1.5 (October 2026)

"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 suits your apps.

Questions

Common questions

Is Latest 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. Latest is free, so you can run it next to Greypaint and compare what each finds. Choose one of them to do the installing.

Does Greypaint run on older Macs?

No. Greypaint needs macOS 15 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.

Download the 14-day trial Check your apps

$6.49 once after the trial · macOS 15 or later

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