macCurrent vs Topgrade

macCurrent is a free macOS app that finds updates across the Mac App Store, Homebrew, Sparkle, vendor updaters, Tauri, reviewed direct downloads, and macOS Software Update. It scans installed applications and command-line tools, storing inventory details locally on the Mac. Depending on the source, it can update automatically, hand work to a trusted tool, provide manual guidance, or exclude system-managed components. Eligible direct replacement updates can be backed up, with retention configurable up to three backups per app identity. Per-app history may record scans, backups, installs, restores, failures, and manual handoffs. Before replacing an app, macCurrent checks bundle identity and signing-team match, rejects served downgrades, and verifies Sparkle archives against the installed app’s EdDSA key. It supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs running macOS 15 or later. Usage Analytics is opt-in.

Topgrade is a free command-line tool that detects tools in use and runs the commands needed to update them. Run it with the `topgrade` command. The project provides self-updating binaries, source installation, and package-manager options; release binaries cover macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD. Its example configuration includes Arch package managers, DNF, Nix, Homebrew, Flatpak, and Winget. Topgrade can pull or fetch configured Git repositories, and custom commands can run before, during, or after its built-in commands. It can use SSH to run Topgrade on configured remote hosts before acting locally. On first run, it creates a configuration file if one is missing and also loads and merges files from `topgrade.d`. The project describes itself as a fork of r-darwish's Topgrade that aims to keep the tool maintained. Its example configuration advises against running it as root on Unix, since it invokes sudo or an equivalent where needed. Only the latest version is supported, and fixes are not backported.