macCurrent vs Ubuntu Update Manager
macCurrent
maccurrent.comUbuntu Update Manager
manpages.ubuntu.comSide by side
| Figure | macCurrent | Ubuntu Update Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Software Update Tools | 7.7 (#11) | 7.8 (#9) |
| Maker | macCurrent is a product of Conduit Technologies, LLC. | Canonical's company page says it has nurtured the Ubuntu community since 2004. |
| Purpose | macCurrent finds updates across the App Store, Homebrew, Sparkle, vendor updaters, and direct downloads, and shows what is safe to install or needs review. | Update Manager is a graphical frontend for apt that performs some apt-get actions and is especially designed for system upgrades or migrations to a newer version. |
| Support | Support options include guides, Reddit, Discord, email, and private diagnostic reports submitted from the app. | Canonical offers 24/7 support for Ubuntu Desktop and Server deployments with comprehensive security coverage and management tooling. |
Plans
In their own words
macCurrent
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.
Ubuntu Update Manager
Ubuntu Update Manager is a free graphical frontend for apt that installs available updates and supports routine Ubuntu system upgrades. In the desktop menu it appears as Software Updater, and Ubuntu describes the package as a GNOME application for managing apt updates. It is intended for daily system upgrading as well as migration to a newer Ubuntu release.
The tool can check whether a new distribution release is available. Its development-release option can upgrade from the latest supported release to the development release. During an upgrade, it may reinstall ubuntu-desktop, change sources.list entries to updated ones, and add the default user to new groups when needed. Ubuntu says its bundled installation tools validate packages during installation to check for manipulation during download. Update Manager runs on Linux and integrates with apt. The manpage credits Michael Vogt and various contributors with its development; it also states that redistribution is permitted under the GNU General Public License and provides no warranty.