Ubuntu Update Manager vs Version Tracker
Ubuntu Update Manager
manpages.ubuntu.com
Version Tracker
version-tracker.appSide by side
| Figure | Ubuntu Update Manager | Version Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 7 |
| Spec score · Software Update Tools | 7.8 (#9) | 7.6 (#16) |
| Maker | Canonical's company page says it has nurtured the Ubuntu community since 2004. | Version Tracker was imagined, designed, and developed by Jean-Paul Florencio; version 1.0 shipped on 18 June 2026. |
| Purpose | 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. | Version Tracker scans and tracks macOS applications and packages and reports which have updates available. |
| Support | Canonical offers 24/7 support for Ubuntu Desktop and Server deployments with comprehensive security coverage and management tooling. | Users can report bugs and request features through a public GitHub tracker or send feedback from within the app. |
Plans
Version Tracker
- FreeFree
- Mono LFT€4,990, paid once
- Solo LFT€6,990, paid once
- Family LFT€9,990, paid once
- FamilyPrice not published
- MonoPrice not published
- SoloPrice not published
In their own words
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.
Version Tracker
Version Tracker scans macOS applications and packages, then reports which have updates available. It checks 51 sources, including the Mac App Store, Homebrew, GitHub Releases, package managers, editor extensions, and AI tools. Licensed users can install eligible updates individually or use Update All. Security checks cover Apple code signing, Gatekeeper assessment, notarization, CVE data, and macOS Security Advisory data. Users can capture software inventories, compare snapshots, and export snapshots or comparisons as JSON, CSV, or Markdown. The app runs locally and does not transmit the software inventory, though it makes network requests for license validation and queries to official software sources. It supports macOS 15 and later on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. A full-version trial lasts one time for 7 days, starts automatically, and needs no credit card; after it ends, the free tier retains scanning and inventory but not one-click update installs. The listed pricing note is free plan, paid from €32.90/yr, and 7-day trial.