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Homebrew

● Identity checked

Developer tools · Vendor site 2026-10-04

Homebrew is the open-source package manager for installing command-line tools and applications on macOS, Linux, and Windows Subsystem for Linux. It installs packages into a dedicated prefix and provides formulae and casks maintained by the community.

Updated 2026-10-04View sources
Official website
Category
Developer tools
Free access
Homebrew is free open-source software distributed under its project license with no subscription fee on the official site.
API access
Not confirmed

Is Homebrew right for you?

A good fit for

Developers and power users who want reproducible CLI and GUI app installs across macOS, Linux, and WSL.

Before you choose

Homebrew installs only within its prefix and does not replace the system package manager on Linux distributions.

Package manager for developers

Homebrew describes itself as the package manager for everywhere, focused on installing the command-line tools and applications developers need while keeping installs isolated to Homebrew’s prefix.

What it can do

Features & capabilities

Unknown is different from unavailable. Each fact carries its own evidence.

CapabilityValueEvidenceChecked
Supported platformsHomepage states support for macOS Sequoia 15 and newer, Linux, and Windows Subsystem for Linux.Facts sourced2026-10-04
Install modelSite explains Homebrew installs packages into its own prefix and will not install files outside that prefix.Facts sourced2026-10-04
DistributionHomepage offers a .pkg installer for macOS from Homebrew’s latest GitHub release.Facts sourced2026-10-04

Understand the total cost

Homebrew pricing & plans

Free

Free

Homebrew is free open-source software distributed under its project license with no subscription fee on the official site.

Access
Homebrew is free open-source software distributed under its project license with no subscription fee on the official site.
Explore pricing & history

Alternatives to Homebrew

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The practical questions

Frequently asked questions

What is Homebrew used for?

Homebrew is the open-source package manager for installing command-line tools and applications on macOS, Linux, and Windows Subsystem for Linux. It installs packages into a dedicated prefix and provides formulae and casks maintained by the community.

Does Homebrew have a free plan?

Homebrew is free open-source software distributed under its project license with no subscription fee on the official site.. This record lists ongoing free access; check the plan limits before starting.

How much does Homebrew cost?

No paid monthly price is listed; this record treats the product as free to start. See the plan cards for entitlements, billing commitments and seat minimums.

Can I use Homebrew through an API?

Not confirmed. API access and subscription access may have different terms; consult the linked sources.

What should I check before choosing it?

Homebrew installs only within its prefix and does not replace the system package manager on Linux distributions.

Price history

No retained pricing changes yet. A current price alone does not establish a historical trend.

How this profile is supported

Facts apply to the named version and check date. Send a sourced correction if something changed.