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.
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.
Capability
Value
Evidence
Checked
Supported platforms
Homepage states support for macOS Sequoia 15 and newer, Linux, and Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Facts sourced
2026-10-04
Install model
Site explains Homebrew installs packages into its own prefix and will not install files outside that prefix.
Facts sourced
2026-10-04
Distribution
Homepage offers a .pkg installer for macOS from Homebrew’s latest GitHub release.
Facts sourced
2026-10-04
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.
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.