The simple answer
Use the App Store for apps installed from the App Store. Use Homebrew for apps it manages. Neither covers every app on your Mac.
How they differ
| Question | Mac App Store | Homebrew |
|---|---|---|
| How do I check? | Open App Store > Updates | Run brew outdated --cask in Terminal |
| Can updates run automatically? | Yes, with Automatic Updates enabled | Not by default; you run or schedule the commands |
| Which apps does it manage? | Apps installed from the store | Casks and command-line software installed or adopted into Homebrew |
| What checks the download? | Apple's store distribution and review process | Published checksums when provided, plus macOS app checks |
| Can I go back to an older version? | There is no general button to choose an older release | Usually only with your own backup or an available older release |
| Do I need Terminal? | No | Yes |
Updating App Store apps
Open the App Store, choose Updates, and select Update or Update All. The store uses the Apple Account associated with those apps.
To enable Automatic Updates, open App Store > Settings. This setting applies to App Store apps, not apps downloaded elsewhere.
Updating Homebrew apps
A cask is Homebrew's recipe for a ready-made app. Formulae are recipes for command-line software and libraries.
brew update
brew list --cask
brew outdated --caskReview the list. For one app, use its cask name:
brew upgrade --cask rectangleSelf-updating apps can need extra checks. Follow the Homebrew guide if an app is skipped.
If the same app is available in both places
The App Store and website versions can be different copies of the same product. They may use different updates, purchases, or permissions.
Check which copy you installed before switching. Do not force Homebrew to replace an App Store app. You could create a duplicate or stop the original update method from working.
brew list --cask shows Homebrew's managed apps. For a planned switch, follow the developer's instructions and back up your files first.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the App Store if the app is available there and you prefer updates without Terminal.
- Use Homebrew if you already manage software with it and want command-line control.
- Keep using the developer's own updater for apps managed by neither.
There is no need to move a working app just to make all your updates look the same.
Seeing updates from both in one place
macCurrent lists updates from the App Store, Homebrew, and other sources together. It shows which action each installed app needs.
Read where Mac app updates come from or follow the installation steps to try it.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for updating apps?
Use the one that manages your installed copy. The App Store is simpler if you do not want Terminal. Homebrew gives command-line control for the apps it manages.
Can Homebrew update an App Store copy?
An App Store installation should use the App Store. A similarly named Homebrew cask does not mean Homebrew manages that copy.
Can I use both tools on the same Mac?
Yes. Use the App Store for its apps and Homebrew for its apps. Avoid forcing one tool to replace the other's copy.