Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Surge for Mac VS TripMode

Compare Surge for Mac VS TripMode and see what are their differences

Surge for Mac logo Surge for Mac

Advanced Web Debugging Proxy for Mac & iOS

TripMode logo TripMode

Manage your Mac's broadband usage while on a hotspot
  • Surge for Mac Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-03
  • TripMode Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-24

Surge for Mac features and specs

  • Comprehensive Network Debugging
    Surge for Mac provides advanced network debugging features, including HTTP/HTTPS proxy, capture and analysis of network traffic, and robust filtering options. This makes it easy to diagnose and fix network issues.
  • Rule-based Configuration
    Surge supports complex, rule-based configurations, which are highly customizable. This allows for precise control over network behavior, aiding in development, testing, and deployment scenarios.
  • API Request Analysis
    The tool provides detailed insights into API requests and responses, helping developers and testers to understand and optimize backend API communications.
  • Advanced Proxy Capabilities
    Surge offers robust proxy capabilities, including support for SOCKS5, HTTP CONNECT, and rewrite rules, making it versatile for various network environments and use cases.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Surge boasts a user-friendly interface which simplifies the process of setting up and managing complex network configurations, making it accessible even for users who are not network experts.
  • Automation and Scripting Support
    The platform supports automation and scripting, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and integrate Surge into their workflows using JavaScript.

Possible disadvantages of Surge for Mac

  • Cost
    Surge for Mac is a paid software, which can be relatively costly compared to some other network debugging tools or open-source alternatives.
  • Learning Curve
    Due to its advanced features and capabilities, there can be a steep learning curve for new users. Understanding all of its functions and configurations may require some time and effort.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running Surge, particularly with extensive network traffic analysis and debugging features enabled, can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting the overall performance of your Mac.
  • Overwhelming for Simple Use Cases
    For users with simpler needs, the extensive features of Surge may be overwhelming. In such cases, a more straightforward tool might be a better fit.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain applications and services, which may require troubleshooting or alternative configurations to resolve.

TripMode features and specs

  • Data Usage Control
    TripMode allows users to control which applications can access the internet, helping to prevent unnecessary data usage, especially useful when on limited data plans or mobile hotspots.
  • Cost Saving
    By blocking unwanted data consumption, TripMode helps users save money on data charges by only allowing crucial applications to connect to the internet.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application features an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to manage their network settings and monitor their data usage.
  • Automatic Activation
    TripMode automatically activates when the user connects to a designated network, ensuring that data usage is controlled without requiring manual intervention.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    TripMode supports multiple operating systems, making it versatile and convenient for users with different devices.

Possible disadvantages of TripMode

  • Limited Functionality in Free Version
    The free version of TripMode offers restricted features, which may not be sufficient for users looking for comprehensive data management without purchasing the full version.
  • Initial Setup Requirements
    Some users may find the initial setup process to require extra time as they configure which applications should be allowed or blocked.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    There may be occasional compatibility issues with certain applications or updates that could affect TripModeโ€™s performance or effectiveness.
  • Manual Adjustments Needed
    While TripMode offers automatic activation, users still might need to make manual adjustments to application permissions or settings based on specific usage requirements.
  • Performance Impact
    In some cases, users might experience a slight impact on system performance as the application manages and controls network data.

Analysis of Surge for Mac

Overall verdict

  • Surge for Mac is considered an excellent tool for those who need advanced network management and debugging capabilities. It is particularly well-regarded in the developer community for its reliability and feature-rich platform.

Why this product is good

  • Surge for Mac is praised for its powerful networking tools that cater specifically to developers and IT professionals. It offers a robust suite of functionalities including HTTP/S Proxy, Traffic Monitoring, and Local DNS Mapping, which are highly beneficial for testing and debugging purposes. The user interface is also designed to be intuitive, allowing for efficient management of network configurations.

Recommended for

    Surge is highly recommended for software developers, network administrators, and IT professionals who require comprehensive and reliable tools for network testing, debugging, and configuration management.

Surge for Mac videos

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TripMode videos

TripMode (Save data when connected to 3G/4G hotspot)

More videos:

  • Review - TripMode Protects Your Internet Speed During Zoom Calls and Livestreams!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Surge for Mac and TripMode)
Developer Tools
81 81%
19% 19
Monitoring Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Proxy
100 100%
0% 0
Tool
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, TripMode seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 13 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Surge for Mac mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Surge for Mac yet. Tracking of Surge for Mac recommendations started around Mar 2021.

TripMode mentions (13)

  • Why HTTP/3 is eating the world
    It occurs to me that QUIC could benefit from a single kernel-level coordinator that can be plugged for cooperation - for instance, a dynamic bandwidth-throttling implementation a la https://tripmode.ch/ for slower connections where the coordinator can look at pre-encryption QUIC headers, not just the underlying (encrypted) UDP packets. So perhaps I was hasty to say that you just need SOCK_DGRAM after all! - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Why havenโ€™t they put eSims into MacBooks yet?
    I've had this app for that bookmarked for a long time but haven't tried it. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Macbook uses excessive internet data, cannot track down the reasons.
    I use https://tripmode.ch/ for just such a thing. It works great, just whitelist the apps you want to have network access on a given hotspot and it blocks the rest. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Radio Silence alternatives? Or should I go with it
    Might look into TripMode, among the others mentioned here. Source: over 2 years ago
  • App/shortcut that automatically puts Mac in low power mode when connected to non-home network?
    You might also be interested in TripMode. It doesn't activate low power mode but does restrict your Mac's outgoing network connections when away from home wifi, which may contribute to power saving. Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Surge for Mac and TripMode, you can also consider the following products

Charles Proxy - HTTP proxy / HTTP monitor / Reverse Proxy

Little Snitch - Little Snitch is a firewall application that monitors and controls outbound internet traffic.

Proxyman.io - Proxyman is a high-performance macOS app, which enables developers to view HTTP/HTTPS requests from apps and domains.

Radio Silence - Radio Silence is a network monitor and firewall for the macOS. The software stops apps from making network connections. The firewall runs in the background and does not require an open window.

Weer - A HTTP protocol debugger with Chrome DevTools frontend interface

DataCever - DataCever allows you to monitor and control internet traffic