Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

TripMode VS Little Snitch

Compare TripMode VS Little Snitch and see what are their differences

TripMode logo TripMode

Manage your Mac's broadband usage while on a hotspot

Little Snitch logo Little Snitch

Little Snitch is a firewall application that monitors and controls outbound internet traffic.
  • TripMode Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-24
  • Little Snitch Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-27

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 TripMode’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.

Little Snitch features and specs

  • Comprehensive Control
    Little Snitch provides detailed control over outbound traffic, allowing users to decide which applications can connect to the internet and which should be blocked.
  • Real-time Monitoring
    The software offers real-time monitoring of network connections, allowing users to immediately see which applications are trying to connect to the internet and where they are connecting to.
  • Privacy Protection
    It enhances privacy by enabling users to block unwanted and potentially invasive outgoing connections, thus preventing data leakage.
  • Custom Rules
    Users can create custom rules for specific applications or processes, providing tailored control over their network traffic.
  • Network Map
    The Network Monitor feature includes a visual map of active connections, displaying geographic locations and traffic details.
  • Notification System
    The system alerts users with detailed notifications whenever an application attempts to make a network connection, making it easier to make informed decisions.

Possible disadvantages of Little Snitch

  • Complexity
    The extensive range of features and detailed notifications can be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, requiring a learning curve to use effectively.
  • Resource Use
    Real-time monitoring and processing of network connections can consume significant system resources, potentially impacting system performance.
  • Cost
    Little Snitch is a paid application, which may be a deterrent for users looking for free alternatives.
  • False Positives
    There might be instances of false positives, where legitimate software is flagged or blocked, necessitating user intervention to resolve.
  • Frequent Alerts
    The frequency of pop-up alerts can be disruptive, especially when setting up new software or running applications that frequently access the internet.
  • Initial Setup
    The initial setup and configuration can be time-consuming, as users must create rules for each application they use.

Analysis of Little Snitch

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Little Snitch is generally regarded as a good application for those interested in having detailed control over their network traffic. It is praised for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive logging capabilities, which make it easier to understand and manage network activities.

Why this product is good

  • Little Snitch is considered a good security tool because it provides users with control over outgoing network connections. It allows them to monitor and block any unwanted connections, thereby enhancing privacy and security. The application is particularly useful for users who want to know which programs are trying to connect to the internet and to ensure that no unauthorized data is being transmitted from their device.

Recommended for

    Little Snitch is recommended for privacy-conscious users, IT professionals, and anyone interested in monitoring or securing their outbound internet traffic. It is particularly useful for individuals who frequently use untrusted networks or applications and want to prevent potential data leaks.

TripMode videos

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

More videos:

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

Little Snitch videos

Little Snitch 3 The Best macOS Firewall!

More videos:

  • Review - Little Snitch Review and Giveaway

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to TripMode and Little Snitch)
Monitoring Tools
25 25%
75% 75
Firewall
19 19%
81% 81
Cyber Security
20 20%
80% 80
Network Monitoring
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, TripMode should be more popular than Little Snitch. 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.

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 / over 1 year ago
  • Why haven’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: almost 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
View more

Little Snitch mentions (6)

  • Ask HN: What macOS apps/programs do you use daily and recommend?
    * Homebrew - Package manager (kinda like apt/rpm on Linux). * Secretive - Stores SSH keys in the secure enclave [https://github.com/maxgoedjen/secretive] * Hazel - File automations [https://www.noodlesoft.com/] * Arq - Excellent backup software for local and/or remote backups [https://arqbackup.com/] * ChronoSync - File synchronization on steoroids [https://www.econtechnologies.com/chronosync/overview.html] *... - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • Looking for Blocking App that can do a bunch of things
    The first two can be handled by firewall. Little Snitch for example: https://obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Probably a dumb question but how does the Ethernet connection in the dorms work
    If you want more control over outgoing traffic, there’s commercial stuff like Little Snitch or the similar free tool LuLu from Objective-See. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • [iOS Universal] [Utilities] [PastePal Pro IAP $13.99 -> $2.99] PastePal - Clipboard Manager
    Objective Development's Little Snitch. It's been the first piece of software I've installed on every Mac I've owned in the last 20 years. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Network traffic tracker?
    Little Snitch? https://obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html. Source: almost 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing TripMode and Little Snitch, you can also consider the following products

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.

GlassWire - Visualize network activity in detail, get notified when new apps access the network, look out for...

LuLu by Objective-See - LuLu is the free open-source macOS firewall that aims to block unauthorized (outgoing) network...

TinyWall - Lightweight and non-intrusive firewall

Windows 10 Firewall Control - Windows 10 Firewall Control: simple and exhaustive solution for applications network activity controlling and monitoring.

Emsisoft Online Armor Firewall - Emsisoft Online Armor Firewall is a freemium online firewall protection system by the Emsisoft that is based on the own independent protection technology of the Emsisoft.