Best Homebrew Service Managers for macOS (2025)

Managing Homebrew services via the command line works, but it's not always the most efficient approach. If you're running PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, Nginx, or other services locally, a GUI tool can save you significant time.

In this guide, we'll compare the best Homebrew service managers for macOS in 2025, helping you choose the right tool for your workflow.

Why Use a GUI Service Manager?

Before diving into the comparison, let's address why you might want a GUI tool at all:

Benefits of GUI service managers:

• Faster access - No need to open Terminal and type commands
• Visual clarity - See all service states at a glance
• Resource monitoring - Track CPU and memory usage per service
• Log viewing - Integrated log readers with search
• Reduced errors - Click buttons instead of typing commands
• Bulk operations - Start/stop multiple services together

For developers who interact with local services multiple times per day, these benefits add up to hours saved per month.

The Top Homebrew Service Managers

1. BrewMate (Recommended)

BrewMate is a native macOS menubar app specifically designed for Homebrew service management. It's the most modern and feature-complete option available.

Key Features:

• Lives in your menubar for instant access
• One-click start/stop/restart for any service
• Real-time CPU and memory monitoring per service
• Built-in log viewer with search and filtering
• Service groups for bulk operations (start all databases, etc.)
• Auto-start management (configure which services start at login)
• Service library (browse and install new services)
• Native macOS design with dark mode support

Pricing: $29 one-time (14-day free trial, no credit card required)

Best for: Developers who want the most polished, full-featured GUI experience

Pros:

• Modern, intuitive interface
• Comprehensive feature set
• Active development and support
• One-time payment (no subscription)
• Works with both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs

Cons:

• Not free (though very affordable for a professional tool)
• Focused on Homebrew services only (not system services)

Try BrewMate Free →

2. LaunchControl

LaunchControl is a more general launchd manager that can handle Homebrew services as part of its broader launchd management capabilities.

Key Features:

• Manage all launchd agents and daemons (not just Homebrew)
• Edit plist files directly
• Schedule jobs and agents
• View system-level services

Pricing: $14.99 (one-time purchase on Mac App Store)

Best for: Advanced users who need full launchd control beyond just Homebrew services

Pros:

• Manages all launchd services, not just Homebrew
• Good for system administrators
• Available on Mac App Store

Cons:

• More complex interface (designed for launchd experts)
• No Homebrew-specific features like service library
• No resource monitoring
• Steeper learning curve

3. Homebrew CLI (brew services)

The built-in command-line interface is always an option.

Key Commands:

brew services list
brew services start postgresql@17
brew services stop nginx
brew services restart redis

Pricing: Free

Best for: Developers comfortable with CLI, automation scripts

Pros:

• Free and always available
• Perfect for scripting and automation
• No installation needed
• Works over SSH

Cons:

• Requires memorizing commands and service names
• No visual interface
• No resource monitoring
• Log viewing requires manual path navigation
• Slower for interactive use

4. DIY: Activity Monitor + Terminal

Some developers use macOS Activity Monitor combined with Terminal commands.

Workflow:

• Use Terminal for brew services commands
• Monitor processes in Activity Monitor
• View logs with tail -f or Console.app

Pricing: Free (built into macOS)

Best for: Minimalists who don't want to install extra tools

Pros:

• No additional software needed
• Works with all processes, not just Homebrew services

Cons:

• Very manual and time-consuming
• No integration between tools
• Activity Monitor doesn't show Homebrew service names clearly
• Requires multiple apps open

Feature Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose BrewMate if:

• You interact with Homebrew services daily
• You want the best GUI experience
• Resource monitoring matters to you
• You value time savings and convenience
• You manage 5+ services regularly

Choose LaunchControl if:

• You need to manage all launchd services (not just Homebrew)
• You're a system administrator
• You want direct plist editing
• You need to configure system-level daemons

Choose CLI if:

• You're scripting or automating service management
• You prefer working entirely in Terminal
• You only rarely start/stop services
• Cost is your primary concern

Choose Activity Monitor + Terminal if:

• You're extremely minimalist
• You only manage 1-2 services
• You don't want to install anything new

Our Recommendation

For most macOS developers using Homebrew services daily, BrewMate offers the best balance of features, ease of use, and value. The time savings alone justify the $29 cost within the first month of use.

If you need broader launchd management beyond Homebrew, consider LaunchControl. And if you're automating service management in scripts, the Homebrew CLI remains essential (and works great alongside BrewMate for interactive use).

Try BrewMate Risk-Free

Not sure if a GUI service manager is worth it? Try BrewMate free for 14 days—no credit card required. If you don't love it, get a full refund within 30 days.

Start Your Free Trial →

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Questions about choosing the right Homebrew service manager? Contact us or check our [detailed comparison](/ brewmate-vs-homebrew-cli).