Topgrade

C
C tier on Software Update ToolsScore 6.8 · #3 of 31
Android app
Not listed
Free plan
Yes
Runs on
Linux, Mac, Windows
github.com
The Topgrade homepage

Summary

Topgrade is a free command-line tool that detects the tools in use and runs the commands needed to update them. It is launched with the `topgrade` command and supports macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD. Installation options include self-updating binaries, source installation, and package managers. Its example configuration covers Arch package managers, DNF, Nix, Homebrew, Flatpak, and Winget. Topgrade can pull or fetch selected Git repositories, and users can configure custom commands to run before, during, or after its built-in commands. It can also use SSH to run Topgrade on configured remote hosts before acting locally. On first use, it creates a configuration file if needed and merges settings from files in `topgrade.d`. The project is a maintained fork of r-darwish's Topgrade. Its example configuration advises against running it as root on Unix. Only the latest version is supported, and fixes are not backported.

Who it is for

Topgrade suits command-line users who want to update multiple tools and package-managed software through one configurable workflow. Its Git, custom-command, and remote-host options may also fit users who manage repositories or remote machines.

What is good

  • Available for macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD
  • Supports several package managers
  • Can update configured Git repositories
  • Allows custom commands around built-in updates
  • Can run on configured remote hosts over SSH

What to know first

  • Requires a command-line workflow
  • Only the latest version is supported
  • Fixes are not backported
  • Project advises against running as root on Unix

Verdict

Topgrade brings several update tasks into a configurable command-line workflow, including package managers, Git repositories, and remote hosts. Users should follow its root-use guidance and keep to the latest version for supported fixes.

Topgrade plans and pricing

All plans
Topgrade Free Open-source CLI · self-updating binary or install from source · package-manager installation options github.com · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on software update tools

Free plan
Yesgithub.com
Operating systems
cross-platformgithub.com
Silent installation
Yesgithub.com
Bulk app updates
Yesgithub.com
Custom app support
Yesgithub.com

Facts

Purpose
Topgrade detects the tools you use and runs the appropriate commands to update them.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
CLI workflow
The project README says to run Topgrade with the `topgrade` command.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Install options
The project lists self-updating binaries and source installation for all platforms, plus package-manager installation options.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Supported operating systems
The release page provides binaries for Apple macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Package integrations
The example configuration includes settings for Arch package managers, DNF, Nix, Homebrew, Flatpak, and Winget.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Git repositories
Topgrade can pull or fetch predefined and user-configured Git repositories, with a setting to choose fetch instead of pull.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Custom commands
Custom commands can be configured to run before, during, or after Topgrade's built-in commands.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Remote execution
Topgrade can use SSH to run Topgrade on configured remote hosts before acting locally.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Configuration
On first run, Topgrade creates a configuration file if one does not already exist, and it also loads and merges files from `topgrade.d`.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Privilege guidance
The example configuration says Topgrade should not be run as root on Unix because it invokes sudo or an equivalent where needed.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Security reporting
The security policy directs vulnerability reports to the repository's Security tab.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Supported versions
The security policy says only the latest Topgrade version is supported and fixes are not backported.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Support and community
The project invites users to open an issue or discussion for questions and provides a Discord server for discussion.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Project history
The repository describes this project as a fork of r-darwish's Topgrade that aims to keep it maintained.github.com · 30 Sept 2026

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