hostsx ☆
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Description:
Local hosts update tool
Type: Cask  |  Latest Version: 2.9.0@0  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Networking
Tags: adblocker hosts-file privacy networking macos
Install: brew install --cask hostsx
About:
HostsX is a native macOS application designed to manage and update the system's hosts file with rules from various sources. It provides a graphical interface to block ads, trackers, and malware domains by merging community-maintained blacklists. The tool simplifies a typically manual process, offering easy toggling and updating of blocking rules without terminal commands.
Key Features:
  • One-click hosts file updating from remote sources
  • Graphical interface for managing custom rules and blacklists
  • Built-in adblock rule conversion and merging
  • Local-only operation ensuring user privacy
Use Cases:
  • Blocking ads and trackers across the entire macOS system
  • Protecting against known malware and phishing domains
  • Managing custom domain redirects for development purposes
Alternatives:
  • Gas Mask – Gas Mask is an older, unmaintained hosts file manager; HostsX offers a more modern UI and active updates.
  • Little Snitch – Little Snitch is a powerful firewall for network traffic monitoring, whereas HostsX specifically modifies DNS via the hosts file.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 15, 2025 12:17pm 2.9.0 0 VERSION_BUMP fff375ad
Aug 5, 2025 2:19pm 2.9.0 0 VERSION_BUMP f142d5c2
Dec 31, 2023 11:14am 2.9.0 0 VERSION_BUMP 63504cbf
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