Yes. Our script runs entirely in user-space and does NOT require sudo (admin) privileges. It uses Homebrew, the standard package manager for macOS. You can inspect the source code of the script before running it.
Absolutely. Bundl.run is optimized for both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It automatically detects your architecture and installs the correct versions of apps.
No. The script will automatically detect if Homebrew is missing and prompt you to install it if necessary, or you can install it beforehand.
Currently, you can save your configuration by keeping the generated URL. We are working on user accounts to save and share bundles in the future.
Yes, Bundl.run is 100% free and open source. We may introduce premium features for teams in the future, but the core functionality will always be free.
Homebrew is the most popular package manager for macOS. It lets you install command-line tools and desktop applications from your terminal with a single command like 'brew install --cask visual-studio-code'. It handles dependencies, updates, and cleanup automatically.
A Formula installs command-line tools (like git, node, or python) using 'brew install'. A Cask installs graphical macOS applications (like VS Code, Chrome, or Slack) using 'brew install --cask'. Bundl.run handles both types automatically.
Run 'brew update' to refresh the package list, then 'brew upgrade' to update all installed formulae, and 'brew upgrade --cask' to update all installed cask applications. You can also run 'brew upgrade --greedy' to include apps that auto-update themselves.
A Brewfile is a plain text file that lists all the Homebrew packages you want installed. You can generate one from your current setup with 'brew bundle dump' and restore it on a new Mac with 'brew bundle'. Bundl.run generates a Brewfile for you based on your selections.
Yes, that is the primary use case. Select the apps you need on bundl.run, copy the generated terminal command, and run it on your new Mac. It installs Homebrew (if needed) and all selected apps in one go. Most users complete their setup in under 10 minutes.
Bundl.run indexes 4,899 Homebrew apps. Of those, 115 are expert-curated with in-depth reviews including features, pricing, installation guides, and comparisons. We also have 138 head-to-head comparisons and 53 free alternative mappings.
Run 'brew uninstall <app-name>' for formulae or 'brew uninstall --cask <app-name>' for cask apps. Homebrew handles cleanup automatically. For a complete removal including config files, add the '--zap' flag: 'brew uninstall --cask --zap <app-name>'.
The most popular code editors for Mac in 2026 are Cursor (AI-first, built on VS Code), Visual Studio Code (extensible, huge ecosystem), and Zed (high-performance, Rust-based). For AI-assisted development, Cursor leads. For maximum extensions, VS Code. For raw speed, Zed. All install via Homebrew.
Top Mac terminals in 2026: Warp (AI-powered, modern UX), iTerm2 (most customizable, proven), Ghostty (GPU-accelerated, fast), and Alacritty (minimal, cross-platform). Warp is best for beginners, iTerm2 for power users, and Ghostty for performance enthusiasts. All are free and available via Homebrew.
Bundl.run collects minimal anonymous analytics (page views) to improve the product. We do not track personally identifiable information, sell data, or use third-party advertising trackers. The project is open source so you can verify our privacy practices in the source code.
Yes! Bundl.run is open source on GitHub. You can suggest new apps, report issues, improve app descriptions, or contribute code. Visit our GitHub repository at github.com/abhiofficial/bundl-mac-setup to get started.
Our comparisons are created by expert reviewers who test each app hands-on. We compare features, pricing, performance, community support, and user experience across quantifiable metrics. Verdicts include a definitive winner recommendation with reasoning. See our editorial standards page for the full methodology.
A free alternative is an app that provides similar core functionality to a paid app but costs nothing. Many are also open source. For example, OBS is a free alternative to paid screen recorders, and LibreOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office. We map 53 paid apps to their best free replacements.
Go to bundl.run/build and describe your workflow in plain English (e.g., 'I am a frontend developer who uses React and needs a good terminal'). The AI analyzes your description and recommends a curated set of apps. You can then install them all with a single Homebrew command.
All apps listed on Bundl.run are sourced from the official Homebrew Cask and Formula repositories, which have community review processes. We additionally curate and verify the top 115 apps editorially. However, we recommend reviewing any app before installation — especially those requesting admin privileges.