HostsX
hostsx · v2.9.0 • auto-updates • deprecated
Local hosts update tool
brew install --cask hostsx Trust Score 6/10
Review
Mar 11, 2026HostsX is a macOS application designed to manage and update the local hosts file, offering a graphical interface for users who prefer not to use the command line. It is particularly useful for blocking ads, malware, or unwanted websites by automatically updating the hosts file with relevant entries.
HostsX allows users to update their local hosts file with predefined or custom entries to block specific domains or IP addresses.
Maturity: The project is relatively mature with active maintenance and a moderate community following, though it has experienced some stability issues in the past.
Community: There has been positive discussion on Hacker News about the utility of blocking ads and malware through hosts file updates, though no significant Reddit presence.
Pros
- + Provides a user-friendly graphical interface for managing hosts file updates
- + Supports automatic updates for hosts entries, keeping them current
- + Actively maintained with a moderate level of community engagement
Cons
- - Has had some reliability issues with auto-updates causing crashes
- - Primarily useful for a niche audience interested in managing hosts files