Little Snitch vs LuLu
Both watch the connections apps make to the internet and let you allow or block them. Little Snitch is the detailed paid option, with a live map of connections, traffic history, blocklists and profiles. LuLu is free and open source from Objective-See and focuses on one job: asking before an unknown app connects out.
Facts checked · No paid placements
Little Snitch
See and control every network connection.
LuLu
The free, open-source outbound firewall.
Pick by what you need
Choose Little Snitch if
- You want to see where every connection goes, live and over time.
- You want blocklists and profiles for different networks.
- You want fine-grained rules.
Choose LuLu if
- You want it free and open source.
- You mainly want to catch unknown apps phoning home.
- You prefer a simple app from security researchers.
The facts, side by side
| Fact | Little Snitch | LuLu |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid up front | Free and open source |
| Developer | Objective Development | Objective-See |
| Mac App Store | No | No |
| Homebrew cask | little-snitch | lulu |
| Open source | No | GPL-3.0 |
| Last commit | – | October 2026 |
| GitHub stars | – | 13k |
Facts checked . Prices can change; each developer's site is the final word.
Little Snitch or LuLu?
Is Little Snitch better than LuLu?
Neither is better for everyone. Both watch the connections apps make to the internet and let you allow or block them. Little Snitch is the detailed paid option, with a live map of connections, traffic history, blocklists and profiles. LuLu is free and open source from Objective-See and focuses on one job: asking before an unknown app connects out.
How much does Little Snitch cost?
Little Snitch is paid software, bought up front from obdev.at.
Is LuLu free?
Yes. LuLu is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license. The source code is on GitHub at objective-see/LuLu.
What else is like Little Snitch and LuLu?
Other security & privacy apps on MacWorthy worth a look are OverSight (open source), KnockKnock (open source) and Secretive (open source).