8 Underrated macOS Developer Tools and Apps for Solo Developers

Being a solo developer means wearing many hats – from writing code and managing databases to debugging APIs and handling infrastructure. The right tools can make these tasks easier and more efficient. While there are popular choices for each job, there are also underrated macOS-compatible tools that offer superb functionality (often with better usability or affordability) yet haven't hit the mainstream. Below, we highlight 10 such tools across various categories (version control, databases, API clients, workflow utilities, etc.) that are ideal for solo devs. Each tool comes with a short description, its website, key reasons it stands out (in the spirit of tools like GitButler, DBeaver, Proxyman, HTTPie, Commander One, LocalCan, etc.), and notes on licensing or pricing. Let's dive in!

GitButler – Modern Git Branch Management

What it is: GitButler is a modern Git client that refines branching workflows. It allows working on multiple branches simultaneously by grouping changes into "virtual branches" on top of your working directory. In essence, it's like a more flexible git add -p and git rebase -i, letting you organize changes and push or PR each branch separately without manual juggling. GitButler records and backs up your work as you go, focusing on everything after you write code and before you open a pull request.

Why it stands out: Unlike traditional Git GUIs, GitButler's "Git Branching, Refined" approach lets you multitask across branches with ease. This is a boon for solo developers who often multitask on features/bug-fixes in parallel. It effectively streamlines branch management without sacrificing any power of Git. The tool is cross-platform but feels right at home on macOS (built with Swift/Rust). It's currently free to use (open beta), with the source available and slated to be MIT-licensed in the future – so you can try it without cost while it's evolving. In short, GitButler can be the Git companion for a solo dev, making branching and context-switching much more efficient.

Website: gitbutler.com↗

HTTPie – Modern API Testing Made Easy

What it is: HTTPie is a user-friendly API testing tool (think Postman alternative) designed to simplify working with APIs. It features both a desktop app with a sleek graphical interface and a command-line interface (CLI) version renowned for its intuitive use. HTTPie is open-source and widely used by developers for testing HTTP servers, RESTful APIs, and web services. It is supported by a vibrant community and trusted by professionals from leading tech companies.

Why it stands out: For solo developers who frequently work with APIs or microservices, HTTPie offers the best of both worlds. Its beautiful desktop app provides an intuitive interface for crafting and organizing API requests, with features like request history, collections, and real-time response previews. Meanwhile, the CLI version maintains the same user-friendly approach with smart defaults and expressive syntax, making terminal-based API testing a breeze. Both versions support modern protocols (HTTP/1.1, HTTP/2, HTTPS), various authentication methods, and advanced features like GraphQL. The tool's dual nature means you can switch between GUI and CLI depending on your workflow, while maintaining a consistent experience. HTTPie's open-source foundation ensures it stays free for basic use, with optional Pro features for power users.

Website: httpie.io↗

LocalCan – Effortless Tunneling for SaaS development

What it is: LocalCan is a tool for exposing your local development server to the internet with minimal fuss – essentially a user-friendly ngrok alternative for macOS.

Why it stands out: Anyone who has dealt with developing apps and exposing them with ngrok, testing webhooks or mobile app callbacks knows the pain of constantly restarting tunnels and dealing with changing URLs. LocalCan solves this by offering persistent, custom URLs for your tunnels, so "public URLs don't change" and you can reuse them. Users have called it "a must for any SaaS developer" and praised how it "replaces ngrok and makes testing webhooks locally an absolute delight". Unlike ngrok's basic free tier, LocalCan lets you have unlimited custom .local domains for your network and easy one-click sharing without time limits. The developer focused on a great macOS experience: you get a GUI (no need to memorize CLI commands), it can inspects and replay any request, and handles HTTPS certificates for you automatically. While LocalCan is a paid app (one-time purchase for individuals, with a free trial available), it's a great investment that many find it well worth it for the time saved. For a solo developer, it means you can test integrations in realtime (webhooks, Laravel apps, OAuth, web demos on mobile devices, etc.) with zero hassle.

Website: localcan.com↗

Warp – Next-Gen Terminal for Developers

What it is: Warp is a modern, reimagined terminal for developers, currently available on macOS (with Windows support under development). Unlike old-school terminals or even iTerm2, Warp introduces IDE-like features and cloud integration into your command-line workflow. It groups your commands and their outputs into "Blocks," making it much easier to scroll through past results and copy/share them in one go.

Why it stands out: Warp offers great autocomplete experience, a command palette and AI-powered features: you can ask Warp's built-in AI to explain a command or even suggest the next step in a workflow. It's built in Rust for performance and uses the GPU for rendering, so it feels fast and can handle large outputs without lag. Warp even supports cloud syncing of settings and team features like shared sessions (so you can send a URL of a terminal session to a teammate). In essence, Warp aims to eliminate the pain points of traditional terminals while adding usability improvements (rich text, autocompletion, suggestions) and team-oriented capabilities.

Website: warp.dev↗

OrbStack – Fast, Lightweight Docker + Linux VM for macOS

What it is: OrbStack is a sleek, modern alternative to Docker Desktop for macOS that combines Docker, Linux VMs, and lightweight virtual networking in a blazing-fast, native experience. It's built specifically for macOS (including M1-4 chips) and feels like what Docker Desktop should have been: fast startup, minimal CPU usage, and a clean native UI.

Why it stands out: Unlike other options like Colima + Lima, OrbStack provides a single unified experience—you can run Docker containers and full Linux VMs side by side, with instant startup, port mapping, file sharing, and CLI tools that "just work." It even supports custom Linux distros and graphical apps inside VMs. Key features include:

• ⚡ Ridiculously fast – starts containers and VMs almost instantly
• 🧠 Smart resource use – runs quietly in the background with minimal overhead
• 💻 Native macOS integration – clean UI and first-class support for system features
• ↻ Zero config networking – access VMs and containers with real IPs and no hacks
• 🐳 Better Docker experience – smooth compatibility with Docker CLI and Compose

While it's not open-source, its free tier is generous and the UX is miles ahead of other solutions.

Website: orbstack.dev↗

DBeaver – Universal Database GUI

What it is: DBeaver is a free, open-source database management tool that supports nearly every type of database you can think of: PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MongoDB, Oracle, and many more. Designed for developers and data analysts alike, DBeaver offers a consistent, intuitive GUI that eliminates the need for juggling multiple tools.

Why it stands out: DBeaver is particularly useful for full-stack developers and backend engineers who need to explore and manage databases quickly without diving into the command line for every task. Key features include:

• 🔄 Works with almost all SQL and NoSQL databases
• ⚖️ ER diagrams, data migration, and export tools
• ✨ Built-in data editor and query profiler
• ⚙ Extendable via plugins (e.g., Git, Office integration)

The tool is cross-platform and can handle complex database operations through a clean and extensible interface.

Website: dbeaver.io↗

Proxyman – Native Web Debugging Proxy

What it is: Proxyman is a macOS-native web debugging proxy that lets you inspect and manipulate HTTP/HTTPS network traffic. It's essentially an alternative to tools like Charles Proxy or Fiddler, built with a modern UI and tailored for Apple platforms.

Why it stands out: Proxyman's key advantage is being designed for Mac from the ground up – it's a "native, modern web debugging proxy" that is a pleasure to use. The interface feels more polished and responsive than older tools (it's written in Swift, with a sleek macOS aesthetic). For a solo dev, this means less time wrestling with settings and more time actually debugging API calls. Unique features include the ability to set breakpoints on HTTP requests and edit them on the fly (useful for testing different API responses), and first-class support for capturing traffic from iOS/Android devices over Wi-Fi. Compared to the popular Charles, Proxyman is more affordable (one-time license around $69 for individuals) and actively updated with new features.

Website: proxyman.com↗

Commander One – Dual‑Pane File Manager for Mac

What it is: Commander One is a free dual-pane file manager for macOS, often considered a power-user replacement for Finder.

Why it stands out: If you're tired of Finder's limitations, Commander One is a game-changer for your daily file management needs. 🚀 Here's why I love it:

• Dual-pane Powerhouse: Work with files in two locations simultaneously - perfect for comparing folders or moving files between project directories
• Swift-native Performance: Built with Swift, it feels right at home on macOS with snappy performance and native integrations
• Keyboard Ninja Mode: Navigate your entire filesystem without touching the mouse! Fully customizable hotkeys make you incredibly efficient
• Smart File Operations: Unlike Finder, you get operation queuing and the ability to rename files during transfers - perfect for batch operations
• Developer-friendly Features:
  • Hidden files support
  • Network drive integration
  • Powerful search capabilities
  • Queue management for file operations

The free version is robust enough for most solo developers, handling all the essentials you need for efficient file management. If you're spending too much time wrestling with Finder, give Commander One a try - your productivity will thank you! 💻✨

Website: commander-one.com↗

Conclusion

As a solo developer on macOS, having the right tools can significantly boost your productivity and make your development workflow more enjoyable. While popular tools like VS Code, GitHub Desktop, or Postman are excellent choices, the underrated gems we've explored offer unique advantages that might better suit your needs.

From GitButler's innovative approach to branch management to LocalCan's hassle-free local tunneling, each tool addresses specific pain points in the development process. OrbStack and Warp represent the next generation of developer tools, bringing modern UX to traditionally clunky experiences. Meanwhile, battle-tested solutions like DBeaver and Commander One prove that established tools can still offer tremendous value when chosen carefully.

The best part? Many of these tools are either free, open-source, or one-time payment, making them accessible to independent developers. Whether you're building a SaaS product, managing databases, or debugging APIs, these tools can form a powerful toolkit that streamlines your development workflow without breaking the bank.