4.8
SaneHosts
System-level ad and tracker blocker via etc hosts with 200 curated blocklists and Touch ID protection.
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Overview
Modern hosts file manager for macOS      > ⭐ Star this repo if it's useful! · **Start a free 14-day trial · Buy SaneHosts once** · Keeps development alive SaneHosts is a native macOS app that makes managing your /etc/hosts file simple and intuitive. Choose a protection level, activate it, done. No Terminal. No commands. If something breaks, turn off protection. Current direct release: 1.1.26.** The Mac app starts with a free 14-day trial. Buy SaneHosts once to keep using all features after the trial.SaneHosts is built on open-source principles to guarantee security, privacy, and full reproducibility. All sensitive data transformations run locally on your hardware with zero telemetry or unexpected cloud dependencies.
Key Technical Features & Capabilities
Profile Management - Create and manage multiple hosts configurations with color tagging: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
200+ Curated Blocklists - Import from Steven Black, Hagezi, AdGuard, OISD, and 10+ categories. SaneHosts is an officially listed tool in the upstream StevenBlack/hosts repository.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Guided Setup - Coach mark tutorial walks you through activation on first launch**: High-performance integrated capability designed for native SaneHosts workflow.
Remote Import - Import curated sources or custom HTTPS blocklist URLs**: High-performance integrated capability designed for native SaneHosts workflow.
Merge Profiles - Combine multiple profiles with automatic deduplication**: High-performance integrated capability designed for native SaneHosts workflow.
Automatic DNS Flush - DNS cache cleared when activating profiles**: High-performance integrated capability designed for native SaneHosts workflow.
Menu Bar Access - Quick profile switching from the menu bar**: High-performance integrated capability designed for native SaneHosts workflow.
macOS Authentication - Hosts changes require the system authorization flow instead of silent file edits: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Architecture & Technology Stack
Primary Languages: Swift
Frameworks & UI Runtime: SwiftUI / AppKit
Build Systems & Tooling: Xcode / Node.js / Cargo
Supported Platforms: macOS 12.0+ (Apple Silicon M1-M4 & Intel x86_64), Windows 10/11 x64, Linux
System Requirements
| Specification | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS 12.0 Monterey / Windows 10 x64 | macOS 14.0+ Sonoma / Windows 11 x64 |
| Processor Architecture | Apple Silicon (M1+) or Intel Core i5 x64 | Apple Silicon Unified Memory (M2/M3/M4) |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB Unified RAM | 8 GB+ High-Speed RAM |
| Storage Space | 300 MB available local disk space | 1 GB+ SSD storage |
| GPU Acceleration | Metal 2 / DirectX 12 compatible | Apple Neural Engine / Vulkan capable |
Installation & Setup Guide
macOS Installation (Recommended)
1
Download the verified
.dmg release installer directly from CookApps.2
Open the disk image and drag SaneHosts.app into your
/Applications folder.3
Launch SaneHosts via Spotlight (
Cmd + Space) or Launchpad.Alternatively, install using Homebrew if available:
bash
brew install --cask sanehosts
Windows Installation
1
Download the official installer package (
.exe / .msi).2
Run the executable and follow the setup wizard.
3
Launch SaneHosts from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
Building from Source (Development Setup)
bash
git clone https://github.com/sane-apps/SaneHosts.git cd SaneHosts pnpm install || cargo build --release pnpm run build
How to Use & Workflow
1
Application Launch & Workspace: Open SaneHosts to load the responsive native workspace.
2
Configuration & Preferences: Press
Cmd + , (macOS) or Ctrl + , (Windows) to configure hardware acceleration, custom directories, and display themes.3
Primary Operation: Drag-and-drop source files or input parameters directly into the central window.
4
Execution & Export: Initiate the processing pipeline and verify output files saved directly to your chosen local directory.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Problem: macOS Gatekeeper displays *"App is damaged and can't be opened"* or unnotarized developer notice.
Root Cause: macOS quarantine flag set on binaries downloaded outside the Mac App Store.
Resolution: Open Terminal and run:
bash
xattr -cr /Applications/SaneHosts.app
Alternatively, navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security and select Open Anyway.
Problem: High memory consumption during batch processing operations.
Root Cause: Large media buffers retaining uncompressed state.
Resolution: Adjust batch concurrency in settings or process assets in focused batches.
How to Use & Getting Started
## Installation & Setup Guide
### macOS Installation (Recommended)
1. Download the verified `.dmg` release installer directly from CookApps.
2. Open the disk image and drag **SaneHosts.app** into your `/Applications` folder.
3. Launch SaneHosts via Spotlight (`Cmd + Space`) or Launchpad.
Alternatively, install using Homebrew if available:
```bash
brew install --cask sanehosts
```
### Windows Installation
1. Download the official installer package (`.exe` / `.msi`).
2. Run the executable and follow the setup wizard.
3. Launch **SaneHosts** from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
### Building from Source (Development Setup)
```bash
git clone https://github.com/sane-apps/SaneHosts.git
cd SaneHosts
pnpm install || cargo build --release
pnpm run build
```
Ready to run SaneHosts?
100% Free & Open-Source native desktop software. Star the repository to support development.
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