Tech
May 26, 20261
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Netfox: Native macOS Network Monitor Launches on Product Hunt
Netfox, a native macOS network monitoring application, launched on Product Hunt this week. The tool identifies all connected devices on a user's network using multiple discovery protocols and provides per-device history, security scanning, and alerts—all while keeping data local with no cloud or telemetry.
Quick Facts
Who
Netfox developer
What
Netfox launched on Product Hunt
When
2026-05-26
Where
macOS (Apple computers)
- Netfox launched on Product Hunt
- Native macOS network monitoring application released
- Combines Bonjour, ARP, SSDP, NetBIOS protocols and active probing
- Displays all connected devices in one window
- Maintains per-device history and online/offline transitions
Netfox, a new native macOS application for monitoring local network activity, launched this week on Product Hunt. The tool provides users with a comprehensive view of all connected devices on their network, including Apple devices, smart TVs, IoT gadgets, and printers, displayed in a single live window.
The application combines multiple network discovery protocols—Bonjour, ARP, SSDP, and NetBIOS—along with active probing to identify connected devices. Netfox maintains detailed per-device history, tracking when devices first appeared, their last activity, and every transition between online and offline states. The tool includes five alert types to notify users of new, risky, or returning devices on the network.
Netfox features a one-click security scan that checks common ports and presents findings in plain-English language rather than technical jargon, making security insights accessible to non-technical users. Built entirely in SwiftUI, the application operates without cloud dependencies, account requirements, or telemetry collection. All user data remains stored locally on the Mac. The application is available free of charge.
The creator emphasized that Netfox was designed with native macOS performance in mind, avoiding Electron-based bloat in favor of SwiftUI's efficient implementation. Early feedback highlighted the application's clean interface and practical utility for identifying unexpected network activity, such as older smart devices communicating without user awareness.
Topics
Why This Matters
Netfox addresses a critical gap in macOS network visibility by providing non-technical users with actionable insight into their local network activity—from identifying unexpected IoT devices to detecting security risks—without sacrificing privacy through cloud storage or telemetry. For users concerned about network transparency and data locality, this free, native alternative eliminates reliance on cloud-dependent monitoring tools.
Timeline & Sources
May 26, 2026
WireNetfox launched on Product Hunt
May 26, 2026
WireProduct Hunt post published