Homebrew 5

Package manager.

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Console’s review

· Reviewed by David Mytton

What we like

Now officially supports Linux ARM as well as macOS. Concurrent downloads enabled by default speeds things up. Makes it easy to install packages which live in their own directory and are symlinked to the relevant bin directories. Gives you one command to update everything (and pin specific packages).

Tradeoffs

Will drop support for unsigned packages in a year so this may break a lot of packages even if it does improve security long term.

Is Homebrew 5 a fit?

Based on Console’s review published on 2025-11-20. Summary updated .

Who it’s for

Developers who need to manage packages on Linux ARM or macOS should consider this tool for package installation

Why consider it

It speeds up package downloads with concurrent downloads enabled by default

Keep in mind

It may break existing packages when it drops support for unsigned packages

Console is a free weekly newsletter with short reviews of developer tools, covering strengths and tradeoffs. This review reflects Console’s assessment at publication on 2025-11-20. Features and limitations may have changed since the review date. Read our selection criteria and learn about Console.

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