Multi-source device discovery
Combines Bonjour, ARP, SSDP, NetBIOS, and active probing so Apple devices, smart TVs, IoT gear, and quiet hosts can appear in one merged device list.
Netfox
Netfox is a native macOS network monitor and security toolkit for home networks. It shows connected devices, history, alerts, and port-risk findings in a local-only app for macOS 15+.
Overview
Netfox is a native macOS network monitor and security toolkit for home networks. It helps you see which devices are connected, when they first appeared, when they were last seen, and whether any reachable service looks risky.
The app combines device discovery, history, alerts, and port checks in one Mac-native interface built with SwiftUI for macOS 15 and later. It keeps the data on your Mac, supports a menu bar view for quick status checks, and includes optional tools such as Demo Mode and a Prometheus-compatible metrics endpoint.
Features
Security scanning with risk context
Runs a curated port check against reachable devices and classifies results with plain-English explanations and colour-coded risk badges.
Per-device history
Tracks when each device was first seen, last seen, and when it changes state or address, with history that persists across launches.
Alert tracking
Shows new-device, returning-device, risky-arrival, port-state-change, and new-service alerts with an inbox, persistent log, and per-device mute controls.
Menu bar monitoring
Adds a menu bar popover for quick status at a glance, including online devices, risk level, public IP, VPN state, and active alerts.
Local-first controls and integrations
Keeps data local, supports a one-keystroke Demo Mode for masking names and addresses, and exposes a Prometheus-compatible metrics endpoint when enabled.
Use Cases
Home network visibility
Check which devices are on your home network, when they joined, and whether anything newly appeared since the last launch.
Basic security review
Scan reachable devices for exposed ports and review the plain-English risk notes before deciding what to fix.
At-a-glance monitoring
Keep an eye on device status from the menu bar when you want a quick view without opening the full app.
Homelab observability
Use the Prometheus-compatible metrics endpoint to feed Netfox data into Grafana or an existing monitoring stack.
Privacy-safe screenshots
Mask names, MAC addresses, IPv6 values, and Wi-Fi SSIDs before sharing screenshots or bug reports.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines several discovery methods into a single device record.
- Stores first-seen, last-seen, and state-change history locally across launches.
- Explains port findings in plain English with risk badges rather than raw scan output.
- Offers a menu bar view for quick monitoring without opening the main window.
- Keeps data on the Mac and does not require a cloud account.
Cons
- Requires macOS 15 (Sequoia) or later.
- Security checks are limited to devices on the local network and do not cover isolated guest networks or different VLANs.
- The metrics endpoint is off by default and requires deliberate enabling if you want to expose it beyond localhost.
FAQ
What does Netfox do?
Netfox is a native macOS app focused on monitoring a home network. It keeps a local device list, records first-seen and last-seen history, and can flag risky open ports on reachable devices.
Is Netfox free?
Yes. The site states that Netfox is currently free for macOS 15 or later.
What platform does Netfox support?
Netfox is built for macOS 15 (Sequoia) or later and uses SwiftUI. The app is available as a native Mac application rather than a web app.
How does Netfox find devices?
Netfox combines five discovery passes: Bonjour/mDNS, ARP cache, SSDP, NetBIOS, and active ICMP probing. Those results merge into one device record per physical device.
Does Netfox send network data to a cloud service?
Netfox keeps all findings on your Mac. The site says it uses no cloud account, no telemetry, and no usage analytics; the optional metrics endpoint is also off by default and local unless you deliberately expose it.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Network scanner / security toolkit
- Platform
- macOS 15+ (SwiftUI, native app)
- Primary use
- Monitor home-network devices and reachable ports
- Data handling
- Local-first; no cloud account or telemetry
- Source domain
- netfox.app
- Pricing
- Currently free
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