Live port overview
Shows every listening TCP and UDP port with process, PID, address, user, and start time. The view is auto-refreshed so the list stays current while you work.
Portero
Portero is a free, open source macOS app that shows open ports and the processes behind them. It helps users identify local services, stop listeners, block ports, and handle address-in-use conflicts.
Overview
Portero is a macOS utility for seeing which ports are open on your machine and which processes are using them. It is aimed at developers and other Mac users who need to identify local services, stop unnecessary listeners, and resolve port conflicts quickly.
The app presents a live list of listening TCP and UDP ports with details such as process name, PID, address, user, and start time. It also adds practical actions for common workflows, including killing processes, blocking ports with the macOS firewall, and opening HTTP services in the browser.
Core capabilities
Plain-language process labels
Explains recognized processes in plain language, such as dev servers and databases, so you can identify what is actually listening without reading raw process names.
One-click process control
Stops a process with one click using a graceful stop or force kill. Multiple processes can be handled at once, with confirmation before the action is applied.
Port blocking with firewall rules
Blocks inbound or outbound traffic on a chosen port using the built-in macOS firewall. The app says it uses a dedicated anchor and does not touch system files directly.
Conflict detection
Detects when two processes are using the same port and highlights the classic address-in-use conflict before you hit it.
Open HTTP ports in browser
Marks HTTP ports with a globe action that opens the service in the browser, which is useful for local web servers and APIs.
Typical use cases
Identify what is using a port
Check which local services are listening on your Mac, including databases, dev servers, and system components, without having to piece together terminal output yourself.
Debug port conflicts
Resolve an address already in use error by spotting when two processes are attached to the same port and stopping the one you do not need.
Launch local services in the browser
Open a local web app or API directly in the browser when Portero detects that the port is serving HTTP.
Restrict access to a port
Block inbound or outbound traffic on a specific port when you want to keep a local service from being reachable.
Protect important processes
Manage a set of listening processes during development, including favoriting important ones so they are protected from accidental bulk kills.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Shows both the port and the process behind it in one live view.
- Covers TCP and UDP listening ports and refreshes automatically.
- Includes practical actions for developers: kill, block, and open in browser.
- Recognizes many common processes in plain language, reducing the need to interpret raw system output.
- Uses native macOS tools and asks for admin privileges only when a firewall change is applied.
Cons
- The source does not document broad platform support beyond macOS, so it is not positioned as a cross-platform tool.
- The first launch note indicates an unsigned build, which means Mac users need to use the standard right-click and Open step.
FAQ
What does Portero do?
Portero is a native macOS app for viewing listening TCP and UDP ports, the process behind each port, and actions such as killing a process or blocking a port.
What Mac setups does it support?
The source says Portero is available for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It is presented as an unsigned build, so first launch requires right-clicking the app and choosing Open.
Is Portero free and open source?
Portero is free and open source. The source also includes a View source link.
How does Portero help during development?
Portero automatically refreshes its port list and can open a browser when a port answers HTTP. It also flags common port conflicts before you run into them.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer Tool
- Platform
- macOS
- Pricing
- Free and open source
- Source
- porteroapp.pages.dev
- Build
- Apple Silicon and Intel; unsigned build
- Workflow
- Live port monitoring, process control, and port blocking
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