Kilobat vs TripMode
A TripMode alternative for Mac.
TripMode blocks apps from using the internet on hotspots and capped plans, with live per-app traffic, usage reports, data limits, profiles and a scheduler. Here is how Kilobat compares.
brew install seifip/kilobat/kilobat- Free forever
- Pro $19 once
- 14-day refunds
- macOS 14+
- Open-source CLI
Side by side
| Job | TripMode | Kilobat |
|---|---|---|
| Live traffic by app | ✓ | ✓ Free |
| Block apps on capped connections | ✓ | ✓ Pro |
| Data limits | Warns, then blocks | Stops new connections (Pro) |
| Profiles | ✓ | Travel, Work, Unrestricted (Pro) |
| Wi-Fi diagnosis, radar and speed tests | — | ✓ |
| CLI and MCP for agents | — | ✓ Free |
TripMode details are from TripMode’s own documentation, as of October 2026; we haven’t benchmarked it. Corrections welcome at the support address.
Which should you choose?
Choose TripMode if
- You want a scheduler, AppleScript or Shortcuts automation.
- You prefer buying through the Mac App Store or Setapp.
- You only need data-use control.
Choose Kilobat if
- You also want to know why the connection is slow, not just what uses it.
- You want monitoring free, and a one-time $19 instead of a subscription.
- You script or use AI agents in the terminal.
Pricing
TripMode: Free app; premium $14.99 a year or $39.99 lifetime on the Mac App Store, or via Setapp. Kilobat: free, with Pro for $19 once.
Get your network out of the dark.
brew install seifip/kilobat/kilobat