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Tracked since2026
0 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free plan available, paid tiers above
Biggest pro
Hierarchical tree view with rolled-up aggregate metrics makes parent-child process relationships and XPC service links immediately visible.
Biggest con
Requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer, so users on older macOS versions cannot install it.
TL;DR - ProcessSpy
- Native macOS process explorer with hierarchical tree view, code-signing inspection, and per-process network and disk stats, built as a capable alternative to Activity Monitor.
- JavaScript-powered custom filters let you isolate processes by any combination of properties, solving the 'identical process name' problem common with runtimes like Java or Python.
- Historical CPU, memory, and thread tracking with CSV/JSON export lets you pinpoint resource spikes after the fact, including for processes that have already finished.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
What is ProcessSpy?
ProcessSpy is a native macOS process monitor and system utility built as a serious upgrade to Apple's Activity Monitor. It surfaces granular, real-time data on every running process: CPU usage, memory footprint, thread count, disk read/write speeds, network activity, code-signing status, and digital signature verification. Processes are displayed in a hierarchical tree view that groups parent and child processes together, rolls up aggregate metrics, and automatically links XPC services to their responsible process, giving a clear picture of how the system is actually structured.
The tool is aimed at software engineers, DevOps practitioners, and system administrators who need more than a flat list of process names. It solves a concrete pain point: when dozens of Java, Python, or Node.js processes all show up with identical names, ProcessSpy lets you inspect each one's actual command-line path, environment variables, bundle ID, entitlements, and Info.plist data to tell them apart. A JavaScript-based filter engine lets you write custom, multi-condition rules to isolate exactly the processes you care about.
ProcessSpy is built natively for macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel) and requires macOS 14 or later. It carries Apple notarization and code-signing, meaning it passes Apple's malware scanning requirements. Historical resource tracking logs CPU, memory, and thread data over time so you can identify when a spike happened, see peak and average usage, and export findings to CSV or JSON. The app also keeps a record of finished processes, including their arguments and environment variables, for post-mortem review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hierarchical tree view with rolled-up aggregate metrics makes parent-child process relationships and XPC service links immediately visible.
- Deep metadata inspection, including entitlements, environment variables, bundle IDs, and code-signing status, exposes process details that Activity Monitor hides entirely.
- JavaScript-based filter engine supports complex, multi-condition logic for precise process isolation, far beyond simple name or PID search.
- Lightweight and native (not Electron-based), so the monitor itself does not meaningfully inflate the resource numbers it is measuring.
Cons
- Requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer, so users on older macOS versions cannot install it.
- Advanced features, including process history, environment variable inspection, and entitlements, are behind a paid license rather than available in the free tier.
- No Windows or Linux support; it is macOS-exclusive by design.
Key Features
Process monitoringProcess history recordingMenu bar popover
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jun 19, 2026
License
$34.99
Unlocks premium features
- Signatures
- Startup Entry
- Launched By
- CPU and memory recording
- Reveal finished processes
- Lifetime updates
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ProcessSpy FAQ
How does ProcessSpy help differentiate between multiple identically named processes?
ProcessSpy allows users to inspect each process's command-line path, environment variables, bundle ID, entitlements, and Info.plist data. This deep metadata inspection helps distinguish between multiple Java, Python, or Node.js processes that might otherwise appear identical.
Which teams would benefit most from using ProcessSpy?
ProcessSpy is designed for software engineers, DevOps practitioners, and system administrators. These professionals require granular, real-time data and detailed insights into macOS processes beyond what standard tools offer.
What kind of limitations does ProcessSpy have regarding operating system compatibility?
ProcessSpy requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer, meaning users on older macOS versions cannot install it. Additionally, it is exclusively designed for macOS and does not support Windows or Linux operating systems.
How is ProcessSpy priced?
ProcessSpy offers a free tier for basic usage. Advanced features, such as process history, environment variable inspection, and entitlements, are available through paid plans.
Can ProcessSpy help analyze resource usage over time?
Yes, ProcessSpy includes historical resource tracking that logs CPU, memory, and thread data over time. This feature allows users to identify when resource spikes occurred, view peak and average usage, and export findings to CSV or JSON.
How does ProcessSpy organize and display process information?
ProcessSpy displays processes in a hierarchical tree view, grouping parent and child processes and rolling up aggregate metrics. It also automatically links XPC services to their responsible process, providing a clear picture of system structure.
Source: process-spy.app