ProcessSpy is a macOS app that shows you what is running on your Mac in much more detail than Activity Monitor. It is built for developers, system admins, and power users who need to know exactly what a process is doing, not just its name. It has a free version with basic features, and a paid license that unlocks history tracking and deep inspection tools.

Key Features

• Per-Process CPU and Memory History: ProcessSpy tracks CPU, memory, and thread usage over time, so you can see spikes and patterns instead of just a single snapshot.
• Finished Process Recall: When a process ends, ProcessSpy remembers it. You can still look up its command, memory use, and other details after it is gone.
• Inspector Pane: Check a process's digital signature, memory footprint, disk read and write speed, and whether it is running natively on Apple Silicon.
• Advanced Tree View: ProcessSpy groups child processes and links related background services, so you can see the true CPU and memory cost of an app and all its helpers together.
• Regex and Multi-Property Search: Search processes by name and command line at the same time, using plain text or regular expressions.
• Menu Bar Dashboard: Keep an eye on system health from a compact drop-down in your menu bar, without opening the full app.
• JavaScript Filters: Build custom filters using JavaScript to find exactly the processes you care about.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ProcessSpy free?

ProcessSpy has a free version with core monitoring features. A paid license unlocks history tracking, CSV export, and deep inspection tools like environment variables and entitlements.

How much does ProcessSpy cost?

A lifetime license costs $34.99 on Gumroad, with free updates and use on unlimited devices. It is also on Setapp for $14.99 a year or $34.99 for a lifetime plan.

How do I install ProcessSpy?

You can download it from the ProcessSpy website, or install it with Homebrew using the command brew install --cask processspy.

What macOS version does ProcessSpy need?

ProcessSpy needs macOS 14 or later, and it supports both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

How is ProcessSpy different from Activity Monitor?

Activity Monitor shows basic CPU and memory numbers. ProcessSpy adds CPU QoS breakdown, per-second disk and memory pressure, full command-line and path details, a timeline view, regex search, and a menu bar dashboard, none of which Activity Monitor offers.

Does ProcessSpy affect system performance?

ProcessSpy is built with native macOS APIs and UI elements, so it runs light and fits in with the rest of the system instead of slowing it down.