PeerGuardian for Mac

Used PeerGuardian for Mac?

PeerGuardian Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

PeerGuardian is a free security software designed to block unwanted IP addresses, enhancing user privacy during online activities. This application features support for multiple lists, automatic updates, and a special list editor, allowing users to customize their experience effectively. PeerGuardian is particularly beneficial for those engaged in peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, as it helps safeguard against potentially harmful connections by blocking known blacklisted IPs.

Top Recommended Alternative

ZoogVPN

Free

Although the software is free and loaded with useful features, users may find the interface somewhat basic and not immediately intuitive. New users might need some time to familiarize themselves with the application to leverage its full capabilities. Overall, PeerGuardian presents a robust option for individuals seeking to enhance their online security while navigating the complexities of the internet.

PeerGuardian for Mac

Used PeerGuardian for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: March 9, 2009

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 1.7.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 92,374

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

2.4/5

11 User Votes

Terrible Never got it Work
monicagregoryDecember 2, 2011
Pros
None, it never worked with Snow Leopard
Cons
Everything
Summary
Don't waste your time
Couldn't get it to work
math.otterNovember 28, 2011
Pros
None. Never got it to work.
Cons
I don't think they have properly integrated this with Lion. There are a number of youtube videos on the topic. I also tried a later incarnation, but never got the blocked list to populate. Went back to using a block list in Vuze.
Summary
Will be interested in trying again when bugs ironed out.
Installs easily and works well in the background.
veldugoJanuary 17, 2011
Pros
Seems to work well as directed.
Cons
I have found none yet.
Summary
I would recommend this to anyone who felt that they needed it.
working fine
leepc777June 5, 2009
Pros
block the people you don't like to access your p2p connection.
Cons
not many setup available as window version. But much stable than Vista version
Summary
great work!
Good, Unless you use dot mac mail
GNJSeptember 19, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br /> Installed on current "tiger" OS. Started per instructions. Checked the log to display blocked urls only. Started my P2P and did a few random searches. There were lots of blocks -- and a whole lot less garbage results in the P2P searches. I'd give it 4 stars for the garbage filtering alone! BUT (the deal breaker for me) is that I use dot mac as my mail service. PG's documentation about it starts a chain (answering the Q of why refers you to another section that sez do xxx--- that results in a "can't do--- do yyy instead-). End result, I could not get my mail. I removed everything manually and rebooted to get my mail back. There is NOT a clean simple non-geek uninstaller included--- and the naming of the components is not consistant enough to rely on Spotlight to find them all with a single search.
how to remove.
stationaryobserverNovember 9, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />/Library/StartupItems/ Remove the PeerGuardian folder. Then in /Library/Application Support/ there's another folder named 'PeerGuardian' oh! There's the ipfwFast process which I know and love. gg.
see below
stationaryobserverNovember 9, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />3.5 rating? lol.
There should be a way to make an exception to the...
Jeff HansonJanuary 29, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
...Ban List.<br />This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Installer hangs, force quit, reinstall then it works... Were the Contextual Menus to Start, Stop & Upload Ban list ever made available? Would love to have a copy! No Access to Apple.com or Apple's iTunes Store come on... There should be a way to make an exception/s to the Ban List or at least a way to turn it on or off. Zipcod1@aol.com
A bit crap really.
Cosmonaut_ZeroJanuary 2, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />The installer constantly crashes, the commands to delete the program don't work. Locks out some pretty odd sites, apple.com being the noticeable one and the author doesn't seem to want to support the product or bug test it correctly. He only seems to appear when people give him accolades. Might be a good program in a years time. I'll stress again it needs to be bug tested properly.
Good work
martin_marsianJuly 19, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I think this is really good software. I especially like, that it won't flush ipfw. Because I have setup throttled too. What I would like to see is some kind of log, so that I can see what happens, if update is successful. That would be nice.

Developer’s Description

Block malicious IPs, keeps ban list auto-updated.

Based on PeerGuardian for the PC, PeerGuardian for OS X is an installer that installs ipfwFast (A modified version of OS X's built in ipfw that loads ips very fast into ipfw) and adds a root cron script to keep your list of ips updated every 12 hours.

PeerGuardian for OS X uses a converted version of the Anti-P2P list from http://methlabs.org/sync/, and protects users from the unwanted entry of organizations of malicious intent such as BayTSP, the MPAA, and the RIAA. This is recommended for ALL users of any P2P programs (Including BitTorrent, Acquisition, Limewire, etc.)