What is NightOwl and what happened to it?
NightOwl launched in 2018 as a simple, free macOS utility for toggling dark mode. Created by developer Benjamin Kramser, the app let users schedule automatic switching between light and dark modes based on time of day or sunset. It was well-regarded in the Mac community and filled a gap that macOS Mojave's built-in dark mode left open.
That changed in November 2022, when Kramser sold NightOwl to a company called TPE.FYI LLC. According to public business records, TPE.FYI was established in September 2018 but was dissolved by March 2023.
In June 2023, the new owners released NightOwl version 0.4.5.4. Web developer Taylor Robinson discovered that this update installed a local HTTP proxy on users' Macs and connected to remote SSH servers via domains linked to squidyproxy.com, silently routing third-party internet traffic through users' devices without their knowledge or consent.
According to Intego's analysis, this proxy behaviour could not be disabled even when the app was quit. The new owners confirmed the arrangement in a statement: "We have partnered with a respected residential proxy service to monetize NightOwl."
Security experts classified the app as a potentially unwanted application (PUA). Gizmodo, Tom's Guide, How-To Geek, and BGR all published warnings urging users to uninstall immediately. Apple subsequently revoked NightOwl's code-signing certificate, blocking the app from running on macOS.
With 82% of smartphone users now using dark mode globally (Gitnux, 2024), the NightOwl scandal left thousands of Mac users searching for a safe alternative.
Warning
If NightOwl is still installed on your Mac, uninstall it immediately. Remove the app from Applications and check ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ for any lingering NightOwl launch agents.
What is Solace and how is it different?
Solace is a macOS appearance manager built with a fundamentally different philosophy: the product is the product, not your data. It handles four aspects of display comfort in a single app - dark mode scheduling, colour temperature, wallpaper syncing, and weather-aware switching - for a one-time payment of $4.99.
Where NightOwl offered basic dark mode toggling and monetised users through hidden proxy software, Solace has a transparent business model.
Solace's feature set includes:
- Dark mode scheduling - switch based on solar position, custom times, or weather conditions
- Evening warmth - colour temperature reduction using native macOS APIs to reduce blue light exposure
- Wallpaper syncing - separate wallpapers for light and dark mode, changing automatically with your schedule
- Weather-aware switching - adapts appearance based on real-time local conditions
- Global keyboard shortcut - toggle everything instantly from any app
- Multi-display support - consistent behaviour across all connected monitors
- Zero data collection - all location data processed on-device, no analytics, no telemetry, no server communication
Research from Harvard Health found that blue light suppresses melatonin for twice as long as green light and shifts circadian rhythms by 3 hours. Solace addresses this directly through its evening warmth feature.
A survey by forms.app found that 64.6% of users want automatic dark mode switching based on time of day. Solace delivers the same automation without compromise.
How do NightOwl and Solace compare on features?
NightOwl was a single-feature app: dark mode toggling. Solace covers four areas of display management. The table below shows the detailed comparison.
| Feature | NightOwl | Solace |
|---|---|---|
| Dark mode control | Time or sunset toggle | Solar, custom, or weather-based scheduling |
| Colour temperature | Not supported | Evening warmth via native macOS APIs |
| Wallpaper syncing | Not supported | Separate wallpapers for light/dark mode |
| Weather-aware switching | Not supported | Adapts to real-time local conditions |
| Scheduling options | Time-based or sunset | Solar, custom times, or weather |
| Keyboard shortcut | Not supported | Global shortcut for instant toggle |
| Multi-display | Not supported | Full support across all monitors |
| Data collection | Residential proxy SDK, IP address routing | None - fully on-device |
| Security status | Certificate revoked by Apple | Active, signed, and notarised |
| Price | Free (monetised via proxy) | $4.99 one-time |
| Last updated | June 2023 (final version) | 2026 (actively maintained) |
| Platforms | macOS only | macOS only |
Is NightOwl safe to use in 2026?
No. NightOwl is not safe and should not be installed on any Mac. Here is why:
- Code-signing certificate revoked - Apple revoked NightOwl's developer certificate, meaning macOS will block the app from launching even if you have a previously downloaded copy.
- Proxy software cannot be disabled - the residential proxy SDK embedded in version 0.4.5.4 continued routing traffic even when the app was quit.
- No active development - the last update was June 2023, and TPE.FYI LLC was dissolved in March 2023.
- Classified as PUA - multiple security vendors classify NightOwl as a potentially unwanted application.
- Original developer distanced himself - Benjamin Kramser publicly stated he has no involvement since the sale.
According to DemandSage (2026), the average American now spends 7 hours and 2 minutes per day looking at screens. Running compromised software during that time exposes your device to significant risks, including the potential for your IP address to be used for fraudulent activity without your knowledge.
If NightOwl is still on your Mac, remove it completely. A clean alternative is essential.
When should you choose Solace over NightOwl?
The short answer is: always. NightOwl is compromised software with no path to recovery. But beyond security, Solace is the better choice on functionality. Choose Solace if:
- Privacy matters to you - Solace collects zero data.
- You want more than basic dark mode toggling - Solace adds colour temperature and other features.
- You need a transparent business model - NightOwl monetised users through proxy traffic.
- You use multiple monitors - Solace handles multi-display setups natively.
- You want active development - Solace is regularly updated.
A study published in the Journal of Optometry (2023) found that 66% of digital device users are affected by Computer Vision Syndrome. Proper dark mode scheduling and colour temperature management can help reduce these symptoms, which is what Solace is designed to do.
The National Sleep Foundation (2022) reports that 58% of Americans look at screens within an hour before bedtime. Solace's combination of automatic switching is specifically designed for this use case.
The verdict: NightOwl vs Solace
This is not a close comparison. NightOwl was useful until its owners turned it into a vehicle for routing traffic through users' Macs. Apple revoked its certificate, and the app has been abandoned since 2023. It should not be installed on any Mac.
Solace replaces NightOwl's core feature - dark mode scheduling - and adds more functionalities, collects zero data, and is actively maintained.
Bottom line: If you are looking for a dark mode app you can trust, Solace is the clear choice.