Alternatives to OpenCore Legacy Patcher – What Are Your Options?
Looking for alternatives to OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP) to keep your Mac running the latest macOS? We know how important it is to find the right tool for your needs, especially when dealing with unsupported hardware. While OCLP is a fantastic solution for many, there are other options out there that might better suit your setup or preferences. Below, we’ve compiled a detailed list of alternatives, complete with their pros, cons, and how they stack up against OCLP. Let’s find the best fit for you!
Patched Sur
Patched Sur is a tool designed to install macOS Big Sur and later on unsupported Macs. It’s a popular choice for users looking for a straightforward installation process.
Pros: Can be faster on certain models (e.g., MacBookPro9,2), simple setup for specific macOS versions, good for users who don’t need OTA updates.
Cons: Limited hardware support compared to OCLP, no OTA updates, less active development.
Dosdude1 Patchers
Dosdude1 Patchers modify macOS installers to run on unsupported Macs, with specific tools for versions like Catalina, Mojave, and High Sierra.
Pros: Can be used alongside OCLP, good for older macOS versions, well-documented for specific releases.
Cons: Version-specific (not as flexible as OCLP), less frequent updates, requires manual configuration for newer macOS versions.
rEFInd Boot Manager
rEFInd is an open-source boot manager that can be used to boot macOS on unsupported hardware, often paired with other tools for dual-boot setups.
Pros: Lightweight, supports dual-boot with Linux or Windows, highly customizable.
Cons: Doesn’t patch macOS for unsupported hardware, requires additional tools for full functionality, steeper learning curve.
Clover Bootloader
Clover Bootloader is a legacy bootloader popular in the Hackintosh community, also usable on real Macs for booting macOS.
Pros: Well-established in the Hackintosh community, supports a wide range of hardware, good for dual-boot setups.
Cons: More complex to configure than OCLP, less user-friendly, not as actively maintained as OpenCore.
GRUB, Grub2Win, and EasyBCD
GRUB and its variants (Grub2Win, EasyBCD) are bootloaders primarily used for Linux or Windows but can be configured to boot macOS in dual-boot setups.
Pros: Widely used in Linux communities, good for advanced users, supports complex boot configurations.
Cons: No macOS patching for unsupported hardware, complex setup for macOS, better suited for Linux/Windows environments.
Comparison Table: OCLP vs. Alternatives
| Tool | macOS Patching | OTA Updates | Hardware Support | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenCore Legacy Patcher | Yes | Yes | Wide (vintage to modern) | High (GUI + automation) | Most users, latest macOS support |
| Patched Sur | Yes | No | Limited | Moderate | Big Sur and later, performance focus |
| Dosdude1 Patchers | Yes | No | Moderate | Moderate | Older macOS versions |
| rEFInd | No | No | Wide (boot only) | Low | Dual-boot setups |
| Clover Bootloader | Partial | No | Wide (boot only) | Low | Hackintosh, advanced users |
| GRUB/Grub2Win/EasyBCD | No | No | Wide (boot only) | Low | Linux/Windows dual-boot |
Why Choose OpenCore Legacy Patcher?
While these alternatives have their strengths, OpenCore Legacy Patcher stands out for its ease of use, wide hardware support, and ability to apply root patches for features like graphics acceleration and Wi-Fi support on older Macs. With OCLP, you also get seamless OTA updates and an active community to help you along the way. Ready to give it a try? Check out our latest release or dive into our installation guide.
Need Help or Want to Share Your Experience?
If you’re facing issues with any of these tools, visit our troubleshooting guide. Tried one of these alternatives? We’d love to hear about your experience—share your thoughts in the comments below or on GitHub Discussions.