Whether you’ve just gotten your first Mac or are a long-time user, you may find that while macOS is stable and user-friendly, it doesn’t always cover all your needs out of the box. Luckily, there are many third-party applications available that can enhance your Mac experience, making tasks easier and boosting your productivity. Here’s a detailed list of the best Mac apps to consider.
Table of Contents
Productivity and Efficiency
BetterSnapTool – $3
Improve your window management with BetterSnapTool. Unlike macOS’s Split View, which requires manual resizing, BetterSnapTool lets you easily snap windows into place with a simple drag, similar to Windows’ functionality. For just $3, it’s a great investment for better window organization.
Amphetamine – Free
Amphetamine prevents your Mac from going to sleep during long tasks. If you’re downloading large files or watching movies, this app ensures your screen stays active, saving you from repeatedly adjusting system preferences.
Alfred – Free with Paid Upgrade Options
Alfred enhances macOS’s built-in search tool by allowing you to create custom shortcuts, automate workflows, and more. The free version is robust, but the Powerpack upgrade ($37 for a single user license) adds advanced features like contact management and app integrations.
CheatSheet – Free
Discover all the keyboard shortcuts in any app with CheatSheet. Press and hold the Command key to see a list of shortcuts available in the app you’re using, making it easier to remember and use them.
Music and Entertainment
Spotify – Free with Premium Option
Spotify is our top pick for music streaming. Its intuitive interface, music discovery features, and social sharing capabilities make it stand out. The Premium version is $12 per month for an ad-free experience with unlimited skips.
Zoom – Free with Paid Upgrades
Zoom is ideal for video calls, whether for work or personal use. It supports meetings, screen sharing, messaging, and more. The free tier allows for meetings up to 40 minutes, while paid options offer additional features.
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Writing and Document Management
LibreOffice – Free
LibreOffice is a powerful, free alternative to Microsoft Office. It includes a word processor, spreadsheet editor, and more, with full compatibility with Microsoft file formats.
Microsoft 365 – $70 per year
For those who prefer Microsoft’s tools, Microsoft 365 offers Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with advanced features like the Editor for grammar checks and voice transcription.
Ulysses – $40 per year
Ulysses is a clean, distraction-free writing app suitable for various writing projects. It provides a focused writing environment and integrates with the iOS version for seamless use across devices.
Grammarly – Free with Premium Option
Grammarly helps improve your writing by checking grammar, spelling, and style. The free version is useful, but the Premium plan ($12 per month) offers advanced features like full-sentence rewrites and tone suggestions.
Day One – $35 per year
Day One is a versatile journaling app that supports text entries, photos, and voice recordings. It provides encrypted storage and backup, with a free version available for basic use and a paid version for more features.
Photo and Video Management
ApolloOne – $12 per year
ApolloOne is a powerful image viewer and organizer for serious photographers. It supports RAW file management and batch processing. There’s a 14-day free trial, and the app is available for $12 per year.
Adobe Lightroom – $10 per month
Adobe Lightroom offers extensive photo editing tools with a user-friendly interface. The $10 per month plan includes access to Lightroom and Photoshop, ideal for comprehensive photo editing.
Adobe Reader – Free
Adobe Reader is essential for handling PDFs, allowing you to fill forms and sign documents digitally without printing and scanning.
EdgeView 3 – $7
EdgeView 3 is a lightweight image viewer that provides a clean, intuitive interface for browsing and managing your photo collection.
IINA – Free
IINA is a sleek video player that supports a wide range of file formats and online streaming. It integrates seamlessly with macOS’s design aesthetics.
Organization and Workflow
Hazel – $42
Hazel automates file organization on your Mac. It watches specific folders and sorts files based on your rules, reducing manual sorting and keeping your system organized.
Shift – Free with Paid Upgrade Option
Shift consolidates all your email, social media, and workflow accounts into one app. The free version covers basic needs, while the Advanced tier ($149 per year) offers more extensive features.
Dropbox – Free with Paid Options
Dropbox provides cloud storage with seamless integration across different platforms. The free version offers 2 GB of storage, while paid plans start at $10 per month for 2 TB of storage.
Slack – Free
Slack is great for organizing group communications, whether for work or personal projects. It offers a range of features to manage notifications and stay organized.
Paprika Recipe Manager – $30
Paprika helps you manage and organize recipes, including scaling ingredients and checking off items as you cook. It also syncs recipes across multiple platforms.
Security and Privacy
NordVPN – $60 per year
NordVPN provides excellent security with fast speeds and global server options. It’s a reliable choice for protecting your online privacy, with a yearly plan offering the best value.
Bitwarden – Free with Paid Options
Bitwarden is a secure, open-source password manager. The free version is highly functional, and the Premium version ($10 per year) offers additional features.
Dashlane – Free with Premium Option
Dashlane is another strong password manager, with the Premium plan ($3 per month) offering features like unlimited device syncing and dark web monitoring.
Vivaldi – Free
Vivaldi is a privacy-focused browser with built-in tools like an RSS reader and email client. It’s a strong alternative for users who prioritize privacy.
MSP360 – Free
MSP360 (formerly CloudBerry) offers cloud backup solutions to services like Amazon AWS or Backblaze. It’s a reliable way to ensure your data is safely backed up.
These apps can significantly enhance your Mac experience, offering solutions for productivity, organization, security, and more. Whether you’re looking to streamline your workflow or improve your digital security, there’s something here to meet your needs.