Best Apps for MacOS

One of the best aspects of owning an Apple computer is having access to the vast ecosystem of excellent Mac applications that it provides. No matter what kind of tool you’re searching for, whether productivity software, picture and video editors, security suites, or anything else, there are excellent options accessible to Mac users. It’s possible to get them via Apple’s own App Store or from third-party developer websites, and many of the top Mac programs are even available for download at no cost.

#1. VLC

Local media playback is no longer the vital function that it once was, owing to the emergence of streaming as the primary method of watching movies, television shows, and music, among other things. If you do need to play local music or video files, there’s still no better tool than VLC, which can handle practically any file type or codec you’ve ever heard of, as well as quite a number that you haven’t heard of before. Furthermore, it is entirely free.

#2. MEETER

It is a menubar application meant to assist you in one specific task: assembling all of your different video conversations (such as Zoom, Google Meet, Webex, Teams, and other similar services) into a single location with one-click access to attend any meetings you have booked. If you have a video call scheduled, you can add it to your Mac’s built-in calendar software, which will appear in a convenient drop-down menu. The app also includes alerts to remind you to join the video conference before it begins.

#3. DOZER

Keeping track of all of your menubar applications may quickly become overwhelming (mainly if you’ve just installed any of the ones we’ve recommended below). And it’s just becoming a more significant problem as a result of Apple’s new MacBook Pro models, which take up a portion of your menubar real estate to accommodate a large camera notch. Dozer, on the other hand, is here to assist you. Using this free tool, you can easily conceal all of the menubar icons for items you want open but don’t necessarily need to keep them displayed all of the time, such as apps you use frequently. Those looking for something a bit more flashy might go for Bartender, which costs $15 but has a prettier appearance.

#4. HAND MIRROR

Video calls are becoming a more common occurrence in the workplace than ever. With a single click, Hand Mirror displays a short window that reveals what the current view from your camera is, allowing you to double-check that you’ve removed all of your gym gear or unkempt laundry from your backdrop and that your hair is neat before starting your Zoom session.

#5. MONITORCONTROL

As more individuals choose to work from home, there has been a significant increase in the number of people who set up home offices and use an external monitor. MonitorControl is a handy little menubar application that allows you to change the brightness and volume of your external monitor (if it has built-in speakers) with the function keys on your Mac, much like you would on Apple’s hardware.

#6. AUTHY DESKTOP

Suppose you haven’t set up two-factor authentication for your most crucial passwords and logins right away. Authy is one of the most exemplary two-factor authentication programs available, and it has cross-platform apps for both iOS and Android devices. In essence, the Mac program does the same thing as the mobile versions: it retrieves your 2FA codes whenever you need to log in. However, it is significantly more helpful because it is located on the computer you are most likely attempting to connect to.

#7. 1PASSWORD

Your passwords are probably weak. 1Password can help you resolve this issue by creating ultra-secure passwords and tracking your activity. Protecting your digital life is easy with our one-stop shop for passwords, credit cards, documents, and other sensitive information. Individual membership is $36 per year, while a five-person family subscription costs $60 per year and allows you to share passwords and other advantages.

#8. Magnet

It’s worth checking out Magnet if you’re coming from the Windows world, where you’re used to being able to snap windows to specific portions of your screen to save space. It allows you to snap programs to full-screen, half-screen, quarter-screen, and third-screen modes. 

#9. Pixelmator Pro

It is recommended that you use Pixelmator Pro for image editing if you do not want to pay the monthly subscription fee for Adobe Creative Cloud. Pixelmator Pro is an image editing program that contains complex picture editing tools such as layers, brushes, effects, and filters, among others. You may use various selection tools to precisely adjust individual photo regions, or you can utilize content-aware fill to eliminate unwanted parts from a scene automatically. With regular updates to support the newest Apple technologies and platform capabilities, Pixelmator Pro syncs and collaborates on projects across both iOS and macOS applications. Pixelmator Pro is available for both iOS and macOS devices.

#10. CleanShot X

Suppose you take screenshots frequently to transmit them to others for UI adjustments, troubleshooting explanations, and so on. In that case, you should get CleanShot X. It is, without a doubt, the most excellent screenshot tool available for the Mac. It’s pretty basic but highly effective. It has several features, including capturing video, creating GIFs, adding annotations, blurring sensitive content, and much more.

#11. DAISYDISK

This freeware program analyzes your computer and displays the amount of storage space you’re currently using, split down by files and folders in tidy, colored rings that make it simple to zoom down to the trash that’s taking up all of your space and clean up your computer.

#12. TWEETBOT

Although Twitter’s official app is available and accessible, Tweetbot is a far superior option if you spend plenty of time on the social media platform. The premium app does not have any advertisements or suggested tweets to clutter up your timeline; instead, it provides the groundbreaking function of presenting all of the tweets from the individuals you follow according to the order they got tweeted. The software also looks fantastic, with a clean, basic UI that nearly makes reading Twitter a pleasurable experience.

#13. Microsoft OneDrive

Moving files between macOS and Windows might be a hassle if you regularly go between the two operating systems. OneDrive comes into play in this scenario since the service is built into Windows and serves as the default cloud storage provider for the operating system. Using OneDrive for Mac, you can easily sync files between your computer and your mobile device, allowing you to view and interact with photographs, documents, and other files on either device without any further work on your side. That means you won’t have to pay for Apple’s iCloud service if you require more storage space than the 5GB provided for free.

#14. Dropbox

There are various excellent cloud storage options available, and Dropbox is one of them since it makes synchronizing data quick and straightforward. Similar to Dropbox’s web and mobile versions, its desktop application provides access to your files and folders while also allowing you to upload photographs, videos, and other types of documents right from your computer’s desktop. When you join Dropbox, you’ll receive 2GB of free storage, but you can earn much more by introducing friends and connecting to Dropbox through regular social networking networks. Pricing for a single user begins at $10 per month for 2TB of storage space.

#15. Carbon Copy Cloner

Carbon Copy Cloner is a backup application. When calamity hits, it’s the sort of Mac application we hope you never use, but if you do, you’ll be pleased you have it on your computer. Creating bootable backups of your starting drive is one of its most valuable functions, and it is one of the most popular. That implies that if your main hard drive dies and you cannot power on your Mac, you may boot from your backup and continue working on your project. It will only backup updated files after the initial backup to save space.

Social and entertainment apps

#1. Steam

Here’s a no-brainer for those who play PC games. Valve Software offers a Mac version of their renowned PC gaming platform, in addition to versions for Windows and Linux. Even better, games that you purchase for Windows or Linux will work on your Mac if a suitable version is available; there is no need to buy a separate version for your Mac. Before beginning, though, make sure that the system requirements are compatible with the hardware on your Mac. Even if your Mac does not have the necessary processing power, you may use Steam Remote Play to play on a more powerful PC. Controlling Steam on a Mac using an Xbox One, PS4, or Steam controller is simple.

#2. Spotify

Apple Music isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Fortunately, Spotify’s official desktop application is a fantastic alternative for people who want to venture outside the Apple environment and explore other options. It works like its mobile equivalent in that it offers you access to the complete Spotify collection, allowing you to search for and listen to practically any track, artist, or album without paying a cent. You can use it to create your own unique playlists or take advantage of personal suggestions.

#3. PS4 Remote Play

Another program for streaming your game console to your Mac is available here. Sony’s software allows you to stream PS4 games to your phone. Download and install the software, log into your PlayStation Network account, and the two devices will automatically connect for remote gaming. Thanks to the operating system, you can utilize a PlayStation 4 controller through Bluetooth with MacOS. You are also not restricted to your local network, which means you may stream from any location with an internet connection, regardless of your site.

#4. GOG Galaxy

As a PC gamer, you most likely have many accounts. Particularly in light of Epic’s exclusivity arrangements with game developers, it’s becoming more difficult than ever to remain with a single video game client. GOG Galaxy comes to the rescue in this situation. The Galaxy client not only integrates with the GOG store (and all of their fantastic DRM-free titles), but it also allows you to download and run games from other clients. In this way, GOG can genuinely be a one-stop shop for all of its customers while also taking advantage of special offers and exclusive titles from other online merchants. Furthermore, the addition of additional features like cross-platform conversation in the future ensures that Galaxy continues to improve.

Video and picture editing apps

#1. Pixelmator

Mac users have access to many great photo-editing applications, but this is one of the best options available even compared to its numerous competitors. Because of its vast array of sophisticated functions, it has quickly become one of the most popular photo-editing applications available on the market today.

#2. GIMP

GIMP is an open-source project first developed by two University of California, Berkeley, students and made public in 1996. It’s part of an open-source suite that includes Scribus (InDesign) and Inkscape (Illustrator). In addition to layer control, shadow effects, vectorized paths, filters, exposure, and a host of other features, you may also use it to replace Adobe’s monthly Photoshop membership service. It even has comparable auto capabilities, such as color enhancement, equalization, and white balance correction, that may be used on the go. It’s just one of the most effective Photoshop alternatives available today.

#3. Affinity Photo

Serif’s Affinity Photo software may be just what you’re looking for. With multiple Apple accolades (including app of the year) under its belt, you know you’re getting something exceptional with this photo-editing Mac application. Unlike Photoshop, you have to pay a one-time charge of $35, and then you have access to the software for the rest of your life. But this isn’t some rudimentary piece of software; instead, it’s a comprehensive, fully-featured application that can go head-to-head with Adobe’s image-editing giant. It also offers sibling applications for graphic design and desktop publishing, which are excellent competitors to Adobe’s goods in their respective fields.

The takeaway

The best apps for macOS will improve your productivity and how you use your machine. Some of the apps you can get for your MacOS will help you edit your pictures in no time or help you store all your passwords in one place. The apps in this article will keep you entertained and improve your experience with the macOS system. 

If you want to know about the best apps for Windows, you can check this out here.