by 20 Best Mac Apps That Will Improve Your Apple Experience. Once you go Mac, you never go back. The Apple Macintosh computers are sleek and stylish aluminum machines with many reasons to transition from Windows. A battery that lasts all day? Check. The desirable performance possible on a fanless machine? Check. Many years of for sure operating system and feature updates? Do you check and confirm. In recent years, Apple’s devices have become more affordable as the basic. Mac Mini with M2 starts at just $599 and Apple’s brand-new Game Porting Toolkit may someday make it a viable PC gaming option. No matter what the direction of Mac might be it is a fact. Mac continues to dominate on the software side.
Contrary to what people believe. Macs are deeply customizable and their customisation shines through third-party software instead of built-in Apple features. This lets you select those features that matter the most. Mac applications tend to be superior in quality because they follow apple’s stringent guidelines and UI principles of design. The typical Mac customer’s desire to spend more money for applications means that they will have better quality, more stable development cycles. When you discover the one application -it becomes crucial to your workflowyou’ll never change your mind.
Insurnacenust will benefit to get you started with a list of 20 essential. Mac applications that can enhance you experience with your PC. We’ve chosen the applications based on the extent to which they rise productivity. How well they are viewed on online forums such as the r/MacApps community. We’ve put together a good mix of paid and free options to assure that there’s something appropriate for everyone’s budget.
Maccy – a clipboard manager
One aspect Apple is still lacking up to date is the ability to manage clipboards. Which Windows 11 knocks out of the park with its default. The ability to copy and paste in Mac is improved with the installation of one or more of the many third-party clipboard management programs. However once you’ve installed Maccy, you’ll be able to tell you’ve found a place to call home. Maccy is a simple lightweight, easy to use, offline free clipboard manager which you can access by pressing Shift + Cmd +. It’s an “keyboard-first” app, meaning it allows you to search your clipboard history. Pick the item you want to copy and paste it in without using the mouse.
The fundamental function of Maccy is already a game changer. However, a deeper look at the settings uncovers a treasure trove for users looking for more power and flexibility. You can select whether to erase formatting from copied items. The amount of copies you wish to keep, whether these items contain images or files. The location where the window will appear, and more. Maccy is priced at $9.99 via the Mac App Store however creator Alex Rodionov lets you choose the price through Gumroad. You can try it without conditions, and then help him financially if you love it. This way, Maccy stays alive and robust for other people to utilize.
Swish – Trackpad Window Management
Another flaw of Mac is the management of windows — or more precisely its lack of. Microsoft’s “Snap” will change how you utilize your PC. However on Mac there’s no official method of organizing your desktop the same way. Magnet or Rectangle are both excellent keyboard and mouse-based options If you own a trackpad, then you should consider Swish. Swish is built on an extremely simple idea that instead of managing windows by dragging them keys or keyboard shortcuts you can place them together trackpad gestures.
For instance, swiping up with two fingers over the title bar of a windows will let the app take up the screen. Swiping right or left will reduce it to a quarter while swiping down reduces the app’s dock. By pressing two fingers into the title bar will close an application. The two-finger left or right swipe activates a trackpad feature to switch apps but that’s just an example of what it can accomplish. The app is intuitive as if it were it’s a native macOS feature that was never. If you use it regularly and you’ll soon reach the point that living without it will be difficult. Swish provides an initial 14-day trial period and after that, it’s $16 for two machines. It might seem as a steep price however it’s well worth it. Setapp customers get it free with their subscription.
Signal Shifter – audio device management
Another area in which Windows beats Apple (Mac remains an excellent platform. And you can trust it) is the management of audio devices. For instance, in Windows 11, you can manage Audio sources, Bluetooth devices, and other things via the taskbar. But on Mac you have to select an audio source from the Menubar Control Center. After which you need to go into Sound Settings to manage Bluetooth devices, microphone inputs and other things. It’s a bit annoying for something that could be as simple as a click. Signal Shifter solves this problem with an easy source selector, which is located in the menu bar.
When you click the Signal Shifter headphone icon. You are able to switch three sources from a single menu that includes the audio output channel. Input for audio and Bluetooth devices. This is all a typical person requires. The app also provides a warning in the event that your Bluetooth devices are below a specific percentage. It’s completely absolutely free. If your wanted an equivalent Windows-11-style switcher it’s one of the accurate alternative.
Bartender – menubar manager
There’s many macOS tips that new Mac owners need to know in addition to applications that the entire community considers essentials. Bartender is one such applications. Bartender is one of those apps. Mac Menubar can get cluttered as every app — particularly those that are background-based must have an icon to get access to its settings. The mess can render certain apps unusable once items in the menu bar are obscured in the notch. Bartender provides a simple and efficient solution to hide unneeded icons in a distinct Bartender Bar. If you do not often require an icon in particular put that icon in the Always Hidden area within settings that will keep it unnoticed until you need it.
This is just a tiny fraction of the capabilities Bartender is able to do. It lets you style its menu bars, design icons, program triggers (such as making the battery icon show up when the battery’s level falls below a certain amount) and a lot more. A single-user license that covers many devices costs just $16. Those upgrading from earlier versions only pay $8.
Take a look at the four-week trial for free before committing or sign up for a trial alternative such as Hidden Bar.
Raycast – Supercharged Spotlight replacement
Spotlight — the built-in search function is an Mac keystroke that can simplify your life. From the beginning it’s much more enjoyable to use than Windows the start search function. Apart from locating emails and files, as well as launch applications. It lets you browse the web, switch to settings, perform currency conversions, identify words and look up the weather. Spotlight will do a lot more by switching to Raycast. Raycast is a rival to the Mac’s most popular Alfred and is more sleek, visually speaking.
Raycast is designed to suit people who are comfortable with the keyboard. And would prefer to perform all their work without having to move their hands. For a handful of examples, it functions as a clipboard manager window resizer and dim mode changer. If you have the right plug-ins installed, it can attain almost everything you can think of to. For instance, install the Spotify extension, and then manage your playlists using just a few clicks. Technologists and developers appreciate Raycast because of its coding capabilities specifically. For example the ability to write scripts right within the box of text.
SlashGear could write an entire article on Raycast however suffice it to say that it’s simple to master. Difficult to get used to, but unbeatable once you’ve become accustomed to it. Raycast offers an entirely functional version for free and monthly subscriptions for Pro and Team that make it more efficient.
Mac Mouse Fix – fixes scroll direction
Sometimes, Mac has a tiny particularity that could make you crazy. For instance, the “Natural Scrolling” setting is an excellent illustration of this. In the end to say that on Mac you can’t allow your trackpad or mouse two different directions for scrolling. If you select “Natural Scrolling,” then you are able to enable it for both your trackpad as well as your mouse. Moving from one to the other can result in accidentally moving your mouse in the incorrect direction which results in a gruelling re-adjustmentand the reverse. Mac Mouse Fix does what it says: it corrects your mouse’s direction of scrolling so it is not influenced by the direction of your trackpad, and natural scrolling is your preferred option.
Recent updates have Mac Mouse Fix has included additional features. It offers Apple’s exclusive Magic Mouse smooth scrolling on any other mouse. And allows motions that resemble a trackpad and lets you easily program mouse shortcuts. Such as double-clicking to activate Smart Zoom. It’s also lightweight so that it doesn’t drain your battery. It’s free to try for 30 days and then pay $2.99 to purchase a lifetime license. If you’re looking for a speedy scrolling and mouse fix but aren’t ready to pay for an appTry Mos.
PopClip – copy & paste utility
PopClip is yet another of those programs that. Similar to Swish or Bartender will make you realize that the Mac experience is less enjoyable without it. What PopClip does is display an open menu whenever you choose a text opportunity. And an opportunity of copying and pasting the text. It’s simple, but the time you’ll save by clicking “Copy” (which appears right in front of the mouse). Instead of gazing down at the keyboard before hitting “cmd + c” could help save hours for people who perform many copying and paste. This alone makes PopClip worth the cost of entry, however we’re only beginning.
PopClip transforms from a basic small utility to an effective Jack of all trades once you add extensions. The extensions can do almost everything you can think of with regards to text editing. Such as converting the selected text to title case, translating it. Making it an alert, shortening the URL and the pinging of an IP address and many more. There’s a good chance that you’ll be able to think of anything that PopClip can’t accomplish. By implementing a few extensions could substitute for a number of applications. And browser tabs that you keep open for just one thing.
It will also save the computer’s resources. PopClip is priced at $19 on the app store. However you can get an activation key for just $17 from the website of the developer. It’s also available without any commitments to Your Setapp subscription. If that’s not enough it’s also worth noting that the developer provides a free. Generous one-year license to those who aren’t able to be able to.
MacUpdater – Third-party app updater
Mac has always enjoyed the advantage over Windows thanks to its App Store. Which Microsoft did not implement until 2012 when they released Windows 8. However the fact that the two Windows or Mac users must download their applications directly. From websites of developers and then install .exe/.dmg files on their ownmaking updating non-store apps difficult. Both Microsoft nor Apple has come up with a patented solution to this problem which is where Mac’s MacUpdater is able to help. It does exactly what it says on the box that is. It updates your applications including those that are not available on the App Store that Apple is unable to.
MacUpdater will tick many important boxes. It’s a privacy-focused app, which keeps your app downloads from the hands of data. Brokers and is only a one-time payment; there are there’s no nonsense subscriptions to add to your existing subscriptions. The free version will let you search for updates. However the single-user version costing $10.53 permits the bulk update feature with one click in addition to other. The Pro and Business editions allow many users and automatic hand-off updates. Prices start at $24.58. MacUpdater performs flawlessly and offers excellent development support, however there are open-source and free alternatives like Latest.
AdGuard — Safari adblocker
For Windows users, you have an access point to the accurate advertising blockers for all browsers. It’s cost-free: uBlock Origin. Unfortunately, the developer Raymond Hill had to stop providing support to Safari following Version 13. Which deprived Mac users of excellent adblocking technology which forced them to switch to different browsers. Such as Chrome as well as Firefox. For those who cannot live without Safari’s excellent battery management. The next excellent alternative is AdGuard’s ad blocking software for Safari.
AdGuard is a powerful ads blocker, and is often reviewed by reviewers. It is possible to alter the filters to suit your needs. And then stick with the default settings that blocks almost everything you’d prefer to. It comes with a few advanced options, including an element blocker. That can be used to manually eliminate any website problems that filters were unable to filter out. As with the majority of adblockers available It aims to protect you from ad trackers and cut down on the bandwidth consumption. Adguard is free and doesn’t transmit data from users to the developers, thus ensuring your privacy when using Safari. This Safari extension is available for free, but it’s an addition to AdGuard’s computer-wide adblocking application and VPN.
IINA IINA Mac VLC alternative
VLC is widely regarded to be the most popular, multi-platform video player that can play offline and online-based media. It’s the Swiss Army Knife and is packed to the max with support for nearly every codec. That exists and a plethora of features that can be customized. Its Mac Version of VLC is just as robust than the other versions however we strongly recommend moving to IINA in the event that you are looking for an app that is similar to VLC but specifically designed for macOS. IINA is, just like VLC is designed to play whatever file that you want to play and has a strong subtitle support and integrates streaming video on the internet like YouTube and Vimeo, as well as the ability to customize your user experience. What makes it stand out is the attention to the video controls and also the visual style.
According to IINA the application “adopts post-Yosemite design language” and attempts to integrate native Apple features such as Force Touch on the trackpad and Picture-in-Picture. Also, it is as if it feels, looks and behaves like it came from Cupertino, California with the most recent macOS version. Consider it the Quicktime Player you’d like to use, not having to turn it on due to necessity. Although, IINA is still a new application in advancement and isn’t yet get to version 2.0. However, at present it’s able to replace VLC for the typical user.
Rocket – Slack-like emoji picker
Slack One of the most used office messengers, may have the desirable tool for picking emojis. Just make a colon, then enter the standard emoji codes, and then select your desired emojiit’s much easier and quicker than searching for the emoji keys on your keyboard once you’ve become accustomed to it. The Rocket application aims to accomplish the same thing, with the exception of your Mac. When you press the letter colon, it opens the Rocket Emoji selector window regardless of the app you’re together. Enter once you’ve discovered your desired emoji and you’re done. It’s as easy as that.
Rocket comes with extra capabilities if you want it. Like setting an emoji’s default skin tone, as well as the UI Dark mode. The app is free and compatible the developers of Rocket, it will “never nag you to upgrade.” The Pro version costs $10 and allows you to customize Emoji shortcuts, GIFs as well as memes as well as statistics on emojis -you never know, perhaps you’re wondering how often you’ve used the poop emoji over the last month. Be aware the fact that based on my personal experience, that you’re bound be able to experience enough misfires. The use of colons can sometimes open the window even though you don’t want the window to be there, and cancelling it using the spacebar or backspace can be a minor inconvenience.
Dark Reader on Safari – Automatic dark mode
It’s likely that by 2024, apps and websites have already learned about the importance of Dark Mode. Dark Mode is an integral — not an optional feature. There’s nothing more frustrating than surfing late at night or evening. Only to get struck by an occasional site with a stark white UI. Maybe this issue will eventually end up being a problem however until then, Dark Reader protects your delicate eyes. The Safari application checks if websites support Dark Mode natively, and when it does not. It will make it appear as it does. It’s basically altering the color scheme of a site to warrant that it’s visually appealing and easy to read despite the designer’s never ever having used dark colors.
Dark Reader lets you turn it off and on for all websites. Or turn off it for each site on a site-by-site basis. The process is quick and doesn’t need reloading the page. If a website isn’t accessible or doesn’t look great, you can make any changes in the application. People who are particular about the appearance of websites will be delighted with the degree of customization provided by Dark Reader offers. The only issue would be the price. Dark Reader — free without Safari is priced at $4.99 through the App Store. It’s a one-time buy which works across all devices like iPad or iOS. The only alternative to Safari is Noir that costs $2.99 and offers much lower functionality.
Numi – Natural Language Calculator
Calculators on Mac can be used to perform basic calculation, the Windows version only extending it by incorporating scientific and programming calculators. Numi is an alternative calculator that can handle a vast array of conversions and calculations, while allowing those operations to work in a natural human language. For instance instead of trying determine the conversion rate of euros to dollars, one can simply write “$1 USD in Euro” and Numi will give you an answer. The formula to write mathematical equations in natural languages is very versatile, which means you’ll get the exact answer when you type “$1 to Euro,” and so on.
Numi can also handle problems that would take longer to solve on a standard calculator. For instance, if would like to know the date two weeks away, type “today + 2 weeks,” or search for a deal for something using “$20 – 10% discount.” Numi will not be able to replace your calculator for basic operations such as basic subtraction or division but, it does help people who are overwhelmed when they have to look at a lot of numbers. Numi is free to use, however buying it at $24.99 allows you to connect it to iCloud and also get unlimited notes. Setapp customers can get this as part and parcel of the subscription too.
Hyperduck – Send websites to Mac
Imagine being separated from your Mac with just your iPhone or If you’re among the lucky ones, the Apple Vision Pro that doesn’t cause nausea. You come across a site that you’d like to check out in the future, but using your Mac. You can add it to your bookmarks list or Safari reading list, in addition to other things. Or, you can share it via Hyperduck. Simply select “Send to Mac” in the Apple share menu on every iPhone or VisionOS application, and when your Mac is next opened and connected, the link will be displayed within your preferred browser. for sure. Hyberduck can be used even if your Mac is not online and will send the link using iCloud to protect your privacy.
It’s true that there are a number of apps similar to Pocket that accomplish the same function but with a greater number of features. Hyperduck doesn’t intend to emulate the other apps, it’s simply a means to temporarily erase the link you’d like to return later and make sure that it does not get lost among other saved URLs. Hyperduck can also benefit you make use of an iPhone’s Mac shortcuts. For example, you can you could play music on your Mac through your iPhone. The app is completely free, however, it requires the iPhone and Mac connected to one iCloud account, as well as a quick installation procedure. Make a donation to the developer If you enjoy the app.
Monitor Control – controls brightness for monitors that aren’t Apple
Mac cannot change the brightness of non-Apple monitors which is one of a number of nefarious methods of forcing you to pay for their outrageously expensive $1,599+ desktops. Don’t let Apple win. Install Monitor Control and effortlessly alter your monitor’s brightness. compatible third-party monitor, whether it’s an HP or Dell. Monitor Control could have done the same thing and we’d be content, but it takes an extra step. It lets you regulate the volume of the built-in speakers on your monitor also. There are also software-based dimming options to make up for hardware that isn’t functional ones, which allows your monitor to be dimmed to black, and even dimmer than what the manufacturer would allow you with its hardware buttons.
You may have thought you had it all figured out however Monitor Control just keeps going. It gives you the opportunity to sync the brightness of your Apple monitors, which already come with ambient light sensors that adjust automatically to the lighting conditions. In this way, you can grant any screen the status of an “ambient light sensor.” The options for customization are extensive but the application is incredibly easy and light. Maybe desirable of all, Monitor Control is 100 100% free. If you’re impressed by the app, we suggest giving the developers a gift or two to help keep the project running.
Maestral – Dropbox alternative client
The use of iCloud with Apple is easy however once you depart from the well-traveled path by with a different cloud service and then your Mac isn’t interested in you. Microsoft’s OneDrive for instance is a synch issue-ridden pain on the neck. The issue is similar to Dropbox running on Mac is a pain due to another reason: the application is too resource-intensive. It eats up your RAM and CPU, even when you’re not performing work on Dropbox files. Enter Maestral is an open-source Dropbox client that has a main goal of being as lightweight like feathers.
Maestral isn’t the perfect one-for-all alternative to Dropbox. with an open Dropbox API limits it and does not use Dropbox Paper or binary diff transfer of files (i.e. it only uploads the portion of a file that has changed). It’s not a problem if you don’t have these limitations, however because Maestral makes use of a tiny only a fraction of your storage space and resource requirements when compared to the official Dropbox app which means you can keep your application running, without suffering a significant impact on performance. It’s also a fantastic option for people who have an unpaid Dropbox Basic account; Maestral makes use of the API, meaning it won’t count towards your limit of three devices like it does with official apps.
Maestral is open-source and free and the developer is able to solicit donations from app developers who use premium Apple Developer instruments.
AltTab – Windows application switching functionality
Alt + tab Alt + tab is Windows its built-in app switcher to switch from one application to another, and it’s a cinch to use. Mac can also use it (cmd with tab) However, it’s a farce from the latter; it does not let you open all windows and only allows you to open an entire application instead of a specific window for that application. Don’t throw your Mac onto the floor with rage now. Find AltTab. AltTab offers a smooth and lighter version of the alt+tab to Mac and is assigned to the opt to tab on default. You can look at a screen thumbnail of the window that is open as well as its title, the currently open window as well as badges for notifications and much more.
What distinguishes AltTab the ultimate Mac application, however, is the fact that it has succeeded in surpassing the Windows feature it’s based off of. It lets you alter everything about the appearance of the switcher like how big thumbnails are as well as the text of the title. You can transfer files onto the switcher’s thumbnail and quit or minimize applications using keystrokes, block certain apps from showing up within the switching interface, and many more. The creator of AltTab created AltTab due to dissatisfaction with other apps that offered similar functionality however, the majority of them were closed-source or paid. AltTab is fully functional as a free application, however, you must make sure to send a donation to the developer in the event that it becomes a part of your workflow. We’ll be amazed if it isn’t.
Hyperkey – make caps lock a modifier key
It could be shocking to some that a lot of computer users favor taking away the keys that lock caps. Yahoo News describes it as an “vestigial… holdover from typewriter days when holding down a shift key required actual, strenuous effort.” Take a look Most of the time you’ll hit the caps lock by accident, not on intention. When you need it you’re likely to press shift to type one phrase in full caps, instead. In the meantime, until we all accept the decision to eliminate caps locks from keyboards, utilize the caps lock feature as an additional modifier key when using Hyperkey. It’s helpful for anyone who has a lot of keyboard shortcuts, and would like to have some additional.
Hyperkey can be used Hyperkey in two ways: either as an additional modifier key in conjunction with the above ones or as a single modifier key that has specific shortcuts. This is the only thing Hyperkey does. The combinations of keys you choose to use are entirely completely up to you. Hyperkey is completely free to use however, you can benefit support the development process and gain extra features when you upgrade to Superkey Hyperkey, which is Hyperkey, the “pro” version of Hyperkey. Alongside the Hyperkey capabilities, it allows you to choose any on-screen text using your keyboard, and then click it without using the mouse. The cost of Superkey is $15.99 after a trial period of 20 days.
Shottr – screenshot app
It’s been made to appear that all of the standard Mac features are great however, that’s not the case. Mac’s built-in screen capture utility is a good example. It is a notch above the one available for Windows; Mac lets you easily capture your whole screen, one window, or some of the screen by using only a few shortcuts. For the majority of users, that’s enough however, frequent screen-shotters and creatives want more. Shottr will take your screenshots the next level with its ability to let you capture scrolling screenshots, quickly remove or blur-sensitive information and copy text on screen as well as overlay images and additional — and all within the tiniest of 3.6-megabyte application.
Shottr is It’s like a skillful suite that could cost around a hundred dollars, yet the features are all completely free to use. When you activate this, adequate to the dev the application unlocks its “full potential” and may add future premium features. However, for now it’s mostly just stopping Shottr from insisting on upgrading. Its Basic Version (definitely the professional version) costs just $8 for a lifetime license, which one user can use for up to 5 Macs.
Purchase Shottr not only to help development, but to also get those awesome premium features once they launch.
Arc Browser – a productivity browser
More browsers to pick from than ever before and they all have useful features. Utilizing the majority of browsers it hasn’t changed fundamentally. In terms of functionality, they all share the same columns or rows of tabs which function much or largely the same. Arc Browser from the Browser Company is designed to transform the way you utilize it from bottom starting from scratch to benefit you operate more quickly and efficient. According to Arc’s description the browser “shapes itself to how you use the internet.”
Arc is a smart twist on the many aspects of web browsers that we’ve come accustomed to thinking are a given. It transforms how you access tabs by separating them into favorites and pinned tabs that you open every day and “unpinned” tabs that will eventually be closed in 12 hours, keeping your browser clear and neat. Its provide a seamless profile switching experience that lets you switch across “spaces” for work and play all within one window. It allows you to control everything via the Spotlight-like search feature to start new tabs, browse existing ones, choose certain tabs, and many more. SlashGear is likely to require a thorough review to demonstrate the full range of features Arc can do. Users who are willing to learn the ins and outs of SlashGear will be able to quickly increase their productivity, particularly using Arc Max AI. Arc Max AI features.
Despite being a browser that works effectively like an operating-system-in-an-operating-system, Arc is free to use.
The way we picked these apps
In assembling the list SlashGear has carefully assessed apps above and beyond the standard Google homepage listicles. A lot of them are popular with communities on the internet, such as Reddit’s r/MacApps. They also gain popularity with review sites of major importance. We efforts to choose applications that actually improve the productivity of a person instead of “novelty” apps that have an attractive marquee feature. However, they don’t affect your everyday workflow. The majority the apps we reviewed were chosen in accordance with the writer’s personal experiences together these apps on a daily basis.
We also stayed clear of focusing exclusively on apps that are free. As certain are among the perfect apps in this list do not offer any free alternatives worth considering for example Swish or PopClip. A lot of paid apps come with an excellent free version that is feature-rich. However, if they don’t then the list efforts to include a few alternatives for free — like The Bartender’s Hidden Bar competitor.
We believe in helping developers, as a lot of free, open-source applications die in the absence of funding. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you donate to the developers of free applications. Particularly when you can increase your workflow to benefit. These amazing productivity tools to thrive for many long into the future.
Q&A
How can I make my Mac experience better?
Look at your desktop and remove the shortcuts for any programs and documents that you’re no longer using. Delete the programs and documents or move them to storage. Use Software Update to uninstall unnecessary apps. To get to Software Update, click the apple icon, then select App Store and update or uninstall programs.
Is Apple Mac good for students?
Both Mac and iPad are perfect for college and will be a great choice. To understand whether a Mac or an iPad will work best for you, consider how you like to work and the activities you’ll be using it for. Many students choose to use both.
