35 Best Mac Apps You Must Use in 2024 (Paid & Free)

MacOS is a robust and stable operating system, requiring less tinkering than Windows and Linux systems. But unfortunately, some of the native Apple software does not pack a punch.

However, there’s no need to wait for Apple to fix the uninspired designs and lack of functionalities of some of its applications. You can install third-party apps to enhance your macOS experience.

Some of these apps are designed for niche users, while others fill the gaps in Mac’s operating system. Keep scrolling to learn about the best Mac apps (paid and free) to make your life easier.

18 Best Paid Mac Apps That Will Make Your Life Easier

If you’re looking for Mac apps with advanced features, then you need to check out this complete list!

1. Setapp

Setapp is a productivity toolkit giving Mac & iOS users access to 230+ applications. Try the trial version for 7 days and then get a monthly or annual membership.

Features:

• Install and uninstall applications with a click.
• Setapp membership includes complete access to the comprehensive app selection, app updates, and all new additions on iPhone and Mac.
• Pay $9.99 a month or save 10% by paying annually.

2. WALTR PRO

WALTR PRO is a user-friendly converter that quickly converts audio and video files into Apple-friendly formats.

Features:

• Transfer any file to iOS
• Metadata editor 
• Drag-and-drop functionality 

3. CleanMyMac X

CleanMyMac X is a must have app for cleaning Mac. 

It has an intuitive, user-friendly interface that ensures the smooth running of Mac systems. Although the pricing starts from $39.95 a year, you can try the free version if you seek free cleaners for MacBook.

Features:

• Space Lens gives an overview of what’s gobbling up space on your system.
• The Menu bar offers handy information regarding CPU speeds, drive capabilities, system load, etc. 
• Uninstaller and Disk Lens offer a clear view of which folders are consuming the most drive space.
• The Malware Removal Module can diagnose and eliminate malware.

4. Hazel

Hazel is an automatic organizer of files, folders, and more. It is your personal housekeeper and assists in maintaining your Mac.

Features:

• Automatically organizes files according to specific rules defined by users 
• Archives, tags, and uploads files, along with sorting and renaming them 
• Manages the Trash 
• Spotlight integration

5. NordVPN

NordVPN is the most beloved VPN, with glowing reviews worldwide. The platform’s online security tools, high speeds, and torrenting capabilities ensure it is software worth your attention.

Moreover, NordVPN’s privacy policy is audited independently.

Features:

• Supports three tunneling protocols: NordLynx, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN.
• Uses AES-256-CBC cipher for encrypting Internet traffic.
• Servers are located in more than 50 countries.
• Internet Kill Switch and App Kill Switch, so even if the connection to the VPN server drops, users continue to remain anonymous.
• 24/7 customer support.

6. PDF Expert

PDFs are widely used, but they’re not the easiest to edit. That’s why PDF Expert is one of the best Mac apps for students and professionals. With this app, users can make changes and add notes to PDFs on the fly. The lifetime license is $139.99.

Features:

• Three themes (Day, Sepia, and Night theme) to enhance the reading experience of PDF documents.
• Powered by cutting-edge PDF Search functionality.
• Plethora of tools to add annotations to the document, such as strikethrough text, highlight text, etc.

7. 1Password

1Password is the best choice when selecting a password manager. Its highest level of security is its top feature. The app is ideal for personal use and for small and midsize businesses in need of secure, scalable password management. You can also use the strong password generator to create strong passwords for your accounts and improve your security.

Features:

• Chat, call, and email support with a supportive community.
• Two-factor authentication and other security methods to keep passwords secure.
• Sharing of passwords between teams without hassle.
• Quick generation of unique passwords.
• 14-day free trial.

8. Ulysses

Ulysses facilitates distraction-free writing by hiding unnecessary toolbars and other distractions. Try the 14-day trial; after that, either pay $4.99 a month or $39.99 annually.

Features:

• Distraction-free interface.
• Built-in editing assistant and proofreader.
• Convert texts into PDFs, eBooks, blog posts, or word documents.

9. Bartender

Bartender organizes the menu bar by arranging and hiding items in a single click. It is one of the best Mac productivity apps that allows quick access to the menu items.

Features:

• Dark and light modes.
• Updated UI for modern macOS.
• Shortcut keys to access menus.
• Automatically hides menu bar icons.
• Quickly search menu items.

10. Affinity Suite

Creative professionals must consider Affinity Suite. It is now in version 2 and includes Affinity Designer 2, Affinity Photo 2, and Affinity Publisher 2.

Furthermore, you can purchase a universal license to use this across multiple devices.

Affinity Photo 2 is the best Mac app known for precision, speed, and power. It provides intuitive ways to retouch and edit images.

Affinity Designer 2 offers a way to create print projects, mock-ups and concept art. Affinity Publisher 2 offers layout software for magazines, books, Marketing templates, etc.

Features:

• User-friendly, intuitive UI.
• Affinity Publisher creates incredible layouts on the go.
• Affinity Designer offers vector wrap and builder tools to subtract or add segments and shapes.
• Export and edit DXF and AutoCAD files accurately and quickly.
• Affinity Photo offers non-destructive RAW development of files and live masks.
• No subscription but a universal license to use all the apps that come with Affinity Suite.

11. Magnet

Magnet is the best window manager for MacBooks. Snap windows into organized files and clear the clutter using this software. The app is yours for $2.99.

Features:

• Snaps window into files to declutter the screen.
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts.
• Six external displays are supported. 

12. Tweetbot

Twitter can be an overwhelming platform, and finding the tweets you need may be challenging.

Make handling Twitter manageable by using Tweetbot. The app offers one-click access to saved searches, timelines, and DMs.

Users can even choose from a list of filters to block tweets they don’t want to see, like sponsored tweets, spoilers, etc.

Features:

• Light and dark themes.
• Multiple-column support with customization options.
• Expandable sidebar.
• Automatically playback GIFs and videos in the timeline.
• iCloud sync.
• Timeline filters. 
• Mute filters.
• Multiple accounts. 

13. AdGuard

AdGuard is an essential app for Macs as it allows a wide range of filters to block social media extensions, URL redirects, pop-up ads, etc., and increase focus.

The app works on web browsers and other applications you have installed. There’s a 14-day trial for new users, and after that, pay $2.49 a month to use this app on three devices simultaneously. 

Features:

• Blocks ads and messages from web pages.
• Protection from phishing and malware websites with the Browsing Security module.
• The Stealth Mode module is where the personal information of the users is hidden.
• Parental control. 

14. Dark Noise

Having difficulty sleeping? Dark Noise is the ultimate Mac application for you. It is a simple app that plays ambient noise to help users relax, focus or sleep.

Features:

• 50 sounds, and you can add more to it by creating custom mixes.
• Mini player.
• 10 themes, including True Black.
• Customizable widgets.

15. Fantastical 3

Fantastical 3’s organized and sleek interface is a step up from Mac’s stock calendar. It is well-known for its natural voice input capabilities. 

Features:

• Customizable view of schedules.
• Propose multiple meeting times.
• See different time zones.
• Templates.
• Integrated weather forecasts.

16. Numbers

Numbers is a well-designed spreadsheet application developed by Apple Inc. as part of the iWork productivity. The app visualizes data like never before. 

Features:

• Intuitive and powerful data analysis tool.
• Radar charts.
• Create and customize forms.
• RegEx features.
• XLOOKUP.
• Record and edit audio in the spreadsheet.
• Reading mode.
• Custom templates and shapes library.
• iCloud sync.

17. iA Writer

iA Writer offers a white or black, clean play box to be used for writing. The app comes with a note-linking tool, markdown compatibility and style checks. 

Features:

• Pleasing interface.
• Custom fonts.
• Syntax highlight. 
• Support for Markdown. 
• List of citations.
• Two-minute content creation.
• Text rewording.
• SEO text editor.
• Free trial for new users.

18. Honeygain

Honeygain is a passive income app that allows its users to earn money online. The Honeygain app offers a range of benefits for macOS users looking to make the most of their unused internet bandwidth.

Features:

• Passive earnings
• Cryptocurrency rewards when in JumpTask mode.
• Referral program

17 Free Mac Apps Every Mac User Needs To Have

Don’t want to spend on Mac apps? Here’s a comprehensive list of all the free Mac apps that you can use.

1. Alfred

If you are looking for the best productivity apps for Mac, Alfred is at the top of the list and is a free app. The app allows users to create shortcuts to file folders and programs, create automated custom workflows, activate system commands by typing and more. 

Features:

• Default results.
• Find files using the file search keywords.
• Built-in default web searches and custom searches.
• Text expansions and snippets.
• Quick math calculations.
• Control Mac from the keyboard.

2. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a cross-platform, open-source multimedia player. It plays most multimedia files, including DVDs, VCDs, CDs, etc.

Users can view 360-degree videos up to 8K resolution using this app. 

Features:

• Play any video files from webcams, streams or discs.
• Video filtration facility.
• Support of file server like SMB and FTP.
• Does not contain ads, spyware, and user tracking. 
• Supports multiple audio tracks and MKV.

3. Amphetamine

Amphetamine is the keep-awake application created for Macs. The app’s primary purpose is to keep the system awake for a set amount of time.

Features:

• Customization tools to keep the system awake.
• Amphetamine triggers keep Mac awake based on battery level, Wi-Fi connection, etc.
• Supports AppleScript.
• Does not contain any ads.

4. The Unarchiver

The Unarchiver is a user-friendly, small app that can unarchive different kinds of archive files.

The app opens common formats like ZIP, 7-ZIP, RAR, etc. Besides, it can open older formats like ARC, LZH, etc.

Features:

• Supports a wide array of archive formats.
• Takes a few clicks to install, and the tool is free.
• Read foreign characters.

5. Google Chrome

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers and its simplicity, continued support, speed and security is tempting Mac users to switch from Safari.

Features:

• An advanced search bar where you can search, translate or perform quick calculations.
• Generate strong passwords and save them securely.
• Sync Chrome across devices.
• Dark mode.
• Keep track of multiple pages with tabs.
• Comprehensive selection of extensions.

6. Spark

Manage emails with ease using the user-friendly Spark app. The app reduces all the noise by notifying users about the emails they have received from other people.

Features:

• Follow-up reminders for important emails.
• Schedule emails to be sent at a later date and time.
• Quickly reply to emails.
• Personalize widgets, swipes and sidebar.
• Add a signature in your email.
• Numerous templates.
• Create emails together with your friends.
• Pre-written emails.

7. Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a free note-taking app for Mac users. Use this app to organize your ideas and work. Download it for free from the Apple App Store.

Features:

• OneNote is free to download and use.
• Organize notes using labels, tabs and color coding.
• Create, rename, sort, search and copy sections, pages and entire notebooks.
• Variety of digital pen colors.
• Take a picture, crop and insert right into OneNote.
• Convert hand drawn images and shapes into crisp circles or regular polygons.
• Share notes and ideas with colleagues and friends.
• Sync your notes.

8. Notion

Notion is a note-taking and project management tool for Mac. It is popular with seasoned professionals.

Although there’s not much separating the paid plans, Enterprise and Team users enjoy advanced security and unlimited users.

Features:

• Effective tools to help users create to-do lists, manage projects and take notes.
• Integration with Slack.
• A kanban board and a document creator.

9. Slack

Managing and working in a team is challenging, especially when the team members are in remote locations. Communication and collaboration are key to getting work done and the ultimate project and team collaboration tool is Slack. It is one of the best Mac apps for professionals. 

Features:

• Set reminders and get notifications.
• Know the availability of team members.
• Voice and video calls.
• Advanced search modifiers.
• Shared channels across workspaces.
• Managing and tracking documents.

10. LastPass

LastPass is a password manager, and by installing this, you can keep track of hundreds of unique, strong passwords. It is known for its ease of use and amazing features.

Features: 

• Password strength report.
• Multiple form-filling identities.
• Two-factor authentication.
• Import from browsers.
• Secure password sharing.

11. CopyClip

CopyClip is the most efficient and simplest clipboard manager for Mac users. The app runs discreetly from the menu bar, and it allows users to quickly find snippets of text. 

Features:

• Stores up to 230 clippings.
• Keyboard shortcuts to paste clippings.
• Search through clippings using the embedded search bar.
• Option to paste clippings with the original formatting.
• Dark and light themes.
• Exclude apps you do not wish to copy clippings from.

12. Vivaldi

Vivaldi is a browser that takes the lead in speed and privacy. The browser comes with an in-built RSS reader, email client, calendar and translation tool. Hence, it’s a calendar app with advanced features.

Features: 

• Uncluttered, minimal setup with privacy options that puts the users in control of your data.
• Ad blocker.
• Translate a website with a single click.
• Supports extensions.
• Does not track you.

13. Audiobook Binder

It is possible to listen to books in MP3 format, but most users like the M4B format as it supports more chapters.

This is the native format supported by Apple Books. The Audiobook Binder is an application that allows users to convert MP3 files into M4B files.

A custom book cover can also be added, and users can edit the metadata of the book, including the name, narrator, and author. 

Features:

• Convert MP3 files to M4B files, and several MP3 files can be binded into a single file.
• Custom book cover. 
• Metadata edit.

14. BBEdit

BBEdit is a free text editor for Mac, but advanced features and capabilities are unlocked on purchasing a monthly or annual subscription.

However, the modified set of features in the free mode is more than enough for designers, developers, software developers and writers.

It is also regarded as one of the best Mac apps for developers as it offers Unix scripting support, AppleScript Automator, robust HTML tools, etc.

Features:

• Intelligent interface offering access to search and replace across multiple files, grep pattern matching, code folding, project definition tools, FTP and SFTP open and save, text and code completion, etc. 
• 30-day evaluation period.
• Manipulation of text, code, and XML/HTML markup.

15. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a full-fledged video editor, and it is free to use. The software combines professional 8K editing, visual effects, color correction, audio post-production, etc. 

The app’s color correction tools are considered better than most paid video editors, including Premiere Pro and FCP. 

Features:

• Audio capture.
• Collaboration tools.
• Audio library.
• Animations and transitions.
• 3D video editing.
• 3D depth map and ultra beauty.
• GPU accelerated fusion paint.
• Customizable branding.
• Multimedia support and media library.
• Motion tracking.
• Video stabilization.
• Video streaming and management.
• Real-time monitoring. 
• Text overlay.

16. GIMP

GIMP is a full-featured image editor for macOS. Thanks to routine upgrades, the software improves its features and meets the Adobe Photoshop level quality that users expect. 

Features:

• Multiple undo or redo.
• Full alpha channel support. 
• Foreground extraction tool.
• Editable text layers.
• MNG support.
• Transformation tools include shear, scale, rotate, and flip.
• Supports custom brushes and patterns.

17. Audacity

Audacity is an audio editor app for Mac. It is the right tool to help you edit audio files. The software can record live audio, copy, cut, splice, and mix audio together. 

Features:

• Record live audio.
• Convert records and tapes into digital recordings or CDs.
• Edit MP3, FLAC, AIFF, and other sound files.
• Numerous effects, such as changing the temp, speed, and pitch of a recording.

Conclusion

These are some top paid and free apps that will make your life easier. These apps are designed to enhance productivity and help you complete tasks quickly. Installing these will improve your Mac experience.

Paras Kela

Paras Kela is a highly skilled SaaS content writer with over 7 years of experience in the IT field. His expertise lies in simplifying complex technical concepts for easy comprehension. With a portfolio of over 100 high-quality blogs covering various SaaS topics, Paras’s writing style is engaging, informative, and SEO-friendly, ensuring maximum effectiveness. He continuously updates his skills and knowledge to stay current with industry trends, making his writing relevant and reliable.