We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the best new Mac apps, and this list highlights the best Mac applications you can download for your MacBook now. I can’t narrow it down to just a few, so I’ve made this list of the best free and premium apps you can download for your Macbook now.
Alfred – Must have app for shortcuts and automation
Alfred is a must have app for MacBook users who want to streamline their workflow and get more done. This powerful app has a launcher, shortcuts and automation.
You can search for files, apps and web pages and content without ever having to take your hands off the keyboard with Alfred. While Alfred is a premium app, there are also free apps that can help you get more done.
One of Alfred’s best features is the ability to create custom workflows. These workflows allow you to automate repetitive tasks like resizing images, converting file formats or even controlling your smart home devices.
The app features an intuitive user interface that makes it super easy to set up and manage these workflows even if you have no programming experience.
Along with automation it also has other productivity features like clipboard history, text expansion and a calculator. The app has lots of customisation options so you can make it your own.
Overall Alfred is a must have for any MacBook user who wants to work smarter not harder. Its feature set, interface and customisation options are worth the investment if you want to get more done and simplify your daily tasks.
Bartender – Menu bar organizer for macOS
Bartender is a must have app for MacBook users who want to tidy up their menu bar.
With more and more apps using the menu bar it can get cluttered and hard to navigate. This is where Bartender comes in, a simple solution to this problem.
The app lets you hide and rearrange menu bar items so you have full control over what’s in your menu bar and when.
You can hide items you don’t use or set them to appear only when you need them. This frees up valuable menu bar real estate and makes it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Bartender also has lots of customisation options, you can create custom toggle bars and set hotkeys for your favourite menu bar items. The app is super easy to set up and manage your menu bar settings even if you’re new to the app.
Overall Bartender is a simple but mighty tool to simplify your MacBook experience.
BetterTouchTool – Customise trackpad gestures and keyboard shortcuts
BetterTouchTool is one of the best Mac apps for users who want to get more done by customizing their trackpad gestures and keyboard shortcuts. This app lets you create custom gestures and shortcuts that can be used across many apps so you can get things done faster.
One of the best things about BetterTouchTool is its flexibility. You can create custom gestures with just a click or combination of taps, swipes and other trackpad movements or define keyboard shortcuts for specific actions. The app is super easy to set up and manage your gestures and shortcuts even if you’re new to the app.
Along with customisation options BetterTouchTool also has built in gestures and shortcuts that you can enable or disable as needed. These include gestures for switching between tabs in your web browser, controlling media playback and even snapping windows to specific parts of your screen.
Overall BetterTouchTool is a must have for any MacBook user who wants to get more done. Its feature set and interface are worth the investment.
Magnet – Window management app
Magnet is a must have for MacBook users who want to use their screen real estate and work more efficiently. This window management app lets you snap windows into predefined or custom layouts so you can organise your workspace and multitask like a pro. Magnet is a free app with loads of multitasking functionality.
With Magnet you can snap windows to the left or right side of your screen, top or bottom or even quarters. This lets you view multiple windows side by side which is super useful when working with multiple documents or apps at the same time.
Along with predefined layouts Magnet also lets you create custom layouts to suit your needs. This means you can create the perfect workspace for your workflow with all the windows you need at your fingertips.
Magnet is super easy to use even if you’re new to window management apps. The app integrates with your MacBook’s existing keyboard shortcuts so you can start using it right away with no setup.
Overall Magnet is a must have app for anyone who wants to optimise their MacBook workspace and get more done. Its feature set and interface is a must have for any serious MacBook user.
Rocket – Emoji_picker for Mac
Rocket is a fun app that brings emoji to your MacBook. With Rocket you can insert emoji into any text field, whether you’re typing an email, social media post or document.
One of the best things about Rocket is its interface. To insert an emoji just type a colon followed by the name of the emoji you want to use. Rocket will then show you a list of matching emoji to choose from so you can find the perfect emoji for any occasion.
Along with emoji search Rocket also has customisation options. You can choose from Apple’s native emoji set or custom emoji from other platforms like Twitter or Google. You can also create custom emoji shortcuts to make inserting your favourite emoji even faster.
Rocket is a lightweight app that runs in the background so you can use it without any impact on your MacBook’s performance. And with updates and new features added all the time Rocket is an app you’ll keep coming back to.
Overall Rocket is a must have app for anyone who loves emoji and wants to add some fun and personality to their MacBook communications. Its interface, customisation options and integration is a must have for any emoji enthusiast.
Amphetamine – Prevents your Mac from sleeping
Amphetamine is a simple but powerful app that keeps your MacBook awake and alert even when you’re not using it. This is super useful when you’re running long tasks like downloading large files, rendering videos, using a backup app to create system backups or creating system backups.
One of the best things about Amphetamine is its flexibility. You can have your MacBook awake indefinitely or set a specific time after which it will sleep. You can also have Amphetamine keep your MacBook awake only when certain conditions are met like when a specific app is running or when your MacBook is connected to an external display.
Amphetamine’s interface is simple and easy to use with clear controls to toggle the app on and off. You can access Amphetamine from your MacBook’s menu bar so you can turn it on and off as needed.
Despite its features Amphetamine is a lightweight app that won’t slow down your MacBook or drain your battery. And with updates and bug fixes added all the time you can count on Amphetamine to keep your MacBook awake and ready to go whenever you need it.
Overall Amphetamine is a must have app for any MacBook user who needs their machine to be at full power even when they’re not using it. Its flexibility, ease of use and reliability is a must have for any serious MacBook user.
Dropbox – Cloud storage and file syncing
Dropbox is a cloud storage and file syncing service that’s become a must have for MacBook users. With Dropbox you can store and access all your files from anywhere, on any device so it’s perfect for anyone who needs to work on the go or collaborate with others.
One of the best things about Dropbox is its integration with the MacBook ecosystem. Once you’ve installed the Dropbox app on your MacBook you can access your Dropbox files directly from the Finder just like any other folder on your machine. So you can save files to Dropbox or retrieve them when needed without having to go to a separate web interface.
Dropbox also has robust sharing and collaboration features so you can share files or folders with others, set permissions and even collaborate on documents in real-time. This is perfect for team projects or when working with clients or colleagues.
In addition to its core file syncing and sharing features Dropbox also has file versioning, file recovery and offline access so it’s a one stop shop for all your file storage and collaboration needs.
Overall Dropbox is a must have app for any MacBook user who needs a cloud storage and file syncing solution. Its integration, collaboration features and tools are a must have for any modern workflow.
Google Drive – Cloud storage and collaboration
Google Drive is a cloud storage and collaboration platform that’s become a must have for MacBook users. You can store, access and share your files from anywhere, on any device including mobile devices so it’s perfect for personal and professional use.
Google Drive has integration with Google’s suite of productivity apps including Google Docs, Sheets and Slides so you can create, edit and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets and presentations within Google Drive without any extra software.
Google Drive also has sharing and collaboration features so you can share files or folders with others, set permissions and even collaborate on documents in real-time. This is perfect for team projects or when working with clients or colleagues.
In addition to its file storage and collaboration features Google Drive has file versioning, file recovery and offline access so it’s a one stop shop for all your file storage and collaboration needs.
Overall Google Drive is a must have app for any MacBook user who needs a cloud storage and collaboration platform. Its integration with Google’s productivity suite, collaboration features and tools are a must have for any modern workflow.
Evernote – Note-taking and organizing app
Evernote is a note-taking and organizing app that’s become a favourite among MacBook users. With Evernote you can capture, organize and share your ideas, notes and documents all in one place. Evernote is available on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook today.
One of the best things about Evernote is its flexibility. You can use Evernote to create notes in many formats including text, images, audio and even handwritten notes. You can also organize your notes into notebooks and tag them so you can search and find them later.
Evernote also has powerful search so you can find your notes even if you have thousands of them. The app searches not only the text of your notes but also any images or attachments so you can find what you’re looking for.
In addition to its note-taking features Evernote also has collaboration tools so you can share notes and notebooks with others, set permissions and even collaborate on notes in real-time.
Overall Evernote is a must have app for any MacBook user who needs a powerful, flexible and easy to use note-taking and organizing solution. Its features, search and collaboration tools are a must have for any productivity workflow.
Notion – All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks and projects
Notion is the all-in-one workspace that’s taken the productivity world by storm and for good reason. This app combines the best of note-taking, project management and collaboration tools into one seamless package so it’s perfect for MacBook users who want to streamline their workflow. Notion is available on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook today.
One of the best things about Notion is its flexibility. You can use Notion to create notes, tasks and projects in many formats including text, images and even databases. You can also customize your workspace with templates, icons and covers so you can create a personalized and visually pleasing environment.
Notion also has collaboration features so you can share pages and databases with others, set permissions and even collaborate on documents in real-time. This is great for team projects or working with clients or colleagues.
In addition to its productivity features Notion also integrates with many third-party apps and services like Google Drive, Slack and Trello so you can fit Notion into your existing workflow.
Overall Notion is a game changer for MacBook users who need a powerful, flexible and collaborative workspace. Its features, interface and integrations are a must have for productivity and getting things done.
Bear – Note-taking app
Bear is a beautifully designed note-taking app that’s become a favorite among MacBook users. With its clean and minimalistic interface and powerful features Bear makes it easy to capture, organize and share your ideas and notes. Bear has a free basic version with the essentials and a premium version with extra features.
One of the best things about Bear is its distraction free writing environment. The app uses a simple markdown based formatting system so you can create notes with headings, lists and other elements without the need for menus or toolbars. This makes it perfect for writers, bloggers and anyone who needs to focus on their content without distractions.
Bear also has organizational tools like tags, sub-tags and smart filters so you can categorize and find your notes later. The app’s search is also advanced so you can quickly find a specific note or piece of content even if you have a large library of notes.
In addition to the core note-taking features Bear also has customization options like themes, typography and even the ability to create your own templates so you can tailor the app to your needs and preferences.
Overall Bear is a must have app for any MacBook user who values simplicity, beauty and powerful note-taking. Its design, interface and features make it a pleasure to use and a essential tool for capturing and organizing your ideas.
Ulysses – Writing app for long-form content
Ulysses is a writing app for long-form content so it’s perfect for MacBook users who need to create complex documents, reports or even novels. Ulysses is a premium app known for its customization and distraction free interface.
One of the best things about Ulysses is its distraction free interface. The app uses a simple markdown based formatting system so you can focus on your writing without the need for menus or toolbars. This means you can get your ideas down quickly and efficiently without worrying about formatting or layout. Ulysses has powerful editing tools to help you organize and refine your writing projects.
Ulysses also has organizational tools like a customizable library, tags and filters so you can keep your writing projects organized and accessible. The app’s search is also advanced so you can quickly find a specific piece of content even if you have a large library of documents.
In addition to the core writing features Ulysses also has export options so you can share your work with others or publish to various platforms like WordPress, Medium and even ebooks.
Overall Ulysses is a must have app for any MacBook user who needs a powerful, simple and flexible writing tool. Its interface, organizational features and export options make it part of any serious writing workflow.
iA Writer – Minimalist writing app
iA Writer is a minimalist writing app that has a cult following among MacBook users who value simplicity. With its clean interface and powerful writing tools iA Writer makes it easy to get your thoughts down on paper without distractions. iA Writer’s interface is intuitive so you can focus on your writing without distractions.
One of the best features of iA Writer is its “focus mode” which highlights the sentence or paragraph you’re working on and dims the rest of the document. This helps you stay focused on your writing and not get bogged down in editing or formatting.
iA Writer also has organizational tools like a customizable library, tags and smart folders so you can keep your writing projects organized and accessible. The app’s search is also advanced so you can quickly find a specific piece of content even if you have a large library of documents.
In addition to the core writing features iA Writer also has export options so you can share your work with others or publish to various platforms like WordPress, Medium and even PDFs.
Overall iA Writer is a must have app for any MacBook user who values simplicity, focus and powerful writing tools. Its interface, focus mode and organizational features make it part of any minimalist writing workflow.
Spark – Email client with smart features
Spark is an email client that has changed the way MacBook users manage their inboxes. With its sleek interface, smart features and intuitive design Spark makes it easy to stay on top of your email even if you receive hundreds of emails a day. Download from the Mac App Store and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best features of Spark is its “Smart Inbox” which automatically categorizes your emails into different sections like Personal, Notifications and Newsletters. This helps you quickly identify and respond to important emails and keep less important emails out of your way. Spark also allows you to send direct messages to other users, enhancing your communication capabilities.
Spark also has productivity features like snoozing emails, setting reminders and even collaborating on email threads. The app’s search is also powerful so you can find specific emails or attachments even if you have a large archive of messages.
In addition to the core email features Spark also integrates with third party apps and services like Dropbox, Google Drive and Evernote so you can manage your email along with your other productivity tools.
Overall Spark is a must have app for any MacBook user who wants to take control of their inbox and boost their email productivity. Its smart features, intuitive design and third party integrations make it a tool for anyone who gets work done through email.
Airmail – Powerful email client with customization options
Airmail is a powerful and customizable email client that has become a favorite among MacBook users looking for an alternative to the built in Mail app. With its advanced features, flexible interface and tons of customization options Airmail makes it easy to manage your email your way. Download from the Mac App Store and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best features of Airmail is its highly customizable interface. You can choose from various themes, layouts and even create your own custom templates to fit your needs and preferences. This way you can tailor the app to your workflow and style.
Airmail also has productivity features like snoozing emails, setting reminders and even automating repetitive tasks with custom actions. The app’s search is also powerful so you can find specific emails or attachments even if you have a large archive of messages.
In addition to the core email features Airmail also integrates with third party apps and services like Todoist, Asana and Trello so you can manage your email along with your other productivity tools.
Overall Airmail is a must have app for any MacBook user who wants a powerful, customizable and feature rich email client. Its flexible interface, productivity features and third party integrations make it a tool for anyone who wants to level up their email management.
Fantastical – Calendar and task management app
Fantastical is a powerful and intuitive calendar and task management app that has become a favorite among MacBook users. With its beautiful design, natural language input and seamless integration with other apps and services Fantastical makes it easy to stay on top of your schedule and get things done. Fantastical has a free version with the essentials and a pro version with extra features.
One of the best features of Fantastical is its natural language input. Instead of typing in event details you can just type or speak a phrase like “Lunch with John at Cafe XYZ on Friday at 1pm” and Fantastical will create the event for you. This makes it super easy to add events and tasks to your calendar without interrupting your workflow.
Fantastical also has powerful features for managing your schedule like custom calendar sets, various layouts to view your events and even sync with your favorite task management apps like Todoist and Things. The app’s customizable alerts and notifications will never let you miss an event or deadline.
Overall Fantastical is a must have app for any MacBook user who wants a powerful, intuitive and beautifully designed calendar and task management solution. Its natural language input, integrations and customizability make it a tool for staying organized and productive.
Things – Task management and to-do list app
Things is a beautifully designed and intuitive task management app that has become a favorite among MacBook users. With its clean interface, powerful features and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem Things makes it easy to organize your tasks, projects and goals in one place. Download from the Mac App Store and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best features of Things is its simplicity. The app uses areas, projects and tasks to help you break down your work into smaller chunks. You can drag and drop tasks between projects, set deadlines and reminders and even use the app’s powerful search to find specific tasks or notes.
Things also has features to help you stay on top of your tasks like a Today view that shows you what’s on your agenda for the day and the ability to create repeating tasks and custom workflows. The app integrates with the Apple ecosystem so you can add tasks with Siri, import tasks from email and even sync your tasks across all your Apple devices.
Overall Things is a must have app for any MacBook user who wants a powerful, intuitive and beautifully designed task management solution. Its clean interface, features and integration with the Apple ecosystem make it a tool for staying organized and productive.
OmniFocus – Task management app
OmniFocus is a powerful task management app for MacBook users who need a full featured and flexible solution for their work and personal life. With its advanced features, customizability and integration with other apps and services OmniFocus is the favorite of many productivity enthusiasts. Download from the Mac App Store and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best features of OmniFocus is its flexibility. The app lets you organize your tasks into projects, folders and contexts so you have complete control over how you structure your work. You can set due dates, priorities and even create custom perspectives to view your tasks in different ways.
OmniFocus also has advanced features for power users like custom scripts and automating repetitive tasks with AppleScript. The app’s search is also very powerful so you can find specific tasks or notes even if you have a huge database of information.
In addition to its core task management features OmniFocus also integrates with third party apps and services like Slack, Zapier and IFTTT so you can streamline your workflow and automate tasks across multiple platforms.
Overall OmniFocus is a must have app for any MacBook user who needs a powerful, flexible and customisable task management solution. Its features, integrations and automation make it a tool for taking your productivity to the next level.
1Password – Password manager and secure wallet
1Password is a powerful password manager and secure wallet that is a must have for any MacBook user who wants to secure their online life. With its clean interface, features and strong encryption 1Password makes it easy to generate, store and manage complex passwords across all your devices. Download from the Mac App Store and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best features of 1Password is its simplicity. The app lets you create a single master password that unlocks your entire vault of login credentials, credit card information and other sensitive data. You can organize your data into categories, add notes and tags and even create multiple vaults for different purposes.
1Password also has advanced security features like end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication and the ability to share passwords with team members or family members. The app’s password generator helps you create strong and unique passwords for every account and the auto fill feature makes the login process seamless across all your apps and websites.
Overall 1Password is a must have app for any MacBook user who wants online security and convenience. Its clean interface, features and encryption make it a tool for managing passwords and sensitive information in this digital age.
LastPass – Password manager and digital vault
LastPass is a powerful password manager and digital vault that gives MacBook users a secure and convenient way to manage their online credentials. With its clean interface, robust security and seamless device sync LastPass is a favourite among individuals and businesses. Download from the Mac App Store and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best features of LastPass is that it can store and organize a wide range of sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers and personal identification details. The app uses advanced encryption algorithms so your data is private and secure even if your device is lost or stolen.
LastPass also has some useful tools to make your online life easier like auto form fill, password generator and secure sharing of credentials with trusted contacts. The app’s multi-factor authentication options add an extra layer of security and the password audit feature helps you find and fix weak or duplicate passwords across your accounts.
Another plus of LastPass is its cross platform compatibility so you can access your vault from any device or web browser. The browser extensions make it easy to auto fill login details and payment information so you save time and hassle.
Overall LastPass is a must have tool for any MacBook user who wants to simplify and secure their digital life. With its features, security and design LastPass is the top choice for password management and online protection.
Dashlane – Password manager and online security app
Dashlane is a full password manager and online security app that gives MacBook users a powerful and clean solution to protect their digital identity. With its features, interface and encryption Dashlane is one of the best password managers out there. Download from the Mac App Store and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best features of Dashlane is that it auto fills login credentials and personal information across all your devices and browsers. This saves you time and hassle and protects you from phishing attacks and other online threats.
Dashlane also has some powerful security tools like built-in VPN for secure browsing, dark web monitoring to alert you of any compromised accounts and secure sharing feature to exchange sensitive data with others. The app’s password health dashboard gives you personalized recommendations to improve your online security and the auto password changer helps you update weak or duplicate passwords with just a few clicks.
Another plus of Dashlane is its clean design and seamless integration with popular apps and websites. The app’s interface is easy to use and organize your passwords and cross platform compatibility means your data is always synced and up to date.
Overall Dashlane is a top password manager and online security app that gives MacBook users the tools and peace of mind to protect their digital life. With its features, encryption and design Dashlane is a must have for anyone who wants to improve their online security and privacy.
CleanMyMac X – Mac optimization and cleaning app
CleanMyMac X is a powerful and clean Mac optimization and cleaning tool that gives MacBook users a way to keep their machines running fast and clean. With its features, interface and smart algorithms CleanMyMac X is a must have for anyone who wants to maintain and improve their Mac. Download from the Mac App Store and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best things about CleanMyMac X is that it can quickly and safely remove unnecessary files, apps and other junk that accumulates over time and slow down your machine. The Smart Scan feature gives you a full report of your Mac’s health, where you can free up space, improve performance and protect your privacy.
CleanMyMac X also has advanced tools to optimize your Mac’s performance like malware remover, privacy guard and file shredder to securely delete sensitive data. The app’s interface is easy to use and navigate and the smart algorithms will never let you delete important files or damage your system.
Another plus of CleanMyMac X is its frequent updates and great customer support. The app’s developers are always working to improve and add more features so it remains the top choice for Mac optimization.
Overall CleanMyMac X is a must have for any MacBook user who wants to keep their machine running at its best. With its features, interface and smart algorithms CleanMyMac X makes it easy to optimize, clean and protect your Mac and save you time and hassle in the long run.
DaisyDisk – Disk space analyzer and cleaner
DaisyDisk is a clean and beautiful disk space analyzer and cleaner that helps MacBook users to find and remove unnecessary files and folders on their hard drives. With its daisy wheel interface and powerful scanning DaisyDisk is a simple and effective way to manage and optimize disk space on your Mac. Download from the Mac App Store and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best things about DaisyDisk is its interactive disk space visualization. The app’s colorful daisy wheel shows you a breakdown of your files and folders by size so you can easily spot large or unnecessary items. You can drill down into specific folders or file types and see a detailed view of your disk’s contents.
DaisyDisk also has powerful cleanup tools to delete unwanted files, compress large folders, move items to an external drive or cloud storage service. The app’s smart algorithms will never let you delete important system files and the customizable filters will let you focus on specific file types or locations.
Another plus of DaisyDisk is its fast and smart scanning process that scans your whole hard drive without slowing down your Mac. The app’s interface and tooltips are for all users and the advanced features are for power users.
Overall DaisyDisk is a must have for any MacBook user who wants to take control of disk space and keep their machine running smooth. With its visual approach, powerful tools and user friendly design DaisyDisk helps you to find and remove the files and folders that slow down your Mac.
Hazel – Automated file organization and cleanup
Hazel is a clever and powerful file organization and cleanup tool that automates the process of managing files on your MacBook. With its rule-based system and clean interface Hazel lets you create custom workflows to keep your files organized, up-to-date and clutter free. Hazel can sort, rename and organize all your files based on many criteria.
One of the best things about Hazel is that it can sort, rename and organize files based on many criteria like file type, date or content. You can create complex rules that move files to specific folders, apply tags or labels or even upload to cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. Hazel’s flexibility and customization options let you tailor the app to your needs and preferences.
Hazel also has advanced cleanup features like deleting duplicate files, archiving old items, removing empty folders. The app’s search and preview capabilities let you find and manage specific files and its integration with AppleScript and Automator lets you automate and customize even more.
Another plus of Hazel is its low impact background operation. Once you set up your rules and workflows Hazel will work behind the scenes to keep your files organized and your MacBook running smooth without any manual intervention.
In short Hazel is a must have tool for anyone who wants to streamline file management and organization on their MacBook. With its automation features, customizable rules and user friendly interface Hazel is a productivity booster and a clutter free digital workspace.
Transmit – FTP client for file transfers
Transmit is a powerful and flexible FTP client for MacBooks that makes file transfers between your computer and remote servers easy. With its clean interface, advanced features and seamless integration with cloud storage services Transmit is a favorite among web developers, designers and anyone who needs to manage files remotely. Available on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best things about Transmit is its dual pane interface that lets you navigate your local files and remote server directories side by side. The app supports many protocols like FTP, SFTP, Amazon S3 and WebDAV so it’s a great tool for many file transfer needs.
Transmit also has many advanced features to simplify and speed up your workflow. The built-in code editor lets you edit files directly on the server and batch transfer lets you move multiple files and folders at once. The sync feature ensures your local and remote files are always in sync and the checksums and folder diffing tools help you find and fix any discrepancies.
Another plus of Transmit is its clean and customizable interface so you can tailor the app to your needs and preferences. With dark mode, customizable shortcuts and Panic Sync integration Transmit is a smooth and personalized experience.
In short Transmit is a must have tool for any MacBook user who needs to transfer files fast, secure and easy. With its advanced features, clean interface and many protocols Transmit makes remote file management a breeze and saves you time and headaches in the long run.
Backup and Sync from Google – Backup and sync tool for Google Drive
Backup and Sync from Google is a simple and fast tool to backup and sync your files between your MacBook and Google Drive. With its seamless integration and reliability Backup and Sync is a great tool for anyone who wants to keep their important files safe and accessible across multiple devices. Backup and Sync from Google also lets you manage all your files and keep them safe and accessible across multiple devices.
One of the best things about Backup and Sync is its simplicity. The app walks you through the setup process and lets you select the folders you want to backup or sync with your Google Drive. Once set up Backup and Sync runs quietly in the background, uploading new or modified files to the cloud and downloading changes made on other devices.
Backup and Sync also has many customization options so you can control how your files are handled. You can backup your entire MacBook or select specific folders, set upload and download limits to manage your bandwidth, and even choose to keep deleted files in the cloud for a specified period one time purchase only.
Another plus of Backup and Sync is its tight integration with Google Drive and the Google ecosystem. This means you can access your backed up files from any device with an internet connection, collaborate with others using Google’s productivity tools and use the free storage space of Google Drive.
In short Backup and Sync from Google is a solid and simple tool for anyone who wants to keep their MacBook files safe, synced and accessible. With its seamless integration, customization options and reliability Backup and Sync gives you peace of mind and convenience for all MacBook users.
Carbon Copy Cloner – Bootable backup
Carbon Copy Cloner is a powerful and reliable backup tool designed for MacBook users who want to create bootable backups of their entire system. With its simple interface, advanced features and rock solid performance Carbon Copy Cloner is one of the best backup tools for Mac. It lets you backup all your files so your data is always safe.
One of the best things about Carbon Copy Cloner is its ability to create an exact bootable copy of your MacBook’s hard drive. This means in case of system failure or hard drive crash you can boot from your backup drive and be back up and running in no time. The app’s block-level copying ensures your backups are always up to date and efficient and its built in scheduler lets you automate your backups on a regular basis.
Carbon Copy Cloner also has many advanced features for power users like excluding specific files or folders from your backups, creating disk images for remote storage and even running custom scripts before or after your backup tasks. The app’s logging and notification system keeps you informed about your backups and the customer support team is always available to help with any questions or issues.
Another plus of Carbon Copy Cloner is its compatibility with many backup destinations like external hard drives, network volumes and cloud storage services like Backblaze B2. This flexibility lets you customize your backup strategy to your needs and preferences so your data is always safe.
In short Carbon Copy Cloner is a must have tool for any MacBook user who wants data security and peace of mind. With its powerful features, rock solid performance and simplicity Carbon Copy Cloner is the go to tool for bootable backups and keeping your Mac running smoothly.
VMware Fusion – Virtualization for running Windows on Mac
VMware Fusion is a powerful virtualization software that lets you run Windows and other operating systems on your Mac. With its advanced features, simple interface and reliable performance VMware Fusion is a favorite among developers, IT professionals and anyone who needs to work with multiple operating systems on one machine. Plus VMware Fusion is available on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best things about VMware Fusion is how easy it is to create and manage virtual machines. The app’s setup wizard will guide you through the process of creating a new virtual machine and its extensive library of pre-configured virtual machine settings and support for many guest operating systems means you’ll be up and running in no time.
VMware Fusion also has many advanced features to boost performance and productivity. The app’s Unity mode lets you run Windows apps alongside Mac apps, Retina display and full screen mode gives you a seamless and immersive experience. VMware Fusion also has robust networking and security features to let you configure virtual networks, encrypt your virtual machines and even connect to remote servers.
Plus VMware Fusion integrates with other VMware products and services like vSphere and Workstation so you can easily transfer virtual machines between your MacBook and other VMware environments making it perfect for enterprise users and IT professionals.
In short VMware Fusion is a great virtualization solution for MacBook users who want to run Windows or other operating systems on their Mac. With its powerful features, simple interface and seamless integration with the VMware ecosystem VMware Fusion is a must have tool for anyone who wants flexibility, productivity and performance.
Parallels Desktop – Virtualization for running Windows on Mac
Parallels Desktop is a virtualization software for MacBook users that lets you run Windows, Linux and other operating systems alongside macOS. With its fast performance, simple interface and many features Parallels Desktop is a favorite among professionals, students and anyone who needs to work with multiple operating systems on their Mac. Plus Parallels Desktop is available on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best things about Parallels Desktop is how well it integrates with macOS. You can launch Windows apps from your Mac’s Dock, share files and folders between operating systems, copy and paste text and graphics between Mac and Windows apps. Parallels Desktop also has many performance optimization features like automatic resource allocation and support for Apple’s Metal API so your virtual machines run smoothly and efficiently.
Parallels Desktop also has many advanced features for power users and developers. The app supports Vagrant and Docker so you can create and manage development environments and run Windows apps in Coherence mode for a native like experience. Parallels Desktop also has robust security features like encryption and password protection for your virtual machines.
Plus Parallels Desktop has regular updates and great customer support. The app’s developers work closely with Apple and Microsoft to ensure compatibility with the latest OS updates and the support team is always available to help with any questions or issues.
In short Parallels Desktop is a great virtualization solution for MacBook users who want to run Windows or other operating systems alongside macOS. With its fast performance, seamless integration and many features Parallels Desktop is a must have tool for anyone who wants productivity, flexibility and ease of use.
Sketch – Vector graphics editor for UI/UX design
Sketch is a versatile and powerful vector graphics editor for MacBook users who work on UI/UX design projects. With its simple interface, many features and collaborative workflow Sketch is an industry standard tool for designers, developers and product teams worldwide.
One of the best things about Sketch is that it’s focused on creating high quality, scalable vector graphics. The app has many design tools including flexible shapes, gradients and effects so you can create stunning visual assets for websites, mobile apps and other digital products. Sketch has powerful editing tools so you can create stunning visual assets for websites and mobile apps. Sketch’s pixel perfect precision and retina display support means your designs will look sharp and professional on all devices.
Sketch also has many features to help you streamline your design workflow. The app’s symbol and shared style libraries let you create reusable design components, artboard presets and responsive layout tools so you can design for multiple screen sizes and devices. Sketch’s real-time collaboration and version control through Abstract and Zeplin means teams can work together even when working remotely.
Plus Sketch has a huge plugin ecosystem. With hundreds of third-party plugins you can extend Sketch to fit your needs, from automating repetitive tasks to integrate with other design and development tools.
In short Sketch is a must have tool for any MacBook user involved in UI/UX design. With its vector editing, collaborative workflow and plugin ecosystem Sketch has everything you need to create visual assets and streamline your design process.
Figma – Collaborative interface design tool
Figma is a cloud based collaborative interface design tool that has changed the way designers and teams work on UI/UX projects. With its simple interface, real-time collaboration and cross platform compatibility Figma is a popular choice for designers, developers and product teams of all sizes.
One of the best things about Figma is its collaboration. Multiple team members can work on the same design file at the same time and changes will sync in real-time across all devices. Figma’s built-in commenting and annotation tools makes it easy to give feedback and iterate on designs and its version history and project management features means everyone is on the same page throughout the design process.
Figma also has a full set of design tools that rival desktop apps. From flexible vector shapes and advanced typography controls to prototyping and animation tools Figma has everything you need to create high quality interactive designs. Figma has powerful editing tools so you can create high quality interactive designs. The app’s responsive design and component library means you can create consistent designs across multiple devices and platforms.
Plus Figma is accessible and cross platform. Because Figma is web based you can access your design files from any device with an internet connection, whether you’re using a MacBook, iPad or Windows PC. So you can collaborate with team members and stakeholders no matter where they are or what device they use.
In short Figma is a powerful and flexible design tool that has changed the way teams approach UI/UX design. With real-time collaboration, full design toolset and cross platform access Figma is a must have for any designer or team looking to streamline their workflow and create amazing digital products.
Adobe Creative Cloud – Design, video, web
Adobe Creative Cloud is a suite of creative apps that has been the industry standard for designers, photographers, video editors and other creative professionals using MacBooks. With its many powerful tools, seamless app integration and cloud based storage and collaboration features Adobe Creative Cloud has everything you need to bring your creative vision to life.
One of the best things about Adobe Creative Cloud is the sheer number of apps, each designed to be amazing in a specific area of creative work. From photo editing in Lightroom and Photoshop to vector illustration in Illustrator, video editing in Premiere Pro and web design in Dreamweaver Adobe Creative Cloud has the best tools for every step of the creative process. Adobe Creative Cloud has powerful editing tools for photo editing, vector illustration and video editing. These apps are updated regularly with new features and performance improvements so you always have access to the latest and greatest creative technology.
Adobe Creative Cloud also has features to help you streamline your workflow and collaborate with other creatives. Creative Cloud Libraries lets you store and share design assets across all your apps and devices and Creative Cloud Files storage and syncing means you can access your work from anywhere. Adobe’s collaboration tools like shared links and invitation only folders means you can work with team members and clients no matter where they are.
Plus Adobe Creative Cloud has deep integration with other Adobe services and third party apps. From the Adobe Fonts library to the Behance showcase platform, Adobe Stock images and plugins for productivity tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams Adobe Creative Cloud is a complete creative ecosystem.
In short Adobe Creative Cloud is a must have for any creative professional using a MacBook. With industry leading apps, seamless workflow and powerful collaboration features Adobe Creative Cloud has everything you need to be creative and produce amazing work.
Final Cut Pro X – Video editing software
Final Cut Pro X is a professional video editing software designed for MacBook users. With its easy to use interface, advanced features and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem Final Cut Pro X is the choice of filmmakers, videographers and content creators for high quality video.
One of the best things about Final Cut Pro X is the magnetic timeline which simplifies the editing process by snapping clips together and adjusting the surrounding clips as you make changes. This innovative approach to video editing saves time and reduces errors so you can focus on your story and your visuals.
Final Cut Pro X also has advanced editing tools including precise color correction, powerful audio editing and sophisticated effects and transitions. 360 degree video editing and HDR support means you can create amazing content and the optimized performance and Metal graphics acceleration means smooth playback and fast rendering. Final Cut Pro X has powerful editing tools for color correction, audio editing and effects.
Another plus of Final Cut Pro X is its seamless integration with other Apple products and services. It works perfectly with Apple’s ProRes codecs so you get high quality video capture and delivery and with iCloud you can collaborate with other editors and share your work across devices. Final Cut Pro X also integrates with Apple’s Motion and Compressor apps so you have a complete suite of tools for motion graphics and video encoding.
In short Final Cut Pro X is industry leading video editing software with power, ease of use and integration with the Apple ecosystem. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker or a passionate content creator Final Cut Pro X has everything you need to bring your vision to life and create amazing video on your MacBook.
Logic Pro X – Audio production software
Logic Pro X is professional audio production software for MacBook users who need the best tools for music creation, recording and mixing. With its powerful features, easy to use interface and massive library of instruments and effects Logic Pro X is the choice of musicians, producers and audio engineers worldwide.
Logic Pro X has a massive set of music production tools. You have virtual instruments for realistic drums and guitars to world class synthesizers and samplers to create complex professional sounding compositions within the app. Logic Pro X has a powerful mixer with advanced routing options, automation and built in effects that rival those in top end studios. Plus Logic Pro X has powerful editing tools for mixing, automation and advanced routing.
Another plus of Logic Pro X is its easy to use interface that makes it easy to navigate and work on complex projects. The track stacks and smart controls let you work on multiple tracks at once and the score editor and MIDI tools give you precise control over your performances.
Logic Pro X also integrates seamlessly with other Apple products and services. You can control the software with an iPad as a remote control surface and share projects via iCloud to collaborate with other musicians and producers. Apple Loops and the massive library of royalty free samples gives you even more creative possibilities.
In short Logic Pro X is powerful audio production software with everything you need to create professional music and audio. Whether you’re an experienced producer or a beginner wanting to get into music creation Logic Pro X has the tools, flexibility and creative inspiration to help you bring your vision to life.
Pixelmator Pro – Image editing and graphic design app
Pixelmator Pro is powerful, easy to use and beautifully designed image editing and graphic design app for MacBook users. With its massive set of tools, non destructive editing and seamless integration with macOS Pixelmator Pro is a great alternative to more expensive and complex image editing software.
Pixelmator Pro has a massive set of professional tools to do complex edits, retouching and compositing. Pixelmator Pro has powerful editing tools for retouching, compositing and non destructive editing. The advanced selection tools, layer based editing and RAW image support give you total control over your images and the huge collection of brushes, shapes and vector tools makes it a great app for graphic design.
Despite all the features Pixelmator Pro has a clean and intuitive interface that feels native on macOS. The app has a streamlined layout, customizable workspaces and context sensitive tools so you can navigate and work on complex projects with ease. Pixelmator Pro also takes full advantage of macOS features like iCloud, Versions and Handoff so you can work seamlessly across all your Apple devices.
Another great feature of Pixelmator Pro is the machine learning powered features that use Apple’s Core ML to improve your images automatically. From intelligent object removal and automatic layer naming to ML powered image upscaling and color adjustments Pixelmator Pro uses AI to help you get professional results with minimal effort.
In short Pixelmator Pro is an amazing image editing and graphic design app that has the perfect balance of power, ease of use and affordability for MacBook users. Whether you’re a pro photographer, designer or hobbyist Pixelmator Pro has the tools and creative freedom to bring your visual ideas to life.
Affinity Photo – Professional photo editing software
Affinity Photo is professional photo editing software for MacBook users who want the best tools for their photography and creative projects. Developed by Serif Affinity Photo is powerful and easy to use alternative to more expensive and complex photo editing software so it’s perfect for pros and amateurs alike.
Affinity Photo has a massive set of editing tools that rival the industry standards. From raw image processing and non destructive layer based editing to advanced retouching and compositing Affinity Photo has everything you need to edit your images. Affinity Photo has powerful editing tools for raw image processing, retouching and compositing. The app also has a huge collection of professional filters, effects and adjustment layers so you can add creative touches and enhancements to your photos with precision.
Despite all the features Affinity Photo has a clean and modern interface that’s easy to navigate and customize to your taste. The app has a persona based workspace system so you can switch between different editing modes like Develop, Photo, Liquify and Export so the tools you need are always within reach. Affinity Photo also integrates seamlessly with other Affinity apps like Affinity Designer and Affinity Publisher so you can work on multi faceted projects with ease.
Another plus of Affinity Photo is its speed and stability even with large and high resolution images. The app is optimized to use your MacBook’s hardware so you get fast and responsive editing and real time previews of your adjustments. Affinity Photo also supports many file formats including PSD, PSB, RAW and HDR so you can work with your existing photo library and workflow.
In short Affinity Photo is top notch photo editing software with professional tools, easy design and great performance at a lower price than the competition. Whether you’re a pro photographer looking for a powerful and reliable editing solution or an enthusiast to take your images to the next level Affinity Photo is the app for MacBook users.
Affinity Designer – Vector graphics editor
Affinity Designer is powerful professional grade vector graphics editor for MacBook users. Developed by Serif Affinity Designer is feature rich, easy to use and affordable alternative to more expensive and complex vector design software so it’s perfect for designers, illustrators and artists of all levels.
One of the biggest strengths of Affinity Designer is its massive set of vector editing tools so you can create amazing illustrations, logos, icons and designs with precision and ease. Affinity Designer has powerful tools for creating amazing illustrations, logos and icons. The app’s advanced pen and node tools combined with unlimited artboards and a huge range of vector and raster brushes give you the freedom to bring your creative ideas to life. Affinity Designer also has non destructive layer effects, real time blend mode previews and pixel perfect alignment and snapping so your designs are always clean, crisp and accurate.
Another plus of Affinity Designer is its seamless integration with other Affinity apps like Affinity Photo and Affinity Publisher. This means you can work on projects that require vector and raster graphics or designing materials that will be used in publishing. The app also supports many file formats including AI, PSD, PDF and SVG so you can work with your existing design assets and workflow.
Despite all the features Affinity Designer has a clean and modern interface that’s easy to navigate and customize to your taste. The app has a persona based workspace system so you can switch between different design modes like Draw, Pixel and Export and context sensitive tools and panels so the options you need are always at your fingertips. Affinity Designer is also optimized for MacBooks so you get fast and responsive editing and real time previews of your designs.
In short Affinity Designer is a great vector graphics editor that’s got the perfect balance of power, flexibility and ease of use for MacBook users. Whether you’re a pro designer looking for a more affordable and streamlined alternative to industry standard software or an artist wanting to get into vector design Affinity Designer is a great choice that delivers professional results.
Xcode – Integrated development environment (IDE) for coding
Xcode is the integrated development environment (IDE) for MacBook users who want to create apps for Apple’s platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS. Developed by Apple Xcode is a complete set of tools and features to help you design, code, test and submit your apps to the App Store. Xcode is available on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook.
One of the big advantages of Xcode is its tight integration with Apple’s SDKs and frameworks so you get access to the latest features and technologies on Apple’s platforms. This means you can tap into the full power of Apple’s hardware and software ecosystem and create powerful feature rich apps that take advantage of each platform’s unique capabilities.
Xcode also has many productivity features like a powerful source code editor with syntax highlighting and code completion, a graphical interface builder for designing user interfaces and advanced debugging and profiling tools to help you find and fix issues in your code. The IDE’s built in Interface Builder lets you create and customize user interfaces with drag and drop and the Simulator lets you test your apps on various Apple devices without having to have the physical hardware.
Xcode also has seamless integration with Apple’s developer tools and services like TestFlight for beta testing, Instruments for performance analysis and App Store Connect for managing and submitting apps for distribution. This means a smooth workflow throughout the app development process.
In short Xcode is a must have IDE for any MacBook user who wants to create native apps for Apple’s platforms. With its powerful features, tight integration with Apple’s technologies and huge ecosystem of tools and services Xcode has everything you need to bring your app idea to life and succeed on the App Store.
Sublime Text – Code editor
Sublime Text is a powerful and highly customizable text editor that has a big following among MacBook users, developers, programmers and anyone who works with code or markup languages. Fast, flexible and easy to use, Sublime Text is a great tool for any project. And it’s on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best things about Sublime Text is its speed, you can open and navigate big files with ease and do complex search and replace across multiple files or even entire project folders. The editor has advanced syntax highlighting and code completion for many programming and markup languages so it’s a great tool for developers working with different technologies.
Another great thing about Sublime Text is the customization options, you can tailor the editor to your needs and preferences. From custom themes and color schemes to plugins that add new functionality, the Sublime Text community has created a ton of resources that extend the editor and make common tasks easier.
Sublime Text also has some productivity features like multiple selection editing, split editing and a powerful command palette to quickly access frequently used commands and functions. The distraction free mode and customisable interface lets you create a focused, clutter free environment to concentrate and flow.
Overall Sublime Text is a great text editor that combines speed, flexibility and customisation to create a powerful coding environment for MacBook users. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting to code Sublime Text has got you covered to write, edit and manage your code.
Visual Studio Code – Lightweight code editor
Visual Studio Code, or VS Code, is a lightweight but powerful source code editor that has a big following among MacBook users, developers and programmers. From Microsoft, VS Code is a feature rich, customisable and streamlined editor for writing, debugging and managing code across many programming languages and frameworks. And it’s on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best things about Visual Studio Code is the massive library of extensions that lets you customise and extend the editor to your needs. From language specific extensions that add advanced syntax highlighting, code completion and debugging support to themes and productivity tools that make common tasks easier, the extension ecosystem means the editor can adapt to any development workflow.
Another great thing about Visual Studio Code is the built in Git integration that lets you manage version control right from the editor. Combined with support for GitHub and other popular collaboration platforms, it’s easy to work with others on a project and have a clear history of changes over time.
Visual Studio Code also has some productivity features like multiple cursor editing, code snippets and a powerful search and replace that can operate across multiple files or entire project folders. The IntelliSense feature gives you smart code completion and parameter info so you can write accurate code with less errors.
Despite all the features Visual Studio Code has a clean and intuitive interface that’s easy to use and customise. The editor is fast and lightweight so it’s responsive and efficient even with big codebases or complex projects.
Overall Visual Studio Code is a great source code editor that has the right balance of power, flexibility and ease of use for MacBook users. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting to code VS Code has got you covered to write, debug and manage your code with confidence and efficiency.
Homebrew – Package manager for command line tools
Homebrew is a powerful and easy to use package manager for MacBook users that makes installing, updating and managing command line tools, utilities and applications a breeze. An open source, free alternative to Apple’s built in package manager Homebrew has become an essential tool for developers, system administrators and power users who want to customise and extend the command line environment of their MacBook. Homebrew is on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best things about Homebrew is the massive repository of packages that includes many popular command line tools, programming languages and libraries. From Git and Python to Node.js and MySQL, Homebrew lets you install and manage the tools and dependencies you need for your projects without the hassle of downloading, compiling and configuring each package manually.
Another great thing about Homebrew is the seamless integration with macOS and its command line tools. By using the built in capabilities of macOS like the Xcode Command Line Tools, Homebrew ensures packages are installed and configured correctly so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues or conflicts with other system components.
Homebrew also has features to manage packages like creating and sharing custom formulae, pinning specific versions of packages for consistency across different systems and easily rolling back or uninstalling packages if needed. The package manager has a simple and intuitive syntax and comprehensive documentation so it’s accessible to users of all levels from beginners to advanced.
Overall Homebrew is a must have tool for any MacBook user who wants to get the most out of their command line environment. With its massive package repository, seamless integration with macOS and powerful package management features Homebrew makes installing and managing command line tools a breeze so you can customise and extend your MacBook like never before.
iTerm2 – Terminal emulator
iTerm2 is a powerful and highly customisable terminal emulator for MacBook users that’s a feature rich alternative to the built in Terminal app. Designed for developers, system administrators and power users iTerm2 has many advanced features and customisation options to boost productivity and streamline command line workflows. iTerm2 is on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best things about iTerm2 is the split panes and tabs which allows you to have multiple terminal sessions in one window. This is super useful for multitasking, comparing output from different commands or managing multiple remote connections at the same time. iTerm2 also has many customisable keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys so you can navigate and manage your terminal sessions fast and efficiently.
Another great thing about iTerm2 is the customisation options which allows you to customise the look and feel of the terminal to your needs and your system preferences only. From custom colour schemes and fonts to advanced profile settings and shell integration iTerm2 gives you a lot of flexibility and control over the terminal.
iTerm2 also has many advanced features to enhance the terminal experience such as search and autocomplete, mouseless copy and paste and support for Unicode and international character sets. The terminal emulator is scriptable and supports AppleScript and Python so you can automate tasks and create custom workflows.
Overall iTerm2 is a must have tool for any MacBook user who spends a lot of time in the command line. With its advanced features, customisation options and focus on productivity iTerm2 is a powerful and flexible environment for managing terminal sessions and command line workflows.
Keka – File archiver
Keka is a file archiver and extractor for MacBook users. With its simple and intuitive interface and support for many compression formats Keka makes it easy to compress, decompress and manage your files, save space and speed up file transfers. Keka is on the Mac App Store so you can download and start using on your MacBook.
One of the best things about Keka is the many compression formats it supports including ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR and GZ among others. This means you can work with files from many sources, whether downloaded from the internet, received from colleagues or created on different platforms.
Keka also has many convenient features to make working with archived files easier. For example you can compress files or folders by dragging and dropping them onto the Keka icon in the Dock or by using the Finder’s contextual menu. Keka also has options to password protect archives, split large files into smaller parts and automate compression tasks with custom Automator workflows.
Another great thing about Keka is its lightweight and efficient design so the app runs smooth and doesn’t consume too much system resources. Keka also integrates with macOS features like Quick Look and Notification Center so it feels like a natural part of the OS.
Overall Keka is a great choice for any MacBook user who works with compressed files or needs a file archiver and extractor. With its many formats support, convenient features and efficient performance Keka makes managing archived files a breeze and a must have in your MacBook toolkit.
IINA – Modern media player
IINA is a modern, sleek and feature rich media player for MacBook users who want a high quality, customisable and intuitive video playback experience. Built from the ground up with performance, compatibility and user experience in mind IINA is a great alternative to other media players out there.
One of the best things about IINA is its many video and audio formats support so you can play almost any media file. From common formats like MP4 and AVI to more exotic codecs like HEVC and VP9 IINA’s playback engine handles them all. The player also supports external audio tracks, subtitles and even YouTube URLs so it’s an all in one media player.
IINA’s modern and sleek interface is another great feature, a clean and simple design that puts the focus on the content. The player has customisable keyboard shortcuts, trackpad gestures and thumbnail previews so navigation and control is easy. The advanced features like hardware accelerated decoding, deinterlacing and color adjustment ensure the best video quality and performance.
IINA also integrates deeply with macOS features and technologies. Picture-in-Picture mode, Touch Bar support, Force Touch and AppleScript compatibility, IINA feels like a native app on MacBooks and uses all the platform’s features.
Overall IINA is a great media player for MacBooks. With many formats support, modern interface, advanced features and seamless macOS integration IINA is a must have for any MacBook user who wants quality, convenience and customisation in their media playback.
VLC – Media player for many file formats
VLC is a versatile and powerful media player that has been a favourite for many MacBook users for years. Developed by the non-profit organisation VideoLAN, VLC is open source software that has all the playback features and options you need and more.
VLC’s strength lies in its format support. From common video and audio formats like MP4, AVI and MP3 to more exotic codecs and container formats VLC can play almost any media file you throw at it. This means you can play your media without worrying about codec packs or format conversions.
VLC also has many advanced playback features like hardware accelerated decoding, deinterlacing and video filters that improve video quality and performance. The player also supports external audio tracks, subtitles and streaming protocols so you can have a complete and customisable media experience.
Despite all the features VLC has a simple and intuitive interface that’s accessible to all. The player’s customisable hotkeys, playlist management and equaliser settings let you customise the playback experience to your liking and cross platform compatibility means you can use the same features and interface on any device.
Overall VLC is a must have media player for any MacBook user who wants versatility, compatibility and performance. With many formats support, advanced features and simple design VLC is the solution for all your media playback needs.
Spotify – Music streaming
Spotify is a music streaming service that has changed the way MacBook users discover, listen and share music. With over 70 million tracks, curated playlists and personal recommendations Spotify has the best music experience for every taste and mood. While Spotify is popular Apple Music is another option that has some unique features within the Apple ecosystem.
One of the best features of Spotify is its intelligent music discovery algorithms that analyse users listening habits and preferences to create custom playlists and suggest new artists and tracks they will like. From the weekly “Discover Weekly” playlist to the “Daily Mix” playlists that mix users favourite tracks with new recommendations Spotify is great at helping users discover new music and expand their musical horizon.
Spotify’s interface and cross platform sync are also great. The app is clean and simple to use and navigate, and syncs across multiple devices so you can pick up where you left off whether you’re using your MacBook, iPhone or smart speaker.
Another important aspect of Spotify is its social features. You can share playlists, tracks and artists with friends, follow other users listening activity and collaborate on shared playlists. These features create a sense of community and make music discovery more fun and interactive.
Overall Spotify is a must have app for any MacBook user who loves music and wants a seamless, personalised and socially connected listening experience. With its huge library, intelligent recommendations and simple design Spotify has set the bar for music streaming and continues to innovate.
Grammarly – Writing assistant for grammar and spell checking
Grammarly is a must have writing assistant for MacBook users who want to improve their writing, communicate better and make sure their written content is clear, concise and error free. Whether you’re a student, professional or casual writer Grammarly has all the tools and features to help you refine your writing and express yourself with confidence.
One of the best features of Grammarly is its advanced grammar and spell checking. The app uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing to analyse your writing in real time, identifying errors, awkward phrasing and inconsistencies. Grammarly’s suggestions go beyond simple spell checking, offering context specific recommendations for grammar, punctuation and vocabulary to help you refine your writing and communicate better.
Another great feature of Grammarly is its flexibility and integration with many platforms and applications. From the Grammarly web editor and desktop app to browser extensions and integrations with Microsoft Word, Slack and Gmail Grammarly makes sure you can access its writing tools wherever you write.
Grammarly also has many other features that cater to different writing needs and goals. For example the tone detection and adjustment tools help you ensure your writing hits the right tone for your audience and the plagiarism detector helps you maintain academic and professional integrity by detecting unoriginal content.
Overall Grammarly is a must have writing assistant for any MacBook user who wants clear communication and to take their writing to the next level. With its advanced grammar and spell tools, seamless integration and simple design Grammarly lets you write with confidence and achieve your writing goals.
Todoist – Task management and to-do list app
Todoist is a powerful and simple task management and to-do list app that helps MacBook users to organise, plan and prioritise their tasks and projects. With its clean design and many features Todoist has become a must have productivity tool for individuals and teams to streamline their workflow and stay on top of their commitments.
One of the best features of Todoist is its flexibility and customisation options. You can create tasks, subtasks and projects, set due dates and reminders and assign priority levels to help you focus on what’s important. Todoist’s labels, filters and sections make it easy to categorise and sort tasks and its natural language input feature lets you add tasks with plain English phrases.
Todoist also makes collaboration and teamwork easy. Shared projects and tasks, comments and file attachments make it easy for teams to work together, delegate tasks and stay on the same page for goals and deadlines. Todoist’s integrations with other productivity tools like Gmail, Google Calendar and Slack make it even more collaborative.
Another great feature of Todoist is its cross platform sync and availability. With apps for MacBook, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and the web and browser extensions and email integrations Todoist makes sure you can access and manage your tasks from anywhere, on any device.
Overall Todoist is a must have productivity tool for any MacBook user who wants to get their tasks organised, be more efficient and collaborate more with others. With its simple design, many features and seamless integrations Todoist helps you stay focused, productive and in control of your work and life.
Franz – Messaging app for multiple chat services
Franz is a simple and convenient messaging app that combines multiple chat services into one interface for MacBook users. Designed to help you manage your multiple messaging accounts better Franz supports many popular chat platforms including Slack, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype and many more.
One of the best things about Franz is that you don’t need multiple messaging apps or browser tabs. You can consolidate all your chat services into one app and switch between conversations, get notifications and manage your communication without the hassle of multiple interfaces.
Franz’s customisation options and design make it even more usable and convenient. You can create custom notifications for each service so you never miss a message and customise the app’s appearance with themes and color schemes to your liking. Franz’s tabbed interface and keyboard shortcuts make it easy to switch between services and conversations and it stays logged in and running in the background so you’re always connected.
Franz also respects your privacy and security. It doesn’t collect or store any personal data and you can choose to encrypt your messages for extra protection.
Overall Franz is a great choice for any MacBook user who wants to simplify their messaging experience. With support for multiple chat services, customisation options and simple design Franz makes it easy to stay connected and communicate across all your favourite platforms.
Slack – Team communication and collaboration platform
Slack is a powerful and versatile team communication and collaboration platform that has become a must have for many MacBook users in today’s fast paced, remote friendly work environment. With its simple interface, many features and seamless integrations with other apps and services Slack simplifies communication, boosts productivity and creates a sense of community among team members.
One of the best features of Slack is its organised and customisable channels. Teams can create dedicated spaces for specific projects, topics or departments. This structure keeps conversations focused, reduces noise and makes it easy for team members to find and participate in relevant conversations. Slack’s direct messaging and group messaging makes one on one and small group communication easy.
Slack also integrates with a huge ecosystem of third party apps and services so teams can centralise their workflows and access important tools and information within the platform. From file sharing and video conferencing to project management and automation Slack’s app integrations help teams work more efficiently and collaboratively.
Another great feature of Slack is its search and archiving. The platform indexes all messages, files and integrations so you can find what you need even in large and active workspaces. Slack’s customisable notifications and status settings also help you manage your availability and stay informed without being overwhelmed.
So there you have it, Slack is a must have for any MacBook user looking to improve team communication, collaboration and productivity. It may take you a while to get through all of the above but Mac users will find something in this list of apps.
