The operating system On Apple computers and laptops, macOS is stable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing (the upcoming Big Sur update is especially pretty and clean). But Apple doesn’t usually listen to its customers, and it stubbornly refuses to add simple features that make the platform even easier to use. Also, common Apple apps often lack many of the functionality we expect from other programs.
Fortunately, there are downloadable programs that can correct this problem. I have compiled some of the best Mac apps that help me almost every day. Some are for specialized uses, but others fix gaps in vanilla macOS. Most of these apps aren’t free, but they all have free trials that you can check out. It’s also common for them to sync up with companion apps on your iPhone. Give it a try Since we are all on our computers more often than ever, these macOS apps could make your life a little easier.
Be sure to check out our many other guides, including the Best MacBooks and How to Back Up Your iPhone.
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BetterSnapTool ($ 3): Yes, you can use Split View on macOS to see two apps side by side, but it’s not as intuitive as in Microsoft’s Windows, where you can simply drag a window to a corner and snap it into place. This app is worth the $ 3 if you don’t want to mess with constantly resizing window borders. The magnet is another good option that costs the same.
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Amphetamine (Free): If you’ve ever had to lift a finger on the touchpad during a YouTube movie or video to keep the screen from turning off again and again (or perhaps during a particularly long download), you’ll appreciate an app that allows you to keep the screen on for certain tasks. It even works with external displays. Sure, you can keep going to your system preferences to change your screen saver settings and shutdown your hard drive, but that can be tiring quickly.
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Alfred (Free): The default search tool on macOS isn’t bad, but there is room for it to be more in-depth. Alfred is a supercharged alternative that allows you to create custom shortcuts to programs and file folders, activate system commands by typing, create automated custom workflows that start at the push of a button or a typed phrase, and, well, much more. It’s free, but you can pay £ 25 (about $ 32) for a single-user license to access the full feature set or £ 45 (around $ 57) for a lifetime of free upgrades to later versions of Alfred .
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AdGuard ($ 30 per year): AdGuard’s standalone macOS app lets you choose and toggle between a wide variety of filters to block social media extensions, pop-up ads, URL redirects, and more. It works not only in your browser but also in other applications that you have installed. There is a two-week free trial version, but you will need to pay a license to use it once the trial version expires. For $ 2.49 a month, you get access to the service on three devices simultaneously.
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