Getting a new Mac is exciting, but the default apps only scratch the surface of what’s possible. Whether you’re switching from Windows, upgrading your workflow, or just exploring what macOS has to offer, this guide covers the essential software every Mac user should consider in 2025.
From productivity powerhouses to creative tools, security essentials to quality-of-life improvements, we’ve selected the best applications across every category.
Productivity & Office
LibreOffice – Free Microsoft Office Alternative
If you don’t want to pay for Microsoft 365, LibreOffice is a complete office suite that handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. It’s free, open source, and receives regular updates.
Notion – All-in-One Workspace
Notion combines notes, databases, project management, and wikis into one flexible tool. Use it for personal organization, team collaboration, or building a second brain. The free tier is generous.
Raycast – Supercharged Spotlight
Raycast replaces Spotlight with a powerful launcher that does everything: search files, run scripts, control apps, access snippets, and integrate with services. Once you use it, you can’t go back.
Rectangle – Window Management
macOS window management is notoriously limited. Rectangle adds keyboard shortcuts for snapping windows to halves, quarters, and custom positions – essential for productivity.
Alfred – Launcher & Automation
Alfred is the premium alternative to Raycast with powerful workflows for automation. The Powerpack unlocks clipboard history, snippets, and custom workflows that save hours.
Web Browsers
Arc – The New Era of Browsing
Arc reimagines the browser with a sidebar for tabs, spaces for organization, and features like easels and notes. It’s opinionated but delightful once you adapt.
Brave – Privacy + Speed
Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, making pages load faster while protecting privacy. Built on Chromium, it supports Chrome extensions.
Firefox – Open Source Privacy
Mozilla’s Firefox offers excellent privacy with container tabs, enhanced tracking protection, and no corporate data harvesting. It’s the ethical browser choice.
Development Tools
Visual Studio Code – Universal Code Editor
VS Code is the most popular code editor for good reason. It’s fast, extensible, and supports every language. GitHub Copilot integration adds AI-powered assistance.
Homebrew – Package Manager
Homebrew is essential for installing command-line tools and applications. One command installs almost anything: brew install node, brew install --cask firefox.
iTerm2 – Better Terminal
iTerm2 improves on the default Terminal with split panes, search, profiles, and extensive customization. Combined with Oh My Zsh, it’s a powerful command-line setup.
Docker Desktop – Containerization
Docker Desktop brings containerization to Mac with excellent Apple Silicon support. Essential for modern development workflows.
TablePlus – Database Client
TablePlus is a beautiful, native database client for MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and more. The free tier limits tabs but is still useful.
Creative Applications
Pixelmator Pro – Photo Editing
Pixelmator Pro is a powerful, Mac-native photo editor that rivals Photoshop for most tasks. It uses Apple’s ML technology for smart features and integrates perfectly with macOS.
DaVinci Resolve – Video Editing
DaVinci Resolve is professional-grade video editing that’s actually free. Color correction, visual effects, audio production, and editing in one application.
Affinity Suite – Creative Professional Tools
Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher offer Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign alternatives at one-time purchase prices. No subscription required.
HandBrake – Video Conversion
Convert videos between formats with HandBrake. It’s free, supports hardware acceleration on Apple Silicon, and handles virtually any input format.
Media & Entertainment
IINA – Modern Video Player
IINA is a beautiful, native video player that handles any format. It’s what QuickTime Player should be – fast, feature-rich, and perfectly designed for macOS.
Spotify – Music Streaming
Spotify’s Mac app provides access to millions of songs, podcasts, and curated playlists. The free tier includes ads; premium removes them and enables offline play.
VLC – Universal Media Player
VLC plays absolutely everything – every video and audio format you’ll ever encounter. Less pretty than IINA but handles edge cases better.
Security & Privacy
1Password – Password Management
1Password offers excellent Mac integration with Safari and system-wide autofill. It securely stores passwords, credit cards, and sensitive documents.
Bitwarden – Free Password Manager
If you want free, Bitwarden offers unlimited passwords on unlimited devices. It’s open source and does everything most people need.
Little Snitch – Network Monitor
Little Snitch shows every network connection your Mac makes, letting you block unwanted traffic. See which apps phone home and control your privacy.
Malwarebytes – Malware Protection
While Macs are safer than Windows, malware exists. Malwarebytes offers excellent detection with a free scanner and premium real-time protection.
Utilities & System Tools
CleanMyMac X – System Maintenance
CleanMyMac removes junk files, manages storage, and uninstalls apps completely. It’s not free, but it’s the best Mac maintenance tool available.
AppCleaner – Free Uninstaller
macOS doesn’t fully uninstall apps when you delete them. AppCleaner finds and removes all associated files – completely free.
The Unarchiver – Extract Archives
Handle ZIP, RAR, 7z, and dozens of other archive formats. Essential since macOS only handles basic ZIP files natively.
Amphetamine – Prevent Sleep
Keep your Mac awake during downloads, presentations, or any task that shouldn’t be interrupted by sleep.
Bartender – Menu Bar Management
Too many menu bar icons? Bartender hides them in a secondary bar, keeping your interface clean while maintaining access.
MonitorControl – External Display Brightness
Control external monitor brightness with keyboard shortcuts just like the built-in display. Essential for multi-monitor setups.
Communication
Discord – Community Communication
Discord isn’t just for gaming – it’s become the go-to for communities of all kinds. Voice, video, text, and screen sharing in one app.
Slack – Work Communication
Slack remains the standard for workplace chat. Channels, threads, integrations, and huddles keep teams connected.
Zoom – Video Conferencing
Love it or hate it, Zoom is essential for many. The Mac app is well-optimized and supports virtual backgrounds and meeting features.
Backup & Storage
Time Machine – Built-in Backup
Time Machine is already on your Mac – use it! Connect an external drive and enable automatic backups. It’s saved countless users from data loss.
Backblaze – Cloud Backup
For offsite backup, Backblaze offers unlimited cloud backup for $7/month. Set it and forget it – your files are protected even if your Mac and backup drive are lost.
Getting Started Recommendations
Install First (Free)
- Homebrew – Then use it to install other apps
- Rectangle – Window management
- Raycast – Better Spotlight
- The Unarchiver – Open any archive
- AppCleaner – Clean uninstalls
Consider Adding
- 1Password or Bitwarden – Password management
- IINA – Video playback
- Brave or Firefox – Privacy browser
- Notion – Notes and productivity
For Developers
- VS Code – Code editor
- iTerm2 – Better terminal
- Docker Desktop – Containers
- TablePlus – Database client
Conclusion
macOS is a powerful platform made even better with the right software. Start with the free essentials – Homebrew, Rectangle, and Raycast transform how you use your Mac. Add other tools based on your needs.
The Mac app ecosystem offers both excellent free options and premium tools worth paying for. Choose what fits your workflow, and don’t feel pressured to install everything at once. A thoughtfully chosen toolkit beats a cluttered Applications folder.
Welcome to Mac, and happy computing!
