“Once you try Mac, you never go back”, is usually the maximum repeated by users of Apple computers, and well: it has a good deal of truth. Mac computers offer top-notch desktop features, applications, and programs provided by Apple, though there are also many more third-party apps that can change the way you use your computer on a daily basis. Anyway: whether you bought your first Mac or are an acolyte customer, the following are the best applications for Mac of 2020.
Interface
Google Chrome
Google Chrome is undoubtedly the fastest browser available for desktop platforms. Additionally, it offers the ability to automatically sync all information (bookmarks, open tabs, recent searches, etc.) across multiple computers and mobile devices. That, combined with its robust customization and instant search capabilities, make it worth a lot.
Alfred 4
Alfred is kind of like Spotlight with a bit of Siri. It is an application launcher, but it is capable of doing much more. With Alfred, you can quickly perform calculations, search the web, and quickly find word definitions, among many other features.
This app bridges the gap between Siri and Spotlight searches, by allowing you to automate advanced tasks and features that Siri should honestly be able to do without voice commands. In version 4, Alfred improved the workflow design, has rich text, and more.
Amphetamine
Always among the favorites, Amphetamine prevents your computer from going into sleep mode, starting the screen saver, or performing the automatic dimming function. It is ideal for watching broadcasts, videos, or any other activity where you won’t touch the keyboard or mouse for an extended period of time.
Bartender 3
Bartender 3 is an application created for when you use too many applications. It is a subtle tool designed specifically with the organization in mind, and as such, allows you to better systematize various aspects of your interface. With Bartender 3, you choose which applications appear in the menu bar and are rearranged to your liking. In addition, the latest version added support for MacOS High Sierra, an interface that takes advantage of the new operating system and the ability to navigate through the keyboard.
Dropzone 3
Once installed, Dropzone 3 really feels like an integral part of MacOS Sierra. The app works as a shortcut tool, which means you can use it to quickly copy and move files, launch apps, and share content through popular services like Facebook and Flickr.
You can also upload files via FTP and Amazon S3, or shorten the URLs using the newly added Goo.gl aggregator. Everything is housed within a tiny icon found in the menu bar.
Magnet
It is not always easy to see multiple windows next to each other, at least not without Magnet. The application is made for multitasking and therefore presents a quick way to drag and organize windows on your desktop.
With Magnet, you can drag and snap windows to the edges and corners of the screen, which then lock in place. It is a terrific tool, with predefined keyboard shortcuts, if you want to copy content from one application to another.
Unclutter
Unclutter is a basic piece of software that suits you. The app is accessible with a quick scroll from the top of the screen, and better yet, it works as a perfect place to store quick notes, recent files, and clipboard information.
In addition, recent updates also allow a light or dark theme and include an option to drag cards on top of other desktop windows. Files and notes are even automatically synced via Dropbox.
Productivity
Affinity Photo
Tired of spending money every month for Adobe Photoshop, all at the same time that you dream of an application that is just as good? Affinity Photo by Serif could be what you need. It is a photo editing application that has won numerous Apple awards (including the best application of the year), so you know that it is something special.
Unlike Photoshop, you only pay a one-time fee of $ 50 and it’s yours for life. And it is not a vulgar application, no: it is a deep app with all the necessary functions to come face to face with the image editing giant of Adobe. It also has sister applications for desktop publishing and graphic design, great alternatives to Adobe products.
Day one
Magazines are an ancient tradition. Just ask Benjamin Franklin. That said, Day One, appropriately titled, by the way, serves as a digital companion for those looking to capture life’s little moments. In addition to the text, the app also incorporates photos, reminders, and labels to help you stay organized. But do you know what the best part is? Password protection that keeps prying eyes at bay. Day One is free to use, but for newspapers, unlimited photos, and all future updates, we recommend that you consider the premium subscription ($ 35 a year).
Evernote
Evernote is the undisputed king of note taking apps and for very good reasons. It is simple, it is organized in a very intuitive way and it is synchronized with almost any web service you can imagine. Since it is one of the most popular applications today, there is also a real range of browser extensions and plugins available.
Fantastical 2
Fantastical 2 is the only calendar app you need, as long as you are willing to pay around $ 50 for it.
This price will grant you access to a powerful set of tools, as well as a full-screen calendar window that is as beautiful as it is useful and practical.
The true potential of Fantastical 2 is in the way of creating reminders. Just type “Dinner with Alexa on Thursday at 7:30 pm” and the app will schedule it as a reminder .
GIMP
GIMP is a completely free image editor. It has everything you need to replace your Adobe Photoshop subscription: layer control, shadow effects, vector-based paths, filters, exposure, and more. It even offers similar automatic features to enhance colors, equalize, and correct white balance on the fly. It is simply one of the best Photoshop alternatives to date.
GIMP is an open source project, initially developed by two Berkeley students, which was released in 1996 . It works in conjunction with other open source alternatives from Adobe to create an open source suite: Scribus (InDesign) and Inkscape (Illustrator).
GoodTask
With MacOS Catalina, Apple is redesigning its Reminders applications. We’ve known it, and while it’s a definite improvement over its mediocre predecessor, it still feels halfway. Actually Apple should take note of GoodTask as it is the best reminder app without a doubt.
If you need to create notes and posts quickly, GoodTask lets you do it. But it really comes alive when you start using its power features. You can make smart lists based on specific criteria, add new reminders using snippets of text that GoodTask intuitively understands, and everything – from calendar view to almost every feature – can be adjusted to your liking.
Hazel 4
Hazel is an organization application with a great novelty: you create your own rules on how the application recognizes, classifies and moves all its files or downloads. This allows for incredibly flexible file management, whether you want to sort a particular type of file, automatically apply names and labels, or apply other sets of strict rules to each file, folder, and download on your computer. It is an excellent work application, ideal for home finances and can generally be used in all kinds of settings. However, it may take some time to set up all the rules you want for file management, making Hazel friendlier with practical organizers.
PDF Expert
Having to work with PDF files is almost a given and PDF Expert makes it a little easier. Not only does the software allow you to fill out forms and merge PDF files, but it also offers a number of tools to edit, annotate, and sign files. In addition, it is compatible with the continuity and transfer functions of Apple, so you can exchange between different devices while you are in the middle of a document without fear of losing your job.
Pixelmator
Mac users have an amazing selection of great photo editing programs, but even in front of thousands of competitors, Pixelmator stands out as one of the best. It has a huge list of powerful features and is probably the fastest program of its kind we’ve ever used.
Pocket
As its name might imply, Pocket is a tool that allows you to “save” articles, videos and web pages for later viewing.
Consolidate all content into a simple and easy-to-use interface that is also accessible offline. The application is perfect to share your favorite things with friends or to save interesting articles that you can find and that you can upload to the big screen with the text, photos and links that accompany you when you get home.
Reeder 4
Google Reader may be dead and gone, but a proper RSS reader is still a must. Fortunately, Reeder is one of the best. The desktop application is beautifully finished, along with shared extensions, a private browsing mode, and support for most RSS services (Feedly, Feedbin, Fever, etc.). Themes, gesture controls, and a lot of customization also come standard.
Spark
The Apple Mail app is fine, but we won’t say much more. Instead, Spark is excellent, and shows what is possible to achieve in a well-made email application. His stated goal is to allow you to “take control of your inbox,” which he does in a number of smart and thoughtful ways.
Important email from people you know is automatically placed at the top, ensuring you don’t get lost in a sea of ads and spam. You will only receive email notifications from your contacts, helping you eliminate distractions, all while its collaboration tools are ideal for teamwork. The best? It is totally free.
Things 3
Things 3 is a brilliant management and to-do list app for MacOS. Thanks to a complete redesign, Things is more useful than ever, as it connects to your tasks and Calendar in a perfect interface. You can add descriptions, checklists, upcoming tasks, nightly tasks, automatic reminders, and many other unique features. If you want to invest in a high-end task management application for Mac, trust us its price will be worth it.
Wunderlist
Don’t let Microsoft‘s recent acquisition of Wunderlist fool you – it’s still a terrific tool for MacOS, even without the premium feature set. The sleek app helps with creating to-do lists, each of which comes with personalized due dates, reminders, and everything you need to keep on schedule. The software also allows collaboration lists, synchronizes your content on different devices and offers the possibility of saving web pages and other content for later viewing (just like Pocket).
Entertainment and social networks
Handbrake
HandBrake shines when it comes to converting media files and encoding videos, especially when you consider how fast and effortless open source software does the process. Also, it comes with various video editing tools designed to splice and adjust frames and add subtitles, along with other useful actions.
Parcel
This application is aimed at fans of online shopping. In fact, it is a tracking application that works with more than 250 services, including the services of UPS, USPS and FedEx, allowing you to see where your packages are with little more than a tracking number. Notifications and Spotlight integration are also an extra.
Slack
This messaging application has great use in offices. The service’s desktop application has all the tools available in the browser-based version of Slack, that is, private channels, integration with Giphy, themes, along with better control of notifications and greater support for multiple teams.
Spotify
Apple Music is not for everyone. Fortunately, the official Spotify desktop app represents the perfect alternative for those looking for a service like Apple Music, but outside of the Apple ecosystem.
The Spotify app for Mac gives you access to the entire catalog, allowing you to search and listen to almost any track, artist, or album for free. You can also use Spotify to create custom playlists or take advantage of personal recommendations covering jazz, hip-hop, rock, and many more styles.
Transmission
The Transmission app stands out when it comes to download speeds and blends seamlessly with MacOS. It is surely the best choice for MacOS due to its reliability and ease of access to Torrent downloads.
It’s fast, light, and makes life a little easier. However, it had a security breach a while back, so you should first make sure you download the latest version (2.92 or higher).
Tweetbot 3
Tweetbot 3 is for the advanced user who prefers to bypass the outdated and official Twitter application for Mac in favor of something more capable. Like the next-gen version of the software, the latest version features multiple columns and windows, along with tools to mute users, hashtags, and specific keywords. It is also compatible with third-party applications like bitly and Paper, and features an optimized interface that blends seamlessly with the latest MacOS look.
VLC
VLC media player is better than Quicktime in almost every facet that matters, especially speed and file compatibility. Open source software also supports almost every media file you may have, from AAC to Theora, offering fast video conversion, extensive subtitle support, and a plethora of video filters that allow you to trim, strip, and customize the reproduction. Also, its interface is not that bad either.
Security and Storage
1Password
Do you hate having to remember every password for every account you have? 1Password is a fantastic password manager that protects them in a fully encrypted vault, which you access with a master password.
Carbon Copy Cloner
Carbon Copy Cloner is a super simple backup application to use. It’s the kind of app we hope you never have to dip into, but when disaster strikes, you’ll be glad you did.
One of its best features is its ability to create backup copies of your startup disk. This means that if your main unit fails and you cannot turn on your Mac, you will be able to start it from your backup and continue with your work. In other words: a true lifeguard.
You can also back up your files and data to an external hard drive or another Mac, and then restore everything with a few clicks. It will only back up files that have been updated, saving you space.
Dropbox
Dropbox makes file syncing across all your devices fast and painless. The desktop application works similarly to the web and mobile version, giving you access to your files and folders, while offering you the ability to upload photos, videos, and various documents directly from your desktop. You will receive 2 GB of free storage just for registering and you can also earn more if you invite your friends or connect to Dropbox through the usual channels of social networks.
Google Drive
Chances are, you already know the merits of Google Drive, however, you may not be aware that you can work on your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations when you can’t access the internet.
The desktop app gives you quick access to all your files and folders, providing you with a folder where you can sync up to 15GB of content – assuming you haven’t paid for the extra storage.
Little Snitch 4
Little Snitch 4 is a permission blocker that allows you to control all incoming and outgoing connections. If you have a program that doesn’t want to connect to the Internet, the software may block it on your behalf. You can configure it to block a single instance, until you quit a particular application, or forever. It’s great for control fans who prefer to know everything their Mac is doing.
More about Mac antivirus here.
Microsoft OneDrive
If you constantly switch between macOS and Windows, moving files between both systems can be a hassle. That’s where OneDrive, which is built into Windows, comes into play. With OneDrive installed on your Mac, you can easily sync files, allowing you to open images, documents, and more on any device without any additional effort on your part.
If you’re subscribed to Microsoft 365, you’ll get up to 6TB of OneDrive storage (or 1TB per user). That means you don’t need to pay for Apple iCloud if you need more than the free 5GB.
The Unarchiver
Native applications on MacOS can’t do it all, especially when it comes to archives or archives. Fortunately, Unarchiver can handle virtually any format, whether you’re working with RAR files or older formats like StuffIt, ARC, or Tar. The software also does not require the opening of a separate application, so you can access your files with a simple click.