Do you remember the first time you took a bite out of that shiny new Apple device? Whether it was a MacBook, iMac, Mac Mini, or Mac Pro, you were greeted with the classic Apple startup chime and a sleek, user-friendly operating system. However, you may have noticed that not all the pre-installed software on macOS was to your taste. While macOS itself is known for its stability out of the box, sometimes you need a little extra help to enhance your overall experience.
If you’re looking to upgrade your macOS experience, consider exploring some third-party applications. While some of these apps are niche, others fill gaps in vanilla macOS. Many of these apps offer free trials, allowing you to test them out before committing to a purchase. These apps can also sync with companion apps on your iPhone, making your life a little easier.
In addition to third-party apps, be sure to check out our other guides, including the Best Music Streaming Apps, Best MacBooks, Best iPads, Best iPhones, and How to Back Up Your iPhone. We recently updated this guide in August 2024 to include native Apple apps like Notes, Reminders, and FreeForm, as well as other apps like Zoom and Bitwarden. We have also updated links and pricing throughout.
For a smoother user experience, consider using apps like Alfred or Magnet to enhance your multitasking capabilities. Alfred allows you to create custom shortcuts and automate workflows, while Magnet helps you manage window sizes more efficiently.
If you’re tired of constantly adjusting your system preferences to keep your screen on, apps like Caffeine can help you prevent your screen from going to sleep during specific tasks. Additionally, tools like CheatSheet can help you discover hidden keyboard shortcuts across macOS applications.
For a better writing experience, apps like Ulysses and Grammarly can help you streamline your writing process and improve your grammar and syntax. Ulysses offers a distraction-free writing environment, while Grammarly provides real-time suggestions and corrections across various applications.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your productivity, improve your writing skills, or simply streamline your macOS experience, these third-party applications can help you make the most out of your Apple device.