- Best Mac Apps 2018 Free
- Best Free Apps For Mac
- Top Mac Apps 2018 For Free Printable
- Top 10 Mac Apps
- Free Video Apps For Mac
Dec 26, 2018 The Mac be way older than the iPhone and iPad, but it still has some tricks. 2018 saw some fine updates to some of our favorite apps, as well as some amazing new apps. Mar 26, 2018 As such, in this article, I offer a comparative run down of the 5 best free fax apps for Mac so you can decide which ones to use. The following table lists out the 5 best free fax apps for Mac. You can go through their specifications and features to narrow down your options and then read about them in the following parts. Learn about collection Get the Top Apps of 2018 featuring YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream, Instagram, Snapchat, and many more on App Store. Enjoy these apps on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
In a previous article where I talked about the 5 best cheap Mac apps under $10, it seems that many of you wanted to know if these apps had any free alternatives. The straight answer is yes, but it is a little bit more complicated than that. As a rule of thumb, you should know that for every paid Mac app, there is a corresponding free app out there. You just have to search for it.
That said, the free apps do have their own limitations. Mostly the limitations have to do with the user interface of the app. The paid apps generally have a more modern and easy to navigate user interface than their free counterparts. The paid apps also bring more features which make the apps more productive. I guess what I am trying to say is that in most cases, you essentially get what you paid for. That’s not to say that there are no good free apps out there. On the contrary, there are a ton of awesome free apps, and if you want to see a lit of them, do let me know in the comments section below.
Best Mac Apps 2018 Free
However, this article is not about the best free Mac apps, it’s about the best-paid macOS apps and their free alternatives. Before we get into the article, one thing I would like to mention is that I have taken a little bit of liberty with the concept of free apps, which you will understand as we get into the article. So, if you don’t think that the paid apps deserve the price that they are asking for, here are the 7 best paid Mac apps and their free alternatives:
7 Best Paid macOS Apps and Their Free Alternatives
Since there are going to be a lot of apps on this list, I am not going to go in-depth for each one of them. Rest assured all the apps that I mention in this list has been thoroughly tested by me. Also, if you like to see an in-depth review of any of the apps mentioned in this list, do let me know by writing in the comments section below. I will make sure to fulfill as many of your requests as I can.
1. Best Password Manager App for Mac: 1Password
It’s 2018 and if you are not using a password manager today, I am sorry to tell you the truth, but you are a fool (unless you have a Sheldon like memory which allows you to create and remember strong and random passwords). If you take your account safety seriously, you should be using a password manager. A password manager not only allows you to create random and secure passwords but it also makes them easily accessible. All you need to do is remember one master password. As long as you remember that you can use your password anywhere, be it on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
Best Free Apps For Mac
1Password according to me is one of the best password managers you can get for yourself. All your data is encrypted using end-to-end AES-256 encryption and PBKDF2 key derivation, which is a technical way to say, that there is no way in hell anyone can get into your account if they don’t know your master password. The service syncs all your password across devices and supports all the major platforms including macOS, iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows. So, no matter which device you are using, you are covered.
Install:1Password - Free trial ($3.99/month - paid annually - individual plan / $4.99/month - paid annually - family plan up to 5 members)
1Password Free Alternative - LastPass
One of the biggest restrictions that come with using the free version of any password manager software is that the free version doesn’t allow you to sync your password across devices. This is where LastPass wins as the free version of the software allows you to sync your passwords across devices. Remember that I told you that I am going to take a little liberty when it comes to what free app means, that declaration applies here. Although LastPass does have a premium subscription model, it’s free version is enough to fulfill all your individual needs. In fact, I myself use the free version of LastPass and has never felt a need to upgrade to the paid version.
That’s not to say that the paid version doesn’t come with extra features. The paid version brings features like desktop application logins, desktop fingerprint identification, two-factor authentication, and 1GB of encrypted file storage. That said, none of those features are necessary. All the necessary features like password creation, auto-fill and auto-login in browsers, password sync across devices, form filling, secure notes, and more are present in the free version. That’s why I consider, LastPass to be the best free password manager you can use today.
Install: LastPass - Free ($2/month - paid annually - individual plan / $4/month - paid annually - family plan up to 5 members)
2. Best Menu Bar Manager for Mac: Bartender 3
One of my favorite features of Mac is its Menu Bar and the apps that it can hold. The Menu Bar not only provides us with a quick way to access important information and give us app specific contextual menus, it also allows us to use Menu Bar apps which are quite nifty applications. However, if you are as obsessed with apps as I am, you will soon find that your Menu Bar has become too crowded and unorganized.
That’s where Bartender comes in as it allows you to organize your menu bar apps, by hiding them, rearranging them, or moving them to the Bartender Items. But that’s not all, Bartender also allows you to quickly search for Menu Bar apps and use keyboard shortcuts to access them. Bartender is a must-have application for anyone who is looking to manage their Menu Bar items.
Install: Bartender 3 - Free trial for 4 weeks - $15
Bartender3 Free Alternative: Vanilla
I will be the first one to come out and say that Vanilla is nowhere as powerful as the Bartender app. That said, The app is free and allows you to hide your Menu Bar apps elegantly. When you install the app, you will see a small arrow icon which you can click on to either expand or hide the Menu Bar icons.
Although the app is free forever, it does have a Pro option which adds extra features like keyboard shortcuts and automatic icons hiding. However, if you are not ready to pay, the free version will just serve you right as the app never ever nags you for upgrading.
Install:Vanilla - Free/$3.99
3. Best Storage Manager for Your Mac: DaisyDisk
DaisyDisk is one of my most favorite macOS apps and considering how much it helps me, I am more than happy to pay for the service. I have already talked about the app in great detail in the best Mac apps under $10 article, which you can read if you want to. The short version is that the app helps you scan your Mac’s internal storage as well as any other storage devices that are either physically connected to your device or are on your server and helps you find and delete unwanted items to free up storage on your device. DaisyDisk is a prime example of an app which is really useful but that’s not why you are buying it. You are buying it for its extremely beautiful user interface which makes using this app a delight.
Install:DaisyDisk - $9.99
DaisyDisk Free Alternative: GrandPerspective
GrandPerspective is the best app for anyone who is looking for an alternative to DaisyDisk. The basic premise of the app is the same as DaisyDisk, that is, it scans your Mac to give you a graphical representation of the disk usage. You can choose to either scan your entire Mac or individual folders. Once you run the scan, the app will show all your files and folders represented by solid colored squares.
The bigger the file size, the bigger is the square. Thus you can easily find out which files and folders take up the most space. The app is free to download from its official website but cost $1.99 on the Mac App Store. But whichever app you download, you are essentially getting the same thing. The paid version is just your way of supporting the developers.
Install: GrandPerspective - (Free from Sourforge / $1.99 from Mac App Store)
4. Best Writing App For Mac: Ulysses
Ulysses has garnered a lot of hate after the service decided to go the subscription route, but the thing is, whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying the fact that it’s the best writing app for Mac. In fact, all the article that you see on this website have been researched, drafted, and written on Ulysses. The best part about Ulysses is that it is an extremely powerful and productive writing tool which packs enough features that can handle any writing project irrespective of its size or complexity, and yet it still manages to maintain a simple and distraction-free UI so you can get the work done. I have already published an article detailing all the features of the app which you can go through if you want to make yourself familiar with the app.
Install:Ulysses ($4.99/month or $39.99/year - special student pricing available)
Ulysses Free Alternative: Typora / Elephant / Focus Writer
Probably the hardest thing when drafting this article was finding a worthy free alternative for Ulysses, and sadly even after scouring the whole internet, I could not find an app which can replace Ulysses alone. Don’t get me wrong, Typora is a fairly worthy app, however, it’s only free till it’s in beta.
Focus Writer is free but it neither bring the handy markdown editing feature nor the exceptional organizational feature of Ulysses.
Elephant is an open-source alternative to Evernote which also has a built-in markdown editor.
In the end, I still think that iA Writer ($9.99) is the best Ulysses alternative but you can surely check these apps to see if they can help you in replacing Ulysses or not. If you are already using a Ulysses alternative which you think is better than anything mentioned on this list, do help us out by dropping its name in the comments section below.
Install:Typora / Elephant / FocusWriter
5. Best Photo Editing App For Mac: Affinity Photo
I have used a ton of photo editing apps on Mac, however, I have always come back to Affinity Photo. The biggest reason why I prefer Affinity Photo is not just because it packs more features that you will ever need and is regularly updated, it’s because Affinity provides a plethora of resources to help you master the software. I also love the fact that unlike most of the good photo editors out there which uses subscription-based pricing, Affinity photo charges a onetime fee.
One more reason to go for Affinity Photo is its iPad app. Affinity Photo’s iPad app is the most robust photo editing app that you can use on your iPad, period. If you are ready to pay the price, Affinity Photo will provide you with one of the most versatile and extensive suite of tools you will find in any photo editing software.
Install:Affinity Photo - $49.99
Affinity Photo Free Alternative: Fotor / Gimp
Fotor is probably the best free alternative to Affinity Photo which makes this one the best free photo editing app for Mac. The biggest benefit of using Fotor is the way it handles its interface. All the important tools are available right within your reach and you don’t have to dig through various sub-menus to find them. That said, Fotor is not truly free as it offers in-app purchases.
Top Mac Apps 2018 For Free Printable
If you are looking for a truly free alternative to Affinity Photo, Gimp is what you should be looking at. Gimp is an open source photo editing tool for Mac. Being an open-source app, it brings all the advantages and disadvantages that come with the domain. What I mean by that Gimp has all the photo editing tools and features that you will find in any pro photo editing tool, however, it also comes with a steep learning curve and you will have to invest a considerable amount of time in learning it.
Install:Fotor / Gimp
6. Best Productivity App for Mac: Alfred
If you have ever searched for productivity apps for Mac, I can bet that Alfred was at the top of most of the results. Alfred is such a powerful tool that I will need to dedicate a series of articles if I want to really explain its power. The app not only helps you to quickly find files, apps, and more on your Mac, it also allows you to search the web, execute system level commands, create and execute workflows, assign hotkeys, control your music, automate your workflow, and much more. The possibilities are endless here. With its latest update, Alfred has taken the route of the freemium model where all its basic functions are free but pro functions are hidden behind a paywall, which you will need to buy if you are serious about using Alfred.
Install:Free / ￡19
Alfred Free Alternative: Quicksilver / Flashlight
QuickSilver is an open-source alternative for Alfred. Almost everything that you can do with Alfred, you can do with Quicksilver for free. However, as it is with any open-source application, Quicksilver also comes with a steep learning curve and doesn't have a great UI. That said, if you are ready to invest your time, you will be thoroughly rewarded.
Quicksilver will turn you into a Mac ninja, making you a far more productive than your average Mac user. However, if for some reason you are yet not ready to give up on Spotlight and still want all of Alfred’s power, you might want to check out Flashlight. Flashlight is not an app in itself but a collection of plugins which enhances the features of Spotlight bringing it closer to the likes of Alfred and Quicksilver.
Install:Quicksilver / Flashlight
7. Best Task Management App for Mac: OmniFocus
I understand that everybody has their own system for managing tasks, and there can be no one task management app which is best for everyone. However upon trying multiple apps, I have found that OmniFocus is one of the best if not the best task management app for Mac. OmniFocus uses the “Getting Things Done” principle to help you, well, get things done. I love how OmniFocus not only allows me to create individual tasks, it also allows me to create projects, folders, attach contextual menus, defer tasks, and more. OmniFocus also comes with apps for iPhone,iPad, and Apple Watch, so no matter which Apple device you are using, OmniFocus is always there for you.
Install:OmniFocus - $39.99
OmniFocus Free Alternative: Wunderlist / Todoist / Reminders
While I searched high and low for a free task management for Mac, every app that I found which was worth getting on the list followed a freemium model. Of all those apps, I found Todoist and Wunderlist to be the best of the bunch. I personally prefer Wunderlist more than Todoist, however, Todoist has certain advantages over Wunderlist and most of those advantages have to do with various automation tools which greatly cuts down the time you spent on the app itself and more on the tasks in hand.
However, if you don’t want a freemium app and need something truly free, I think the built-in Reminders apps that come with macOS and iOS is your best hope. The Reminders is not only for creating one-time reminders rather you can also create lists which can act as your projects. The app also allows you to set due dates and share reminders with someone which is a much-needed feature if you work in a collaborative environment. However, the biggest thing that goes in favor of reminders app is the fact that it is deeply integrated with Siri so you can use Apple’s voice assistant to easily create tasks without having to open the app itself.
Install:Todoist / Wunderlist
Paid Mac Apps and Free Alternatives: Final Thoughts
Since I took this topic on, I realized that while some of the paid Mac apps have worthy alternatives, most of the best paid apps offer features and user interface which cannot be replicated by any free app. Maybe that’s why it’s better to pay for the apps that you are going to use on a daily basis rather looking for their free alternative.
That said, not all of us are lucky enough to afford all the paid Mac apps. Hence, what I feel the best thing to do is to buy the apps which are essential for your workflow (you can look at cheaper alternatives which are much easier to find than free ones) while use the free ones for those which are not that important and will not hamper your productivity in a big way.
Whether you are upgrading to a newer Mac version, or it’s your first time using a Mac, you need to install some apps. Of course, your Mac will be very boring if there isn’t one app in there. Don’t worry. We are here to help. We’ve scraped every corner of the web to ensure we give a detailed list of the best Mac apps this 2018.
Here’s a quick note before we start our list. Apple has updated its security settings, especially in the newer Mac versions, so you’ll have to manually allow your system to accept and open the apps below. More often, you’ll be prompted that the application is downloaded from the Internet. It’ll ask for your confirmation if you want to continue opening it. When you click Open, the installation will push through.
Anyway, we won’t make this any longer. Without further ado, here are the best apps for Mac.
1. Tweakbit MacRepair
We listed Tweakbit MacRepair as one of the top Mac apps this 2018 because we believe that efficiency and security are of utmost importance. This app optimizes your RAM to give room for more active apps and helps keep your Mac free from any junk that may cause it to perform poorly.
This app is very easy to use. Simply click on the Scan button and the app will start going through all your files and get rid of any junk it sees. It’s that easy.
Another great thing about this app is that it is so smart that it only scans the files that can be safely cleaned. It does not go over the system files because it knows they are important for Mac to run. After the scan, your Mac should perform at its optimum.
2. VLC
Are you looking for an audio/video player for your Mac? VLC is all you need. It has a user-friendly interface and does not consume so much space on your hard drive. It also has advanced features such as audio/video filters and subtitle synchronization you might want to explore before using.
In addition, VLC can also support a number of video and audio formats. That means you can use it to play music or videos from various sources. As you can see, VLC is such a powerful app. No wonder why it’s listed among the best Mac apps you need this 2018.
3. Handbrake
In case your audio/video player does not support the video format of the movie you just downloaded, perhaps Handbrake can save you. Using this app, you can quickly and conveniently convert a video to any format that is widely supported by existing audio/video players.
Although the interface of Handbrake is pretty plain and straightforward, there are advanced features you must practice on before using. Adding chapters and subtitles to videos is one.
Handbrake is a free app and is available not only for macOS but also for Windows and Linux.
4. Parallels Desktop
One of the most popular apps for Mac, Parallels Desktop allows you to run a Windows OS on a Mac even without rebooting your computer.
Now, you might be wondering why the need to run Windows OS on Mac? Well, Windows gaming will run efficiently on Mac at a faster pace. So, if you want to play any Windows games, you just need to add them to your Mac’s Touch Bar for instant access.
However, Parallels Desktop requires a license that can cost up to $99.99 per year, depending on whether it’ll be used for home or work.
5. BitDefender Antivirus for Mac
Your Mac is one of your most valuable possessions. So, protect every bit of it with BitDefender Antivirus. It’s most recent version has already been redesigned for ease of use, hence it won’t require technical skills to use.
With BitDefender installed on your Mac, rest assured it will be protected against viruses, malware, and ransomware. It can quickly detect threats and remove them as soon as possible. And if you are concerned that performing a scan will affect your Mac’s overall performance, you are wrong. Believe us, it won’t interfere with any running app and it does its job quite fast.
Aside from protecting your Mac, this app also protects your backups. Plus, it is constantly being updated to ensure your Mac gets the level of protection it deserves.
6. iMindMap
Got a lot of ideas running through your mind? Draw them all using iMindMap. This amazing app allows you to design or arrange your ideas in your own way.
This app is known for its Fast Capture View that lets you capture your ideas lightning fast. As soon as your ideas are captured, it will be easier for you to sort and organize them. From there, you can improve your ideas and turn them into a plan using a certain map type. Comments and links can then be added to your map as you wish.
iMindMap is available in Home, Student, Ultimate, and Ultimate Plus versions. The license fee ranges from $100 to $217.
7. Unarchiver
Need to open an archived document on your Mac? You will need Unarchiver. Regardless of the archived document format, this app won’t fail you as it supports a wide range of archived document formats.
To use, you just have to launch the Unarchiver app. Next, go to File > Menu. Lastly, choose the file you want to open the app. The app is free to use. It also does not have any in-app purchases.
8. 1Password
1Password is, by far, one of the best password managers designed for Mac. It works by letting you create one master password, which you can use to access all your other passwords. You get to decide whether to randomly generate passwords inside the app. If you do so, rest assured that they’ll be strong and nearly impossible to hack.
You need not remember any of these passwords. As long as you know your master password, you can easily access the other passwords.
Because it is secure and reliable, you can store your credit card information, software serial numbers, passport numbers, secure data, and bank account details. And if you feel the need to share some passwords with family members or teammates, you can edit the permissions and choose which passwords to make available to co-workers or family members.
9. OmniFocus
If you think you’ve got a digital brain, you’ll need an absolutely reliable task manager like OmniFocus. Although it is very powerful, it has a neat user interface, which makes it easy to use for other Apple products such as Apple Watch.
Because it has many handy features, OmniFocus can be intimidating at times. But if you take time to master how to use it, there should be no dull moment.
This 2018, the developers of this app are looking to release a newer version with more features, including tags and a more flexible scheduling.
10. Dropbox
If you are using your Mac for work, Dropbox makes a handy tool. Besides real-time data synchronization in the cloud, you can use it to collaborate on various projects as a team, regardless of your members’ location.
Once installed, a Dropbox folder is created on your drive. This folder is just like any ordinary folder, but with a few noticeable differences such as changes made here are automatically synced to the Dropbox accounts of the users you have shared the files with.
Why consider Dropbox? There are a lot of reasons, but, we’ll specifically highlight its affordable pricing plans. The Basic plan costs nothing but gives you 2GB storage space and an added 500 MB for every referral. The Pro plan, which comes with a 1TB storage space, is available for $9.99 per month. The Business for Teams plan, on the other hand, costs $15 per user and the storage space is unlimited.
11. Pocket
More than 14 million Mac users use Pocket to save videos and articles for later viewing. Using this app, all contents are saved in one place, allowing easy access for any device. So, even if you are offline, riding the train or in flight, you can read and access your saved files.
If you have never used Pocket before, you will have to sign up for a new account. After installing the app, open it and click Sign Up and you are good to go.
12. Deliveries
For a worry-free and easy tracking of your packages, use Deliveries. Whether it’s a new dress you ordered overseas or the latest published book of your favorite author, Deliveries keeps you posted on the whereabouts of your package, thus you won’t miss the doorbell.
The app allows you to add estimated delivery dates to your calendar. It also lets you share your shipment updates over AirDrop, iMessage, or email. Now, who wouldn’t want this app on their Macs?
13. Prey
Getting your Mac stolen sucks, but you can do something to prevent it. A theft protection app, Prey allows you to look over your Mac, whether you are abroad or in the local market. And in case of theft, it helps you recover it.
Once the app is installed, it will silently sleep and hide in the background, waiting for a go signal. As soon as you trigger it remotely using another device, your Mac will start collecting detailed evidence and send it to you.
14. Simplenote
Want a fast and easy way to store your ideas or important notes? With Simplenote, you can achieve that. The best way to use this app is to try it firsthand. You have to make an account first. After that, you can write down your thoughts and organize them with pins and tags. If you want, you can share and publish them so others can read.
15. Gimp
Gimp or GNU Image Manipulation Program is a free application that allows you to perform tasks such as image authoring, photo retouching, and image composition.
Other than that, Gimp has many features and capabilities. It can be used as an online batch processing system, an image renderer for a number of photos, an image converter, and an advanced photo retouching app. Thanks to its advanced scripting interface, all the mentioned tasks can be done effortlessly.
Bottom Line
Top 10 Mac Apps
Every Mac owner has his own needs. While some require advanced applications that are useful for work, others only want an app for entertainment. Then again, we’re confident that there is a corresponding app to answer that need.
Featured above are just some of the best Mac apps this 2018. Install them on your Mac for a convenient year ahead. Soon thereafter, you will realize that everything you need to do on your computer will be easy-peasy, regardless if it’s for work, leisure, hobby, or entertainment.
Is there an app you recommend that didn’t make our list? Let us know. Share the best Mac apps you know of in the comments section below.