9 of The Best Apps You Need for Your Mac Now

Are you feeling like your Mac’s lost its get-up-and-go, and is on more of a go-slow? Well, the solution is as simple as running regular checks to make sure all the apps are up to date.  

Something else you should do to get the most out of your Apple machine is to install the best and latest software. Not only will these apps and shortcuts improve your productivity, and recreation time, they’ll have you falling in love with your Mac all over again.

9 of the Best Apps to Maximize Your Mac

Yes, the pre-installed apps are great, as are the most popular ones that are available in the Apple store, but it’s definitely worth casting your net a little wider to find the latest apps for work, play, and everything in between.

To make your life a whole lot easier, we’ve compiled a list of the very best apps we think every Mac user should have in 2020. This is by no means a definitive list, but we believe it’s an excellent place to start. And yes, you’re welcome.

1.Todoist

We don’t think we’d be wrong in assuming you love your to-do lists? And your Mac comes with its own task-tracking apps, including the calendar and emails. But to be fair, they feel a little outdated and lack the, shall we say, savoir-faire, that we’ve come to expect from third-party apps. 

 

Enter Todoist. This app is nothing short of fantastic, and works well for individuals as well as businesses, with some really nifty features. The design is simple, but not to the app’s detriment, and users can add items to their to-do list from Alexa and even Slack. If you’re Team Apple all the way, you’ll be able to get it for your mobile device too.

2.Slack

Talking about Slack, no self-respecting best-of list would be complete without this brilliant multiple-team communication tool. If you’re not familiar with it, Slack has changed the way multiple teams around the globe work. The browser-based app allows users to communicate in groups, as well as privately. 

It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to increase productivity and work-flow. And best of all, it’s free.

3.Wunderlist

Wunderlist is another list-type app, and we love it. At first glance, it’s a little underwhelming. After all, it’s uncomplicated, to the point of almost basic. But the app’s unique selling point is, without a doubt, its functionality across different devices. Mac, iOS, Android, or PC, whatever, wherever, you can quench your Wunderlist.

You can download the app for free, or if you prefer, check out the subscription-based version that’s aimed at teams and businesses.

4.VLC

If you’re looking for a video playback app to enhance your viewing on your Mac, look no further than VLC. With over three billion downloads, this open-source media player started in 2001 and is still going strong. It’s free and can be used on desktops operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as all mobile platforms.

5.Spotify 

Gone are the days when you had to rely on Apple for music. Spotify is a must-have for anyone who wants to download millions of songs across every possible genre, including unblack metal, crust punk, trip-hop, microhouse, or nu gaze (yes, it’s a music genre). It’s the perfect app for podcasts, too.

6.Bear

Are you an avid note-maker? Then you’ve undoubtedly used Apple Notes, Evernote, or even OneNote, but have you dared to go ‘Bear’? The design is simple, and it doesn’t have loads of features you’ll never use. And when you’re on the go and need to jot something down, you can use the iOS version, no problem. The only downside, if you can call it that, is that there’s no web version, so there’s no changing between a Mac and Windows.

7.LastPass

If the genuine fear of forgetting your one hundred and one passwords is keeping you up at night, then you need to download LastPass. This smart little app allows you to quickly and easily access your passwords when you need them the most. 

The freemium password manager stores your personal information in a secure vault and is available for macOS, as well as iOS and Android devices. Definitely worth downloading, in our opinion.

8.iTunes U

Always in search of knowledge? Then you need iTunes U. This app is available for free and features over 350,000 audio and video files on every possible subject. Whether you’re interested in architecture, psychology, women’s studies, or stats, there are literally thousands of courses available, lead by professors and lecturers from some of the most respected universities around the world. 

The iTunes U app can be downloaded onto your Mac, iPhone, iPod, or PC. How great is that?

9.GIMP 

Hands down, GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program for those in the know, is the best photo editing app currently available. And it’s free. Giving Adobe’s Photoshop a run for its money, this app allows you to edit and retouch photos and videos, and it even features an animation package.

GIMP has garnered a massive following since it was launched in 2009, and the user-friendly software continues to grow in popularity. It’s the must-have tool for professional graphic artists, animators, and photographers, as well as those just starting out. We love that the online community is always on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Note-makers, photo-takers, decision-makers, and book-worms, our list of must-have apps are worth downloading if you’re wanting to update your Mac to as good as new.