Free 10 Mac Apps That You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’re anything like me, you live for those productivity-boosting, problem-solving apps that make your digital life a breeze. I mean, let’s be real, we spend more time with our Macs than some of our own family — so we might as well load them up with the best darn apps out there.
Now, I don’t know about you, but whenever one of my friends or coworkers snatches up a shiny new MacBook, the first thing they do is come running to me, begging, “Dude, what are the must-have apps I need to download to feel right at home on this thing?” And let me tell you, I’ve got the perfect answer for them: “Superb FREE Mac Apps You Aren’t Using!” which I already posted
But this list is different — it’s for the true Mac enthusiasts like us, the ones who want to optimize every inch of our setups. Since you’re all here in Mac O’Clock/ Even if the Medium algorithm is referring to this to you I reckon we’re probably a pretty similar bunch. So without further ado, here’s the
List of 10 Mac Apps that you didn’t know you Needed.
- Ray Cast -Spotlight on Crack
- Later- Save your workflow
- HandMirror — Check yourself before a meeting
- Mouse fix- Make your Mouse Fancy
- Expense- track your spend
- Numi- Smart Calc
- Ooooo -One because we love Daddy Huber Man
- Pomy- Since we are not Spiders
- Arc browser —Since we like pretty things here
- One thing- Not One more thing
1. Ray Cast Spotlight on Crack
You thought Spotlight was the bee’s knees, buckle up, because Raycast is about to blow your mind. This powerful productivity app is like Spotlight on steroids, providing a next-level, customizable search and automation experience that’ll have you wondering how you ever got by without it.
Sure, Raycast may seem a little more intimidating than simpler options like Alfred(But not free) at first glance. But trust me, once you get your hands dirty with all the advanced functionality packed inside this bad boy, it’ll quickly become an indispensable part of your Mac power user arsenal. I’m talking about lightning-fast app launching, seamless unit conversions, and file searches that’ll make your head spin.
But the real magic of Raycast lies in its extensive catalogue of free “extensions” — these things integrate the app with a crazy wide range of other tools and services, so you can do everything from searching your Notion database to managing your to-do list in Things, all without ever leaving Raycast. It’s like having a universal remote for your entire productivity setup, and the breadth of what you can do is truly remarkable.
Sure, there might be a bit of a learning curve to get the most out of Raycast but believe me, the time investment is worth it for any Mac addict looking to streamline their workflows and take their daily productivity to the next level. This app is the digital equivalent of a supercharged sports car — it might seem a little daunting at first, but once you get behind the wheel, prepare to have your mind (and your workflow) blown
2. Later- Do things later
If you ever find yourself in a sudden Zoom showdown, with no time to save your precious digital domain, the Later app is about to become your new favourite sidekick.
This unassuming little utility just chills out in your menu bar, waiting to swoop in and save the day when you need to clear the deck and hop into an important meeting. Say you’ve got this whole complex workflow going on, with a dozen apps and windows all vying for attention on your poor overloaded desktop. But then BAM, you realize you’ve got a meeting starting in just 30 minutes. Your first instinct is probably to start mashing keys like a caffeinated chipmunk, trying to save everything and close it all down before you make a virtual appearance.
But hold up there, partner! Before you send your meticulously arranged workspace into the digital ether, just click on that Later icon and choose “Save Windows for Later.” Poof, just like that, everything gets tucked away nice and tidy, ready for your triumphant return. You can then open up whatever you need for the meeting, knowing your previous workflow is safe and sound.
And the kicker? Later can juggle multiple saved sessions at once. So you can bounce between your various work modes without having to manually re-create them every time, like some kind of digital contortionist. It’s like having a personal assistant who remembers all your preferences — if your personal assistant was an app. And on laptops, Later will even quit those apps instead of just hiding them if you want to, so you get a fresh restart when you come back.
Look, I get it, we Mac power users can be a little…particular about our setups. But with Later, you don’t have to stress about losing your precious workflow every time something unexpected pops up. It’s the digital equivalent of that trusty spare key hidden under the flower pot — except way more useful, and won’t get you judged by your neighbour.
So the next time you need to clear the decks for an impromptu Zoom session, don’t panic. Just let Later take the wheel, and get back to productivity in no time
3. HandMirror — Check yourself before a meeting
Alright, so you’ve just stashed away all your open apps and windows using that handy Later App, and now you’re about to hop into a critical Zoom meeting. But wait, there’s one last vital step — checking your appearance before you subject the entire call to your questionable on-camera look.
Look, I get it, I’m the same way. The built-in Zoom camera preview always makes me a little anxious, especially when it’s an important meeting. I’m more self-conscious in front of the camera than a cat in a doggy daycare. But that’s where Hand Mirror, the unsung hero of the menu bar, swoops in to save the day.
With just a click, Hand Mirror lets you discreetly peek at how you’re looking before you inflict your mug on the unsuspecting meeting participants. No need to fumble around in Zoom, trying to contort yourself into the camera frame — this little app has got you covered right from your menu bar.
Whether you need to do a quick hair check, wipe that random smudge off your face, or just mentally prepare yourself to be the Zoom star you know you are, Hand Mirror is there to give you that last-second confidence boost. It’s like having a compact mirror right at your fingertips, except without the risk of accidentally blinding yourself with the reflection.
So the next time you need to jump into a crucial video call, don’t leave your appearance to chance. Quickly pull up Hand Mirror, give yourself one last once-over, and then stride into that Zoom meeting like the polished professional you are (or at least want everyone to think you are). Your anxious, self-conscious inner voice will thank you.
4. Mouse fix —
Ah, the perils of that first paycheck! I’ll admit, I’m the kind of guy who can’t resist watching those desk setup videos, even if I’m sitting on the toilet. And when I saw all my favourite YouTubers rocking those standing desks with LG Dual Up monitors and fancy Logitech peripherals, I just had to have one for myself.
So, with my very first salary in hand, I went out and splurged on a Logi-MX Master 4 mouse and a PS5 Controller (you know, for my 2K24 gaming sessions). Hey, it seemed like a good idea at the time, right?
But then, the heartbreak hit — I started seeing all those same YouTubers switch over to using a trackpad with the Logitech MX Master 4. Ugh, F my life! Now I’m stuck with a setup that’s not quite up to par with the latest and greatest. Talk about buyer’s remorse.
Thankfully, I stumbled upon this app called “Mouse Max” which might just be the perfect workaround. From what I gather, it’s an open-source utility that can transform even a basic third-party mouse into a powerhouse to rival Apple’s fancy trackpad. With all sorts of customization options and productivity-boosting features, it could be just the ticket to elevating my mouse game.
The “Click and Drag” functionality sounds particularly intriguing — being able to control window management with simple mouse gestures. Sign me up! And the ability to tweak things like pointer acceleration and scroll wheel behaviour. Heck yeah, that’s the kind of granular control a power user like me can really appreciate.
Sure, some of the more advanced features might require a paid license, but the core Mouse Max experience is free. And with the app being open-source, I’m hopeful the developer community will keep pushing it to new heights. Maybe I can’t afford to overhaul my entire desk setup just yet, but at least this could be a budget-friendly way to squeeze a little more functionality out of my existing mouse.
Ah, the trials and tribulations of being a tech-savvy yet financially responsible adult. But hey, at least I’m not the only one out there who gets a little over-excited by the latest gadgets and trends. Gotta take those small victories where we can, right?
Install using Brew that’s what I did !!
brew install mac-mouse-fix5. Expenses- track your spend
I can totally relate to the struggle of wasting money on tech gadgets you don’t really need! It’s like an occupational hazard for us tech-savvy folks. But hey, at least you’re trying to get a handle on where all that hard-earned cash is actually going, right?
That’s where this “Expenses” app sounds like a real lifesaver. I mean, the fact that it seamlessly syncs your data across all your Apple devices — Mac, iPhone, iPad, — is just genius. No more juggling multiple finance apps or trying to piece together your spending history. Everything is in one convenient, centralized place.
And the sharing functionality is a nice touch too. For those of us who need to collaborate on money matters, whether it’s a household budget or a small business, being able to easily share access and visibility is a total game-changer. No more awkward spreadsheet-sharing shenanigans.
You’re absolutely right that Expenses seems to have a really comprehensive feature set wrapped up in an intuitive, user-friendly design. For folks like us who are constantly looking to gain better control over our finances, an app like this can make all the difference. It’s like having a personal finance coach right there in your pocket (or on your desk).
Even though you’re still tempted by those shiny new Sony wh-1000xm5 (Sony needs to work on their Naming Convection right?)even though you have the latest AirPods Pros, at least with Expenses you’ll know exactly where that money is going. And hey, I did upgrade to the premium version to get that cross-device syncing sounds like a smart move. Gotta spend a little to save a lot, am I right?
The trials and tribulations of being a tech-loving, finance-conscious adult. But you’re taking the right steps, my friend. With Expenses in your corner, you can wave goodbye to those frivolous purchases and focus on reaching your real financial goals. One expense-tracking app at a time!
6. Numi- Smart Calc
Forget about that boring old calculator on your laptop, because Numi is about to blow your mind. I know what you’re thinking, “A calculator? Seriously?” But hold up, Numi got some tricks up its sleeve that are gonna change the way you crunch those numbers.
First off, the natural language processing is pure genius. No more struggling to punch in those pesky math problems — just type ’em out and watch Numi work its magic. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
And the features? Oh, we’re just getting started. Need to convert between time zones, countries, or cities? Numi’s got your back. Want to do some advanced percentage operations, like value by per cent subtraction? This app’s got you covered, no problem.
But wait, there’s more! Numi even lets you type in text files and perform calculations. Imagine the possibilities — no more juggling between apps, it’s all right there at your fingertips. And the shortcuts? Forget about it, dude. Set up your most-used tasks and watch Numi streamline your workflow like a boss.
Look, I know there are a million calculator apps out there, but Numi is in a league of its own. It’s like having a personal math wizard in your pocket, ready to tackle any numerical challenge that comes your way. So ditch that boring old calculator, and get ready to experience the future of number-crunching. Your productivity’s about to level up, big time.
7. Oooo -One because we love Daddy Huber Man
Life in the modern workforce is no joke — the ol’ 9-to-5 has morphed into a 9-to-7 marathon, and I knew what I was getting into. But I’m not one to shy away from a challenge. In the mornings, I lace up my running shoes to train for an upcoming marathon (On April 28th), then it’s off to the grind (job ), followed by an evening sweat session at the gym for the babies :)
Oh, and did I mention the start-up I’m working on that’s on the verge of securing pre-seed funding? ( light flex )Just a little side hustle to keep things interesting. And of course, I’m channelling my inner author, aiming to post on Medium at least once a week. and I am planning to write a book by the end of 2024 Safe to say, my schedule is a bit of a whirlwind.
That’s why I’m always on the lookout for ways to optimize my time and boost my focus. Enter Daddy Huber’s podcast recommendations — certain sound frequencies, he says, can work wonders. And you know what? I’ve been using this app that plays 35Hz while I write, and it actually seems to help. Maybe it’s the placebo effect, maybe it’s science, but I’m not complaining.
Unlike those gimmicky productivity apps out there, this one does one thing and does it well. No bells and whistles, just a simple tool to help me stay on track and get stuff done. In the end, that’s all I’m really after.
8. Pomy
After a long day at the office, you come home only to realize you’ve already maxed out your daily screen time. But the work has to get done, and that’s why you rely on Pomy — your trusty Mac app.
Pomy has this ingenious “20–20–20” rule built-in. The idea is simple: every 20 minutes you spend staring at a screen, you need to look away for 20 minutes and fix your gaze on a point 20 feet away. This little ritual helps reduce the strain on your eyes, keeping them healthy and happy.
And Pomy makes sure you actually stick to this routine. No more forgetting to give your peepers a much-needed break! With Pomy’s gentle reminders, you can stay productive without sacrificing your eyesight.
After all, we may not be spiders with hundreds of eyes, but the two we’ve got are pretty darn important. Pomy helps you protect those precious orbs, so you can keep powering through your workload with clarity and focus. It’s a win-win situation, if you ask me.
9. Arc browser
In the crowded world of web browsers, Arc stands out as a refreshingly innovative and productivity-oriented option for Mac users. Crafted by the brilliant minds at Anthropic, Arc goes beyond the typical browsing experience, offering a transformative tool that rethinks how we interact with the internet.
At the heart of Arc’s magic are its “workspaces” — curated collections of tabs, notes, and files that allow you to organize your online activities into distinct, context-driven workflows. Whether you’re conducting research, planning a project, or simply staying on top of the latest news, Arc makes it easy to keep everything related to a specific task or interest consolidated in one place.
But Arc’s capabilities go far beyond just tab management. The app seamlessly integrates with popular productivity apps like Notion and Roam Research, bridging the gap between browsing and knowledge management. Say goodbye to the frustration of scattered notes and disjointed information — Arc brings it all together in a harmonious, distraction-free environment.
Visually, Arc is a real stunner as well, with a sleek and modern interface that’s a pleasure to use. For Mac power users who demand more from their web browser, Arc is a must-try. With its laser-sharp focus on enhancing productivity and minimizing distractions, coupled with its striking design, this innovative app is poised to revolutionize the way you approach your digital workflows. Give it a try, and experience the transformative power of a browser built with your needs in mind.
10. One thing- Not One more thing
I didn’t use this just for the pun of Saying one thing, not one more thing at the end like in every Apple event. One thing is good
This is a simple app that does one thing and one thing well — it lets you keep a single reminder on your menu bar. Since it’s always there, you’ll never forget that important task, whether it’s To following Akshay S B on Medium, Jesus is King(if you are religious IDK), or remembering to buy groceries.
No fluff, no extra features — just a reliable way to keep that one crucial thing at the forefront of your mind. No more getting lost in a sea of to-do lists or post-it notes. With this app, your key reminder is always right there, waiting patiently until you take care of it.
It’s a simple, no-nonsense solution to an age-old problem. No need to thank me — just download it, set your reminder, and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you’ll never forget that one thing that really matters. Efficient, effective, and refreshingly uncomplicated. Give it a try, and see how it can streamline your day!
Appreciate you reading this article — as a new writer, feedback is key. like should I consider trimming personal asides to stay more concise? Focus on highlighting the app’s standout features efficiently. ? let me know!
Hope this helps
