+7

macOS Essentials

EN

Ema_Nymton12 appsUpdated Aug 1, 2021

Focused on serving alternatives, these are the best and most important apps for macOS.

Browser

Mozilla Firefox
Like
Open-source browser with Gecko engine, supporting HTML add-ons and providing privacy features like Enhanced Tracking Protection and third-party cookie blocking.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application type
Web Browser
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
BSD
HUAWEI AppGallery
iPad
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Linux Mobile
Flathub
Samsung Galaxy Store
PortableApps.com
Haiku
Flatpak
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Gecko
F-Droid
+8
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
It's does the same as Safari, but customizable and not useless.
Google Chrome
Like
Web browser built on an open-source platform featuring multiple account support, integrated password manager, dark mode, real-time translation, and seamless cross-device syncing.
Cost / License
Free
Proprietary
Application type
Web Browser
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Flathub
PortableApps.com
Chocolatey
+12
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
Some people like this better than Firefox.
Vivaldi
Like
Highly customizable browser with built-in ad and tracker blockers, Chromium compatibility, advanced tab management, cross-device sync, and strong privacy features.
Cost / License
Free
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Web Browser
Ad Blocker
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
iPad
openSUSE
Snapcraft
Android Auto
Flathub
Samsung Galaxy Store
Fedora
Ubuntu
Debian
+42
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
Other people prefer this over Chrome?

Production

DaVinci Resolve
Like
Advanced video editing and color correction with integrated visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production tools, used by professionals.
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application type
Video Editor
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
iPad
+9
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
iMovie has become incredibly bad over the years, but the free version of DaVinci Resolve will be more than enough to handle your video editing needs.
REAPER
Like
Cross-platform DAW for multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, mixing, mastering, scriptable automation, plugin support, and customizable workflow.
Cost / License
Paid
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Music Production App
Digital Audio Workstation
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Flathub
Flatpak
+3
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
GarageBand is nothing compared to Reaper. "Unlimited" tracks, VST/AU support, much cheaper than Logic Pro and amazingly customizable.

Reaper suggests a 60-day trial period, but does not require payment after this period. A personal license costs $60.

Communication

Signal
Like
An encrypted messaging app focused on privacy, supporting texts, calls, photos, videos, files, and group chats, with no ads or trackers.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Snapcraft
Android Auto
Flathub
F-Droid
Ubuntu
Debian
OpenAPK
+6
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
You can contact Android users on Signal.
Telegram
Like
Experience instant messaging with remarkable speed and robust security. Join massive group chats or channels. Enjoy free and advanced features.
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
iPad
Apple Watch
Android Auto
Linux Mobile
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
FreeBSD
Apple Car Play
+17
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
You can contact Android users on Telegram.

Media

VLC Media Player
Like
Cross-platform, free media player supports multimedia files, DVDs, streaming, offers hardware acceleration, 4K, lossless audio, and more.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Media Player
Audio Player
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Windows Mobile
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
BSD
HUAWEI AppGallery
iPad
AppImageHub
Apple Watch
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Apple TV
Flathub
PortableApps.com
F-Droid
Kindle Fire
Haiku
Android TV
OpenAPK
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Xbox
+4
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
Quicktime Player is a joke compared to this classic player.
calibre
Like
Free e-book manager offering library management, multi-format conversion, syncing to devices, news download as e-books, built-in viewer, editor, and privacy.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Ebook Reader
PDF Reader
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Self-Hosted
Flathub
PortableApps.com
Homebrew
Haiku
+3
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
Although Calibre is not as sleek as Apple Books, it is open-source, much more modular and provides the amount of detail I want from a virtual library. With 'Flow Mode' enabled the included E-book Viewer is also just as serviceable as Books.

Utilities

Keka
Like
Keka is the macOS file archiver.
Cost / License
Free
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
File Archiver
File Compressor
Platforms
Mac
iPhone
iPad
visionOS
+1
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
It works 10 times better than whatever macOS comes with, I honestly forgot.

LOOK AT THE ICON.
iTerm
Like
iTerm is a full featured terminal emulation program written for OS X using Cocoa. We are aiming at providing users with best command line experience under OS X. The letter i represents a native Apple look and feel of the program interface, and an emphasis on complete...
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application type
Terminal Emulator
Platforms
Mac
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
My friend installed this and zsh on my computer.

I guess it's better than Terminal?

Entertainment

Lichess
Like
Lichess is the most complete chess experience, with a simple interface that focuses on the game, a massive array of game-related tools, and a huge, worldwide community.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application type
Chess Game
Platforms
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
F-Droid
+3
EN
Ema_Nymton’s note
Lichess is free, open-source, online and runs in your browser.

You cannot uninstall Chess.app from macOS.

No comments so far, maybe you want to be first?

Gu