Homebrew is the easiest and most flexible way to install the UNIX tools Apple didn’t include with macOS. Also available for Linux.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Platforms
- Mac
- Linux


Here is a list of good macOS apps.
Free & Open Source: Audacity, Blender, Chromium, Docker, Drawio, Firefox, Homebrew, Jellyfin, KeePassXC, LibreOffice, LuLu, OBS, qBittorrent, UTM, VirtualBox, VLC, VSCode, Wireshark.
Free & Closed Source: Affinity Studio, Apple Dictionary, Discord, GarageBand, Sublime Text.
Pay and Closed Source: Anual payment ($2673) + One payment ($2327)
Homebrew is the easiest and most flexible way to install the UNIX tools Apple didn’t include with macOS. Also available for Linux.


The Finder is the first thing that you see when your Mac finishes starting up. It opens automatically and stays open as you use other apps. It includes the Finder menu bar at the top of the screen and the desktop below that.




Fileside is a modern file manager for Mac and Windows with a twist. Create workspaces for your projects — build layouts of your folders. Everything you need will never be more than a click away, and staying organised becomes a breeze.




Visually analyzes disk space with an interactive sunburst map, identifies and previews large files, and enables efficient removal to reclaim storage space.




Transmit is a fast and wonderful file transfer app. It supports every major cloud storage provider, and it looks awfully nice.


The best browser for your Mac is the one that comes with your Mac. Safari is faster and more energy efficient than other browsers. Handy tools help you save, find, and share your favorite sites. Built-in privacy features help keep your browsing your business.




Open-source browser project forming the codebase for other browsers, with strong security, stability, frequent updates, and wide platform compatibility.



Open-source browser with Gecko engine, supporting HTML add-ons and providing privacy features like Enhanced Tracking Protection and third-party cookie blocking.




Open-source, ad-free torrent client offering a polished user interface, integrated multi-site search, RSS support, remote web control, and cross-platform availability.




Free open-source media system alternative to proprietary options, supports Chromecast, 4K streaming, plugin extensions, with privacy focus.




Free, extensible code editor with Git integration, AI-driven IntelliCode, and 30,000+ extensions, supporting various languages like Python, Java.




A versatile platform for text and voice communication, featuring topic-specific channels, customizable moderation, and smooth low latency interactions.




Experience instant messaging with remarkable speed and robust security. Join massive group chats or channels. Enjoy free and advanced features.




aud
Cross-platform tool for collecting, searching, and organizing images, videos, audio, and fonts with advanced tags, smart folders, and color filters for creative asset management.




Steam is a digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications platform developed by Valve Corporation. It is used to distribute a wide range of games and related media entirely over the internet, stretching from one-man independent efforts to some of...




Capo is a revolutionary tool for all musicians who want to get better at playing the music they love!


Sophisticated text editor for code with sleek interface, multi-select tabs, side-by-side definitions, and swift variable renaming using multiple selections.




Need something to watch? We’re on it. Plex combines free movies & TV with the best free streaming services, so there’s always more to discover.




Lightweight screen recording and capture tool for Mac, offering easy screen recording and screenshot capturing with features like Quick Access Overlay.




Versatile CAD software offering 2D and 3D modeling, visualization, and cloud access for architectural and engineering design professionals.




Comprehensive software for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering, trusted by top artists for films and games, with tools to enhance workflows.




Free open-source 3D software for modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, rendering, compositing, video editing, and simulation.




Real-time raster graphics editor with non-destructive edits, unlimited layers, and workspace for RAW editing, supporting major colour spaces and formats.




Fast, smooth vector graphic design software with curve precision, vibrant colors, live gradients, and dynamic drawing tools, ideal for professionals.




Capture One is a leading raw converter and workflow software which enables photographers to reduce the time and effort required to deliver astounding ready-to-use images with excellent color and detail.




Privacy-focused diagramming software supporting real-time collaboration, offline mode, and cloud storage without ads or registration.




Web-based vector graphics editor with desktop apps, focusing on real-time collaboration and version control for UI/UX design.




Explore your personal family history and discover your origins, your ancestors and how your family has evolved over the course of time. MacFamilyTree offers numerous options for you to capture and visualize your family history.




Image editing app featuring nondestructive, GPU-powered tools with machine learning enhancements for editing on macOS and iOS platforms.




Multi-award winning app offers professional tools and flexibility for creative illustration on iPad and iPhone with features like layering and brushes.




Vector-based Mac tool for digital UI, web, and mobile design, offering prototyping, real-time collaboration, plugins, reusable libraries, cloud sharing, and device preview.




Paintbrush is a simple paint program for Mac OS X, reminiscent of
Microsoft Paint and Apple’s own now-defunct MacPaint. It provides users with a means to make simple images quickly, something which has been noticeably absent from the Mac for...

Mobile app featuring 30+ pro color tools, AI upscaling, RAW editing, smart object removal, batch processing, deep Photos integration, and film-inspired presets.



Audiophile audio software for Mac and PC featuring bit-perfect playback, native support for FLAC, WAV, ALAC, gapless transitions, memory playback, and exclusive mode.


Free open-source multi-track audio editor and recorder with 32-bit float processing. Supports many formats and plugins for Windows, macOS, Linux.




Software for creating musical ideas, turning them into songs, and performing them, featuring Arrangement and Session Views for fast music-making.




Bitwig Studio is a multi-platform music-creation system for production, performance and DJing, with a focus on flexible editing tools and a super-fast workflow.




Full-featured music studio offering sound library, virtual drummers, and instrument presets available on Mac and iOS. Ideal for all skill levels.




Native macOS media player with retina video, extensive format support, gesture controls, Touch Bar features, Picture-in-Picture mode, and open source customization.



Watch Internet video, HD movie trailers, and personal media clips. Whether it’s on the web or on your desktop, QuickTime Player brings your digital media brilliantly to life.



Cross-platform, free media player supports multimedia files, DVDs, streaming, offers hardware acceleration, 4K, lossless audio, and more.




Advanced video editing and color correction with integrated visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production tools, used by professionals.




Final Cut Pro provides non-linear, non-destructive editing of any QuickTime-compatible video format including DV, HDV, P2 MXF (DVCProHD), XDCAM (via plug-in), and 2K film formats. It supports a number of simultaneously composited video tracks (limited mainly by video format and...




Comprehensive software providing screen recording and live streaming on Mac, Windows, and Linux with powerful encoding support and unlimited scenes.




ScreenRec is a free screen recorder for Windows, Linux, and Mac with webcam, microphone, and system audio capture. Record without a watermark or time limit, store videos in free cloud storage, and share instantly with private links.




Your Mac also comes with a versatile Dictionary application. It also includes to other reference libraries such as thesaurus, Apple glossary, and Wikipedia. With it, you can find definitions, learn of the word's origin, find synonyms and antonyms, or get encyclopedic...


Open-source password manager storing passwords, notes, and attachments offline with AES-256 encryption, browser extensions, cross-platform support, and TOTP.




Free and open-source office suite with advanced word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, vector graphics, math formula editor, and database tools.




Obsidian is a note-taking app that lets you create a personal knowledge graph with ease. It is designed for non-linear thinking and allows you to easily link your notes together wiki-style.




RSS reader shows you articles from your favorite blogs and news sites, and it keeps track of what you’ve read.




Comments
The preinstalled apps developed by Apple for macos:
System Utilities: Finder, System Preferences, Activity Monitor, Disk Utility, Terminal, Console, Migration Assistant, Keychain Access, System Information, Time Machine Productivity:Safari, Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Reminders, Notes, Preview, TextEdit, Automator, QuickTime Player Communication and Collaboration:Messages, FaceTime, Voice Memos, Siri Media and Creativity: Photos, iMovie, GarageBand, Music, Podcasts, TV, Books Other Applications: App Store, Maps, News, Stocks, Home, VoiceOver Utility, Font Book, Chess Dev Tools (installed via Xcode): Xcode, Instruments, Simulator Utilities for Accessibility: VoiceOver, Zoom, Dictation, Switch Control