Discover 12 Incredible Free macOS Apps That You’ll Love
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Have you ever found an app and thought, “How is this available for free?” If so, you’re not alone. In this post, I’ve compiled a list of remarkable applications that don’t require a dime, leaving you to wonder if the developers made an error with their pricing.
Let’s dive in!
#1 1.1.1.1 — Enhance Your Internet Experience
First on the list is 1.1.1.1. This app is dedicated to boosting your internet speed and security. It replaces the connection between your device and the web with a modern, optimized protocol, akin to giving your Mac a fast track to the internet.
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can monitor your browsing activity, even on encrypted websites. As someone in cybersecurity, I can assure you that this is not ideal. Some ISPs may even exploit this data for advertising purposes. However, 1.1.1.1 encrypts more of your traffic, keeping your online activity private. It's astonishing that such a powerful tool is available for free!
So, the next time you want to explore those secretive websites or pose those tricky questions online without fear of judgment, remember that 1.1.1.1 has your back!
#2 Aiko — AI-Driven Audio Transcription
Although Aiko might sound like a new sushi dish, it’s actually an AI-powered transcription tool. Aiko excels in converting speech to text directly on your Mac, making it perfect for meetings and lectures.
Powered by OpenAI’s Whisper model, this app transcribes in over 100 languages while prioritizing your privacy. It’s especially beneficial for sensitive business conversations or important academic lectures. With ChatGPT integration, you can summarize or highlight key points from your transcriptions effortlessly.
So, if you’re tempted to skip that crucial meeting, just record it and let Aiko handle the transcription.
#3 DevonThink — Your Digital Assistant
At first glance, DevonThink may seem like just another note-taking app, but it has the potential to be your digital brain. It allows you to gather, organize, and edit various types of files while keeping everything in easily backup-able databases.
DevonThink can even store scanned documents and make them searchable, along with the ability to download entire websites for safekeeping. It functions like a highly intelligent assistant, predicting what you might need based on your document history.
Whether you're a writer searching for an old article or a meme creator organizing templates, DevonThink can be incredibly helpful.
#4 Latest — Keep Your Software Updated
In a world where technology is constantly advancing, the ‘Latest’ app ensures your macOS applications remain current. This app not only checks for updates but also serves as a bridge to the latest versions of your favorite software.
Whether you installed your apps from the App Store or directly from developers, ‘Latest’ provides insights into what has changed with each update. It even includes historical release notes and supports Touch Bar integration for easy navigation.
Keeping your software up to date is crucial for your Mac’s efficiency and security, and ‘Latest’ simplifies this process—completely free of charge!
#5 Monolingual — Free Up Storage Space
Monolingual is a tool for those who use their Mac in only one language. It helps streamline macOS by removing unnecessary language files, allowing you to recover valuable disk space.
By targeting and eliminating localization files for unused languages, Monolingual enhances your Mac’s performance. With fewer extraneous files, your system runs more efficiently.
So, if you primarily use your Mac in one language, why let those extra files take up space that could be better utilized for your favorite podcasts or apps?
#6 Orion Browser — For Safari Lovers Who Miss Chrome
If you appreciate Safari but frequently switch to Chrome or Firefox for your favorite extensions, the Orion Browser is for you. Orion is fast, privacy-focused, and designed with WebKit for a seamless macOS experience.
The browser supports various web extensions, allowing you to integrate your favorite Chrome and Firefox add-ons effortlessly. With built-in anti-tracking technology and a native ad blocker, Orion prioritizes your privacy while providing a familiar interface.
#7 Piezo — Effortless Audio Recording
Piezo is a straightforward audio recording application you didn’t know you needed. It enables you to record audio from any application on your Mac or an external microphone.
You can select the recording quality and edit your audio in lossless format. Piezo allows you to capture audio from sources like YouTube, Spotify, or even important meetings on Slack or Teams.
The beauty of Piezo lies in its user-friendly interface—install the app, and you’re ready to record with minimal setup.
#8 PlayCover — Run iOS Apps on Your Mac
Ever wanted your M series Mac to run iOS apps and games? With PlayCover, you can! This app creates an iPad-like environment on your Mac, allowing for smooth operation of iOS applications.
PlayCover allows for customizable controls with your keyboard, making it feel like a gaming console. While it initially catered to Genshin Impact enthusiasts, it now supports a variety of iOS games.
Keep in mind, however, that the app is still developing, so some games may not function perfectly.
#9 Pock — Maximize Your Touch Bar
If you own a MacBook with a Touch Bar, Pock is an app you should consider. It transforms your Touch Bar into a mini command center, allowing you to add your dock for quick access to your most-used applications.
Pock displays notification badges, supports multiple windows, and lets you add widgets like the clock, battery status, and weather updates. With Pock, you can make the most of your Touch Bar while saving valuable screen space.
#11 Touch Tab — Effortless App Switching
For those who miss the ease of switching between applications on Windows, Touch Tab is a solution. This app allows you to navigate between apps on macOS using simple trackpad gestures.
No more Command + Tab—just a three-finger swipe left or right. You can even preview the app switcher by holding while swiping, streamlining your multitasking experience.
#12 Utterly — Crystal Clear Communication
If background noise disrupts your calls, Utterly is the app for you. It ensures that your voice is clear and crisp, eliminating distractions during important conversations.
Compatible with any communication platform, Utterly can enhance both incoming and outgoing audio, giving you a noise-free call experience. With Utterly, your conversations will feel as if you’re in a quiet library.
If you enjoy exploring new applications to improve your iPhone and Mac experience, consider trying Setapp. This app store offers over 250 apps for just $9.99 a month, making it a worthwhile investment.
The best part is, if you sign up for Setapp using my affiliate link below, you can try out all 250+ apps for free for 30 days. Use the code ‘usefultech’ for this exclusive offer, while also supporting me directly. It’s a win-win!
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If you found this post helpful, check out my other articles on macOS applications for even more fantastic recommendations that you won’t want to miss!