Top 20 Mac Apps In 2026

Screenshots & Recording

• Captix — Best free screenshots, recording, and file upload
• CleanShot X — Best-in-class screenshots and recording with markup
  • Related: CleanShot X Review

Install (Homebrew):

• brew install --cask cleanshot

Launcher

• Raycast — Fast launcher with powerful extensions and integrations
  • Related: Raycast The Mac Tool
• Alfred — Mature launcher with workflows and fast search
  • Related: Alfred Deep Dive

Install (Homebrew):

• brew install --cask raycast
• brew install --cask alfred

Window Management

• Rectangle — Lightweight window snapping and tiling
• Magnet — Simple window management via drag or shortcuts
• BetterSnapTool — Customizable snapping with advanced options
  • Related: BetterSnapTool Guide
• HazeOver — Dims background windows to reduce distractions.

Install (Homebrew):

• brew install --cask rectangle
• brew install --cask magnet
• brew install --cask bettersnaptool
• brew install --cask hazeover

Install (Homebrew):

• brew install --cask iterm2
• brew install --cask warp

Terminal

• iTerm2 — Reliable terminal with panes, profiles, and triggers
• Warp — Modern GPU-accelerated terminal with useful AI features

Menu Bar & Automation

• Bartender — Organize and hide menu bar icons cleanly
• Hazel — Automatic file rules to keep folders tidy
• BetterTouchTool — Advanced input and window automation

Install (Homebrew):

• brew install --cask bartender
• brew install --cask hazel
• brew install --cask bettertouchtool

Security & Networking

• 1Password — Passwords, passkeys, and secure vaults for teams
• Little Snitch — Network monitor with per-app connection control

Install (Homebrew):

• brew install --cask 1password
• brew install --cask little-snitch

Cloud Storage & Collaboration

• Dropbox — Reliable file sync and sharing across devices
• Google Drive — Cloud storage with Docs and team collaboration
• Slack — Team messaging with channels and integrations

Install (Homebrew):

• brew install --cask dropbox
• brew install --cask google-drive
• brew install --cask slack

Notes & Knowledge

• Notion — Notes, docs, and databases with templates
• Obsidian — Local-first markdown knowledge base with plugins

Install (Homebrew):

• brew install --cask notion
• brew install --cask obsidian

Productivity Bundles

• Setapp — Subscription with curated Mac apps in one bundle

Install (Homebrew):

• brew install --cask setapp

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Quick Comparison

Window Managers (at a glance):

App	Price	Best For	Notes
Rectangle	Free	Simple snapping	Minimal, fast, open-source
Magnet	Paid (one-time)	Polished experience	Easy shortcuts, App Store
BetterSnapTool	Paid (one-time)	Advanced customization	Deep tweaks, power users

• Launcher: Raycast (extensions) vs Alfred (workflows, one-time license).
• Terminal: iTerm2 (stable, flexible) vs Warp (modern UI, AI).
• Notes: Notion (team collaboration) vs Obsidian (local-first personal knowledge).
• Storage: Dropbox (simplicity) vs Google Drive (Docs + collaboration).

Related guides:

• Raycast vs Alfred: [[raycast-vs-alfred]]
• iTerm2 vs Warp: [[iterm2-vs-warp]]

FAQs

• Is Raycast better than Alfred? Raycast excels with extensions and a growing community; Alfred is battle-tested with powerful workflows and a one-time license—choose based on preference.
• Rectangle vs Magnet vs BetterSnapTool? Rectangle is free and simple; Magnet is polished and paid; BetterSnapTool offers deeper customization.
• iTerm2 or Warp? iTerm2 is stable with rich features; Warp offers a modern experience with AI. Both are excellent.
• Do I need Bartender? If your menu bar is crowded, Bartender keeps icons organized and hidden.
• Is Captix worth it? Yes—markup, file upload, and quick recording features make it indispensable for content and support.

Setup Tips

• Keep it minimal: one launcher, one window manager, one terminal.
• Use Homebrew for easy install and updates.
• Expect Accessibility permissions for window tools—this is normal.

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