Essential Mac apps

Throughout my tech career, I’ve done most of my work on MacBooks. Here’s a list of applications I recommend to all developers, grouped into two categories. Together, they make a powerful setup.

If you prefer a subscription model, you might want to check out my other post about SetApp. With it, you’ll rarely need to buy individual paid applications.

Free Apps

IDE / Editor

Browser & plugins

• Google Chrome – download the fast, secure browser from Google
• Raindrop.io - All-in-one bookmark manager
• Bitwarden - The most trusted password manager

Communication & Collaboration

• Slack - AI Work Management & Productivity Tools

Utilities

• GitHub - exelban/stats: macOS system monitor in your menu bar
• Amphetamine - Override energy saver settings and keep your Mac awake
• Monosnap - Take screenshots in one click
• Rectangle
• GitHub - ianyh/Amethyst: Automatic tiling window manager for macOS à la xmonad.
• AppCleaner

Dev tools

• Docker - Accelerated Container Application Development
• Visual Studio Code - Code Editing. Redefined
• iTerm2 - macOS Terminal Replacement
  • Homebrew - The Missing Package Manager for macOS (or Linux)

Paid App

• Alfred - Productivity App for macOS
• Bartender 5 - Take control of your Menu bar
• TablePlus - Modern, Native Tool for Database Management
• Typora - simple yet powerful Markdown reader.