Apps I Trust and Install on Every Device
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to explore and evaluate a diverse collection of remarkable applications from some great developers. Below are thirty-one essential applications that I consider indispensable, and I always install them whenever I configure a new system. Each has earned its place through a combination of intuitive design, reliable performance, and genuine utility in addressing everyday computing needs.
1. ProtonPass
Website: protonpass.com
ProtonPass is like having a bodyguard for your passwords. Built by a team that takes security seriously, it goes way beyond just storing your login info. With end-to-end encryption, a zero-knowledge setup, and the backing of Swiss privacy laws, your credentials stay completely private—only you can see them. It’s super easy to use, even if you’re new to password managers, but it still has all the advanced tools for the security-savvy. Whether you’re creating strong passwords, sharing them safely with people you trust, or autofilling forms on any device, ProtonPass makes it all simple without skimping on the serious protection.
3. Proton VPN
Website: protonvpn.com/download
Developed by the same team behind ProtonMail and ProtonPass, this virtual private network service offers more than just IP masking. With its strict no-logs policy, Swiss jurisdiction protection, and robust encryption protocols, Proton VPN creates an impenetrable tunnel for your internet traffic. The application’s clean interface makes secure browsing accessible to novices while offering advanced features that satisfy security experts. Whether protecting your data on public Wi-Fi or accessing geo-restricted content, Proton VPN delivers privacy without compromise.
4. Little Snitch
Website: www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html
Little Snitch is the gatekeeper for my Mac’s internet traffic. It keeps an eye on which apps are trying to talk to which servers and lets me decide who gets through. It shows real-time info about what’s going on behind the scenes, and the custom rules make it easy to block or allow connections however I want. The intuitive network map visualizes connections globally, transforming abstract data transfers into comprehensible patterns. If you care about privacy and want real control over what your apps are doing online, Little Snitch is next-level compared to regular firewalls.
5. 1Blocker
Website: 1blocker.com
1Blocker goes way beyond your average ad blocker—it’s more like a full-on cleanup crew for the web. It not only gets rid of annoying ads, but also blocks trackers, speeds up loading times, and helps keep your browsing private. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it either—its simple interface and customizable rules make it easy to tweak things just the way you like. Plus, it syncs across all your devices, so you’re covered wherever you go. With 1Blocker, websites feel cleaner, faster, and way less distracting.
6. Snippety
Website: snippety.app/
If you are anything like me, you repeat similar phrases when you are reaching out to potential leads. For years, I used the Text Replacement feature within Apple System Settings, but Snippety goes above and beyond that quick entry option. It allows users to create sophisticated text shortcuts that expand into frequently used phrases, code blocks, or templates with just a few keystrokes. With its context-aware suggestions and customizable snippet libraries, Snippety accelerates repetitive typing tasks across all applications. The intuitive organization system makes finding and managing snippets effortless, while synchronization ensures your productivity toolkit remains consistent across devices. For writers, programmers, and anyone who values efficiency, Snippety transforms repetitive text tasks into seamless workflows.
7. Caffeinated
Website: caffeinated.app/
Caffeinated is a simple, stylish fix for keeping your screen awake when you need it. Instead of digging through system settings, this handy little app gives you full control over sleep behavior with just a few clicks. You can set it to stay awake for certain apps, schedule it to kick in at the right times, or just toggle it on when you’re doing stuff like presenting, downloading, or watching videos. It lives quietly in your menu bar and doesn’t get in the way. If you’ve ever had your screen go dark at the worst time, Caffeinated is a no-fuss way to keep things running smoothly.
8. Steer
Website: steerapp.ai/
For the longest time, I used Grammarly to assist my writing activities. It was a great add-on but I found it getting in the way quite a bit. This is one of the reasons that I love using Steer now for quick proofreading while I’m writing. Steer is an AI-powered writing assistant designed to help you craft clear, professional messages effortlessly. Whether you’re drafting emails, chatting on Slack, or writing in any other app, Steer integrates directly into your workflow, providing instant suggestions to improve grammar, tone, and clarity without the need to switch applications.
9. Lunar
Website: lunar.fyi/
Lunar makes using external monitors way easier and more comfortable. It gives you full control over brightness and color, even on displays that don’t have physical buttons for it. Whether you’re dealing with glare during the day or low light at night, Lunar automatically adjusts things to keep your screen looking just right. You can set it up to change based on the time of day, match your other displays, or follow your own presets. No more fiddling with monitor buttons—Lunar takes care of it all in the background. If you’re working with multiple screens or just hate overly bright displays, this app is a game-changer.
10. Text Sniper
Website: textsniper.app/
Text Sniper is the perfect fix for those annoying moments when you can’t copy text from an image, PDF, or video. It uses smart OCR tech to grab text from anything on your screen—just take a quick screenshot, and boom, the text is ready to paste. It’s super fast, easy to use with keyboard shortcuts, and works great across all kinds of content, including video calls where copy-paste just isn’t an option. Whether you’re a writer, student, or anyone who’s tired of retyping stuff by hand, Text Sniper saves time and makes life a whole lot easier.
11. Pixelmator Pro
Website: www.pixelmator.com/pro/
Years ago, when Adobe started employing a subscription model for using their applications, I started looking at Photoshop alternatives. Pixelmator Pro was one of the first I discovered and It’s been a staple on my system ever since. It’s packed with pro-level tools, but the clean, easy-to-use interface means you won’t feel buried in menus or overwhelmed by options. Whether you’re just touching up a photo or diving into a full-on design project, it’s got everything you need—non-destructive editing, smart machine learning features, and all the essentials. Plus, since it’s built specifically for macOS, it runs super smoothly and plays nicely with your other apps. If you want top-tier results without getting locked into a pricey subscription, Pixelmator Pro is a solid pick.
12. PastePal
Website: onmyway133.com/pastepal/
Have you ever wished you could keep more than one item copied for pasting at a time? If so, you need PastePal. It’s saved me more times than I can count. This app takes clipboard management to the next level, making it super easy to keep track of everything you copy. Instead of just holding one thing at a time, it builds a smart, organized archive of your copied text, images, and files—ready to paste whenever you need them. You can set custom shortcuts, use smart paste rules, and quickly find past clips without digging around. It handles all kinds of content like a pro and keeps things running smoothly across your workflow. If you’re juggling lots of documents or just want a smarter way to copy and paste, PastePal is a total game-changer.
13. Barbee
Website: macmenubar.com/barbee/
If there is one thing I hate, it’s useless clutter. This is where Barbee really helps to clean up my icons. Barbee is a handy macOS utility that helps you declutter your menu bar by giving you control over which icons are visible. With just a click, you can hide or show menu bar items, making it easier to focus on what’s important. It even offers an enhanced mode that adds a secondary menu bar beneath the original, providing extra space for your icons.
14. Clop
Website: lowtechguys.com/clop/
Clop is a super clean, no-fuss tool that makes image optimization easy and effective. Just drag and drop your images in, and Clop quietly works its magic—shrinking file sizes without messing up the quality. It’s smart enough to pick the right settings behind the scenes, so you don’t have to tweak anything unless you want to. Whether you’re a designer, developer, or just someone who wants faster-loading images, Clop helps you get the job done fast with zero hassle. Simple, smart, and seriously efficient.
15. Command X
Website: sindresorhus.com/command-x
Command X brings a much-needed fix to macOS by finally adding proper “cut and paste” support for files—just like you’d expect on other systems. Instead of having to copy and then go back to delete the original, Command X lets you move files with a simple keyboard shortcut, making file management way smoother and more intuitive. It fits right into the system like it was always supposed to be there, working reliably without any fuss. If you’re used to Windows or just want a more consistent way to handle files on your Mac, Command X makes the whole experience feel complete.
16. Chronicle
Website: chronicleapp.com/
Chronicle makes managing your bills and payments way less stressful. Instead of just reminding you when something’s due, it gives you a clear picture of your overall financial flow—what’s coming up, what you’ve paid, and how your spending adds up over time. The app uses helpful visuals, custom reminders, and detailed payment histories to keep everything organized and easy to follow. It even helps you plan ahead by showing future obligations before they sneak up on you. If you’re looking to stay on top of your finances without the overwhelm, Chronicle has your back with smart tools and a clean, user-friendly design.
17. Parcel
Website: parcel.app
When you receive deliveries nearly every day, having a place to store, organize, and track all your tracking numbers becomes essential. I’ve tried many different tracking apps over the year and I keep coming back to Parcel. Parcel is a powerful delivery tracking app designed to simplify the process of monitoring your packages. With support for over 300 carriers worldwide—including major services like DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS, and Royal Mail—Parcel ensures you can track shipments from virtually any source. Whether you’re tracking personal orders or managing multiple shipments, Parcel offers a streamlined and user-friendly experience to keep you informed every step of the way.
18. Dropover
Website: dropoverapp.com/
Dropover makes moving and organizing files on your Mac way easier by giving you a little temporary space to work with. Instead of juggling windows or dragging files back and forth between folders and apps, you just pop open a floating shelf, drop your files in, and then drag them out wherever they need to go—whenever you’re ready. It’s fast, intuitive, and doesn’t clutter up your desktop. Whether you’re sorting tons of files or just want a smoother drag-and-drop experience, Dropover gives you a flexible workspace that makes file management feel effortless.
19.Things 3
Website: culturedcode.com/things/
Things 3 nails the sweet spot between powerful task management and clean, intuitive design. It’s more than just a to-do list—it helps you break down your life into Areas, Projects, and individual Tasks, so everything has its place and nothing slips through the cracks. With features like natural language input, smart scheduling, and a super smooth interface, it makes staying on top of your to-dos feel easy, not overwhelming. Whether you’re deep into GTD or just want a better way to organize your day, Things 3 keeps everything clear, focused, and beautifully simple across all your devices.
20.CleanShot X
Website: cleanshot.com/
CleanShot X takes screenshots to the next level by giving you way more than just a basic capture tool. Whether you’re snapping a quick image, recording your screen, or grabbing a scrolling window, it handles it all smoothly. You can annotate, blur sensitive info, and share everything instantly with a link—no extra steps needed. It’s fast, polished, and super flexible, making it perfect for anyone who uses visuals to explain, teach, or document things. If you’re tired of juggling multiple tools for screenshots, editing, and sharing, CleanShot X wraps it all into one sleek, powerful package.
21.AirBuddy
Website: v2.airbuddy.app/
AirBuddy makes connecting your Apple devices easier and more seamless than ever. It goes beyond the standard Bluetooth setup by giving you a slick, iOS-inspired interface for managing all your connections. You can quickly see battery levels, connect to devices, and get notified about your connection status—all without interrupting your workflow. Whether you’re switching between AirPods, a mouse, or any other Apple device, AirBuddy keeps everything in sync and running smoothly. If you’re all-in on the Apple ecosystem and want your devices to work together effortlessly, AirBuddy is the perfect tool for the job.
22. Collections
Website: collectionsdb.com/
Collections takes organizing your stuff to a whole new level, turning your belongings, interests, or research into a beautifully structured system. It’s not just about storing information—it lets you customize fields, tag items, and organize everything in a way that makes sense to you. Whether you’re managing a collection, a library, or any other type of data, its clean gallery views and flexible filtering options make it easy to find exactly what you need. For anyone who loves a good system but wants it to look good too, Collections makes organizing both simple and enjoyable.
23. Scratchpad
Website: sindresorhus.com/scratchpad
Scratchpad is the ultimate minimalist notepad for capturing quick ideas without any fuss. It’s always there when you need it, with a simple, always-accessible window that saves everything automatically. No need to worry about organizing files or navigating through menus—just type and go. Its clean, keyboard-focused design lets you stay in the zone without distractions, making it perfect for jotting down thoughts mid-workflow. Whether you’re a writer, coder, or anyone who needs to capture ideas on the fly, Scratchpad lets you do it effortlessly, so you can keep your creative momentum going.
24. Dato
Website: sindresorhus.com/dato
Dato takes your calendar and time management to the next level with a sleek, efficient design. Instead of just a basic clock, it turns your menu bar into a smart hub for everything time-related. You can create events using natural language, check world times, and view your calendar without opening a full app. It’s got keyboard shortcuts for quick date calculations, and it never takes up too much screen space. Whether you’re working across time zones or just want a more intuitive way to manage your schedule, Dato makes tracking time feel effortless and efficient.
25. FridayGPT
Website: www.fridaygpt.app/
FridayGPT brings AI right into your workflow, making it easier to automate tasks while keeping things personal and intuitive. Instead of just another productivity tool, it acts like a smart assistant that understands your needs—offering context-based suggestions, customizable templates, and learning over time to fit your routine. The natural language interface means you don’t need to be a tech expert to get the most out of it, and it helps with everything from writing to research without taking over. For professionals who want a balance between automation and control, FridayGPT is the perfect assistant to help boost productivity without losing the human touch.
26. Latest
Website: max.codes/latest/
Latest makes keeping your software up-to-date super easy by handling all your updates in one place. It automatically scans your system, tracks versions, and even shows you release notes so you know exactly what’s changing. It sorts updates by importance—so you can focus on critical security patches first—and lets you schedule updates for times when you’re not busy. Whether you’re a security-focused pro or just someone who wants to keep everything current without the hassle, Latest streamlines the whole process, making sure you never miss an important update.
27. Anybox
Website: anybox.app
Anybox is a native bookmark manager designed for macOS and iOS, offering a streamlined and efficient way to organize and access your digital content. Built with Swift and AppKit/UIKit, Anybox integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, providing a native experience across devices. Anybox is ideal for users seeking a native, privacy-conscious solution to manage and organize their bookmarks across Apple devices. Its integration with the Apple ecosystem and focus on user experience make it a valuable tool for enhancing productivity.
28. iA Writer
Website: ia.net/writer
iA Writer is the perfect writing tool for anyone who wants to stay focused and avoid distractions. It strips away the clutter of traditional word processors and gives you a clean, simple space to let your thoughts flow. With its custom fonts, focus mode, and markdown support, iA Writer keeps the emphasis on writing rather than formatting. It even highlights the structure of your document to keep things organized without breaking your flow. If you’re a writer, academic, or anyone who values clarity and simplicity, iA Writer makes sure your content always takes center stage.
29. Keka
Website: www.keka.io/en/
Keka redefines file compression and archiving with its comprehensive approach to data packaging. This powerful utility transcends basic zipping functionality by creating a complete archival system supporting diverse formats and compression algorithms. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, customizable presets, and strong encryption options, Keka transforms complex file manipulation into accessible operations without sacrificing advanced capabilities. The application’s format-specific optimizations ensure maximum compression efficiency while its seamless system integration provides contextual access when needed. For IT professionals managing diverse file archives or anyone who values efficient data storage and transfer, Keka delivers format flexibility through thoughtful design that balances simplicity with the power required for professional use.
30. ImageOptim
Website: imageoptim.com/mac
ImageOptim makes image optimization simple and effective. It’s designed to reduce file sizes without compromising quality, using smart compression algorithms and handling metadata effortlessly. The clean interface makes it easy to use, even for large batches of images, while its lossless defaults ensure your images stay looking great. Whether you’re a web developer, designer, or content creator, ImageOptim provides a hassle-free way to optimize images, improving performance and user experience without needing technical know-how.
31. Final Cut Pro
Website: www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/
Final Cut Pro takes video editing to a whole new level with its seamless, creative workflow. It’s more than just a timeline editor—it offers a complete system for turning your media into a polished product, from start to finish. With features like the magnetic timeline, compound clips, and a powerful effects suite, Final Cut Pro makes editing feel natural and flexible, adapting to your artistic vision. It’s optimized for real-time playback, even with complex edits, and works perfectly with other Apple tools. Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or video pro, Final Cut Pro gives you the creative freedom and technical power to bring your stories to life.
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