12 Best Mac Apps in 2026

How We Evaluated Mac Apps

We tested over 50 Mac applications, evaluating each based on:

• Native Mac Experience - Does it feel like a true Mac app with proper design and keyboard shortcuts?
• Performance - Is it fast, lightweight, and resource-efficient?
• Features - Does it solve a real problem effectively?
• Value - Is the pricing fair for what you get?
• Reliability - Does it work consistently without crashes?

1. Elephas - Best AI Assistant for Mac

Elephas is the best overall Mac app because it brings AI assistance directly into every app you use. Instead of switching to ChatGPT in a browser, you can access AI anywhere with a keyboard shortcut.

Key Features

• System-Wide AI: Press a shortcut in any app to get AI help
• Multiple Models: Use GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, or local models
• Knowledge Base: Chat with your own documents and notes
• Writing Tools: Rewrite, summarize, expand, or fix grammar inline
• App Integrations: Works with Notion, Obsidian, Apple Notes, and more

Pricing

• Monthly: $9.99/month
• Lifetime: $99 one-time (best value)

Try Elephas for Free →

Pros & Cons

2. Raycast - Best Launcher for Mac

Raycast is a blazing-fast launcher that replaces Spotlight with a more powerful alternative. It's become essential for developers and power users who want to do everything from their keyboard.

Key Features

• Extensions: Over 1,300 extensions for apps like GitHub, Jira, Slack
• Clipboard History: Access everything you've copied
• Snippets: Text expansion with variables
• Window Management: Built-in window snapping
• AI Integration: ChatGPT built into your launcher (Pro)

Pricing

• Free: Most features included
• Pro: $8/month (AI, cloud sync, teams)

3. CleanShot X - Best Screenshot Tool for Mac

CleanShot X is the ultimate screenshot and screen recording tool. It makes macOS's built-in screenshot tool look primitive.

Key Features

• Clean Captures: Automatically hide desktop icons
• Instant Markup: Annotate screenshots immediately
• Scrolling Capture: Screenshot entire web pages
• Screen Recording: With annotation while recording
• Cloud Storage: Share screenshots with a link

Pricing

• One-time: $29 (includes 1 year of updates)
• Setapp: Included in subscription

4. Rectangle - Best Free Window Manager

Rectangle is a free, open-source window manager that should be installed on every Mac. It adds Windows-style window snapping with keyboard shortcuts.

Key Features

• Keyboard Shortcuts: Snap windows with hotkeys
• Drag to Snap: Drag windows to screen edges
• Multiple Displays: Move windows between monitors
• Custom Sizes: Define your own window positions

Pricing

• Free and open-source
• Rectangle Pro: $9.99 (additional features)

5. Obsidian - Best Note-Taking App

Obsidian is a powerful knowledge management app that stores your notes as local markdown files. It's perfect for building a personal knowledge base with linked notes.

Key Features

• Local Files: Your notes are yours forever
• Linked Notes: Create connections between ideas
• Graph View: Visualize your knowledge network
• Plugins: Thousands of community plugins
• Customizable: Themes and CSS customization

Pricing

• Free: Full app functionality
• Sync: $50/year (cross-device sync)
• Publish: $100/year (publish notes online)

6. 1Password - Best Password Manager

1Password is the gold standard for password management on Mac. It integrates seamlessly with Safari and other browsers, and uses Face ID on MacBooks.

Key Features

• Universal Autofill: Works in any app, not just browsers
• Watchtower: Alerts for compromised passwords
• Secure Notes: Store documents and licenses
• Family Sharing: Share passwords securely
• Quick Access: Cmd+Shift+Space for instant access

Pricing

• Individual: $36/year
• Family: $60/year (up to 5 members)

7. CleanMyMac - Best System Maintenance

CleanMyMac keeps your Mac running smoothly by cleaning junk files, removing malware, and optimizing performance.

Key Features

• Smart Scan: One-click cleanup and optimization
• Malware Removal: Built-in security scanning
• App Uninstaller: Complete removal with leftovers
• Performance: Free up RAM and optimize startup

Pricing

• Subscription: $39.95/year
• One-time: $89.95
• Setapp: Included in subscription

8. Alfred - Best for Automation

Alfred is the original Mac launcher, beloved by users who want powerful workflows and automation without leaving the keyboard.

Key Features

• Workflows: Automate complex tasks with visual builder
• Clipboard History: Searchable clipboard manager
• Snippets: Text expansion with auto-trigger
• File Navigation: Quick file search and actions

Pricing

• Free: Basic launcher features
• Powerpack: $34 one-time (workflows, clipboard, etc.)

9. Bartender - Best Menu Bar Manager

Bartender tames your menu bar by hiding icons you don't need and showing them when you do.

Key Features

• Hide Icons: Keep menu bar clean
• Show on Update: Icons appear when they change
• Keyboard Shortcut: Toggle hidden icons quickly
• Menu Bar Presets: Different layouts for different tasks

Pricing

• One-time: $16

10. Craft - Best for Documents

Craft creates beautiful documents with a native Mac experience. It's perfect for notes, documentation, and collaborative writing.

Key Features

• Native Design: Beautiful, fast Mac app
• Blocks: Flexible content organization
• AI Assistant: Built-in AI writing help
• Export: PDF, Markdown, Word, and more

Pricing

• Free: Basic features
• Pro: $5/month (unlimited docs, sync)

11. Alt-Tab - Best Window Switcher

Alt-Tab brings Windows-style Alt+Tab window switching to Mac, with thumbnail previews of all open windows.

Key Features

• Window Previews: See thumbnails of all windows
• Window Within Apps: Switch between windows, not just apps
• Customizable: Adjust appearance and behavior

Pricing

• Free and open-source

12. AppCleaner - Best Uninstaller

AppCleaner is a simple, free app that completely removes applications and all their associated files.

Key Features

• Complete Removal: Finds all related files
• Drag & Drop: Just drag an app to uninstall
• SmartDelete: Automatic detection when moving to trash

Pricing

• Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-have Mac apps in 2026?

The must-have Mac apps in 2026 are: Elephas for AI assistance, Rectangle for window management, Raycast or Alfred for launching apps, 1Password for security, and CleanShot X for screenshots.

What is the best free Mac app?

Rectangle is the best free Mac app. It provides powerful window management with keyboard shortcuts and snap zones, completely free and open-source. Other excellent free options include Alt-Tab, AppCleaner, and Obsidian (free for personal use).

Is Raycast better than Alfred?

Both are excellent launchers. Raycast has a more modern UI, built-in features (clipboard, window management, AI), and a larger extension ecosystem. Alfred excels at complex workflows and has a loyal following. Raycast is better for beginners; Alfred is better for power users who want deep customization.

Do I need CleanMyMac?

CleanMyMac is helpful if your Mac is running slow or low on storage. It safely removes junk files, uninstalls apps completely, and provides malware protection. If you're comfortable doing these tasks manually, you may not need it.

What is the best note-taking app for Mac?

Obsidian is the best note-taking app for users who want ownership of their data and linked note-taking. Craft is better for beautiful documents and team collaboration. Apple Notes is great if you want simplicity and ecosystem integration.