Here are essential Mac apps that team Techwiser uses frequently on Mac. All apps are free unless specified.
Table of Contents
OneSwitch
OneSwitch brings iPhone’s Control Center to your Mac. It puts shortcuts for things like Dark Mode, Keep Your Mac Awake, screen saver, and AirPods right in your menu bar, so you can access them with a single click. Cost $5 but comes with a 7 day free trial.
Download: OneSwitch
Flipclock (macOS 14 Sonoma only)
It’s a screensaver app that replaces your standard digital clock with a classic flip clock design. You might have seen this app on YouTube and Instagram reels.
Download: Flipclock
Lifeline (macOS 14 Sonoma only)
Lifeline is a pomodoro timer that stays on top of other windows. Once you set a timer for 25-minute work sessions (default), you will see your progress with a visual bar filling up as you complete work sessions.
Download: Lifeline
One Thing (macOS 14 Sonoma only)
This app acts like a sticky note on your menu bar, reminding you of your single most important goal for the day. Simple, free yet effective.
Download: One Thing
Backtrack
Forgot to hit record in a meeting or lecture? Backtrack acts like a hidden recorder, continuously capturing your Mac’s screen and audio for a set period (180 minutes by default) and constantly overwriting the oldest recording with the newest.
Download: Backtrack
Lockera Widgets
It puts mini calendars, to-do lists, sticky notes and other useful tools right on your Mac desktop. Saves time by letting you quickie glance at tasks without opening separate apps.
Download: Lockera Widgets
Bandwidth+
Think of Bandwidth+ like a speedometer for your internet. It shows real-time internet speed (upload/download) as well as data consumption on the menu bar. Useful when you want to track your internet usage while using a mobile hotspot.
Download: Bandwidth+
Rocket Emoji Picker
This app lets you quickly insert emojis into your messages by typing a keyword (e.g., :thumbsup: (👍):rocket: 🚀) and selecting the emoji from a pop-up window. Much faster than pressing Control + Command + Space shortcut on Mac.
Download: Rocket Emoji Picker
Rectangle
It’s a simple app that gives you windows snapping feature on mac. Just drag windows to the edge to snap them in half, or use shortcuts for different layouts. Unlike similar app such as Tiles and Magnet, Rectangle is Free and open-source.
Download: Rectangle
Vanilla
A free Mac app that hides menu bar icons you don’t use frequently, keeping only the essentials easily accessible.
Download: Vanilla
Later
Imagine you have a bunch of windows open in your Mac but need a break. Later lets you close them all with a single click and then reopen everything when you return. Useful before giving a presentation or sharing screen on video calls.
Download: Later
MenubarX
It is mini web browser in your Mac’s menu bar. You want to check our instagram views, news, or web apps, you can look it directly from the menu bar without opening a browser.
Download: MenubarX
CursorPro
It draws a customizable circle, around your cursor, making it easier to spot. Useful while giving presentations on large projector, or screen recoding.
Download: CursorPro
MeetingBar
Automatically sync with your Google Calendar or Mac’s Calendar and shows your next calendar event right in the menu bar, so you never miss a meeting.
Download: MeetingBar
AlDente
This app gives you more control over your MacBook’s charging. You can set a charge limit (like 80%) for your MacBook’s battery. After that, you Mac will automatically start using the power cable to power itself rather than using the battery.
Download: AlDente
NearDrop
Since AirDrop doesn’t work with Android, we found a decent alternative that does. This is a free Mac app that allows you to transfer files between your Mac and Android devices quickly and easily.
Download: NearDrop
Mousecape
It lets you customize your Mac cursor.
Download: Mousecape
