Whether you are upgrading to a newer Mac version, or it’s your first time using a Mac, you need to install some apps. Of course, your Mac will be very boring if there isn’t one app in there. We are here to help. We’ve scraped every corner of the web to ensure we give a detailed list of the best Mac apps this 2018. As for instance, you can save, hide, upvote/downvote any post and even switch between multiple accounts quickly. Features like night mode and the option to watch videos, post to Imgur right from the app can significantly boost your experience. Let’s dive ahead to pick the best Reddit client for your tablet! Best Reddit Apps for iPad in 2020 1. Unibox is one of the best email apps for Mac, but expensive compared to other apps. The Mac email program organizes the mails by the originating thread. The first thing that the tool states is neatness. Therefore, it does not have a crowded mailbox. The mails are sorted based on weekdays and the sender along with their profile photos. 10 of the Best macOS and iOS Apps of 2018. Friday December 21, 2018 3:36 pm PST by Juli Clover. Not on Mac App Store, but imho one of the best Mac app ever ist Better Touch Tool. Instapaper: Read stuff later (more of a web service than a Mac app). Living Earth: Beautiful weather app. Temps is another option. Forecast Bar has also been mentioned, but there’s some disagreement in the comments section over its use of in-app purchases. Pocket: Another read it later service, but unlike Instapaper has a native Mac app.
Whether you are upgrading to a newer Mac version, or it’s your first time using a Mac, you need to install some apps. Of course, your Mac will be very boring if there isn’t one app in there. Don’t worry. We are here to help. We’ve scraped every corner of the web to ensure we give a detailed list of the best Mac apps this 2018.
Here’s a quick note before we start our list. Apple has updated its security settings, especially in the newer Mac versions, so you’ll have to manually allow your system to accept and open the apps below. More often, you’ll be prompted that the application is downloaded from the Internet. It’ll ask for your confirmation if you want to continue opening it. When you click Open, the installation will push through.
How to remove shared app on mac. Anyway, we won’t make this any longer. Without further ado, here are the best apps for Mac.
1. Tweakbit MacRepair
We listed Tweakbit MacRepair as one of the top Mac apps this 2018 because we believe that efficiency and security are of utmost importance. This app optimizes your RAM to give room for more active apps and helps keep your Mac free from any junk that may cause it to perform poorly.
This app is very easy to use. Simply click on the Scan button and the app will start going through all your files and get rid of any junk it sees. It’s that easy.
Another great thing about this app is that it is so smart that it only scans the files that can be safely cleaned. It does not go over the system files because it knows they are important for Mac to run. After the scan, your Mac should perform at its optimum.
2. VLC
Are you looking for an audio/video player for your Mac? VLC is all you need. It has a user-friendly interface and does not consume so much space on your hard drive. It also has advanced features such as audio/video filters and subtitle synchronization you might want to explore before using.
In addition, VLC can also support a number of video and audio formats. That means you can use it to play music or videos from various sources. As you can see, VLC is such a powerful app. No wonder why it’s listed among the best Mac apps you need this 2018.
3. Handbrake
In case your audio/video player does not support the video format of the movie you just downloaded, perhaps Handbrake can save you. Using this app, you can quickly and conveniently convert a video to any format that is widely supported by existing audio/video players.
Although the interface of Handbrake is pretty plain and straightforward, there are advanced features you must practice on before using. Adding chapters and subtitles to videos is one.
Handbrake is a free app and is available not only for macOS but also for Windows and Linux.
4. Parallels Desktop
One of the most popular apps for Mac, Parallels Desktop allows you to run a Windows OS on a Mac even without rebooting your computer.
Now, you might be wondering why the need to run Windows OS on Mac? Well, Windows gaming will run efficiently on Mac at a faster pace. So, if you want to play any Windows games, you just need to add them to your Mac’s Touch Bar for instant access.
However, Parallels Desktop requires a license that can cost up to $99.99 per year, depending on whether it’ll be used for home or work.
5. BitDefender Antivirus for Mac
Your Mac is one of your most valuable possessions. So, protect every bit of it with BitDefender Antivirus. It’s most recent version has already been redesigned for ease of use, hence it won’t require technical skills to use.
With BitDefender installed on your Mac, rest assured it will be protected against viruses, malware, and ransomware. It can quickly detect threats and remove them as soon as possible. Best app to write a letter on mac shortcut. And if you are concerned that performing a scan will affect your Mac’s overall performance, you are wrong. Believe us, it won’t interfere with any running app and it does its job quite fast.
Aside from protecting your Mac, this app also protects your backups. Plus, it is constantly being updated to ensure your Mac gets the level of protection it deserves.
6. iMindMap
Got a lot of ideas running through your mind? Draw them all using iMindMap. This amazing app allows you to design or arrange your ideas in your own way.
This app is known for its Fast Capture View that lets you capture your ideas lightning fast. As soon as your ideas are captured, it will be easier for you to sort and organize them. From there, you can improve your ideas and turn them into a plan using a certain map type. Comments and links can then be added to your map as you wish.
iMindMap is available in Home, Student, Ultimate, and Ultimate Plus versions. The license fee ranges from $100 to $217.
7. Unarchiver
Need to open an archived document on your Mac? You will need Unarchiver. Regardless of the archived document format, this app won’t fail you as it supports a wide range of archived document formats.
To use, you just have to launch the Unarchiver app. Next, go to File > Menu. Lastly, choose the file you want to open the app. The app is free to use. It also does not have any in-app purchases.
8. 1Password
1Password is, by far, one of the best password managers designed for Mac. It works by letting you create one master password, which you can use to access all your other passwords. You get to decide whether to randomly generate passwords inside the app. If you do so, rest assured that they’ll be strong and nearly impossible to hack.
You need not remember any of these passwords. As long as you know your master password, you can easily access the other passwords.
Because it is secure and reliable, you can store your credit card information, software serial numbers, passport numbers, secure data, and bank account details. And if you feel the need to share some passwords with family members or teammates, you can edit the permissions and choose which passwords to make available to co-workers or family members.
9. OmniFocus
If you think you’ve got a digital brain, you’ll need an absolutely reliable task manager like OmniFocus. Although it is very powerful, it has a neat user interface, which makes it easy to use for other Apple products such as Apple Watch.
Because it has many handy features, OmniFocus can be intimidating at times. But if you take time to master how to use it, there should be no dull moment.
This 2018, the developers of this app are looking to release a newer version with more features, including tags and a more flexible scheduling.
10. Dropbox
If you are using your Mac for work, Dropbox makes a handy tool. Besides real-time data synchronization in the cloud, you can use it to collaborate on various projects as a team, regardless of your members’ location.
Once installed, a Dropbox folder is created on your drive. This folder is just like any ordinary folder, but with a few noticeable differences such as changes made here are automatically synced to the Dropbox accounts of the users you have shared the files with.
Why consider Dropbox? There are a lot of reasons, but, we’ll specifically highlight its affordable pricing plans. The Basic plan costs nothing but gives you 2GB storage space and an added 500 MB for every referral. The Pro plan, which comes with a 1TB storage space, is available for $9.99 per month. The Business for Teams plan, on the other hand, costs $15 per user and the storage space is unlimited.
11. Pocket
More than 14 million Mac users use Pocket to save videos and articles for later viewing. Using this app, all contents are saved in one place, allowing easy access for any device. So, even if you are offline, riding the train or in flight, you can read and access your saved files.
If you have never used Pocket before, you will have to sign up for a new account. After installing the app, open it and click Sign Up and you are good to go.
12. Deliveries
For a worry-free and easy tracking of your packages, use Deliveries. Whether it’s a new dress you ordered overseas or the latest published book of your favorite author, Deliveries keeps you posted on the whereabouts of your package, thus you won’t miss the doorbell.
The app allows you to add estimated delivery dates to your calendar. It also lets you share your shipment updates over AirDrop, iMessage, or email. Now, who wouldn’t want this app on their Macs?
13. Prey
Getting your Mac stolen sucks, but you can do something to prevent it. A theft protection app, Prey allows you to look over your Mac, whether you are abroad or in the local market. And in case of theft, it helps you recover it.
Once the app is installed, it will silently sleep and hide in the background, waiting for a go signal. As soon as you trigger it remotely using another device, your Mac will start collecting detailed evidence and send it to you.
14. Simplenote
Want a fast and easy way to store your ideas or important notes? With Simplenote, you can achieve that. The best way to use this app is to try it firsthand. You have to make an account first. After that, you can write down your thoughts and organize them with pins and tags. If you want, you can share and publish them so others can read.
15. Gimp
Gimp or GNU Image Manipulation Program is a free application that allows you to perform tasks such as image authoring, photo retouching, and image composition.
Other than that, Gimp has many features and capabilities. It can be used as an online batch processing system, an image renderer for a number of photos, an image converter, and an advanced photo retouching app. Thanks to its advanced scripting interface, all the mentioned tasks can be done effortlessly.
Bottom Line
Every Mac owner has his own needs. While some require advanced applications that are useful for work, others only want an app for entertainment. Then again, we’re confident that there is a corresponding app to answer that need.
Featured above are just some of the best Mac apps this 2018. Install them on your Mac for a convenient year ahead. Soon thereafter, you will realize that everything you need to do on your computer will be easy-peasy, regardless if it’s for work, leisure, hobby, or entertainment.
Is there an app you recommend that didn’t make our list? Let us know. Share the best Mac apps you know of in the comments section below.
If you’re running into errors and your system is suspiciously slow, your computer needs some maintenance work. Download Outbyte PC Repair for Windows, Outbyte Antivirus for Windows, or Outbyte MacRepair for macOS to resolve common computer performance issues. Fix computer troubles by downloading the compatible tool for your device.
See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy.
See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy.
Which Mac operating system is the best is a topic of numerous debates among Apple fans.
Since the mission of this blog is to refute myths and legends around Macs, it’s time for me to provide my 2 cents about the issue on hand. While everything below is just my opinion, as a long-time Mac user and veteran software engineer, I hope my opinion worth something.
The best Mac OS version is the one that your Mac is eligible to upgrade to. In 2020 it is macOS Big Sur. However, for users that need to run 32-bit apps on Mac, the best macOS is Mojave. Also, older Macs would benefit if upgraded at least to macOS Sierra for which Apple still releases security patches.
How to Tell Which macOS You Are Running
To find out which macOS is currently running on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the menubar
- In the dropdown click on the first item: About This Mac
- The first line in the Overview tab is the name of the current OS.
What Version of OS Can My Mac Run?
Not all Macs can be upgraded to the latest OS version. For instance, old Macs powered by PowerPC CPUs cannot run OS intended for Intel-based computers. Also, some versions have hardware limitations.
For instance, Mojave cannot be installed on MacBook Pro earlier than Mid 2012 model.
Check below to know exactly what version of OS your Mac can run.
Which OS is Best for my Mac
Anytime someone asks me which OS is best for them I always suggested going with the latest. Things have changed recently, however.
Should I Upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur?
While personally I like macOS Big Sur and have it installed on my MacBook Pro, it comes with serious breaking changes. If you have old 32-bit apps, they will not run in the new OS.
macOS Catalina and Big Sur can only run 64-bit apps.
If you wondering whether you should upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur, first verify that you don’t have any 32-bit apps. But first, take a back up, so you can go back in case something breaks after the upgrade.
For instance, I had to remove uTorrent after upgrade. And I didn’t know that uTorrent is 32-bit!
How to Know If App is 32-bit or 64-bit
Reddit App For Mac Os
To find out whether the app on your Mac is 32-bit or 64-bit follow these steps:
- Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the Mac screen
- Click on About This Mac option
- Click on System Report button in Overview tab (first one)
- Scroll down to Software -> Applications
- Find the app and check Kind
Which macOS Should I Use
If you have an older Mac which is not eligible to upgrade with some latest software or hardware, I’d suggest upgrading at least to Sierra (or better High Sierra) for the following reasons:
- Sierra is still supported by Apple, and it gets security updates
- APFS file system is available
- It supports Siri
- Significant security improvements
The most important point when choosing the best OS is the ability to get security updates. While Apple generally does not announce the OS end of life dates, it is possible to know when they stop releasing security updates from this page.
For instance, according to the page, the last security update for OS X Yosemite was released on September 12, 2017. The last update for OS X El Capitan was in July 2018, and Carnegie Mellon University confirmed that El Capitan’s end of life date was August 2018.
Snow Leopard Myth
I know that some users on forums believe that the best OS version for Macs was Snow Leopard. But that is a myth. And I know how such myths get created.
Once I worked in the company, which was selling a 20-year old product. And customers were still using and didn’t want to switch to new versions, because the old one was rock solid.
I then talked to the engineer who worked on the project, and he revealed that the product was a total disaster when it was first deployed. Engineers had to work on-site for almost a year in order to fix all bugs.
After five or so years of polishing the product, it becomes virtually bug-free, and nobody now remembers how bad it was when it was first rolled out. A similar thing happened Snow Leopard, and it was recognized as best mac os version after some time.
How to Update to the Latest Version
There are two ways to update to the latest OS version on Mac:
- From the Software Update section in System Preferences
- Use a download link
![Best mac apps 2018 reddit download Best mac apps 2018 reddit download](/uploads/1/3/4/2/134208001/242701735.jpg)
Using Software Update
This is by far the best option, but it only available if you have Yosemite, or later OS installed already. If you enabled automatic updates, then Mac will inform you that the next macOS is available.
Just open System Preferences, go to Software Update and click on the Upgrade Now button.
This method is also best if wondering how to check if you have the latest version of OS installed on your Mac. Only the version compatible with your hardware will appear here.
For instance, my the latest version for Mac Mini 2012 is Mojave, I can’t install anything newer than that.
Using download links
For older systems or in case you need to downgrade, you have to download a standalone installer in DMG format. DMG stands for disk image, similar to ISO, just different formats.
After downloading the installer, just double click on it and follow instructions. Again, do not forget to take a backup before the upgrade.
Mac OS Comparisons: Requirements, Features, Compatibility, Download Links
Following is a high-level description of all Mac operating systems as early as Mountain Lion.
You can refer to those descriptions when deciding which operating system is best for your iMac, Mac Pro, Mac mini, or MacBook.
With each OS description, I included a list of Macs supported. However, you can use Mac OS compatibility checker for more detailed information.
macOS 11 Big Sur
macOS v11 (codename Big Sur) is the latest version of the operating system for Apple computers.
Release date: October 13, 2020
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement 4GB. Big Sur is the first OS to support new Macs using ARM technology (in the future).
Features
- The biggest design refresh since macOS X.
- Support for new ARM processors.
- Safar improved performance and power consumption.
- Time Machine supports backup to APFS volumes.
- One-click translation for 7 languages.
- Redesigned maps
Software Compatibility Issues
Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Big Sur.
How to install
There are two ways to install Big Sur: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Big Sur
- MacBook (2015 and later)
- MacBook Air (2013 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2013 and later)
- Mac mini (2014 and later)
- iMac models (2014 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac Pro (2013 and later)
macOS 10.15 Catalina
Release date: October 7, 2019
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement increased from 2GB to 4GB.
Features
- Introduced Sidecar, which allows for Macs to use an iPad as an external display.
- iTunes was replaced by separate apps: Music, Podcasts, and TV.
- Find My Mac and Find My Friends have merged into one app.
Software Compatibility Issues
macOS Catalina is the first Mac operating system that does not support 32-bit applications. Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Catalina.
How to install
There are two ways to install Catalina: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Catalina
- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac models (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (All models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013)
macOS 10.14 Mojave
Release date: September 24, 2018
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 18.5GB free space on disk
Features
- The main feature of Mojave is “Dark Mode”
- FaceTime adds group feature which allows chatting with up to 32 people
- News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and Home apps were ported from iOS to Mac.
How to install
If your Mac is eligible to update to Mojave, then the easiest way to install it is by enabling automatic updates. Downloading a standalone Mojave installer could be a little tricky.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Mojave
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- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (All models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 and 2010-2012 models with upgraded GPU)
macOS 10.13 High Sierra
Release date: September 25, 2017
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 14.3GB free space on disk
Features
- APFS (Apple File System) becomes the default file system in High Sierra. It’s a significant upgrade from the older HFS+ in terms of speed, size, and security
- iCloud support of Messages which allows sync messages of the account across multiple devices
- Mail app uses 35% less storage space due to optimizations
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS High Sierra
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
How to install
Here is a High Sierra download link.
macOS 10.12 Sierra
This is the first macOS version. Previous OS versions for Macs were called OS X (X stands for 10).
Release date: September 20, 2016
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- Siri was introduced to Macs
- Optimized storage with iCloud sync
- Auto-lock feature allows unlocking MacBook with paired Apple Watch
- APFS preview available
- Disk Utility can manage RAID sets again
- Significant security improvements
How to install
Here is a Sierra download link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Sierra
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
OS X 10.11 El Capitan
Last OS X version.
Release date: September 30, 2015
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- System Integrity Protection – a security feature that protects even when the root user executes the process
- Performance improvements: open PDF files four times faster, Mail is twice faster, launching apps 40% faster
- Notes app similar to the app in iOS
Macs compatible with OS X El Capitan
Mac time tracker app. same as OS Mountain Lion.
How to install
Here is El Capitan download link.
OS X 10.10 Yosemite
Release date: October 16, 2014
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Macs compatible with OS X Yosemite
Same as OS Mountain Lion.
Features
- Major user design overhaul
- Introduction of Handoff and Continuity features
- Photos app replaced iPhoto and Aperture
How to install
Here is Yosemite download link.
OS X 10.9 Mavericks
First free Mac OS. Previous OS versions vary from $19.99 to $129.
Release date: October 22, 2013
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- Compressed Memory feature automatically compresses inactive apps when approaching maximum memory capacity
- Timer coalescing is a feature that reduces CPU usage by up to 72 percent
- App Nap puts apps that are not currently visible to sleep
Macs compatible with OS X Mavericks
Same as OS Mountain Lion.
How to install
OS X Mavericks installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install Mavericks.
OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
Must be purchased. Fixed many bugs introduced in OS X Lion.
https://lbtsygw.weebly.com/blog/freerdp-app-for-mac. Release date: July 25, 2012
System Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- New apps: Notification Center, Notes, Messages, Game Center
- AirPlay mirroring allowed to mirror Mac screen to Apple TV
- Application updates automatically install from the App Store
List of Apple computers compatible with OS X Mountain Lion
- iMac (Mid-2007 or newer)
- MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
- Xserve (Early 2009)
How to install
Mountain Lion installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install OS X Mountain Lion.
List of older Mac OS Versions
Following Mac OS versions are still running on older Macs, but Apple does not support them anymore, and there is no point to upgrade (or downgrade) to them:
- OS X 10.7 Lion
- OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
- Mac OS X 10.3 Panther
- Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar
- Mac OS X 10.1 Puma
- Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah