Best apps for Mac
286 apps
Top Mac apps ranked by the community
Firefox is an open source web browser developed by Mozilla and one of the few major browsers not based on Chromium, running on its own Gecko engine instead. It blocks many trackers by default with Enhanced Tracking Protection, supports extensions on desktop and Android, and syncs bookmarks, passwords and tabs through a Mozilla account. Recent versions add vertical tabs and tab groups.
11 Firefox alternativesPros
- Independent Gecko engine, an alternative to Chromium browsers
- Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks many trackers by default
- Extensions supported on desktop and Android
Cons
- Some sites tested mainly in Chrome may misbehave
- No extensions on iPhone, where it runs on WebKit
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesSafari is Apple's web browser, built on the WebKit engine and included with macOS, iOS and iPadOS. It relies on iCloud to sync tabs, bookmarks and passwords, limits cross-site tracking with Intelligent Tracking Prevention, and supports Tab Groups, profiles and Safari Web Extensions distributed through the App Store. It is tuned for energy efficiency on Apple hardware.
9 Safari alternativesPros
- Energy efficient on Mac, iPhone and iPad
- Intelligent Tracking Prevention limits cross-site tracking
- Seamless iCloud sync of tabs, bookmarks and passwords
Cons
- Only available on Apple devices
- Smaller extension catalog than Chrome or Firefox
- Some web features arrive later than in other browsers
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesMicrosoft Edge is Microsoft's web browser, based on Chromium and preinstalled on Windows, with versions for macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. It runs Chrome Web Store extensions, offers vertical tabs, workspaces, tracking prevention and InPrivate browsing, and integrates Copilot in a sidebar to summarize pages and answer questions. Businesses also get an Internet Explorer mode for legacy sites.
9 Microsoft Edge alternativesPros
- Preinstalled on Windows and runs Chrome Web Store extensions
- Vertical tabs and workspaces built in
- Internet Explorer mode for legacy business sites
Cons
- Pushes Bing, Copilot and other Microsoft services insistently
- Default new tab page is cluttered with news and ads
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesBrave is an open source browser built on Chromium that blocks ads, trackers and fingerprinting by default through its Shields feature. It stays compatible with Chrome extensions on desktop and adds Brave Search, private windows with Tor, the Leo AI assistant and an opt-in rewards program based on privacy-preserving ads. A VPN and Leo Premium are offered as paid extras.
12 Brave alternativesPros
- Blocks ads, trackers and fingerprinting by default
- Compatible with Chrome extensions on desktop
- Private windows with Tor built in
Cons
- Crypto wallet, rewards and other extras clutter the interface
- Some sites break when Shields block their scripts
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesArc is a Chromium-based browser from The Browser Company that replaces the tab bar with a sidebar, where tabs are grouped into spaces and pinned items while unused tabs are archived automatically. It supports Chrome extensions, split view and Arc Max AI features on macOS and Windows. The company has since shifted its focus to Dia, so Arc mainly receives maintenance updates.
9 Arc alternativesPros
- Sidebar with spaces and pinned tabs keeps browsing organized
- Automatic archiving of unused tabs reduces clutter
- Supports Chrome extensions and split view
Cons
- Only receives maintenance updates since the focus moved to Dia
- Unconventional interface takes time to get used to
- No Linux version is available
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesOpera is a long-running web browser, now built on Chromium, that bundles features others leave to extensions: an ad blocker, a free browser VPN, messaging apps in the sidebar, workspaces, tab islands and the Aria AI assistant. It runs Chrome Web Store extensions and is available on desktop and mobile. The same company makes Opera GX, a variant aimed at gamers.
8 Opera alternativesPros
- Free built-in browser VPN and ad blocker
- Messaging apps and workspaces in the sidebar
- Runs Chrome Web Store extensions
Cons
- Built-in VPN only covers the browser, not other apps
- Many bundled features and promotions make the interface busy
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesVivaldi is a Chromium-based browser from Norway, created by a co-founder of Opera, in which almost every part of the interface can be customized. It offers tab stacking and tiling, workspaces, a built-in ad and tracker blocker, notes, and integrated mail, calendar and RSS reader, with end-to-end encrypted sync. Vivaldi has chosen not to build generative AI chatbots into the browser.
10 Vivaldi alternativesPros
- Almost every part of the interface can be customized
- Built-in mail, calendar, feed reader and notes
- Tab stacking and tiling for heavy multitaskers
Cons
- The sheer number of options can overwhelm new users
- Interface can feel less snappy than leaner browsers
- Its interface code is proprietary, unlike Brave or Firefox
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesTor Browser is a free, open source browser from the nonprofit Tor Project that sends your traffic through the volunteer-run Tor network, hiding your IP address from the sites you visit and your browsing from your network provider. Based on Firefox ESR, it isolates each site, resists fingerprinting by making users look alike, clears history on exit and can open .onion services.
7 Tor Browser alternativesPros
- Hides your IP address by routing traffic through the Tor network
- Fingerprinting resistance makes users look alike
- Built-in access to .onion services
Cons
- Browsing is noticeably slower because of multi-relay routing
- Many sites block Tor or show frequent CAPTCHAs
- No official app for iPhone
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesThe DuckDuckGo browser is a free, privacy-focused browser for iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows that uses DuckDuckGo search and blocks hidden trackers by default. The Fire Button clears tabs and data in one tap, Duck Player shows YouTube videos without personalized ads, and Email Protection forwards mail through @duck.com aliases. It also offers private Duck.ai chat and end-to-end encrypted sync.
8 DuckDuckGo Browser alternativesPros
- Blocks hidden trackers by default with no setup
- Fire Button clears tabs and data in one tap
- Built-in email aliases and Duck Player for YouTube
Cons
- No support for third-party extensions
- Fewer customization options than mainstream browsers
- No Linux version is available
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesZen Browser is a free, open source browser built on Firefox that brings an Arc-style layout to the Gecko engine: vertical tabs in a sidebar, workspaces, split view, pinned essentials and a compact mode that hides the interface. It works with Firefox add-ons and Firefox Sync, and is developed by a volunteer community for Windows, macOS and Linux.
7 Zen Browser alternativesPros
- Arc-style vertical tabs and workspaces on the Firefox engine
- Split view and compact mode for a clean workspace
- Works with Firefox add-ons and Firefox Sync
Cons
- Young volunteer-run project that still has rough edges
- No mobile version is available
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesLibreWolf is a community-maintained fork of Firefox focused on privacy and user freedom. It removes telemetry and sponsored content, ships with uBlock Origin and hardened privacy settings, defaults to privacy-respecting search engines, and clears cookies and history on exit unless you change it. It is free and open source, available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
7 LibreWolf alternativesPros
- Telemetry and sponsored content removed from Firefox
- Ships with uBlock Origin and hardened privacy settings
- Keeps compatibility with Firefox add-ons
Cons
- Strict defaults, such as clearing cookies on exit, need tweaking
- Updates can arrive a little after official Firefox releases
- No mobile version is available
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesDia is a Chromium-based web browser from The Browser Company, the makers of Arc, designed around a built-in AI assistant. You can chat with the current page or several open tabs to summarize, compare or draft content, and save reusable prompts as Skills. It supports Chrome extensions, runs on macOS and offers a paid Pro plan with higher AI usage limits.
9 Dia alternativesPros
- Chat with the current page or several tabs at once
- Reusable prompts can be saved as Skills
- Supports Chrome extensions on a familiar Chromium base
Cons
- Available only on macOS
- Heavier AI use requires the paid Pro plan
- Fewer power-user tab features than Arc
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsVisual Studio Code is a free source code editor from Microsoft that runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and in the browser. It combines IntelliSense completion, a built-in debugger, Git tools and an integrated terminal with a large extensions marketplace. It is built on the MIT-licensed Code - OSS project and integrates GitHub Copilot for AI chat and agent workflows.
12 Visual Studio Code alternativesPros
- Huge extensions marketplace for almost any language or tool
- Integrated terminal, debugger and Git tools
- Remote development over SSH, in containers and with WSL
Cons
- Official builds include Microsoft telemetry and proprietary components
- As an Electron app it uses more memory than native editors
- Large extension setups can slow it down
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesSublime Text is a cross-platform text and code editor from Sublime HQ, known for its speed and low resource use. Goto Anything, multiple cursors and a command palette make large files and projects quick to navigate. It is extended with Python plugins, usually installed through the community Package Control manager. It can be evaluated for free, but a license is required for continued use.
12 Sublime Text alternativesPros
- Extremely fast, even with very large files
- Multiple cursors and Goto Anything speed up navigation and edits
- Low memory use compared with Electron-based editors
Cons
- A license is required for continued use, with reminders during evaluation
- Fewer built-in IDE features, such as debugging, than VS Code
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesIntelliJ IDEA is the JetBrains development environment for Java, Kotlin, Groovy and Scala, with deep code analysis, refactoring, a debugger and Maven and Gradle support. Since 2025 it ships as a single download: the core IDE is free, including for commercial work, and a subscription unlocks advanced Ultimate features for enterprise frameworks and web development. JetBrains AI tools are built in.
10 IntelliJ IDEA alternativesPros
- Deep code analysis and safe refactoring for Java and Kotlin
- The core IDE is free, including for commercial work
- Excellent Maven, Gradle and debugger integration
Cons
- Resource-hungry, with slow indexing on large projects
- Enterprise framework and web features require a subscription
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesWebStorm is a JetBrains IDE dedicated to JavaScript and TypeScript, with built-in support for React, Angular, Vue, Node.js and common test runners. It provides smart completion, safe refactorings, a debugger for browser and Node code, and Git tools without extra plugins. WebStorm is free for non-commercial use, and a paid license is required for commercial work.
8 WebStorm alternativesPros
- Built-in support for React, Angular, Vue and Node.js
- Smart completion and safe refactoring for JavaScript and TypeScript
- Free for non-commercial use
Cons
- Commercial use requires a paid license
- Heavier than VS Code for quick edits
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesPyCharm is the JetBrains IDE for Python, with code completion, inspections, refactoring, a graphical debugger, test runners and virtual environment management. A single distribution provides a free core for everyday Python work, while a Pro subscription unlocks advanced features for web frameworks such as Django, databases and remote development. JetBrains AI features are available in the IDE.
8 PyCharm alternativesPros
- Excellent Python completion, inspections and refactoring
- Graphical debugger, test runners and virtual environment management
- The free core covers everyday Python work
Cons
- Heavy on memory and slower to start than lighter editors
- Django, database and remote development tools require Pro
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesNeovim is a community-driven fork of Vim that keeps modal editing while modernizing the codebase. It adds first-class Lua scripting, a built-in Language Server Protocol client, Tree-sitter syntax highlighting, an embedded terminal and an RPC API that lets other programs use it as an editing engine. It is free and open source, and popular with developers who build a customized, keyboard-driven setup.
12 Neovim alternativesPros
- Lua scripting makes configuration and plugins easier to write
- Built-in LSP client and Tree-sitter highlighting
- Fast, keyboard-driven editing that runs anywhere in a terminal
Cons
- Modal editing has a steep learning curve
- Turning it into a full IDE takes time and ongoing plugin maintenance
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesVim is a highly configurable modal text editor derived from the Unix vi editor, preinstalled on many Linux and macOS systems and available for Windows. Editing is driven by keyboard commands and motions, and behavior is extended with Vim script and a large ecosystem of plugins. Created by Bram Moolenaar and now maintained by its community, it is charityware that encourages donations to help children in Uganda.
7 Vim alternativesPros
- Preinstalled on most Linux and macOS systems
- Very efficient modal editing once motions become second nature
- Lightweight, fast and ideal over SSH
Cons
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- Modern IDE features depend on plugins and configuration
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesZed is a code editor written in Rust by the creators of Atom and Tree-sitter, with a GPU-rendered interface that stays fast on large projects. It includes multiplayer editing, an agent panel that works with several AI models, edit predictions, Git tools, remote development over SSH and an extensions registry. Zed is open source under the GPL and runs on macOS, Linux and Windows; paid plans cover hosted AI usage.
12 Zed alternativesPros
- GPU-rendered interface that stays fast on large projects
- Built-in multiplayer editing and an agent panel for several AI models
- Open source under the GPL
Cons
- Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
- Some IDE features are less mature than in established editors
- Hosted AI usage requires a paid plan
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesVSCodium is a community project that compiles the open source VS Code codebase into ready-to-use MIT-licensed binaries, with Microsoft telemetry disabled and branding removed. It offers the same editing experience, debugger, terminal and Git tools, and installs extensions from the Open VSX registry instead of the Microsoft marketplace. It suits developers who want the VS Code workflow in a fully open source package.
12 VSCodium alternativesPros
- The VS Code experience without Microsoft telemetry or branding
- Fully open source, MIT-licensed binaries
- Ready-made builds for Windows, macOS and Linux
Cons
- Open VSX lacks some extensions found in the Microsoft marketplace
- Microsoft extensions such as Pylance or Remote SSH are not officially usable
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesXcode is Apple's free development environment for building apps for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS. It bundles the Swift and Objective-C toolchains, SwiftUI previews, Interface Builder, device simulators, Instruments for profiling, a debugger and tools to submit apps to the App Store. Recent versions add predictive code completion and coding help from AI models. It runs on macOS only.
7 Xcode alternativesPros
- Everything needed to build and ship Apple apps in one free package
- SwiftUI previews, simulators and Instruments built in
- Built-in tools to submit apps to the App Store
Cons
- Runs only on macOS, so a Mac is required
- Large downloads and updates take up a lot of disk space
- Indexing and previews can be slow or unstable on large projects
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsAndroid Studio is the official development environment for Android, built by Google on the IntelliJ platform. It provides Kotlin and Java editing, a visual layout editor, Jetpack Compose previews, an emulator, profilers and Gradle builds for phones, tablets, Wear OS, Android TV and cars. Gemini in Android Studio adds AI help for writing code and fixing errors. It is free on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS.
7 Android Studio alternativesPros
- Official, complete Android toolkit, free on all desktop systems
- Emulator, profilers and Compose previews built in
- Gemini helps write code and fix build errors
Cons
- Heavy on RAM and CPU, especially with the emulator running
- Gradle builds can be slow on large projects
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesGNU Emacs is a free, extensible text editor built around an Emacs Lisp interpreter, so almost every part of it can be reshaped. It supports programming with language servers through Eglot, debugger integration and built-in shells, and many people also use it for Org mode notes and planning, email and file management. Packages install from ELPA archives. It is part of the GNU Project and licensed under the GPL.
7 GNU Emacs alternativesPros
- Almost every part can be reshaped with Emacs Lisp
- Org mode is a powerful system for notes, tasks and planning
- Huge package ecosystem through the ELPA archives
Cons
- Steep learning curve and unusual default keybindings
- Needs significant configuration to match a modern IDE
- Can slow down with heavy configurations or very large files
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesNova is a native macOS code editor from Panic, the company behind Transmit and Coda. It pairs a Mac-style interface with language server support, Git source control, a built-in terminal, task runners and publishing to remote servers, and can be extended with JavaScript extensions from its library. Nova is a paid app with a free trial, aimed at web and app developers who prefer a fully native editor.
8 Nova alternativesPros
- Fully native Mac interface that feels fast and polished
- Built-in terminal, Git, task runners and remote publishing
- JavaScript extensions add languages and tools
Cons
- Available on macOS only
- Smaller extension library than VS Code
- Requires a paid license after the trial, while strong free editors exist
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsPostman is an API platform for sending HTTP, GraphQL, gRPC and WebSocket requests, organizing them in collections and automating tests. It also covers API design, documentation, mock servers, monitors and AI-assisted features, with shared workspaces for teams. Postman runs on the web and as a desktop app; the free plan is limited to a single user, and team collaboration requires a paid plan.
6 Postman alternativesPros
- Covers the API lifecycle from design and testing to docs and monitors
- Large public network of shared API collections to start from
- Collection runner and scripts automate test suites, including in CI
Cons
- Free plan is limited to one user; team collaboration requires a paid plan
- The app feels heavy and cluttered for sending a quick request
- Cloud-centric workflow is a concern for teams handling sensitive APIs
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesInsomnia is an open source API client from Kong for designing and debugging REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket and server-sent event APIs. It supports collections, environments, scripting, test suites, mock servers, OpenAPI design and plugins. Projects can stay local, sync with Git or live in the cloud with end-to-end encryption, and paid plans add team collaboration and enterprise controls.
6 Insomnia alternativesPros
- REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket and SSE requests in one client
- Projects can stay local or sync through Git instead of the cloud
- Built-in mock servers, test suites and OpenAPI design
Cons
- Team collaboration and enterprise controls require a paid plan
- Storage options (local, Git, cloud) changed across versions and can be confusing
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesBruno is an open source API client that keeps collections as plain-text files on your disk rather than in a vendor cloud. Requests live next to your code and can be versioned and reviewed with Git like any other file. It handles REST and GraphQL requests, environments, scripting and assertions, and works fully offline without an account. Paid editions add advanced Git tools, AI assistance and enterprise features.
6 Bruno alternativesPros
- Collections stored as plain-text files you can version with Git
- Works fully offline, with no account required
- Open source, with REST, GraphQL, scripting and assertions
Cons
- No built-in cloud sync: teams share collections through Git
- Advanced Git tools and AI features need a paid edition
- Smaller ecosystem than long-established API clients
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesHoppscotch is an open source API client that runs in the browser, as a desktop app or on your own server. It tests REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, Socket.IO, MQTT and server-sent events with collections, environments, pre-request scripts and tests. Teams can share workspaces, and organizations can self-host the whole platform with Docker. A browser extension helps send requests that CORS would otherwise block.
6 Hoppscotch alternativesPros
- Runs in the browser with nothing to install
- Supports REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, Socket.IO, MQTT and SSE
- The whole platform can be self-hosted with Docker
Cons
- In the browser, CORS limits require an extension or proxy
- Some team and enterprise features are paid
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesHTTPie is a family of HTTP clients designed to make working with APIs readable and quick. The open source command-line tool offers an intuitive syntax, built-in JSON support, colorized output, sessions and plugins, and is widely used in scripts and documentation. HTTPie for Web and Desktop adds a graphical interface with collections and environments, and HTTPie AI turns plain-language prompts into requests.
6 HTTPie alternativesPros
- Readable command-line syntax that is easier to type than curl
- Formatted, colorized JSON output makes responses quick to scan
- One tool covers terminal scripts and a graphical app on desktop and web
Cons
- The graphical app has fewer testing and automation features than full API platforms
- Not preinstalled like curl, so scripts carry an extra dependency
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategories
