10 Best Free Mac Apps You Should Install in 2024

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As a longtime Mac user (Those big cubes with floppy disks, even!), I'm always on the lookout for the best free apps to enhance my experience and boost my productivity.

With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find the true hidden gems.

That's why I've compiled this list of the top free Mac apps that I believe every user should know about in 2024. (Make sure to install these to family & friends’ new devices!)

Whether you need tools for better organization, seamless communication, or creative expression, these apps have you covered without costing you a dime.

1. Xnapper - Mac Snipping tool

Xnapper is the best screenshot tool for Mac and it’s entirely free.

Although you can use the screenshot shortcut in Mac this tool makes the experience even better by providing handy annotation tools like arrows, text, blurring and making every screenshot you take even more beautiful.

Download Xnapper for free and let us know what you think!

2. CompressX - Powerful offline media compression

CompressX is one of the best free Mac apps for media compression. Whether you need to shrink down large video files, optimize images for the web, or convert GIFs, CompressX has you covered.

3. Raycast - The ultimate productivity launcher

Raycast is hands-down the most impressive free Mac app I've come across recently.

It's a blazing fast, extendable launcher that goes way beyond just opening apps and files.

With a simple keyboard shortcut, Raycast becomes your command center for controlling your Mac.

Alfred is another popular alternative and is a great application launcher. However, Raycast is a lot more modern.

4. Grammarly - Write with confidence

If you do any amount of writing on your Mac, from emails to essays, Grammarly is an invaluable tool.

This AI-powered writing assistant checks your spelling, grammar, and punctuation in real-time across a variety of apps and websites.

It offers smart suggestions to improve your writing style, tone, and clarity.

The free version covers all the essentials, while a premium subscription unlocks more advanced features.

5. Photopea / Gimp - A powerful, free alternative to Photoshop

For image editing, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a robust open-source alternative to pricey software like Photoshop.

However, nowadays, I would recommend Photopea - a free online alternative to Photoshop. For most of your use cases, it will be an even more simple & powerful alternative to both.

6. VLC Media Player - Play any video or audio file

VLC is the Swiss Army Knife of media players. It can handle just about any video or audio file format you throw at it, without the need for additional codecs.

The app offers advanced playback features like video filters, subtitle support, and streaming capabilities.

VLC is open-source, completely free, and devoid of any ads or spyware. It's a reliable and versatile player that every Mac user should have in their app arsenal.

7. Evernote - Capture and organize your ideas

Evernote is a powerful note-taking and organizational tool that helps you keep track of your ideas, to-do lists, and important information across all your devices.

However, I would recommend Voicenotes.com instead as a more powerful AI-native alternative for taking notes - and it just works in your browser.

8. Audacity - A versatile audio editor and recorder

For anyone working with audio, Audacity is a fantastic free and open-source software for recording and editing.

It offers a wide range of tools and effects for tasks like noise reduction, vocal isolation, and multi-track mixing.

Audacity is user-friendly enough for beginners but also packs advanced features for more experienced users. Whether you're a podcaster, musician, or just need to edit an audio clip, Audacity has you covered.

9. Magnet - Effortlessly organize your windows

Magnet is a simple but incredibly useful app that helps you efficiently manage your workspace by snapping windows into organized tiles.

With customizable keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly resize and position windows to make the most of your screen real estate.

It's especially handy for users with large or multiple displays. Once you start using Magnet, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

10. Spark - A smarter email client

If you're not satisfied with Apple's built-in Mail app, Spark is a fantastic alternative.

This free email client offers a clean, intuitive interface and powerful features to help you take control of your inbox.

Spark's smart sorting automatically categorizes your emails, allowing you to focus on what's important.

It also includes useful tools like snoozing, reminders, and collaborative email composition. Spark supports all major email providers and seamlessly syncs across your devices.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many incredible free apps available for Mac in 2024.

Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, these tools can help you work smarter, stay organized, and unleash your creativity.

So go ahead and give them a try – your Mac experience will thank you!