Discover the Best Mac Apps for 2023: My Updated List
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Chapter 1: My Updated Mac Apps
I’m in a fantastic place with my Mac apps!
Photo by James McKinven on Unsplash
Since my previous discussion about the applications I rely on, there have been some updates. I’m now using a MacBook Air equipped with an M2 chip, and I’ve made adjustments to the apps I utilize, which makes this an opportune moment for a review.
Let me just say, the MacBook Air with the M2 chip is a delight to operate. Its fanless design means it runs silently, and it offers substantial power—perhaps even more than necessary!
As always, this represents my current app landscape. Apps evolve and change, and while I’m not one to switch just for the sake of variety, I will explore alternatives if they offer real benefits. So, let’s dive in!
Note: This article includes links that are not affiliate links. Enjoy!
Section 1.1: Email Management
My go-to email application remains Spark Email. It’s a dependable choice. There is a backstory here: I briefly parted ways with Spark after they introduced a subscription model, but I struggled to find a suitable replacement, including Apple Mail, so I decided to stick with Spark for at least the initial year. I might reconsider when it’s time to renew.
Recently, Spark has rolled out new features, such as AI enhancements (which I rarely use) and templates in Spark 3. While it still lacks some integrated services, improvements are reportedly on the horizon.
Section 1.2: Browsing Experience
If you’ve followed my transition away from Google, you’ll know I have ditched Chrome.
I’ve experimented with browsers like DuckDuckGo, Brave, and Arc. While I enjoy Arc (though its mobile version needs enhancements), I’m currently using Safari. Surprisingly, I’ve warmed up to it, especially with the new updates in macOS Sonoma, particularly the profile feature. Since I have the same setup on my phone, it’s convenient to maintain consistency. However, I’m open to switching at any moment.
For searching, I’ve adopted DuckDuckGo as my primary search engine.
Subsection 1.2.1: Task Management
Since my last article, I transitioned from Todoist to Things3. Although it’s a beautifully designed app, I found it difficult to adjust after three months, leading me back to Todoist. However, with the arrival of iOS 17, I’ve begun to use Apple Reminders more extensively. It has matured significantly and simplifies various management tasks, making it my preferred choice now.
I previously wrote about the updates in Apple Reminders here.
Video Section: Essential Mac Apps
To learn more about the best Mac apps for 2023, check out this insightful video that covers the top applications to enhance your productivity.
Section 1.3: Online Security
In this domain, I still rely on 1Password. I’ve been quite satisfied with it and see no reason to seek alternatives.
Section 1.4: Note-Taking Solutions
I began using Obsidian a few months back, but it didn’t feel like a natural fit over time. I’m a big supporter of Drafts, which allows me to jot down thoughts and decide what to do with them later. Its multitude of actions helps me manage text seamlessly.
Alongside Drafts, I also utilize Apple Notes, which has seen significant improvements, making it even more effective for note-taking. Together, they form a robust combination.
Subsection 1.4.1: Raycast vs. Alfred
I moved away from Alfred last year and started exploring Raycast. While I don’t use the Pro version due to its cost, the standard version offers impressive functionality. It acts as a powerful replacement for the Spotlight feature, offering calculations, clipboard history, and snippets. One of its standout features is the 'store,' which integrates with other applications—like creating reminders with a simple command.
Section 1.5: Calendar Solutions
I was once an avid user of Fantastical, but I couldn’t justify its steep price increase, which is now nearly £60 annually. Thus, I switched to Apple Calendars. While it lacks integration with Apple Reminders, it allows me to share calendars with family and subscribe to others, effectively meeting my scheduling needs.
Video Section: Essential Apps for New Macs
For a comprehensive guide on essential apps for new Macs, watch this video that outlines 12 must-have applications for 2023.
Section 1.6: Additional Productivity Tools
There are various other applications working quietly in the background to enhance my productivity:
- Bartender: This app keeps my MacBook’s menu bar tidy, showing icons only when needed. After a four-week trial, it’s available for a one-time purchase of $16.
- Shottr: My go-to screenshot tool, costing only $8 for a one-time purchase. It allows for screenshotting, annotation, and markup, with a free version available indefinitely to support the developer.
- Surfshark: A VPN solution I subscribed to for two years at a bargain price of £25. While it occasionally disrupts certain sites, it effectively keeps me secure online.
- PopClip: This handy app activates whenever text is selected, offering options like creating reminders, opening links, and providing word counts. It’s free for 150 uses, after which it costs £17.
Apps are a personal selection, and they should seamlessly fit into your workflow. Do you use any of these applications? Are there others you recommend? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Thank you for reading!
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