macOS, like a simple pizza base, may seem plain at first glance. It’s the addition of various toppings—just as with macOS apps—that transforms it into a delicious experience. If you’re solely using the built-in features of macOS, you’re likely squandering valuable time and mental energy.

Here are 12 applications that act as the toppings for your macOS base. I personally utilize several of them daily, so you can trust their effectiveness.

Apps featured in this article:

AI Applications:

1. superwhisper: Leverage AI for voice-to-text conversion
2. BoltAI: Write, code, and learn with AI assistance
3. Ready to Send: Generate draft email responses automatically

Development Tools:

4. TeaCode: Accelerate coding with text expanders
5. Core Shell: An advanced SSH terminal

Background Applications:

6. Moment: Create countdown events
7. Noizio: Use ambient sounds to enhance focus

File Managers:

8. Commander One: A dual-pane file manager
9. Forklift: Manage files seamlessly across servers
10. Trickster: Quick access to recently used files
11. FilePane: A time-saving file manager

Math Applications:

12. Euclid: Perform calculations using Excel formulas
13. PocketCAS: Solve complex mathematical equations

# 1. superwhisper ($8.49/month or $249.99 one-time | Available on Setapp) --------------------------------------------------------------------

superwhisper provides a user-friendly interface built on the powerful Whisper AI model.

Whisper is OpenAI’s speech recognition model trained on extensive multilingual data, boasting impressive accuracy. Its open-source nature allows developers to incorporate it into their applications without cost. superwhisper excels in capturing the context and emotions behind speech, offering superior transcription and punctuation capabilities compared to Apple’s native dictation.

Upon installation, you can select from five model variations: Fast, Nano, Standard, Pro, and Ultra (from fastest to most accurate). I recommend Ultra if you have the processing power and patience.

Noteworthy features include:

• “Meeting Mode” that transcribes audio from your system and microphone in real-time.

• The option to switch to other models like Anthropic or Groq.

• Translation capabilities for over 100 languages.

• Custom recognition for unique names, slang, and acronyms.

  <div>

  <h2>superwhisper on Setapp | Use AI to turn voice into text</h2>

  <h3>Transform your speech into reports, emails, and notes with superwhisper, an AI-driven transcription app.</h3>

  <p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

  </div>

# 2. BoltAI (Starting at $22 | Available on Setapp) ----------------------------------------------------

BoltAI provides access to GPT-4o at no cost through its platform (this is for informational purposes only).

I’m subscribed to the Setapp Family plan, which grants me 50 AI credits that reset monthly:

50 credits =

• 2000 messages with GPT-3.5 Turbo
• 100 messages with GPT-4 Turbo
• 250 minutes with Whisper

BoltAI consolidates multiple AI models into a single interface.

As a coder and blogger, I utilize AI to polish my work, leveraging multiple models to benefit from their unique strengths. BoltAI removes the hassle of switching between browser tabs to access different AI tools.

Key features include:

• A variety of prompts like “Simplify my writing” or “Write with humor.”
• Role-specific assistants like a Comedian, Life Coach, or Software Developer.

You can also interact with BoltAI without the UI by typing gpt: <prompt> for inline AI use.

<div>

<h2>BoltAI on Setapp | Write, code, learn with AI</h2>

<h3>Generate text, code, and tackle tasks with the help of popular AI models in BoltAI.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 3. Ready to Send (From $5/month | Available on Setapp) --------------------------------------------------

This tool is a Gmail extension, hence its unique positioning in this list. As a coder and blogger, timely email responses are crucial.

However, crafting formal and persuasive replies can be exhausting, particularly under pressure.

Recently, I discovered the AI-driven Gmail extension, Ready to Send, which drafts responses to incoming emails automatically.

It analyzes the entire email thread for better context while generating responses, allowing customization to fit your style and preferred email types.

<div>

<h2>Ready to Send on Setapp | Generate draft email replies</h2>

<h3>Streamline your workday with automatically generated custom email replies directly in your Gmail inbox.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 4. TeaCode ($24.99 | Available on Setapp) -------------------------------------------

As a coder, I often seek tools to ease my workload. TeaCode serves as a text expander similar to macOS’s Text Replacement feature.

For example, typing -f bar produces:

private func bar() {

}

Here’s how I optimize my coding with it:

TeaCode offers over 80 built-in expanders and works with various macOS text editors, including plugins for VS Code and IntelliJ for enhanced integration.

<div>

<h2>TeaCode on Setapp | Mac code expander for any editor</h2>

<h3>Save time while coding with just one hotkey. TeaCode simplifies your coding experience.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 5. Core Shell (Free | $9.99 for Pro | Available on Setapp) ---------------------------------------------------------

In a tech environment with numerous devices, I often troubleshoot via SSH.

Core Shell streamlines this process by managing multiple SSH configurations effortlessly.

This application allows tagging of hosts and integration with Keychain for managing login credentials seamlessly.

<div>

<h2>Core Shell on Setapp | A full-featured SSH client for Mac</h2>

<h3>Manage remote connections and numerous hosts from a single platform with Core Shell.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 6. Moment ($4.99 | Available on Setapp) ------------------------------------------

Tracking time is essential for improvement, and Moment is an uncomplicated solution for doing just that.

This app facilitates tracking deadlines, project durations, and personal goals effectively.

<div>

<h2>Moment on Setapp | Track life events on Mac</h2>

<h3>Remember important moments and create countdown events with Moment, a user-friendly app for your Mac.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 7. Noizio ($2.99 | Available on Setapp) ------------------------------------------

While working amidst distractions, Noizio offers a practical solution for maintaining focus through ambient sounds.

You can mix various sounds to create a personalized audio experience, enhancing concentration.

<div>

<h2>Noizio on Setapp | Ambient sounds app to set the right mood</h2>

<h3>Create a calming atmosphere with Noizio’s ambient sounds app.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 8. Commander One (Free | $29.99 for Pro | Available on Setapp) ----------------------------------------------------------

As a freelance video editor, my cousin benefits from Commander One for efficiently managing files across different cloud services.

This dual-pane file manager simplifies the process of moving files and linking multiple cloud accounts.

<div>

<h2>Commander One on Setapp | Dual-pane file manager for Mac</h2>

<h3>Experience a powerful file management solution with Commander One.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 9. Forklift ($19.95 | Available on Setapp) -------------------------------------------

For those overwhelmed by complex file management tools, Forklift offers a simpler yet robust alternative.

It allows for easy syncing of files and folders across various sources, offering a user-friendly experience.

<div>

<h2>ForkLift on Setapp | Smart file manager and file transfer client for Mac</h2>

<h3>Manage files effortlessly with Forklift, designed for macOS.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 10. Trickster ($29.99 | Available on Setapp) -------------------------------------------

Trickster simplifies access to frequently used files and applications, saving time and mental energy.

This menu bar utility provides fast access to the files and apps you use most often.

<div>

<h2>Trickster on Setapp | Access to recently used files on Mac</h2>

<h3>Stay organized with Trickster, a small utility for quick file access.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 11. FilePane ($6.99 | Available on Setapp) ------------------------------------------

FilePane enhances productivity by providing quick actions while dragging files.

It offers context-sensitive actions, making file management seamless.

<div>

<h2>FilePane on Setapp | A file manager with quick actions</h2>

<h3>Enhance your file management with FilePane, featuring fast access to file actions.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 12. Euclid ($2.99 | Available on Setapp) ------------------------------------------

Euclid serves as a comprehensive scientific calculator, supporting various mathematical operations.

It offers a spacious display for calculations and supports over 100 scientific functions.

<div>

<h2>Euclid on Setapp | Best scientific calculator for macOS and iOS</h2>

<h3>Utilize Euclid for advanced calculations, custom functions, and more.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

# 13. PocketCAS ($29.99 | Available on Setapp) -------------------------------------------

PocketCAS is an advanced calculator app, designed to assist with a wide range of mathematical tasks.

It provides solutions for simple to complex equations, graphs, and more.

<div>

<h2>PocketCAS on Setapp | Let your Mac solve the math</h2>

<h3>Master your math tasks with PocketCAS, a versatile calculator app for macOS.</h3>

<p>setapp.sjv.io</p>

</div>

For more outstanding macOS applications, check out these recommendations:

<div>

<h2>Amazing Mac Apps</h2>

<p>Mac Apps: nikhilvemu.medium.com</p>

</div>

Finally,

If you enjoy discovering new iOS and Mac apps, consider subscribing to Setapp. You’ll gain access to a curated selection of over 240 incredible applications for just $9.99 per month, a significant savings compared to purchasing them individually.

• Use my affiliate link to start your Setapp journey! (Free for 30 days)
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