On this website, I have covered a ton of paid apps, and that’s because in general, paid apps tend to offer more when compared to free apps. However, that does not mean that there are no good free apps out there. In fact, there are a ton of them. That’s why it is going to be a long article as I am bringing a list of 35 best free apps you can get for your Mac right now. Some of the apps on this list are evergreen and you most probably already have them installed on your device. But some of them are entirely new. Well, at least they are new to me and that’s the beauty of it. No matter, how old an app is, it is new for somebody out there. That said, no matter how avid a Mac user you are, I can bet that you will find new Mac apps in this article that you have never heard of before. So, open your Macs and get ready to download these awesome free Mac apps.
Note: Be sure to read our must-have iPhone apps article to get the best apps for your iPhone in 2020.
Best Free Mac Apps You Should Install in 2020
22 minutes ago The MacBook line offers three distinct choices: the 13-inch Air, 13-inch Pro and 16-inch Pro. Students who need a remote learning tool are going to naturally gravitate towards one of them. May 11, 2018.
While most of the apps in this list are free, some of them offer a paid option. That being said, when it comes to paid apps, I have only included those options that offer a generous free tier. I am using free versions of all the apps (that offer paid options) and find them suitable for most users. No app with a free trial or heavily restricted free tier has been included.
1. Audiobook Binder
While you can listen to books in MP3 format, I like the M4B format more as it supports chapters. M4B is also the native format that Apple Books support. If you want to keep your music library separate from the book library, this is the format to use. Audiobook Binder is an app that lets you convert MP3 files into M4B files. It also lets you bind multiple MP3 files into a single M4B file and converts those MP3 files into chapters. You can also add custom book cover and edit book’s metadata including name, author, and narrator. I have been using this app for the past year and a half to listen to public domain audiobooks and lectures and it has never failed me.
Install:Free
2. LastPass
Password management is something people ignore. Since passwords are hard to remember and most third-party password managers charge a hefty monthly subscription fee, not everyone is aboard the strong and different password train. To those users, I suggest LastPass. LastPass offers a very generous free tier that allows you to use the software on two different machines. And if you want to use it on more, you can always use its web app that works everywhere. I have been using LastPass for the past two years to manage my passwords and I never had any problem.
Its apps are installed on my primary MacBook Pro (learn MacBook Pro tips and tricks) and my iPhone. Since it supports browser plugins and iPhone’s automatic password fill feature, I never have to type my password or remember them. All my passwords are secure, long, and use an alpha-numeric combination. If you are still using the same password everywhere or setting weak passwords, try out LastPass. It’s free for personal use and you have no excuses not to use it. Its one of the best free Mac apps that you can get.
Install:Free, $3/user/month
3. Brave
While I love Safari and use it for most of my tasks, it’s not perfect and I have to turn to other browsers from time to time. My biggest problem with Safari is its nescient extension library. Safari is also slow to adopt the latest web technologies. I know Apple does this to keep browsing private and secure, but sometimes it causes hindrance in my work. For a long time, I was using Chrome for this work but I hated two things about it. First, Google Chrome is a resource hog and decreases battery life, causes overheating, and several other problems. Second and more importantly, I don’t like sharing my data with Google more than I already do. It was one of the reasons why I switch from Android to iOS several years back.
The solution is the Brave browser. It’s a browser that is built on the same Chromium engine that Google Chrome uses, so you are getting all the features and extension support. But, since the creators focus on privacy, your data is always secure. It brings an automatic tracking blocker and even blocks most of the annoying ads. Since it blocks the most harmful scripts, you get to enjoy a faster internet. Also, in my testing, it’s far better than Google Chrome at handling resources. While it’s not as good as Safari, that’s a trade-off that I am ready to make. If you are also looking for a good Chrome alternative, you should try using the Brave browser.
Install:Free
4. CopyClip
CopyClip is a Mac utility that stores everything you copy in a clipboard. Copy-and-paste is so integral to our work that we cannot even imagine a time when this feature was not available. Still, Mac’s clipboard is probably the most neglected feature in the macOS. Even after so decades, you still cannot hold more than one entry in your clipboard. Enter, CopyClip. It’s a clipboard manager that saves entries into the clipboard. You can use a simple keyboard shortcut to easily copy any item and paste them anywhere you want. CopyClip not only saves text input but also preserves images and documents. While I use “Paste” for my clipboard management as it offers more features, for a free app, CopyClip works exceptionally well.
Install:Free
5. BBEdit
For a long time, it was hard to recommend a good free text editor on Mac. All the good ones were paid, and the free ones were just not up to the mark. Well, after a long hiatus, BBEdit, one of the most exemplary text editors, is back on the Mac App Store. For the past 20 years, BBEdit has been the text editor to beat and now that it’s back on the App Store with a freemium model, you can use it for free. Only the advanced features of BBEdit are hidden behind a paywall and 90% of regular users will not need those features.
Whether you want to write a long blog post, edit snippets of code, design website or web apps, BBEdit is the text editor to use. The best thing about BBEdit is how fast it works. It opens text files with hundreds of thousands of words in seconds and never falters. In my years of using this app, I have not lost even a single line of text. It has a powerful search that lets you locate and find keywords across files. There’s no free text editor out there that can match its prowess.
Install:Free, $49.99
6. NetNewsWire
The death of Google Reader placed a dark cloud over the future of RSS readers. But, if anything, RSS is showing a sign of resurgence in the past year or so. From the launch of acclaimed RSS reader app Reeder 4 to the rebirth of NetNewsWire, RSS readers are becoming popular again. And if you are looking to create a personal news feed, there’s no better app to do it with than NetNewsWire. Built on-top of free and open source reader named Evergreen, NetNewsWire is an excellent feed reader for Mac.
The app makes it easy to subscribe to RSS feeds and brings excellent search capabilities. It also brings a beautiful design and I adore its dark mode. It also supports online feed syncing services such as Feedbin. I still prefer Reeder 4 as it brings more features, but seeing how NetNewsWire is still young and free to use, I cannot fault it. If you are looking for a free RSS reader, you should try NetNewsWire.
Install:Free
7. DaVinci Resolve
While Macs come with a basic video editor for free (iMovie), anyone who is serious about video editing will have to go for the pro video editing apps. The problem with apps like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro is that they cost a lot. If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, and still want to use a full-fledged video editor, DaVinci Resolve is the best option for you. Even when I am writing this, I cannot believe that such a capable video editor is free to use.
The latest version of the software, DaVinci Resolve 16 combines professional 8K editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production all in one software tool. Color correction tools of DaVinci Resolve are better than most paid video editors including FCP and Premiere Pro. From custom timeline settings to facial recognition to keyframe editing, it brings all features that you require from a professional video editor. It is one of the best free Mac software that you can install. Free Mac apps don’t get better than this.
Install:Free
8. Folx
Folx is a powerful native download manager for Mac that not only works great but also looks cool. It features a true Mac-style interface and supports both direct and torrent downloads. The app also offers extensions for Safari, Chrome, Opera, and Firefox. The extensions help Folx in catching downloads and thus ensure that you are not using the crappy download manager of your browser. Folx can split downloads into multiple threads resulting in faster downloads and also support download pause and restart. The free version of the app is enough for most users. I was using it for years without any complaints. I only bought the paid version to support the developers. The extra features are nice to have but they have not drastically affected by usage.
Install:Free, $19.99
9. NightOwl
macOS Mojave introduced dark mode to our favorite desktop operating system. The dark mode on macOS Mojave is not half-cooked as it is on windows. When you turn on the dark mode on your Mac, not only it turns the system UI but also the stock apps. Not only that, apps that support automatic dark mode also adhere to the same guideline. Once you turn it on, they automatically default to dark mode.
While that's great in most situation, I wish Apple included a way to create a whitelist for apps that are not functional in dark mode. The default Mail app and the Evernote app are a few examples of an app that still work best in light mode. That's where NightOwl comes in. It's a menu bar app that allows you to create a whitelist of apps that you don't want to use in dark mode. Not only that, but it also allows you to quickly switch between dark and light mode with a simple click at its icon. You can read more about the app in our article here. The app is completely free to download and use with a voluntary donation.
Install:NightOwl
10. Unsplash Wallpapers
I want to start this article with an app which I have discovered just a couple of months back and have fallen in love. As its name suggests, Unsplash Wallpapers is a wallpaper app for Mac which gives you access to unlimited ultra-high resolution wallpapers for your Macs. One of the things that I love most about MacBooks is its display. Apple packs phenomenal displays on the Macs. Stop me if it’s just me, but I enjoy changing the wallpapers on a regular basis just because they look so damn beautiful on my Mac’s display.
Before I discovered Unsplash Wallpapers, it used to be a chore to change wallpapers. First, I had to find good wallpapers, then I had to download them, and only then I could use them. With Unsplash Wallpapers app, you can change the wallpaper just with one click. If you like a wallpaper, you can even download it. If you love wallpapers, you are going to love this free Mac app.
Install:Unsplash Wallpapers
11. The Unarchiver
This is one of the first free Mac apps that I download whenever I move on to a new Mac. The app is basically the best unarchiving app you can get for your Mac, free or otherwise. The Unarchiver cannot only unarchive common formats such as Zip, RAR (including v5), 7-zip, Tar, Gzip, and Bzip2, but it can also open formats such as StuffIt, DiskDoubler, LZH, ARJ, ARC, ISO and BIN disc images, Windows.EXE installers and more. Basically, it’s a one-stop solution for all your unarchiving needs.
Install:The Unarchiver
12. Amphetamine
We all know that Macs bring a long battery life and while some of it has to do with Apple’s excellent hardware, most of it is because of how macOS efficiently manages battery. One of the things that macOS does to preserve the battery life on your computer is to put it to sleep whenever you don’t interact with your Mac for a set period of time. While this is really good, sometimes you need to keep your Mac running even if you are not interacting with it. One of the examples that come to mind is when you are downloading a large file. If your Mac falls asleep during the download, it will stop it, and depending on the software that you are using to download the file, you might have to restart the download from the beginning.
Amphetamine solves this problem by allowing users to keep their Macs awake even when they are not doing anything. The app is powerful and allows users to keep their Macs awake for how much ever long they want. Not only that, users can also set triggers to keep their Macs awake. For example, you can tell Amphetamine to not put your Mac to sleep whenever a certain app is running. Lastly, it allows you to easily access all these features as it lives right there in your Mac’s menu bar. It’s one of the most useful apps for Macs and I love it.
Install:Amphetamine
13. GIPHY Capture
Gifs are all the rage today. More and more users are creating and sharing their own gifs. And if you want to be one of them then this is the tool you need. GIPHY Capture is an app that lets you capture and create gifs. Once you launch the app it will create a translucent green window with a capture button at the bottom. All you need to do is to drop the window on top of the video you want to capture and click on the capture button. Once you are done with the recording, click on the record button again to stop the recording. It is probably the easiest way to create gifs on your Mac.
Install:GIPHY Capture
14. Spectacle
Spectacle is one of the apps that I install instantly on a new Mac. Macs are good at many things but one thing that still eludes it is a good window management feature. Apple has not solved the window management problem in the latest macOS Catalina so I guess, we have to wait for one more year. In fact, the window management problem has become even worse in macOS Catalina in my opinion. If you are also fed up of Apple's native approach towards window management, you should Install Spectacle.
This is a simple menu bar app that allows you to easily resize and place windows with keyboard commands. I can easily set a window to either half of the display both vertically and horizontally, make it go full screen, snap it to the center, and more. Once you install this app, your window management workflow will become ten times faster.
Install:Spectacle
15. ImageOptim
ImageOptim is one of the most used free Mac apps on my MacBook Pro. In my line of work, I have to attach a ton of screenshots (like in this article). And before I upload any picture on my website, I pass it through ImageOptim. The app deletes all the unnecessary metadata such as GPS position and camera's serial number and compresses the image. This allows me to upload the image on the web without any privacy hazards and ensures that the file sizes are low.
The app is pretty easy to use. You just drag and drop images into its window and then click on the button at the bottom-right corner. If you share a ton of images on the web (whether on your blog or social media websites like Twitter and Facebook), it will be good for you to pass it through ImageOptim first. I have used paid image compression apps but nothing has been as good and as easy to use as ImageOptim.
Install:ImageOptim
16. Alfred 4
Alfred is an all-purpose tool for your Mac which can boost your productivity ten folds if you learn how to use it. Of course, there’s a learning curve to this app, but if you invest in it, it will pay you back. Alfred allows you to quickly launch apps, use text expansion snippets, search on the Mac and web, use hotkeys and keywords, and much more. Alfred used to be a paid app, but the developers were kind enough to release the app for free. There are add-on power packs that you can buy, to use cool features like Alfred workflows. But, for most normal users, the free app itself is enough to boost their productivity.
Install:Alfred 4
17. Pocket
Pocket is a popular read it later service which allows you to save articles offline so that you can read them later. I mostly browse for articles on my Mac and whenever I find something that I would want to read, I just save it in Pocket. Pocket has an excellent Safari extension that allows me to save articles and read them later. Since Pocket syncs across devices, all my saved articles are automatically synced to my iPhone where I can read them at my will. Recently, I have also started using Pocket as a research tool. Since Pocket allows me to organize saved articles using tags, I just tag the items I am using for research so that I can find them easily later.
Install:Pocket
18. Spark
Spark is my most favorite free app on Mac. For those who don’t know, Spark is an email client for Mac. I love spark because it intelligently categorizes all the emails that I receive into different categories, giving me access to the most important emails first. It also has a very robust set of features. I can easily snooze, archive, delete, and tag emails. I also love the fact that it allows me easily search for emails using natural language search. I can also search for emails based on attachments, and more. Lastly, Spark also has apps for both iOS and watchOS so no matter which device I am on, I can user Sparks to get through all my emails.
Install:Spark
19. GIMP
GIMP or GNU Image Manipulation Program is an open source photo editor for Mac which packs so many features that you won’t be able to discover all of them in your lifetime. It is basically Photoshop but free. You can use GIMP to perform any kind of image manipulation that you can think of. That said, since it packs so many features, GIMP also has a pretty steep learning curve. Also, being a free an open-source project, its user interface is not very intuitive and feels archaic. That’s why I recommend GIMP only to those users who need a robust photo editing software but cannot afford to buy one.
Install:GIMP
20. DarkTable
As per the description of the app on its website, 'DarkTable is an open source photography workflow application and raw developer. A virtual light-table and darkroom for photographers. It manages your digital negatives in a database, lets you view them through a zoomable light-table, and enables you to develop raw images and enhance them'.
Basically, it is super powerful photo editing app for Mac that allows you to use pro-level photo editing features for free. You are required to learn the app as it has a steep learning curve but once you get used to it, you won't go back to even the best-paid photo editing apps on the market. This one is definitely one of the free Mac apps that you can download in 2019.
Install:DarkTable
21. Simplenote
Simplenote is one of the best designed free Mac apps you can find. As its name suggests, Simplenote is an easy note taking app which allows you to easily jot down notes. What I love about this app is that even though it is completely free, your notes are synced across devices. Apart from its online sync features, I am also a fan of its clean user interface. Simplenote is also a really good app for someone who is looking for a clean app to write long-form content. You can use tags to organize notes easily and search for them using either their title, content, or tags. I have been using this app for quite a few years and I still don’t understand how it’s free. If you love writing, you will love Simplenote.
Install:Simplenote
22. Itsycal
Itsycal is an open source small menu bar calendar application for Mac. If you like Fantastical 2 for Mac, but hate that it’s priced so high, Itsycal is for you. Although Itsycal is nowhere as powerful as Fantastical 2, it brings all the basic features that you would want from a menu bar based calendar app. It shows you month view of your calendar, your upcoming events, and also allows you to create or delete events. I also love the fact that I can configure Itsycal to show not only the date but also the month and the day in the menu bar icon itself. It’s a good menu bar application and a must have for anyone who schedules everything on their calendar.
Install:Itsycal
23. Audacity
Audacity is one of those free Mac apps that is even better than most of the paid apps out there. For those who don’t know, Audacity is an audio editor app for your Mac (available for Windows PC too). If you are someone who deals with a ton of audio, you must have already heard about this software. If you have not, you probably don’t need it. Still, it’s such a good app that I couldn’t keep it away from the list. Just remember that if you ever need to edit an audio file to make it better, Audacity is the tool to do it.
Install:Audacity
24. Lightworks
Lightworks is a full-fledged video editing app which gives you access to all the tools that you will need to get your video editing on. To be fair, Lightworks also sell a Pro version of the app, however, the free version is powerful enough to handle most of the tasks. Whether you are a budding YouTuber or someone who just want to give an edge to their homemade videos, Lightworks is the right tool for you. What I love most about this app is that the website gives you ample tutorial videos to get you started. If by any chance you were looking for a free video editing software, look no further and download Lightworks.
Install:Lightworks
25. HiddenMe
HiddenMe is a small menu bar app which comes in very handy at times when you want to show a clean desktop without having to organize your stuff. The app lives in your menu bar and allows you to do one thing and one thing only, and that’s hiding everything on your desktop. With a click of the button, everything that’s on your desktop is hidden, giving you access to a clean desktop. I constantly use this app whenever I am giving a presentation or taking screenshots of my desktop for an article. This small application has saved me from embarrassing myself a number of times and it can do that for you too.
Install:HiddenMe
26. AppCleaner
Do you know that whenever you delete an app on your Mac, it leaves behind a ton of residual files which does nothing but eating up storage on your Mac? Well, it’s true and if you install and uninstall a ton of apps, you might have lost gigabytes of storage already. While there’s another app on this list which (Onyx) which can help you recover that storage, AppCleaner is an app which makes sure that the apps you delete don’t leave any residual files. Just launch the app and drag and drop the apps that you want to uninstall and it will take care of the rest. It is a must-have utility tool for any Mac user who wants to keep their Mac clean.
Install:AppCleaner
27. LiteIcon
LiteIcon is the app from the same developers who made the AppCleaner. It is a simple app which allows you to change your system icons quickly and easily. Simply drag an icon onto the one you want to change, and click the Apply Changes button. That's all you need to do. If you want your older icon back, just drag out the new icon. If you like to customize how your icons look on Mac, try out LiteIcon.
Install:LiteIcon
28. GrandPerspective
I have written about GrandPerspective a couple of times on this website and you might be familiar with it by now. For those who are new to our website, it’s an app which allows you to visualize storage on your Mac. Using GrandPerspective you can easily find out which files are using how much storage and find and delete the files which are not necessary. GrandPerspective is a very nice app for anyone who doesn’t have any idea as to where all his/her Mac’s storage went.
Install:GrandPerspective
29. Manuscript
Manuscript is a free Mac writing app for students which makes writing school assignments including dissertation easier. Manuscript is a powerful writing app which allows students to complete their assignments right from the planning stage to completing it. It lets students easily insert citations, figures, tables, mathematical equations, and more. The app also allows for importation of citations from various tools including Mendeley, Zotero, Papers 3, Bookends, and EndNote. If you are a student who is looking for a good writing app, you don’t have to look any farther than Manuscript.
Install:Manuscript
30. IINA
IINA is an open-source video player for your Mac which offers one of the best amalgamations of features and user interface. The app looks extremely beautiful and supports all the modern features including force touch, picture-in-picture, and even offers Touch-bar controls for the latest MacBook Pros. IINA also supports almost all the video formats that you can think of, including the ability to play even GIFs. The app also comes with theming capabilities allowing you to use either light or dark themes. I have discovered this app just a few weeks back and I am already in love with it. If you consume a ton of media on your MacBook Pro, this is the right app for you.
Install:IINA
31. OnyX
OnyX is your one-stop solution for all your Mac’s maintenance needs. In fact, I cannot describe the app better and more succinctly than what’s written on its website. OnyX is a multifunction utility that you can use to verify the structure of the system files, to run miscellaneous maintenance and cleaning tasks, to configure parameters in the Finder, Dock, Safari, and some of Apple's applications, to delete caches, to remove certain problematic folders and files, to rebuild various databases and indexes, and more. However, do remember that it is an advanced tool and hence before you do anything, make sure that you get familiar with the app as you don’t want to delete files which can corrupt your entire system.
Install:Onyx
32. SpotMenu
The last app on our list the SpotMenu app which is a nifty little menu bar application. The app basically allows you to control your iTunes and Spotify music player from the menu bar giving you access to controls such as play, pause, forward, and rewind. It’s a pretty basic application, however, it does come in handy. One thing that I like about the app is that it shows the name of the song that is currently playing right on your Mac’s menu bar. When you click on the icon, the drop-down window which harbors all the features also showcase the album art of the song that you are playing.
Install:SpotMenu
33. White Noise Lite
White Noise Lite is an app that helps you sleep better. If you are a light sleeper who wakes up multiple times in the night without any apparent reason then this app can help you sleep better. It brings fifty different HD quality ambient environment noises to help you sleep. The app brings a beautiful cover flow design which lets you easily swipe between cards to select different tasks. Although the app markets itself as a sleep enhancer, I mostly use to provide background music when I am working as it helps me concentrate. You should download this app right now and see if it helps you sleep better or work better. Whatever the result, you will be better off with this one in your arsenal.
Install:White Noise Lite
34. Shazam
Shazam is an app that needs no introduction. The app helps you discover songs by identifying whatever song is playing in the background. I personally use Shazam more as a tool to keep the list of songs that I have discovered. Suppose I am listening to a song and YouTube and want to save it. I just click on the menu bar icon of Shazam and it identifies the song and saves it on the list. I don't have to write it down anywhere. Later I can see the list and add to my Apple Music Playlist at my convenience. Shazam is a great app for discovering and keeping track of music that you like.
Install:Shazam
35. Muzzy
You know how when you accidentally yank headphones out of your iPhone, the music suddenly stops, well, Muzzy brings that functionality to your Mac. The app also does a lot of other things like allowing users to play, pause, and change the music from its menu bar app, integrates with Last.fm, shows songs lyrics, and more. However, I don’t care for any other features and I just use this app to stop music whenever I accidentally yank my headphones out. Sadly, the app only works if you are playing music through iTunes.
Install:Muzzy
Best Free macOS Apps: Final Thoughts
I hope that you found some apps which are useful to you. Do let me know which of these were your favorite and which ones you discovered. Also, if you know free apps that deserve to be on the list but aren’t, drop their names in the comments section. That’s all I have for this article. If you liked this article, share this on your social media profiles because we need your help to get the word out. As always, drop your opinions and suggestions in the comments section down below. We love to hear from our readers and your comments are always welcome.
As much as you would like to believe that the MacBook Pro/Air alone is the best machines for professionals, you have to accept that it comes with some hardware compromises. An obvious thing that comes to mind is the lack of ports that seriously limit the usage of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, and makes them less of a professional machine than they have the potential to be. In this article, we are going to discuss those accessories which not only allow you to overcome the hardware shortcomings of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air but even enhances the capabilities to let you do more. Here are the 23 best MacBook Pro and the new MacBook Air 2020 Accessories you can buy to use it like a professional and become more productive.
Best MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 2020 Accessories
1. Aluminium Thunderbolt 3 Hub Adapter
The biggest problem with the MacBook Pro and the new MacBook Air is because of Apple’s new obsession to make everything slimmer and slimmer. While a slim laptop is good for portability, the slimness comes at a huge cost. With the new MacBook Pros and MacBook Air Apple has mercilessly killed all the ports in favor of universal USB-C ports. While I do agree that USB-C is the future, we still need the regular ports to connect our SD Cards, our pen drives, and even our iPhones.
That’s where Satechi ’s USB-C hub adapter comes into play. While Apple makes their own USB-C hubs, they are ugly and cost a fortune. On the contrary, the hub from Satechi looks sleek with its aluminum finish that compliments the new MacBook Pros and MacBook Air . It also adds a ton of ports including 1 USB-Cs, 2 USB-As, an HDMI port, a micro SD card port, and full size SD card port. It is available in silver, rose gold, and space grey colors, so you can match it with your laptop.
Another good option is the Purgo USB C Hub Adapter ($47.99).which brings two USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports, and an HDMI port . The good thing about this hub is that it sits flush with the laptop’s body . It is available in space grey and silver color options. You can also take a look at the CharJenPro USB-C Hub ($44.99)which brings 3 USB-A ports along with an HDMI port and a single USB-C port.
If you are someone who uses ethernet connection for internet, you can check out the Totu USB-C Hub ($49.99) which brings an ethernet port along with 4 USB-A port (2✖️USB 3.0 and 2✖️USB 2.0), a USB-C port, an HDMI port, a VGA port, a micro SD card and a full size SD card port. Needless to say it is bigger in size than other USB-C hubs mentioned here. So, figure out your ports needs and choose anyone of them.
Buy Satechi Hub From Amazon: ($69.99)
2. Leonis MagSafe Magnetic Charger Adapter
Along with killing all the ports on the newer MacBook Pros and the MacBook Air, Apple also decided to kill the consumer favorite MagSafe charging port which might have saved thousands of MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs from being shattered into pieces. If you are one of the disgruntled consumers who hated the killing of the MagSafe charging port, there is a way you can bring it back.
Leonis MagSafe magnetic charger adapter does that by breaking the charging cable into two parts. One with the USB-C goes directly inside your MacBook Pro and remains there, while its other end supports the same MagSafe technology which pulls off the charging cable if you trip on it.
Buy From Amazon: ($19.99)
3. Tomtoc 360° Protective Laptop Sleeve for MacBook Pro
Next on our list is a protective sleeve for you costly MacBook Pro. We all know that Apple doesn’t give you an accidental warranty, even if you are ready to pay for it. That’s why a good protective sleeve is needed to keep your MacBook Pro safe. While there are a lot of sleeves for MacBook Pro on Amazon, my favorite is the one from Tomtoc. The sleeve is thick and has enough cushion in inside that it will easily protect your MacBook Pro in case you drop it. The sleeve also comes with strengthened corners which provide extra protection. To top it all of, the sleeve is also spill resistant.
Buy From Amazon: ($21.99)
4. MOSISO Water Repellent Laptop Sleeve for MacBook Air
If you are looking for a protective sleeve for your brand new MacBook Air, this water repellent laptop sleeve is great. Not only it will snuggly fit your new MacBook Air and keep it safe, but it will hold your iPad and iPhone too. You will also be able to easily carry the various dongles that you will need to buy if you want to take the full advantage of those USB-C ports on the MacBook Air. Despite being fairly cheap, the sleeve is quite well-built and offers a three layer design.
The outermost layer is made with spilled resistant polyester material which can easily repel a splash of water while the middle layer is a shock-proof sponge which is great for absorbing shocks if in case you drop it. Finally, there’s a soft internal foam coating which not only improves drop protection but also ensures that the MacBook Air doesn’t get scratches of scuffs.
Buy From Amazon:$13.99
5. Picaso Lab Cover
Not every accessory has to be just useful, some accessories can be bought just for the looks. I love the Picaso Lab Cover for the same reason. While it’s a cover that can protect your MacBook Air or Pro, I bought it for its design. I have mentioned cases and sleeves on this list that can better protect your MacBook Air or Pro for a fraction of its price. But the Picaso Lab Cover just looks so cool.
The black leather sleeve with Red stitching stands out and looks beautiful. I mean just look at the photos and decide for yourself if you want it or not. I also suggest that you visit Picaso Lab’s website. There you can find other products and color options. I have added the Amazon link below as the product is cheaper on Amazon.
Buy from Amazon:$75.00
6. Mophie USB-C XXL BLK Powerstation
While I have hated on Apple for removing all the ports and killing the MagSafe charging technology, the inclusion of USB-C does come with a lot of advantages. One of those advantages is that USB-C allows your laptop to be charged with an external power bank, allowing you to extend the battery life of your MacBook Pro beyond its capacity.
While there are a lot of external battery packs which can let you do that, the one that I trust is from Mophie. The Mophie USB-C XXL BLK Powerstation has a capacity of 22,000 mAh and gives your MacBook Pro and MacBook Air an additional 12-16 hours of battery life.
This is a must-have companion if you travel a lot and need to keep your MacBook juiced up without having to find a wall plug. But it’s not just hours that it packs but it’s the way it delivers the powers that I recommend this product over others. The Mophie Powerstation delivers power with 30W fast charge allowing you to charge your MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with the same speed as you would with a wall adapter and power source.
Not only that, it also has a 100 watt AC Port that you can use to charge even the new 16-inch MacBook Pro while working at full steam. If you want to add an additional 12-16 hours of battery life to your Mac, this is the power adapter to get. If you are looking for something cheaper, you can also check the Anker PowerCore+ which brigs 60W power delivery with a battery capacity of 26,800 mAh. And it only costs $129.99.
Buy From Amazon: ($199.95)
7. Logitech MX Anywhere 2S
While the MacBooks are known for their best in class trackpads, if you are working for long hours on your machine, using a mouse will greatly increase your productivity. I know there are be skeptics out there but trust me on this, you can be way more productive with a mouse than just your MacBook’s trackpad. While Apple makes its own Magic mouse, I prefer Logitech MX Anywhere 2S over it for a simple enough reason which is that it’s a better product. The MX Anywhere 2S is the perfect combination of price and performance. The mouse can track on any surface and has a battery life of over 50 days (on a single charge).
But that’s not all, it’s not just the hardware that you are paying for with MX Anywhere 2S, it’s the software that comes with it. The mouse has customizable buttons which can be mapped to any function depending on the app you are using. For example, you can use the buttons to go back and forward a page while you are browsing on Safari or you can map them to perform copy and paste functions when you are in a writing app like Ulysses. I understand that the MX Anywhere 2S is a costly mouse, but the price is certainly justified when you consider all the functions that the mouse brings. That said, if you are looking for a cheap Bluetooth mouse, Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 is the one I would recommend.
Buy From Amazon: ($63.99)
8. Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard
If you use your laptop on a stand, a good keyboard is a must-have accessory. You can go for the tried and tested Apple Magic Keyboard ($94). After all, it offers a good typing experience and lasts for years and years. But not everyone can justify the high price of Apple’s keyboard, especially, when there are cheaper and better options out there. My favorite is the Logitech K780 multi-device wireless keyboard.
Not only it offers better key-travel and superior typing experience, it’s the ability to quickly switch between devices is unmatched. You just hit the dedicated connection button on the keyboard and you can switch from your Mac to your iPad to your iPhone. The keyboard also has a stand that lets you prop up your phone, allowing you to type on your iPhone handsfree. If you have not heard of this keyboard before, you should check it out.
Buy from Amazon:$56.99
9. Mouse Pads
I love the trackpad MacBook Pros especially since Apple moved to a forced touch trackpad which allows me to click anywhere on the surface. That said, when I am working on my desk and have the MacBook Pro attached to an external display, I mostly use an external keyboard and mouse. Now, whether you are using a Magic Mouse or a third-party mouse, one thing that you need is a mouse pad. You can use your mouse without it but you won’t have the same consistency that you will get when using a mouse pad.
Talking about the mousepads, there are a few that I would like to suggest. If you are looking for a cheap yet durable mousepad, check out the AmazonBasics mousepad. It is made with a high-quality cloth surface that promotes smooth mouse gliding and enhanced precision. It also has a rubberized base to keep the mousepad secure on the table. Another good mousepad is from Elago which matches the looks Magic Trackpad and goes well with any Apple setup. I also love the Aukey mouse pad which features a soft cloth surface at the top and a rubber base at the bottom. It’s also very large giving you ample space to drag your mouse anywhere you want. It’s easy to carry and is also water resistant which makes it easy to clean.
Buy from Amazon: AmazonBasics Mouse Pad ($11.99) / Elago Mouse Pad ($29.99) / Aukey Mouse Pad ($19.99)
10. Sandisk Ultra 64GB Dual Drive USB Type-C
While Apple has taken the route of USB-C, it’s a fact that most of the other computers including the older MacBook Pros still come with traditional USB-A ports. Now, if you need to transfer files back and forth between the two computers or share your files with your co-workers, the Sandisk Ultra 64GB Dual Drive will certainly come in real handy.
The pen drive has both the USB-C and USB-A connectors allowing you to easily transfer files between devices without any problem. I am mentioning the 64GB version here because for me that’s the optimum storage that you need in a pen drive but Sandisk also provides this pen drive in 16, 32, 128, and 256GB option, so you can choose the storage depending on your requirement.
Buy From Amazon: ($13.99)
11. Samsung T5 SSDs
I love that Apple includes fast SSDs in their Macs. The faster SSD not only helps in faster file transfer speeds but also ensures faster app launches. But, one problem with Apple is that it charges a premium for any storage upgrade so most people end up buying either 128GB or 256GB storage options. But sooner or later, they realize that the storage is not enough and they find themselves looking for an external storage option. That’s where Samsung T5 SSDs come into play. Not only they are a way to increase your Mac’s storage but they also bring exceptional read and write speed that can match the speeds of native SSDs in your Mac.
When you are using a Samsung T5 SSD, you won’t feel that you are using an external hard-drive that’s how fast they are. The SSDs are also very compact and very easy to carry around. They also come with the USB-C connection so they are a perfect storage companion for your Mac. If you want options, you can also check out the Seagate’s Fast 500GB SSD ($84.99) and the SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable External SSD ($89.99).
One problem with external storage devices is that they are easy to lose and if someone gets access to them, they get access to all your data. If you don’t want that to happen, I suggest you check out the Samsung T7 SSDs. The T7 comes with a built-in fingerprint reader. That means, no-one other than you can access the data even if they get hold of the SSD. It is costly but for people who save sensitive data, it’s the perfect option.
Buy From Amazon: Samsung T5 ($89.99) / Samsung T7 ($119.99 for 500GB)
12. Seagate Hard Drive
While SSDs are getting cheaper every year, hard drives are still way cheaper. I own several hard-drives and use them to manage my offline media library. Not only modern hard drives are faster but they also last longer. And since they are cheaper, they are perfect for your long-term storage needs. For example, I own a 1 TB solid-state drive or SSD for storing the projects that I am currently working on. All the completed projects and media files are stored on Hard Drive.
Since I don’t use these hard drives every day, I am not incurring any speed punishment. When it comes to hard drives, I prefer Seagate hard drives. They are compact, genuinely priced, and I have never had a bad experience with them. You should check out the Seagate STGX2000400 for your long-term storage needs.
Buy from Amazon:$57.49 for 2TB
13. Anker Card Reader
For photographers, the death of the card reader on the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models is a big problem. Well, if you are in the same boat, you should buy this 2-in-1 card reader from Anker. It lets you connect both full-size and microSD cards to your MacBook Pro and Air using the USB-C Port.
The reader is ultra-compact and can easily fit in your coin pocket. It offers universal compatibility, which means it will work even with new iPad Pros that have the USB-C port. It also comes with an 18-month warranty. You can buy it without any hesitation.
Buy from Amazon:$12.99
14. Twelve South BookArc for MacBook Pro and Air
If you use an external monitor with your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, you are going to enjoy using this stand. The BookArc stand from Twelve South features a minimal low-profile design. It’s made of aluminum and matches the fit and finish of Apple’s MacBook. The aluminum construction not only makes it sturdy but also adds a nice look. The best part is that the stand takes very little space and one can use it even on the smallest of tables. This is one of the best stands for people who use their Macs in closed-position with external displays.
Buy from Amazon:$59.95
15. Nulaxy Laptop Stand
If you are looking for a stand that elevates that MacBook and lets you work in both sitting and standing positions, check out the Nulaxy Laptop Stand. The stand can raise your laptop screen height flexibly from 2.1' to 13.8', which ensures you a comfortable position no matter sitting down or standing up. You can adjust both the height and tilt of the stand and get the best viewing angles.
The stand is sturdy and can handle laptops up-to 17-inches and supports up to 10kgs (22 lbs) weight on top. The weight headroom is enough to give anyone peace of mind and the size variance allows you to use both 13-inch and 16-inch laptops without any problem. You can even use an iPad or iPad Pro with this stand. This is one of the best ergonomic stands you can buy for your MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Buy from Amazon:$78.99
16. Lenovo L27M-28 Monitor
People who are looking for a good USB-C monitor for their MacBook Pro and MacBook Air should buy the Lenovo L27M-28 monitor. Yes, you can get comparable monitors at cheaper prices if you are ready to deal with dongles, the simplicity of using a single USB-C cable to both power the laptop and send the display signal is wonderful. The monitor itself brings a crisp 27-inch display and offers excellent viewing angles. I adore the slim bezels on this monitor. It gives a vibe of spaciousness that is not constraint by borders. The monitor also offers extra ports that you can use to charge peripherals and connect storage devices. It’s an awesome monitor through and through.
If you work in the field of graphics design or you are a photographer or a video editor and require a monitor with excellent color reproduction, you should buy the ViewSonic VP2771 professional monitor. It brings a 2K WQHD (2560x1440p) panel with a smooth palette of 4.39 trillion colors to deliver precise, lifelike images. It supports 100% sRGB Rec709 along with 14-bit 3D LUT color calibration. While costly, this is perfect for professionals who want accurate colors.
Buy from Amazon: Lenovo L27M-28 Monitor ($189.99) / ViewSonic VP2771 ($399.99)
17. Apple AirPods Pro
Apple AirPods Pro is perfect work and travel headphones. The active noise cancellation ensures that you are not disturbed while working. And the transparency feature is great for keeping an ear out for a sound when you are listening to music while working. I agree that they don’t offer the best sound quality for the price, but I am not an audiophile so it doesn’t matter much to me. If you want the best sound experience, you should buy the Sony WH1000XM4 wireless headphones ($349). These are over the ear headphones with exceptional battery life (30 hours) and incredible sound quality.
If you are looking for something chic and affordable, I suggest the Surface headphones 2 ($249). They offer a beautiful design, metal construction, and an ingenious rotating cup control for volume and noise cancellation. Whichever one you choose to buy, you will be satisfied with your purchase.
Top Macbook Air Apps
Buy from Amazon:$249
18. Apple Lightning to USB-C Cable
If you own both an iPhone and a Mac, this one is a no-brainer. Carrying a USB-C to lightning cable allows you to connect your iPhone to your MacBook Pro / MacBook Air without needing any dongles or docks. If you own any of the latest generation of iPhones, the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and the iPhone X, you get an added advantage of carrying one less charging brick. Yes, you can use your MacBook Pro’s charger to charge your iPhone.
However, do remember to use the MacBook Pro’s adapter to charge only the latest generation of iPhones as these are the only ones which support fast charging. Apple should include this cable in your iPhone box but it doesn’t so you will have to buy it separately. if you are looking for cheaper options, you should consider the Mangotek USB-C to lightning cable ($12.99) which not only costs less but also comes in pack of two.
Buy From Amazon: ($18.99)
19. Ten One Design Blockhead Side-Facing Plug for Apple Adapters
Although Apple is renowned for its design, once in a while the company does mess up. Whether it was the Apple’s battery pack or the charging port in its Magic Mouse or the new MacBook Pro chargers, they all show a lack of foresight. Now, I am not here to berate Apple for its design choices, but I am a consumer who hates plugging his MacBook Pro charger in a wall plug as it sticks out like a sore thumb, and is also a potential break hazard. That’s why I bought Blockhead’s side-facing plug for MacBook Pro’s adapter. If a picture speaks a thousand words, the picture below neatly showcases why its necessary to buy this accessory.
Buy From Amazon: ($24.95)
20. Whoosh Screen Cleaner
Best Macbook Air Applications
I can tell you from personal experience of using the new MacBook Pro is that it’s screen will get dirty pretty quickly. Both the new MacBook Pros and the MacBook Air are so thin that the display is practically touching the keyboard. In fact, my personal MacBook Pro’s display has acquired individual key-shape markings which can be seen when the device is sleeping. If you don’t want to happen with your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, you should make it a habit to clean it at least bi-weekly.
To help you clean your MacBook’s screen without causing any external damage to it, I will suggest that you buy the Whoosh screen cleaner which is a non-toxic screen cleaner spray that cleans and polishes. The liquid is completely odorless and is free of alcohol and ammonia. While you are cleaning your screen, make sure to use a clean micro-fibre cloth so you don’t scratch the display in the process. While Whoosh packs in a single micro-fibre cloth, I suggest that you buy a bundle from Amazon ($10.98 for pack of 12).
Buy From Amazon: $9.99
21. HardShell Case
I used to think that cases are only meant to protect smartphones until I dropped my MacBook Pro broke it and lost one month and $600 on repairs. Both the new MacBook Pros and MacBook Air have ditched the MagSafe port and rely only on USB-C, the danger of you or someone else tripping on its wire and dropping the machine has increased exponentially. While the sleeves mentioned on this list will protect your MacBook Pro when traveling, they are useless once you are using your Mac. If you want to protect your Mac and don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on repairs, you better buy a hardshell case for it.
While there are a ton of options on the market, my vote goes to the ProCase case which brings a premium hard-shell exterior cover. The case will easily protect your Mac in case of drops and falls. The case also comes with a keyboard skin cover which will prevent dust from getting inside. It is available in multiple designs and color choices allowing you to style your MacBook Pro while protecting it. If you are looking for see-through protective cases, this is the one to get. If you want to add some design elements to the cases, check the Mosiso cases.
For the newer MacBook Air, might I suggest the frosty clear cases from i-Balson? It is a hard shell case with a mat finish which prevents scratches, scuffs, and fingerprints while providing ample drop protection to your device. You can also check out the cases from iBenzer which are made of sturdy lightweight plastic, soft to touch and yet hard enough to provide impact protection.
Buy from Amazon: ProCase Hard Shell Case for MacBook Pro ($14.99) / i-Balson Clear Case for MacBook Air ($19.99) / iBenzer Case for MacBook Air ($16.99)
22. Inateck Felt Storage Pouch Bag Case
When you are carrying MacBook in a bag, finding a safe place for accessories like the charging brick and wire can be hard. You don’t want to spend minutes searching through your back to find that small dongle when you need it. That’s why I carry all the accessories in a simple pouch. And if you are wasting time looking for stuff in your bag, I suggest that you buy this felt storage pouch from Inateck. You can use it to carry charging brick, cables, card-readers, dongles, and more. It’s so cheap that you can buy multiple pouches and pack all the accessories neatly.
Buy from Amazon:$6.99
23. UPPERCASE GhostCover
I abhor the keyboard protective skins but Apple has made me use one for the last couple of months especially when I am traveling. The new butterfly mechanism is no good even after three years of its introduction as it breaks down consistently thanks to dust and other particles which make their way beneath the keys. I have already had my keyboard replaced twice and while it didn’t cost me anything in terms of money, it did cost me valuable time that my MacBook Pro spent in the repair shop. Since the new MacBook Air also come with a butterfly keyboard, it will be best if you use a keyboard cover to prevent a visit to your local Apple Store.
I don’t want to start a rant here but the keyboard issues combined with the new stage light display issues on the new MacBook Pros have made it clear that MacBooks are no longer the indestructible machines that used to last for years without needing a repair. You now have to take extra care if you want them to last for three to four years and even when you do, you should buy extended Apple Care. Trust me, I have learned it the hard way.
Buy from Amazon: ($12.95)
Note: Apple has finally killed the butterfly keyboards from all its models. So, if you are buying a 2020 MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, you don’t need this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best protection for MacBook Air?
If you are looking for budget options, then the hardshell covers by ProCase and Mosio that I have mentioned in this article are good enough. But if you are looking for a heavy-duty protective case, then this hard shell dual-layer case is the best you can buy.
Q. What are the best MacBook Pro accessories?
We have mentioned several fine MacBook Pro accessories in this article. What’s best for you depends on your needs. If you want a general recommendation, then I would suggest that a thunderbolt-3 dock along with a USB-C external storage device are a must to get extra ports. Other than that, you should buy a protective case, a good stand, a pair of keyboard and mouse, and a power bank. These should cover you for most scenarios.
Q. What do I need for my MacBook Pro?
As I said, a good thunderbolt-3 dock along with a USB-C external storage device are must-have accessories for any MacBook Pro owner. Other than that, check out our list and choose the accessories that you like.
Q. Is the cheapest MacBook Pro worth it?
Yes, I think the cheapest MacBook Pro is worth it. I have been using one for the past four years, without any problems. That said if you can spend more, upgrade to the 16GB RAM version. Extra memory always helps to keep your Mac snappy.
Top MacBook Pro and MacBook Air Accessories
I hope that these accessories can help you get the most out of your Mac. That’s all I have for this article. If you liked this article, share this on your social media profiles because we need your help to get the word out. As always, drop your opinions and suggestions in the comments section down below. We love to hear from our readers and your comments are always welcome. Finally, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter to receive notifications for every new article.
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