If you’ve ever set up a fresh Mac and wondered, “what now?” — you’re not alone. In fact, the Mac App Store and the web are overflowing with software. However, which top free Mac apps will actually make your daily life better?
This guide isn’t just another random list. Here you’ll find the real, tried-and-tested free apps that every Mac user should consider — whether you want to work smarter, stay creative, protect your files, or just make your Mac more fun.
Let’s dive into the best Mac apps for 2025 — all 100% free, all 100% worth your time.
Why You Need Great Free Apps for Mac
A Mac out of the box is powerful — but the right apps unlock its true potential. Free Mac apps can boost your productivity, make everyday tasks easier, and help you discover new creative tools without spending a dime. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone who loves well-designed software, finding the top free Mac apps is the easiest way to get more from your computer.
1. Productivity Powerhouses
Notion
If you want to organize your life, plan projects, or even manage your studies, Notion is hands-down one of the best free Mac apps. It’s a note-taker, to-do manager, wiki, and database — all in one.
- Why it’s one of the top free Mac apps:
Unlimited pages, team features, and a beautiful interface. - Bonus: Works offline and syncs to all your devices.
Alt: Mac troubleshooting Notion — top free Mac app for productivity
Spark Mail
Apple Mail is okay, however, Spark Mail brings email into the modern age with smart sorting, reminders, and team collaboration features. As a result, managing your inbox becomes both easier and more efficient.
- Why we love it:
Powerful, fast, and totally free for personal use.
Alt: Best free Mac apps — Spark Mail modern email client
Rectangle
Miss Windows’ snap-to-side window management? Rectangle gives you full keyboard shortcut control to organize any window instantly.
- Why it’s a best Mac app:
It’s open source, super lightweight, and makes multitasking a breeze.
Alt: Top free Mac apps — Rectangle window manager
Take Control of Your Mac’s Windows with Rectangle
Made for Mac. Built for productivity.
Rectangle is a free and open-source window manager designed specifically for macOS. With Rectangle, you can instantly organize any window using simple keyboard shortcuts, making multitasking fast and effortless.
Whether you’re working, studying, or just browsing, Rectangle helps you get the most out of your Mac’s screen space—without any clutter or confusion.
Key Features:
– Snap windows to edges and corners
– Full keyboard shortcut control
– Lightweight and fast
– 100% free and open source
– Regularly updated by the community
2. Creativity & Media
GIMP
If you need Photoshop-level image editing for free, GIMP is the open-source hero you’re looking for. Not only does it handle photos and graphics effortlessly, but it also supports a variety of basic design projects, making it an incredibly versatile tool for any Mac user.
- Why it’s a top free Mac app:
All major editing tools, plenty of plugins, totally free forever.
Alt: Top free Mac apps — GIMP image editor
Unlock Pro-Level Editing on Mac — Free with GIMP
Professional image editing—completely free.
GIMP is a powerful, open-source image editor trusted by professionals and hobbyists around the world. Designed as a free alternative to Photoshop, GIMP gives you advanced editing tools for photos, graphics, and digital art—all without any cost.
Key Features:
– Full suite of photo editing and graphic design tools
– Layers, masks, filters, and plug-in support
– Customizable interface and keyboard shortcuts
– Open source and regularly updated by a global community
– Works on macOS, Windows, and Linux
Important:
GIMP is not available in the Mac App Store. For the genuine and most up-to-date version, always download directly from the official GIMP website →.
Using the real GIMP ensures your Mac stays safe and you get all the latest features.
DaVinci Resolve
Video editing can be expensive; however, DaVinci Resolve delivers a pro-level suite for free. As a result, it’s perfect for YouTube, creative projects, or even your very first short film.
- Why it’s one of the best Mac apps:
Advanced features, regular updates, huge user community.
Alt: Best Mac apps — DaVinci Resolve free video editor
Professional Video Editing for Free: Meet DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is one of the most powerful and respected video editing suites available on any platform — and the basic version is 100% free for Mac users. Whether you’re creating YouTube videos, short films, or just want to learn video editing, DaVinci Resolve has everything you need: cutting, color grading, audio editing, effects, and more.
Key Features:
– Professional-grade timeline editing
– Advanced color grading and correction tools
– Fusion visual effects and motion graphics
– Fairlight audio post-production
– Regular updates and huge online community
– Free version includes almost all pro features
Where to get it:
DaVinci Resolve is not available in the Mac App Store.
For the latest, safest version, download directly from the official Blackmagic Design website →.
With DaVinci Resolve, you get one of the best free Mac apps for creativity and video production — without spending a dime.
3. Internet & Communication
Brave Browser
Fed up with ads and trackers? Brave Browser is a privacy-first alternative to Chrome and Safari, with built-in ad blocking and a lightning-fast engine.
- Why it’s a top free Mac app:
Fast, secure, and respects your data.
Alt: Top free Mac apps — Brave Browser for privacy
Browse Faster & Safer with Brave Browser
A faster, safer way to browse the web — completely free.
Brave Browser is a privacy-focused, open-source browser for Mac that blocks ads and trackers by default, making your browsing experience faster and more secure. If you want speed, privacy, and Chrome-level compatibility without the clutter, Brave is one of the best free Mac apps you can install in 2025.
Key Features:
– Built-in ad and tracker blocking
– Chromium-based, supports Chrome extensions
– Private browsing and Tor integration
– Earn rewards for viewing privacy-respecting ads (optional)
– Syncs across all your devices
– Fast, lightweight, and open source
Where to get it:
Brave is available for download directly from the official Brave website →.
It’s not in the Mac App Store, so always use the official site to get the latest, safest version.
Brave stands out among the top free Mac apps for anyone who values privacy and performance.
Telegram
For secure, cloud-synced messaging, Telegram is a free favorite. It works across devices, supports big groups and channels, and keeps your data safe.
- Why use it:
Unlimited cloud storage, fast syncing, and end-to-end encryption for private chats.
Alt: Best free Mac apps — Telegram messaging client
4. System Utilities & Optimization
OnyX
Advanced users love OnyX for cleaning, maintenance, and system tweaks — all for free. It’s the best Mac app for anyone who likes to keep their system running like new.
- Why it’s top rated:
Deep cleaning, repair, and customization options with no price tag.
Alt: Top free Mac apps — OnyX optimization tool
Keep Your Mac Clean and Optimized with OnyX
The ultimate free toolkit for Mac cleaning and maintenance.
OnyX is a legendary free utility that lets you clean, optimize, and customize your Mac like a pro. It gives you access to powerful system maintenance tools usually hidden from everyday users — all in one simple, trusted app.
Key Features:
– Deep cleaning of system and user caches
– Maintenance scripts, disk checks, and permissions repair
– Customize Finder, Dock, and system settings
– No ads, no paid version, no bloat — 100% free
– Trusted by Mac experts for over a decade
Where to get it:
OnyX is not available in the Mac App Store.
To get the official, safe version, download it directly from the Titanium Software website →.
OnyX is always on the list of top free Mac apps for power users and anyone who wants a faster, cleaner Mac.
AppCleaner
Uninstalling apps on Mac can leave junk behind. AppCleaner completely removes apps and their hidden files — safely and quickly.
- Why it’s a best Mac app:
Drop an app onto AppCleaner, and it finds all related files.
Alt: Best free Mac apps — AppCleaner app uninstaller
5. Security & Privacy
Bitwarden
Strong passwords are a must. Bitwarden is an open-source password manager with unlimited logins, cloud sync, and browser integration — all for free.
- Why it’s a top free Mac app:
Safe, easy, and works everywhere.
Alt: Top free Mac apps — Bitwarden password manager
Malwarebytes for Mac
Macs are not immune to malware. Malwarebytes gives you free basic scanning and malware removal.
- Why use it:
Lightweight, regular updates, and a solid reputation.
Alt: Best Mac apps — Malwarebytes anti-malware tool
Defend Your Mac Against Threats with Malwarebytes
Stay protected with trusted, free malware removal for Mac.
Malwarebytes for Mac is one of the best free Mac apps for keeping your computer safe from malware, adware, and unwanted programs. Even though macOS has strong built-in security, new threats appear all the time — so it pays to have extra protection. Malwarebytes quickly scans your system, removes malicious software, and helps keep your Mac running smoothly.
Key Features:
– Fast and easy malware scanning
– Removes adware, viruses, and unwanted apps
– Lightweight and simple interface
– Free version available for manual scans
– Regularly updated with the latest threat definitions
Where to get it:
Malwarebytes for Mac is not available in the Mac App Store.
For the latest and safest version, always download directly from the official Malwarebytes website →.
Malwarebytes stands out among the top free Mac apps for anyone who wants extra peace of mind and real protection.
6. Bonus: Fun & Lifestyle
VLC Media Player
Play any video or audio format, no fuss. VLC is legendary for a reason.
- Why it’s a best Mac app:
Handles everything, customizable, and free forever.
Alt: Top free Mac apps — VLC Media Player
Play Anything, Anytime: VLC Media Player for Mac
Play any video or audio file — no limits, no ads, always free.
VLC Media Player is a legendary open-source app for Mac that plays virtually any media file you throw at it. Forget about “unsupported format” messages — VLC handles it all: movies, music, subtitles, streaming, and more. It’s lightweight, ad-free, and regularly updated by a global community.
Key Features:
– Supports all major video and audio formats
– Customizable playback speed and subtitle support
– Streams online radio and video
– No ads, no spyware, and 100% free
– Runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, and even mobile
Where to get it:
VLC Media Player is not available in the Mac App Store.
To get the real, up-to-date version, always download directly from the official VLC website →.
VLC belongs on every “top free Mac apps” list — it’s a must-have for media lovers.
Spotify
Stream music, create playlists, and discover new tracks — all for free with Spotify. The desktop app is slick and light on resources.
Alt: Best free Mac apps — Spotify music player
FAQ: Your Free Mac App Questions, Answered
Conclusion: Upgrade Your Mac Experience — For Free
Improving your Mac doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, with the right collection of top free Mac apps, you can completely transform the way you work, create, and relax every day. Whether you’re searching for more productivity, stronger privacy, creative inspiration, or simply want your Mac to run more smoothly, these best Mac apps for 2025 have you covered.
If you’re looking for a great place to start, check out our guide: Must-Have Mac Apps in 2025: Top Picks for Every User. You’ll find carefully curated recommendations to help you unlock new features and save valuable time, empowering you to enjoy your Mac to the fullest — all without spending a cent.
As you explore, don’t hesitate to try something new; after all, every great Mac setup starts with a bit of curiosity and experimentation. Ultimately, by choosing wisely and downloading from official sources, you’ll ensure both security and performance. So, take the leap, enhance your digital world, and discover just how much your Mac can do — for free.
