10 Essential Free Mac Apps in 2025
A new Mac feels fast, clean, and capable right out of the box—but the right apps make it truly shine. The best part? Many of them are completely free. In 2025, you don’t need to spend a cent to boost productivity, stay entertained, and simplify daily tasks. Here are 10 must-have free Mac apps that every Mac owner should download.
1. Raycast – The Modern Spotlight Replacement
Spotlight is fine for quick searches, but Raycast is faster, smarter, and customizable. It’s the productivity launcher Mac users didn’t know they needed.
Why it’s essential:
- Launch apps and search files instantly
- Clipboard history and text snippets built-in
- Extensions for services like Notion, Jira, or calendar apps
2. Obsidian – Notes Without Limits
If Apple Notes feels too simple, Obsidian is a free, local-first note app with superpowers. Everything is stored as plain text markdown files, so your notes are future-proof.
Why it’s essential:
- Perfect for journaling, planning, or research
- Visual graph view connects your ideas
- Works offline, with optional sync upgrades
3. IINA – Play Any Media File
Apple’s QuickTime struggles with some file types. IINA handles virtually anything—movies, audio, or subtitles—while looking perfectly at home on macOS.
Why it’s essential:
- Supports all major video/audio formats
- Trackpad gesture controls
- Minimal, modern design
4. Rectangle – Smarter Window Management
Tired of dragging windows around? Rectangle gives you quick snapping controls with keyboard shortcuts or edge-dragging.
Why it’s essential:
- Split your screen into halves or quarters instantly
- Free alternative to paid apps like Magnet
- Lightweight and runs quietly in the background
5. Amphetamine – Keep Your Mac Awake
Whether you’re downloading big files, presenting, or watching long videos, Amphetamine prevents your Mac from falling asleep.
Why it’s essential:
- One-click toggle from the menu bar
- Create custom rules (keep awake when app X is running)
- More flexible than macOS’s built-in settings
6. VLC Media Player — Plays Nearly Anything
If your Mac refuses a video format, VLC almost certainly won’t. It’s the Swiss Army knife of media players.
Why it’s essential
- Opens virtually any audio/video file
- Subtitle support and playback tweaks
- Lightweight and reliable
7. Spark Mail – A Smarter Inbox
Apple Mail is reliable but plain. Spark Mail makes email smarter with its clean design and productivity features.
Why it’s essential:
- Priority inbox that highlights important messages
- Snooze emails or schedule send times
- Cross-platform sync with iOS and Windows
8. DaVinci Resolve – Pro-Grade Video Editing for Free
Want to make YouTube videos or edit family footage? DaVinci Resolve is a Hollywood-level editor available at no cost.
Why it’s essential:
- Advanced color correction and effects
- Multitrack editing with professional tools
- Free version is more powerful than many paid apps
👉 Download DaVinci Resolve free
9. Spotify – Music Without Limits
Yes, Apple Music exists, but if you’re looking for free streaming, Spotify’s Mac app is hard to beat.
Why it’s essential:
- Huge music and podcast library
- Create and share playlists easily
- Free tier available (ads included)
10. Brave Browser – A Faster, Private Web Experience
Safari is good, Chrome is heavy. Brave hits the sweet spot by blocking ads and trackers automatically, making your browsing faster and more private.
Why it’s essential:
- Privacy-first browsing without extra extensions
- Based on Chromium, so Chrome extensions work
- Rewards system for optional ad viewing
Final Thoughts
From productivity boosters (Raycast, Rectangle) to creative tools (DaVinci Resolve), these free apps make your Mac more capable and enjoyable. Whether you’re managing emails, editing video, or just listening to music, the right software transforms your Mac into a personal powerhouse.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with 2–3 apps from this list, then add more as you find gaps in your workflow.
👉 Ready to level up your Mac? Grab the full list of apps here