Skip to content

Useful Mac apps you may not know about

The macOS platform provides much more than standard pre-installed applications such as Safari, Notes, or Apple Music. Users who dig a bit deeper will discover an impressive variety of lesser-known programs that can streamline daily activities and introduce inventive new features.

Fresh Utilities: Expanding What Your Mac Can Do

Although countless Mac users rely exclusively on built-in apps, a wealth of innovative utilities exists that can greatly enhance the macOS experience. These niche solutions supply targeted features that the default software may lack. Whether it’s enabling gesture-based scrolling via AirPods or maintaining privacy during video meetings, the following curated selection offers powerful improvements — most with free versions or trial periods.

ScrollPods: Scroll Pages Using Head Movements

With ScrollPods, you can navigate through documents, web pages, and more by utilizing your AirPods’ motion sensors — all it takes is tilting your head. After initial setup, tiny tilts move content up or down, and users can fine-tune both gesture sensitivity and custom motion actions. ScrollPods works across any scrollable app and offers an easy installation process.

Slidr: Fast Volume & Brightness Control via Trackpad

Transform your MacBook trackpad into an instant controller for screen brightness and audio, thanks to Slidr. With two dedicated sliders on either side of the trackpad, you can adjust these settings without ever interrupting your workflow. Launching from the menu bar, the app allows users to change slider orientation, tweak gesture responsiveness, and even set up keyboard shortcuts. Try it free before deciding on the $4.99 purchase.

  • Slidr (free trial, then $4.99)

Pipiri: Make Any Window Float Above All Others

For those wanting picture-in-picture everywhere, Pipiri lets you pin any application window above your workspace, enabling constant access to chats, videos, or social feeds while multitasking. Customize your experience with adaptive resizing, hotkeys, and refresh rate adjustments. Pipiri features a free trial and is available for $9.70 after.

  • Pipiri (free trial, then $9.70)

Haptyk: Simulate Mechanical Keyboard Clicks

If you appreciate the tactile sensation of mechanical keyboards, Haptyk brings satisfying keyboard audio to Apple Silicon MacBooks by leveraging accelerometer data from keystrokes. The software lets you pick from 16 sound packs and modify sound aspects like pitch, volume, and gain. You can test it in a free trial; full access costs $8.

  • Haptyk (free trial, then $8)

Stealthy: One-Click Privacy for Calls

When it comes to privacy while sharing your screen or video, Stealthy helps you instantly conceal desktop clutter, hide wallpapers and the dock, hush notifications, and close unnecessary windows. Users can have it activate automatically as meetings start, helping prevent accidental data or background exposure. After a free trial, Stealthy is priced at $12.99.

Gestimer: Simple Timers Using Drag Gestures

For those who want to set reminders effortlessly, Gestimer enables users to drag its menu bar icon, setting the length of a timer by the distance dragged. You’ll see a countdown right on the menu bar, and an alert pops up when the timer completes. Gestimer is available via free trial and costs $6.99 for full use.

Unclack: Suppress Keyboard Noise on Calls

Unclack runs in the menu bar and automatically mutes your microphone whenever typing is detected, ensuring that tap and click sounds are never broadcast in meetings or recordings. You can temporarily pause this action if you need to talk and type. Available to everyone as a free utility.

Discover Even More

This range of tools is a testament to the ingenuity of macOS developers. While the platform’s built-in apps serve everyday needs, unique third-party utilities can solve highly specific problems, making repetitive or clumsy tasks more efficient. For those who want to enhance their productivity or customize their workflow, venturing beyond default applications may reveal a host of fresh and useful solutions.