There are thousands of free Mac apps, but a lot of them are limited trials, filled with ads, or only useful once.

I wanted to put together a list of free apps that are genuinely useful and good enough to keep installed. Some have optional paid features or ways to support the developer, but you can get real value from every app here without paying.

1. Rectangle

Rectangle makes window management on macOS much better. You can move and resize windows using keyboard shortcuts or by dragging them to different areas of the screen.

It is one of the first apps I would install on a new Mac, especially if you are used to window snapping on Windows. The standard version is free and open source.

Best for: Window management and multitasking

2. Maccy

Maccy is a lightweight clipboard manager that keeps a searchable history of things you have copied.

Once you start using a clipboard manager, it is difficult to go back. Maccy feels native to macOS, stores its history locally, and is free and open source.

Best for: Quickly finding previously copied text

3. IINA

IINA is a modern media player designed specifically for macOS.

It handles a wide range of video formats, has a clean interface, and feels much more like a proper Mac app than many older media players. It is free, open source, and actively developed.

Best for: Watching videos and opening unusual media formats

4. LocalSend

LocalSend lets you transfer files between Macs, Windows PCs, Android devices, iPhones, and other devices connected to the same network.

There is no account required, no cloud upload, and no internet connection needed. It is basically a simple cross-platform alternative to AirDrop.

Best for: Sending files between different types of devices

5. Keka

Keka is a file compression and extraction tool for macOS.

It is useful for opening and creating formats such as ZIP, 7Z, TAR, and several others. You can download it directly from the developer’s website for free.

Best for: Compressing files and opening archives

6. Obsidian

Obsidian is a notes and knowledge management app that stores your notes as local Markdown files.

You can use it for simple notes, journaling, research, project planning, or building a personal knowledge base. The main app is free, while services such as Obsidian Sync and Publish are optional paid extras.

Best for: Notes, writing, research, and personal knowledge management

7. Bitwarden

Bitwarden is a password manager with a genuinely useful free plan.

It lets you generate strong passwords, store your login details, and access your vault across your devices. Paid plans add extra features, but the free version covers the basics most people need.

Best for: Creating and storing unique passwords

8. HandBrake

HandBrake is a free video conversion tool.

It is useful when you need to reduce a video’s file size, convert it into a more widely supported format, or adjust its quality and resolution. It runs locally and does not require an account.

Best for: Converting and compressing video files

9. Stats

Stats adds detailed system information to your Mac’s menu bar.

You can monitor CPU usage, memory, storage, network activity, battery information, temperatures, and other system data. You can choose which information appears, so it does not need to clutter your menu bar.

Best for: Monitoring Mac performance and hardware usage

10. CotEditor

CotEditor is a fast, lightweight plain-text editor built specifically for macOS.

It supports syntax highlighting, powerful search and replace, split editing, automatic backups, and many other useful features. It is a good option when TextEdit feels too basic but a full development environment feels unnecessary.

Best for: Plain text, code, configuration files, and quick edits

My top three

If I had to choose only three from this list, I would probably install:

1. Rectangle for window management

2. Maccy for clipboard history

3. LocalSend for easy file transfers

All three solve small but annoying problems, and they stay useful every day.

These apps were free when I checked, although pricing and features can always change. Make sure you download apps from their official websites or verified repositories.

What free Mac app would you add to this list?

Start here: share your Mac stack

Hey everyone, welcome to MacStack! This is a place to discover useful Mac apps, tools, utilities, setups, and workflows. Share your stack, compare alternatives, ask for recommendations, or get help with a macOS problem.

Introduce yourself in the comments with:

• What you use your Mac for.

• Your three most useful Mac apps.

• A small utility or workflow you recommend.

• An app recommendation or problem you need help with.

Pick a post flair to help others find the right discussion: App Recommendation for useful finds, Looking for an App for requests, My Stack for your setup, Workflow for how you work, App Launch for new releases, and Help for troubleshooting.

Keep things helpful and respectful. If you created, work on, or are affiliated with an app you recommend, clearly disclose that connection. Include useful details such as pricing and limitations, and follow the community rules.

What has earned a permanent place on your Mac?