Congratulations on your new MacBook! One of the best things about owning an Apple device is having access to the incredible App Store. With over 2 million apps to choose from, you can truly customize your MacBook experience.
In this guide, we‘ll share our picks for the 10 most essential apps to download on day one with your new MacBook. These apps span key categories like productivity, creativity, organization, entertainment, and more.
1. Bear – Best Note Taking App
Bear is our top choice for the best note taking app on MacBook. It offers a clean, intuitive interface that makes jotting down notes a breeze.
Key Features:
- Create notes with text, images, lists, voice memos, and more
- Organize notes into searchable notebooks and tags
- Cross-platform syncing between all devices
- Share notes or export as PDFs
- Password protection and encryption upgrades available
As a free download, Bear can‘t be beat for quickly capturing ideas, research, meeting notes, and any other text-based content.
2. CleanShot X – Best Screenshot App
Snapping screenshots is a super helpful way to capture information and share visuals. That‘s why the $29 CleanShot X is a must-have MacBook app.
Key Features:
- Point & click interface for fast screenshot capturing
- Draw, annotate, blur, crop and edit images
- Record screen videos while scrolling websites
- Seamless cloud uploads to share easily
For less than $3 per month, CleanShot X turbo charges your MacBook‘s native screenshot tool with pro editing features.
3. 1Password – Best Password Manager
Cyber security is crucial, and that‘s why we recommend 1Password to store passwords, financial details, and other private data.
Key Features:
- Bank-level AES-256 bit encryption
- Biometric sign-in with Face ID or Touch ID
- Password generator for creating complex, random passwords
- Cross-device sync with iOS app
- $35.88 per year for individuals or $59.88 per year for families
Stay safe while keeping all your passwords conveniently in one place with 1Password. The peace of mind is worth the annual subscription cost.
4. Alfred – Best Time Saving Mac Utility
Alfred super charges your MacBook productivity via handy shortcuts, custom commands, and workflows.
Key Features:
- Fast app launching with custom hotkeys
- Clipboard and snippets manager
- Create extensions to automate tasks
- Find files in system search
- Completely free to download
Alfred is packed with 200+ actions to speed up your workflow. Streamline tedious tasks and boost efficiency with this free MacBook utility app.
5. Radar Live Pro – Best Weather App
Stay up-to-date on the weather in your area with Radar Live Pro. This handy $7.99 Mac weather app provides detailed current conditions and future forecasts.
Key Features:
- View high resolution weather radar maps
- Get severe storm alerts
- In-depth forecast data including humidity, wind, visibility
- Customizable iPad and iPhone app versions available
With severe weather tracking tools, Radar Live Pro helps you prepare for what weather awaits outdoors. Be sure to bundle it with the convenient iOS app versions too.
6. Spotify – Best Music & Entertainment App
For on-demand access to 80+ million songs, Spotify is hands down the best music app for MacBook and all your devices.
Key Features:
- Stream unlimited music and podcasts
- Create and share playlists
- Listen across all devices
- Daily mixes based on your tastes
- Optional $9.99 per month Premium ad-free subscription
From new releases to favorite throwbacks, Spotify makes enjoying music easy on your new MacBook.
7. Any.do – Best Task Manager App
Stay organized and get more done with Any.do. This free task and to-do list manager integrates with your calendar to help plan your days efficiently.
Key Features:
- Create personal and shared task lists
- Due date reminders with Siri integration
- Attach files and notes to task items
- Sync across unlimited devices
- Upgrade to premium for $3.99 per month
Any.do ensures you don‘t forget important to-dos, upcoming deadlines, or daily action items. Upgrade to get premium collaboration features.
8. Tweetbot – Best Twitter Client App
Manage your Twitter feed and connect with what‘s happening with Tweetbot. This handy Mac Twitter app delivers a powerful, customizable experience.
Features:
- Mute annoying keywords or accounts
- Schedule tweets to send later
- Dark mode supported
- See who favorites and retweets posts
- Free with $9.99 Pro upgrade available
If you use Twitter daily, then Tweetbot with its filters and tools will quickly become your go-to app.
9. Netflix – Best Streaming Entertainment
For unlimited on-demand access to movies, TV shows, documentaries, and Netflix originals, this top streaming app is essential for at-home entertainment.
Key Features:
- Thousands of titles across every genre
- Download for offline viewing
- Personalized recommendations
- Profiles for each family member
- Plans from $9.99 per month
Netflix makes binge watching your favorite series or discovering new hits easy on your MacBook.
10. Moneydance – Best Finance App
Finally, download Moneydance to conveniently track spending, create budgets, manage investments, and monitor financial goals.
Key Features:
- Connect bank, credit, investing accounts
- Automated transaction categorization
- Graph cash flow trends over time
- Tax estimate tools
- Free download or $49.99 standalone app
Moneydance delivers robust yet user-friendly money management perfect for your new MacBook.
Find & Evaluate New MacBook Apps
The Mac App Store makes finding amazing apps for your new MacBook easy. But before hitting "Download", consider asking:
- Do I need this app? Evaluate if it solves a problem or fills a specific user need.
- How much does it cost? Compare both free and paid app options.
- What permissions does it require? Make sure app access seems reasonable.
- What do the reviews say? High ratings signal satisfied users.
Once installed, MacBook apps behave likes apps you‘re used to on iPhone or iPad. Launch from the Dock or Finder to start enjoying awesome tools made just for Apple users.
Have fun personalizing your new MacBook with this must-have app list! Enjoy discovering even more amazing apps to streamline work and enhance downtime.
