Best Utility Apps For Mac

Unlock your Mac’s full potential with the best utility apps. From system optimization to file management, discover essential tools that keep your Mac running fast, smooth, and secure.

best mac apps

All The Best Utility Apps For Mac

  • Hazel

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Automates file organization with rules for folders and files.

    If managing files on your Mac feels like a never-ending chore, Hazel is here to automate the chaos.

    This smart file organization tool watches your folders and automatically sorts, moves, renames, and cleans up files based on rules you create.

    Need to archive downloads, sort documents, or clear out clutter? Hazel does it all—without you lifting a finger.

    It even handles tasks like emptying the trash, organizing media, and running custom scripts.

    For a cleaner, more organized Mac that practically manages itself, Hazel is the ultimate productivity upgrade.


    Details

    Developer:

    Noodlesoft


    Editor’s Note

    A productivity powerhouse for anyone who deals with lots of files.

  • Dropover

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Creates temporary shelves for dragging and dropping files across apps or folders.

    Details

    Developer:

    Dropover Team


    Editor’s Note

    A small app with a big impact. Simplifies multitasking and file organization.

  • DaisyDisk

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Analyzes your Mac’s storage and presents a visual breakdown of disk usage.

    Details

    Developer:

    DaisyDisk Team


    Editor’s Note

    A visually appealing and effective way to manage disk space.

    Running out of storage on your Mac? DaisyDisk is the ultimate tool for reclaiming space and keeping your system clean.

    It gives you a stunning, interactive visual map of your entire drive, making it easy to spot and delete large, unnecessary files that are eating up space.

    No more guessing where your storage went—DaisyDisk lets you drill down into folders and files with a sleek, intuitive interface.

    If you’re serious about keeping your Mac running fast and clutter-free, DaisyDisk is a must-have.

  • Amphetamine

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Prevents your Mac from sleeping, with triggers for specific tasks or conditions.

    If you hate when your Mac goes to sleep right in the middle of something important, Amphetamine is the solution you need.

    This lightweight, powerful app keeps your Mac awake for as long as you need—no more interrupted downloads, long-running processes, or paused streams.

    With customizable triggers, you can set Amphetamine to keep your Mac awake during specific tasks or when certain apps are running. It’s simple, effective, and totally free. For anyone who demands more control over their Mac’s performance, Amphetamine is an essential tool.


    Details

    Developer:

    William Gustafson


    Editor’s Note

    An essential tool for presentations, downloads, or any task requiring your Mac to stay awake.

  • BetterTouchTool

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Customizes gestures, hotkeys, and input devices to create a personalized Mac experience.

    Details

    Developer:

    folivora.AI


    Editor’s Note

    Unlocks your Mac’s full potential with powerful customizations for trackpads, keyboards, and more.

    If you want to unlock the full potential of your Mac, BetterTouchTool is an absolute game-changer.

    This powerful customization app lets you create custom gestures, shortcuts, and actions for your trackpad, mouse, keyboard, and even the Touch Bar.

    Imagine controlling your Mac exactly how you want—swipe, tap, or press to trigger complex workflows, snap windows into place, or automate daily tasks.

    BetterTouchTool isn’t just about shortcuts—it’s about making your Mac work smarter for you.

    Whether you’re looking to speed up your workflow or add intuitive controls, this is the must-have tool for anyone ready to supercharge their Mac experience.

  • Maccy

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Lightweight clipboard manager that stores your copy history for quick retrieval.

    If you’re tired of the Mac’s limited clipboard, Maccy is the productivity upgrade you need.

    This lightweight clipboard manager quietly runs in the background, keeping a clean and searchable history of everything you’ve copied—text, links, and more.

    No more losing important snippets or scrambling to copy-paste the same thing twice.

    With its minimalist design and lightning-fast performance, Maccy feels like a natural extension of macOS.

    For anyone who wants to work smarter and faster, Maccy is an essential tool that makes multitasking effortless.


    Details

    Developer:

    Maccy


    Editor’s Note

    Fast, simple, and clutter-free. Maccy is the clipboard manager everyone needs.

  • CleanShot X

    What It Is / What It Does…

    A comprehensive screenshot and screen recording app with annotation tools and cloud sharing.

    Details

    Developer:

    CleanShot


    Editor’s Note

    A gold-standard tool for screenshots and screen recordings. CleanShot X does it all.

    If you’re still using macOS’s built-in screenshot tool, it’s time to level up with CleanShot X.

    This all-in-one screen capture tool is built for users who want more control and polish in their screenshots and screen recordings.

    From scrolling capture and screen recording with audio to built-in annotations and a clutter-free desktop mode, CleanShot X makes capturing and sharing content effortless.

    Whether you’re creating tutorials, sharing bugs, or just need cleaner, more professional-looking screenshots, CleanShot X has every feature you didn’t know you needed.

    For Mac users who demand precision and flexibility, this is hands-down the best upgrade you can make.

  • Karabiner

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Karabiner lets you remap any key on your keyboard, offering unparalleled customization.

    Details

    Developer:

    pqrs.org


    Editor’s Note

    It’s more complex than Hyperkey but offers unmatched flexibility for keyboard enthusiasts.

    If you’re serious about customizing your keyboard and boosting productivity on your Mac, Karabiner-Elements is a must-have.

    This powerful and highly flexible key remapper lets you redefine how your keyboard works—whether it’s turning unused keys into shortcuts, creating complex key combos, or even remapping keys for specific apps.

    Perfect for developers, writers, and power users, Karabiner-Elements gives you total control over your keyboard’s behavior.

    If you’re ready to make your Mac work exactly how you want, Karabiner-Elements is the ultimate tool to supercharge your workflow.

  • Hyperkey

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Hyperkey remaps your Caps Lock key into a powerful shortcut tool, enabling custom commands with ease.

    Details

    Developer:

    Matias


    Editor’s Note

    Simplifies complex workflows. If you use shortcuts often, Hyperkey will revolutionize your experience.

    This clever app transforms your Caps Lock key (or any key you choose) into a powerful modifier key—essentially giving you a whole new layer of shortcuts.

    Want faster window management, app launching, or custom keyboard shortcuts? Hyperkey makes it happen.

    It’s perfect for power users who want to streamline workflows and eliminate repetitive actions.

    If you’re ready to unlock a smarter, more efficient way to navigate your Mac, Hyperkey is the must-have upgrade.

  • AppCleaner

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Uninstalls apps and removes associated files for a cleaner system.

    Details

    Developer:

    FreeMacSoft


    Editor’s Note

    An essential free tool for anyone who likes to keep their Mac clutter-free.

    Tired of apps leaving behind clutter on your Mac? AppCleaner is the simple yet powerful tool you need to keep your system clean and running smoothly.

    Unlike dragging apps to the trash, AppCleaner digs deep and removes all those hidden files, caches, and leftover data that slow your Mac down.

    Just drag and drop an app into AppCleaner, and it wipes out every trace—no fuss, no mess. If you’re serious about keeping your Mac fast and clutter-free, AppCleaner is a must-have in your toolkit.

  • Flux

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Adjusts your screen’s color temperature based on the time of day to reduce eye strain.

    Details

    Developer:

    f.lux Software LLC


    Editor’s Note

    A small but significant improvement to your daily screen use.

    Staring at your Mac screen late into the night? flux is the essential app you need to protect your eyes and improve your sleep.

    It automatically adjusts your screen’s color temperature based on the time of day—cooler tones during the day and warmer, softer tones at night—to reduce eye strain and minimize blue light exposure.

    The result? Less fatigue, better focus, and a smoother transition to sleep.

    If you’re serious about your health and productivity, f.lux is a simple but powerful upgrade that makes your Mac easier on the eyes—day and night.

  • Bartender

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Organizes your menu bar icons, hiding clutter and showing only what you need.

    Details

    Developer:

    Surtees Studios


    Editor’s Note

    If your menu bar is overloaded, Bartender is a must-have for clean organization.

    Is your Mac’s menu bar starting to look like rush hour traffic? Bartender is the sleek solution you need to take control and clean up the clutter.

    It lets you organize, hide, and manage your menu bar icons, so only the essentials are front and center—everything else stays tucked away but easily accessible.

    Whether you’re a minimalist or just want a more organized workspace, Bartender gives you full control over how your menu bar looks and functions. If you want your Mac to feel cleaner, faster, and more focused, Bartender is the upgrade your workflow deserves.

  • Rectangle

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Window management for macOS with customizable shortcuts.

    Details

    Developer:

    Ryan Hanson


    Editor’s Note

    Lightweight and effective. Rectangle keeps window chaos in check.

    If you’re tired of dragging and resizing windows manually, Rectangle is the simple, no-nonsense window management tool your Mac needs.

    With easy-to-remember keyboard shortcuts, Rectangle lets you snap windows into place—halves, quarters, full screen, and more—so you can organize your workspace in seconds.

    It’s lightweight, open-source, and blends perfectly with macOS. Whether you’re multitasking or just craving a more organized desktop, Rectangle makes managing windows effortless and keeps your workflow smooth.

    For anyone who wants better control over their Mac’s screen space, this app is a must-have.

  • Dropzone 4

    What It Is / What It Does…

    Speeds up file sharing, app launching, and organization with a drag-and-drop interface.

    Details

    Developer:

    Aptonic Software


    Editor’s Note

    Dropzone 4 is an efficient tool that makes multitasking easier.

Things To Keep In Mind, Best Practices….

Apple Mac Buyers Guide

What to Look for When Choosing Utility Apps for Mac

Utility apps should make your Mac faster, safer, and easier to use—not slow it down. Here’s how to choose the right tools to keep your system in top shape.

Here’s how to pick the apps that’ll actually make a difference.

  1. Solve a Specific Need
    Only download apps that fix a real problem—whether it’s cleaning up storage, managing files, or boosting system performance.
  2. macOS Compatibility
    Running the latest macOS or something older? Make sure the app works with your version and is optimized for M1/M2 chips if you’re using Apple Silicon.
  3. Lightweight and Efficient
    Utility apps should improve performance, not drain resources. Avoid apps that use too much CPU, memory, or battery.
  4. Security and Privacy First
    Utility apps often need deep system access. Only trust apps from verified developers with solid privacy policies and strong security features.
  5. Regular Updates
    Outdated apps can cause system issues. Choose utilities that are actively maintained with updates and bug fixes.
  6. User-Friendly Design
    A utility app should make tasks easier, not more complicated. Look for a clean, intuitive interface that gets the job done fast.
  7. Powerful Features, No Bloat
    More features don’t always mean better. Focus on apps that deliver what you need without unnecessary extras that slow things down.
  8. Transparent Pricing
    Free, paid, or subscription? Know what you’re paying for. Avoid apps with hidden fees or premium features locked behind paywalls.
  9. Read Trusted Reviews
    Check real-world feedback for insights into performance and reliability. Look beyond flashy marketing claims.
  10. Try Before You Buy
    Test it first. Many utility apps offer free versions or trials—use them to see if the app works for you.

Bottom Line?

The best utility apps make your Mac run better, not worse. Choose tools that are fast, secure, and actually help your system stay clean, organized, and efficient.

Mac Apps Database

We use Macs to run this site and we’re always testing and using new ones. The best of the best (and the ones we like most) get added to our master list which you can check out by clicking the button below.