4 Free Mac Apps for Productivity, Security, and Creativity That Are Actually Worth Using
Not every good Mac app has to come with a monthly subscription. There are free tools that handle serious work, keep your machine safer, and let you create without spending a cent. The catch? You have to know which ones are legitimate and still maintained.
Below are four free apps I’ve used or regularly see recommended by trusted sources. Each serves a different purpose: productivity, security, creativity, and one bonus utility you’ll probably end up using more than you expect.
Productivity: Microsoft To Do
If you need a simple task manager that syncs across devices, Microsoft To Do is a solid choice. It’s completely free, works on Mac, iPhone, Android, and the web, and integrates with Outlook tasks if you use those. You can create lists, set due dates and reminders, and organize tasks into folders. It’s less feature-packed than Todoist or Notion, but for most people it’s enough.
Why it matters: Task tracking is one of those things where a free, well-supported app can save you money without losing functionality. Microsoft To Do gets regular updates and is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Download: Available on the Mac App Store. Avoid third-party download sites.
Security: Malwarebytes Free (with caution)
Malwarebytes offers a free version that scans your Mac for malware and adware. It’s useful for occasional checks, especially if you download files from less common sources or notice your browser acting strangely. The free version does not provide real-time protection—that requires the paid subscription—but a manual scan can catch things Apple’s built-in XProtect might miss.
Why it matters: Free security tools can give you a second opinion. Macs are generally safer than Windows, but adware and potentially unwanted programs are still common. Running a Malwarebytes scan now and then is a reasonable habit.
Note: Download only from malwarbytes.com. Some third-party mirrors bundle adware.
Bonus mention: For browser security, uBlock Origin (free) is a lightweight content blocker that stops many trackers and malicious ads. It runs as a browser extension, not a system app.
Creativity: GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is an open-source image editor that handles most tasks you’d do in Photoshop: layers, masks, color correction, retouching, and more. The interface takes some getting used to, and it’s not as polished as paid editors, but it runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. For occasional photo editing or graphic design, it’s a genuine alternative.
Why it matters: Creative software often has the highest subscription costs. GIMP, together with other open-source tools like Audacity (audio) and DaVinci Resolve (video, free version), can cover a lot of ground without paying anything.
Download: Get it from gimp.org. The Mac App Store version may be outdated.
Bonus: VLC Media Player
VLC plays almost any video or audio file you throw at it—MKV, MP4, FLAC, you name it. It also streams network content, converts file formats, and records screens or webcam feeds. It’s been around for decades, is actively maintained, and has no ads or upsells.
Why it matters: The default QuickTime Player is limited. VLC fills the gap for free, and it’s one of the safest apps you can install because the code is open-source and audited.
Download: videolan.org/vlc.
Quick Comparison
| App | Category | Key Strength | Limitation | Official Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft To Do | Productivity | Syncs across all devices | No project-management features | Mac App Store |
| Malwarebytes Free | Security | Catches adware and PUPs | No real-time protection | malwarbytes.com |
| GIMP | Creativity | Full image editing for free | Steeper learning curve | gimp.org |
| VLC Media Player | Utility | Plays nearly any media format | No advanced video editing | videolan.org/vlc |
What You Can Do Now
- Download only from official websites. For each app above, go directly to the developer’s site or the Mac App Store. Third-party download aggregators sometimes add unwanted extras.
- Check system requirements. All four apps support recent macOS versions as of 2025, but GIMP and VLC may have occasional delays after a new macOS release.
- Consider whether you really need the paid version. Many free apps offer enough for typical use. If you later need advanced features, the paid upgrade is often available, but don’t assume you need it from day one.
Free apps aren’t always the answer—some paid tools are genuinely better—but for these four areas, the free options are good enough that most people won’t miss what they cost.
Sources: Official websites (microsoft.com, malwarbytes.com, gimp.org, videolan.org). No third-party review site was relied upon for recommendations.