4 Top-Rated Free Mac Apps for Getting More Done and Staying Safe

Introduction

If you use a Mac, you’ve probably faced the decision of whether to pay for yet another subscription or make do with limited free alternatives. The good news is that a handful of genuinely capable free apps exist for productivity, security, and creativity. After testing dozens of options and checking recent user reviews, I’ve narrowed the list to four that work well on current versions of macOS, don’t nag you to upgrade, and respect your privacy.

What Happened

I compiled a shortlist of free Mac apps based on three criteria: they must be free with no time limits, they must be actively maintained, and they must offer features comparable to paid tools. The following four apps cover three common needs plus a bonus utility that addresses a frequent hassle.

1. Rectangle – Productivity (Window Management)
Rectangle lets you snap windows into preset positions using keyboard shortcuts or drag gestures. It’s open-source and available on the official site or the Mac App Store. You can quickly tile windows side by side, fill the screen, or move them to another display. Many paid window managers offer similar functionality, but Rectangle does it without cost and with minimal setup. After installing, enable the “Launch on login” option in the preferences and start using shortcuts like Ctrl+Option+Left to snap a window to the left half.

2. LuLu – Security (Firewall)
LuLu is a free, open-source firewall by Objective-See that monitors outgoing network connections. It alerts you when an app tries to connect to the internet and lets you block or allow each request. This is especially useful for catching malware that phones home or for preventing unnecessary background data usage. During the first few days, you will see many alerts as legitimate apps establish connections—that’s normal. You can set rules for each app so that after the initial setup, LuLu runs quietly. It requires macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later and works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

3. Krita – Creativity (Digital Painting & Illustration)
Krita is a full-featured digital painting application used by artists and hobbyists. It supports layers, brushes, color management, and animation. It’s free and open-source, with no paid tier. If you need to edit photos, Krita isn’t a direct replacement for Photoshop, but for drawing and illustration it is quite capable. You can download it from the official site. The installer includes both a stable version and a “Next” version with newer features (the stable version is recommended for most users). Krita runs on macOS 10.12 or later.

4. AppCleaner – System Maintenance (Bonus)
AppCleaner is a small utility that removes apps along with their leftover files (preferences, caches, etc.). When you drag an app to the Trash, many support files remain. AppCleaner searches for these leftovers and deletes them as well. It’s free and available from the developer’s website. To use it, simply drag an app from your Applications folder onto the AppCleaner window, check the list of associated files, and click “Remove”. This helps keep your system tidy without extra effort.

Why It Matters

Relying on free software can reduce ongoing costs, but it also comes with risks. Some free apps display ads, collect telemetry, or bundle other software during installation. The four apps listed above avoid these problems. Rectangle and LuLu are open-source, meaning their code can be audited. Krita is developed by a nonprofit community and has a transparent funding model. AppCleaner is a straightforward tool with no hidden traps. Choosing apps from trustworthy sources—either the Mac App Store or the developer’s official site—reduces the chance of installing something that harms your privacy or performance.

What Readers Can Do

If you decide to try any of these apps:

  • Rectangle: Download from rectangleapp.com or the Mac App Store. Spend a few minutes customizing your preferred shortcuts.
  • LuLu: Get it from objective-see.com/products/lulu.html. Give it a week to learn your app behavior, then review the rules you’ve created.
  • Krita: Visit krita.org and download the stable installer. The interface may feel complex at first, but there are built-in tutorials under the Help menu.
  • AppCleaner: Grab it from freemacsoft.net/appcleaner. Use it once a month or whenever you uninstall an app.

Before installing any free software, check that it’s compatible with your macOS version. Also be aware that some apps—like LuLu—require granting accessibility or network permissions in System Settings. Those are legitimate requests for the app to function, but you should always verify that the developer is reputable.

Sources

All app information was verified as of July 2026. Developer terms may change; check each site for the most current details.