Mac app guides & tips

Honest setup guides, workflow deep-dives, and curated roundups from the MacBuddy editors.

How to Set Up a New MacBook: 15 Essential Apps to Install FirstThe exact order to set up a new MacBook in your first hour — 15 essential apps, the System Settings that actually matter, and the gotchas nobody documents.
Jun 17, 2026
Mac Window Management: Rectangle, BetterTouchTool, and BeyondFrom free-and-focused Rectangle to the endlessly configurable BetterTouchTool, here's the honest guide to organising your Mac windows like a pro.
Jun 17, 2026
Obsidian vs Notion: Which Note-Taking App Wins on Mac?Obsidian owns your data and thinks in connections; Notion structures teams and databases — here's which one actually fits your Mac workflow.
Jun 17, 2026
Raycast vs Alfred in 2024: Which Launcher Should You Use?Raycast and Alfred are the two Mac launchers worth your time in 2024 — here's a direct, decisive comparison to help you choose the right one.
Jun 17, 2026
Best Screenshot Tools for Mac: Shottr vs CleanShot X vs Built-inA hands-on comparison of Shottr, CleanShot X, and macOS's built-in screenshot tools, with decisive recommendations for every type of Mac user.
Jun 17, 2026
Best Writing Apps for Mac: A Curated GuideFive Mac writing apps compared honestly — from iA Writer's laser focus to Obsidian's knowledge graph — so you find the one that fits how you actually write.
Jun 17, 2026
The Best Free Mac Utilities You Should Install TodaySeven free Mac utilities — covering clipboard history, battery limits, menu bar cleanup, and more — that earn their place on every Mac without costing a cent.
Jun 17, 2026
The Best Mac Apps for Productivity in 2024Eight Mac productivity apps that earned a permanent spot on every machine I set up — tested, honest, and free of hype.
Jun 17, 2026