Apple’s built-in Mac apps are decent, but there are plenty of third-party apps that offer more features and a better user experience. Here are five Apple apps you should consider replacing, along with our recommended alternatives:
Calculator
(use PCalc instead): PCalc is much more feature-rich than Apple’s Calculator app, works with a greater number of functions, and is a little better designed to boot. For example, PCalc has 20 conversion categories, each divided into subcategories with a ton of different options, compared to Calculator’s 11 conversion categories.
Mail
(use Spark instead): Spark is a class-leading email app that has won the Editors’ Choice award from Apple itself. It packs in features that have made it a favorite among Mac users, such as a built-in AI helper that can tweak your writing or offer to draft entire emails for you. Only senders you approve of will get their mail into your inbox, keeping things neat and tidy. And high-profile messages most relevant to you are floated to the top of your inbox, with newsletters and notifications stored below.
Weather
(use Carrot Weather instead): Carrot Weather is the best alternative to the Weather app. This app doesn’t just show you if it’s going to rain or not — it does so with bite. The app comes with a customizable personality that ranges from professional to totally unhinged. It’ll crack jokes, gently rib you, or even sling full-on insults. It’s unlike any other weather app you’ll find. But it’s not just a gimmick. Carrot Weather is bursting with excellent features that Apple’s app can’t match, such as the ability to change its interface, read the weather aloud to you, and even earn achievements and missions.
Voice Memos
(use Just Press Record instead): Just Press Record is a more full-featured alternative to Apple’s Voice Memos app. For instance, Just Press Record can transcribe everything that was said in a recording, import audio, and edit your audio. You can also change the sampling rate and file format, and kick off your recordings using Siri, Shortcuts, a widget, or a web address. Despite all these extra features, Just Press Record retains the simple layout and prized ease of use of Apple’s Voice Memos app.
Podcasts
(use Overcast instead): Overcast is an excellent podcast app that is overflowing with neat touches that elevate the podcast experience. Not only can you change playback speed, but its Smart Speed feature shortens silences without you even noticing. There’s a voice boost function that helps speakers stand out against background noise, while the app also has a built-in sleep timer that shuts off the audio after a specified time. Plus, Overcast uses the same library as Podcasts, so you never need to worry about missing out on a show that’s available in Apple’s app.
