17 AWESOME Setapp Apps I Use Every Week
It’s been a while since I last talked about Setapp, so I decided it was about time to share some up-to-date content. Specifically, I wanted to share 17 AWESOME Setapp apps I use Every week.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Setapp, I like to call it the Netflix of app stores. I pay $12.49 per month, and that provides me with access to a wide range of apps for macOS and iOS. Last I checked, there were 260+ apps, which almost seems too good to be true!
I’ve been using Setapp for over a year, and it’s fair to say that based on the apps I use and have switched to, I’ve been able to save a lot of money.
Setapp has become the primary place I go when I look for apps. Not only does it offer a wide range of useful apps, but with the help of their AI Assistant, I can easily search for the apps I need.
I decided to organise these apps into categories, so without any further ado, here are 17 Setapp apps I use every week…
Disclaimer: Setapp has not sponsored this article, nor do they know I’m writing it. But as an affiliate, I earn a commission from the links I include in this article. Setapp are offering a 7-day free trial, which is how I started with the app. Check out my affiliate link and my review.
Everyday Life
I wanted to start with everyday life, as there is an app I religiously use every single day. That app is Awesome Habits.
1. Awesome Habits
I’ve tried many habit tracking apps over the years, but I found that after using them for a while, I would get bored with using them and eventually give up. That was until I discovered Awesome Habits.
I like Awesome Habits for several reasons, but the main one is the clean and pleasant interface. I guess the purple, blue, and green look nice on the minimal interface the app provides. I also like the fact that the app connects to Apple Health, allowing me to set health habits that get automatically ticked once achieved.
Overall, I’ve been using the app ever since I subscribed to Setapp, and it has allowed me to build and break habits and improve my quality of life.
2. Headway
Headway is a book summary app that allows me to read and listen to book summaries.
I primarily use it to get an introduction to books to see whether I like them before buying the full book. The app has a wide range of book summaries from different genre’s such as self-help, business, fiction and more.
I tend to use it to listen to book summaries when I’m out and about or travelling via public transport.
3. CleanMyPhone
CleanMyPhone is an iPhone cleaner app that allows me to clean my phone of duplicates and clutter, I can use it to organise my photo library and, most importantly of all, free up space.
I like the “Phone Health” feature as it shows me how healthy my phone is. The feature allows me to ensure my iPhone is well-optimised, especially when it comes to storage space.
As my iPhone only has 128 GB of storage, I find this app ideal for people who have iPhones with entry-level storage or if you are constantly low on storage space.
4. ClearVPN
As someone who travels a lot, I often find myself having to connect to external hotspots. To secure my connection, I use ClearVPN.
ClearVPN is a straight to the point app with a clean and minimal interface which looks really nice.
The app also features some useful features such as an online threat shield and a DNS Adblock.
Work & Productivity
Moving on to work & productivity, there are several apps I use, practically daily. Some of these apps have really made a difference in my life.
5. Spark Mail
I’ve tried many email apps over the years, but Spark Mail remains my favourite. When they changed the app a few years ago and made it expensive, I ended up ditching the app. But I was wrong, and I ended up returning and paying for premium.
Spark offers a new way to manage your email that not only helps you save time, but it also helps you achieve Inbox Zero. The app features many useful features, such as Smart Inbox which prioritises your inbox, allowing you to focus on what’s important. It also bundles non-priority emails into separate folders, including newsletters and notifications. Gatekeeper is another useful feature, and it allows you to screen and block unknown senders, which is fantastic from the security standpoint.
But where the magic really happens is the tick feature, which allows me to tick emails and category folders that I’ve read, sending the emails to my archive. This enables me to go through my emails quickly, allowing me to focus on what’s important.
6. Ulysses
Ulysses is the main app I use to write blog posts. I find it much better compared to traditional word processors as I am able to type using markup, which I find quicker.
Apart from its minimal interface, Ulysses has some useful features, such as the built-in proofreader and the ability to publish blog posts directly from the app to platforms like WordPress and Medium.
I’ve been using Ulysses for a long time, and I was subscribed to it before I discovered Setapp. If you are new to blogging and write on either a Mac or an iPad, I highly recommend checking it out.
7. Session
I’m a big fan of the pomodoro technique, not only has it helped me get through university, but it also proves to be fantastic for long-winded tasks and project work.
There are some astounding pomodoro apps out there, but I like session as it shows my calendar and to-do list, both of which remind me that I shouldn’t be spending too much time on given tasks.
Session also allows me to view analytics, which helps me understand how productive I am.
8. MindNode Classic
Mind-mapping plays a big role in my workflow. I use mind maps for all sorts of things like brainstorming ideas for my blog, project work and even learning new skills.
I like MindNode Classic as it’s basic and straight to the point, allowing me to focus on brainstorming.
9. NitroPDF
NitroPDF is my main PDF app and I use it on my MacBook, iPad, and iPhone.
The app allows me to edit text in PDF documents, add notes, highlights, combine pages, and more. The app also allows me to create documents, which is very useful.
10. Paste
Paste is an app I recently discovered and has proven to be a game-changer.
Paste is a clipboard manager that automatically saves everything you copy. Text, images, links and more. The app even allows me to organise my clippings.
I like the app because there are times when I wish I still had access to something I copied in the past.
macOS Apps & Utilities
A large number of Setapp apps I use happen to be macOS apps and utilities, that’s why I decided to include them in a section of their own.
11. Bartender 5
First on the list is Bartender 5, an app that gives you control over your Mac’s menu bar. If your menu bar is packed with icons, you need to try Bartender.
Bartender 5 allows you to hide or rearrange menubar icons, so you only see what matters to you. It also allows you to customise the look of the menu bar.
12. CleanMyMac
Made by the same company as CleanMyPhone, CleanMyMac features several utilities to keep your Mac clean and optimised.
CleanMyMac allows you to deep clean your Mac, scan for potential threats, boost Mac performance, update software and declutter your storage.
I find this app ideal for my base-level MacBook Air, especially as I need to be careful with storage space.
13. Lungo
There are times when I don’t want my Mac to go to sleep, like when I’m transferring large files or working on projects within my home lab.
Lungo is the app I use to prevent my Mac from going to sleep. I like it because it’s simple and just does what I need it to do.
14. AirBuddy
AirBuddy is a handy menu-bar app designed to manage your wireless Apple devices.
It enables me to view the battery levels of my Apple devices. The app features Quick Actions to allow you to change listening modes with a global keyboard shortcut. Speaking about shortcuts, the app also supports the Shortcuts app to allow you to create automations.
If you have more than one Mac, and you want to share your Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard or Magic Trackpad with another Mac, AirBuddy can help you quickly transfer them with a single click.
15. CommanderOne
The Finder app on macOS is good in general, but if you are after more features, Commander One is a great alternative.
Commander One allows you to view and manage two folders side-by-side, which proves to be excellent for file transfers, comparisons and organising files.
Commander One also features Advanced search, the ability to view hidden files, Quick Look and more. One feature that I find useful is that is supports FTP and SFTP connections, allowing me to connect to servers.
16. iBoysoft Magic Menu
Speaking about file managers, iBoysoft Magic Menu is a pretty cool little app that enhances the right-click context menu on Mac.
One of the things I miss from File Explorer on Windows is the ability to use right click to add a new file. Magic Menu fixes that.
It also allows you to move files quickly using the Move To menu. You can also use the Copy To menu to copy items faster.
It’s a basic app, but it makes the overall right click experience much better.
17. CleanShot
CleanShot is one of the main screenshot tools I use on macOS. The app features several useful features, such as the ability to annotate screenshots.
Some notable features include the background tool and the ability to record videos.
The background tool that enables you to add backgrounds to screenshots, which allows you to create cool-looking social media posts.
I like the app because it also allows me to record videos, which makes it perfect for tutorials and app reviews. The app even features a built-in video editor.
Overall, I think that CleanShot is a fantastic screenshot tool that proves to be extremely useful for creating guides, tutorials, and documentation.
Final Thoughts
Setapp features a wide range of useful apps, and these are the 17 I find myself relying on every single week. Whether it’s staying on top of habits, tidying digital clutter, boosting productivity, or simplifying everyday tasks, these tools consistently prove their worth.
What makes Setapp so compelling isn’t just the variety — it’s the fact that I’ve replaced paid subscriptions and one-off purchases with powerful tools already included in my monthly fee. For me, that’s been a game-changer — both financially and practically.
If you’re curious about Setapp or want to discover new tools without the trial-and-error (and cost) of buying individual licences, the 7-day free trial is a great place to start. I am including my affiliate link if you’d like to give it a go — it’s how I got started too. And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your own “awesome 17.”
Already using Setapp? I’d love to hear what your favourite apps are — maybe there’s one I’ve missed that deserves a spot on my list.