5 Setapp Apps I Use Unconditionally in 2025

It’s been a while since I last talked about Setapp.
For those of you who haven’t heard of Setapp before, it’s basically the Netflix of app stores for macOS and iOS. I pay a set price of $12.49 per month, and that provides me with access to over 250 apps such as Ulysses, Craft, Headway, CleanMyMac, and more!
In this article, I will be discussing the five apps that are available on Setapp that I use unconditionally. These are apps that are helping me keep productive, organised, and up to speed with the latest news from my favourite sources.
Without any further ado, here are five Setapp Apps I use unconditionally in 2025…
1. Ulysses
Starting with the app I’m using to write this article, Ulysses has made a big difference when writing blog articles. Not only is the interface clean and tidy, but the app is packed with many game-changing features.
For starters, the app supports markup, which means that I don’t have to use the pointer to find various options in the menu. Instead, I use my keyboard, which feels more efficient. For that reason, I find writing in markup more enjoyable.
The app also has a built-in proofreader and editing assistant, which helps me make sure that I’m not posting content with mistakes. It checks for grammar, punctuation, style, and more.
My favourite option is the ability to publish blog posts straight from the app to platforms such as WordPress and Medium, which saves a lot of time.
2. Awesome Habits
I tried many habit tracking apps over the years, but I found that with most apps I gave up after a few weeks. That is, until I discovered Awesome Habits.
Out of all the habit tracking apps I tried over the years, Awesome Habits is the first app that I haven’t given up on. That is mainly due to the clean interface and the fact that it links with Apple Health, allowing me to automatically complete my fitness habits.
The app is available on macOS, iOS, and watchOS. But I primarily tend to use it on my iPhone and Apple Watch.
Speaking about the Apple Watch, I think that having the app on your Apple Watch is a great idea, as it allows me to tick things off my list without having to use my phone.
3. MindNode Classic
I’m a big fan of mind maps. I use them for all sorts of things, ranging from content planning to generating ideas for new content as well as project work.
I’ve tried many apps over the years, but I seem to be enjoying MindNode Classic the most.
I think the straightforward approach of the app, as well as the easy-to-use interface, has something to do with that.
I mean, I can sit down, launch the app, and start a brainstorming session without worrying whether I’ve selected the right template or other unnecessary things.
4. Spark Mail
My current go-to email app happens to be Spark Mail.
I like Spark Mail due to the way the app utilises the Inbox Zero technique.
Spark Mail helps me save a lot of time when going through your emails. The app automatically categorises emails into categories, which I can easily archive from within the app.
Oddly enough, I actually abandoned the app but then returned and paid for premium. Looking back, I think I was wrong for not giving the app another chance because some of the premium features are actually brilliant.
With the help of Gatekeeper, I can easily screen and block unknown senders.
Spark +AI helps me craft and respond to emails. From rephrasing text to correcting grammar, adjusting the tone, and more.
I also like the Home Screen feature, which is available on the desktop versions of the app. It features beautiful backgrounds as well as a message welcoming you into the app.
5. News Explorer
The final app on this list is News Explorer, which is the default app I use for consuming content such as blog posts as well as the latest news.
As with many apps on this list, I like the clean and minimal interface; it really makes a difference when consuming content.
The app features iCloud synchronisation, allowing me to read articles from all of my devices, including my Apple Watch. The only downside of this is that only the macOS version is available through Setapp. However, I managed to purchase the iOS version for a one-off payment of £4.99, which isn’t a big spend in my opinion. However, it would be nice to see both versions within Setapp.
Final Thoughts
When I first discovered Setapp, I didn’t know what to make of it, but I decided to try it for free for 7 days. After trying for a few days, I was sold on the idea.
Setapp is packed with many fantastic premium apps, which not only help me stay on top of things but also help me run my side hustle.
The apps I featured in this article aren’t the only apps I use through Setapp; I use many other apps, such as CleanMyMac, Bartender, and many more.
Setapp offers a wide range of software, from optimisation software to work, creativity, development, and AI.
Speaking about AI, I like the way Setapp uses AI within the app. If you’re not sure what to look for, the app has an AI assistant built in; simply tell it what you’re after, and it will try to match an app to it. This tends to be a feature I use a lot, especially when I’m in a hurry.
Setapp is not sponsoring this article, nor do they know I’m writing it. However, as a long-term customer, I’m a big fan of their service, and I can’t stop praising it.
That’s why I decided to leave my affiliate link, which will help me earn a small commission. If you’re not convinced, Setapp is offering a 7-day free trial, which is how I started with the app and got sold on it instantly.
Do you use Setapp? What are your favourite Setapp apps?
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.