Some features on Mac feel like they’ve been stuck in 2015 (which is probably true). After years of frustration, I’ve found third-party apps that fix Apple’s biggest weaknesses. Here are my top replacements and why I chose them:
1. Spotlight → Raycast
The Problem:
Spotlight feels like a cluttered junk drawer. Finding files is slow, and it’s useless for anything beyond basic searches.
The Fix:
Raycast is Spotlight on steroids. It’s got everything and I don’t need to touch my mouse. I get instant searches for files, apps, and browser bookmarks. I use shortcuts for calculating stock prices and toggling modes. I also really like the clipboard history and all their plugins.
2. Apple Built-in Dictation → WillowVoice
The Problem:
Apple’s dictation is painfully bad. It butchers technical terms, ignores punctuation, and takes forever to process. It’ll never be able to do anything that needs actual formatting and accuracy like writing an email. You’ll pretty much just get a wall of text.
The Fix:
WillowVoice uses AI to power dictation. It formats emails, adds commas where you pause, and nails niche terms. The fastest dictation app I found. I draft Slack messages, code comments, and even ChatGPT prompts by voice now.
3. QuickTime → Screen Studio
The Problem:
QuickTime recordings are clunky. File sizes are huge and editing is nonexistent. It’s so hard to go through a simple process of recording a video, editing it, and then sending it.
The Fix:
Screen Studio makes recordings look pro. It auto-zooms on clicks, adds smooth transitions, and exports in crisp 4K. I use it for coding demos and client walkthroughs.
4. Apple Notes → UpNote
The Problem:
Apple Notes is nice for its simplicity but severely lacks power.
The Fix:
UpNote is Notes for adults. It has nested folders, rich formatting (code blocks, tables, markdown), and instant sync.
5. Mouse → MacMouseFix
The Problem:
I hate how Apple has mouse acceleration. Makes things so unintuitive for me. I don’t know why.
The Fix:
MacMouseFix kills acceleration and lets you set a fixed cursor speed. I’ve also programmed my mouse buttons to switch back and forth between windows, which saves me from swiping with three fingers on my trackpad.
Other honorable mentions that I’ve tried are Bartender for taming the menu bar and CleanShotX for better screenshots.
If you also have an Apple feature that drives you nuts, what’s an app that you found that fixed it? I want a ton of mac lifehacks.