This list is primarily for my own reference—a way to keep track of the apps I need when setting up a new device. But I figured it might also be helpful to share with friends and family. I’ve divided it into four categories: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Windows.
Apps marked with * are ones I use across every platform they’re available on.
iOS
| App |
Description |
| Apollo for Reddit (RIP) |
The best Reddit app ever created. Made Reddit amazing until Reddit killed it. Check out anything Christian Selig makes—he’s a magician of app development. |
| Microsoft To Do* |
A simple, feature-packed to-do app with great multi-platform support. Originally Wunderlist, now owned by Microsoft. |
| 1Password* |
My go-to password manager. Not perfect, but it works well enough. |
| Documents by Readdle* |
Possibly the most feature-packed app I’ve ever used on a phone—and it’s free. |
| Google Authenticator |
My choice for two-factor authentication. |
| Fast & Speedcheck |
Two reliable apps for checking internet speed. |
| unsqrd |
Splits photos into seamless, multi-piece panoramas for Instagram slideshows. |
iPadOS
| App |
Description |
| GoodNotes |
My favorite note-taking app: feature-rich, user-friendly, and great for exporting notes. |
| Orion |
Turns your iPad into a USB-C monitor. |
| Readly |
A magazine subscription app with a wide selection of high-quality titles. |
macOS
| App |
Description |
| Raycast |
A powerful alternative to Spotlight. |
| Magnet |
A must-have for window management. Use its shortcuts for the best experience. |
| MonitorControl |
Adjust monitor brightness and volume with your keyboard. |
| GrandPerspective |
A visual tool for analyzing storage usage on internal or external drives. |
| Macs Fan Control |
Manually control fan speeds—useful for intensive tasks like importing photos into Lightroom. |
| GoodNotes |
Syncs seamlessly with notes from my iPad. |
| AltTab |
Brings Windows-style alt-tabbing to macOS. |
| Xcodes |
Manage multiple versions of Xcode easily. |
| Termius* |
A fantastic SSH client, also available on iPhone and iPad. |
| Affinity Suite |
A great alternative to Adobe CC apps with excellent performance on Apple Silicon devices. |
Windows
| App |
Description |
| PowerToys |
An advanced toolset for power users—well-maintained and highly versatile. |
| WizTree |
Visualizes storage usage, similar to GrandPerspective on macOS. |
