Browser: should you switch from Safari?
Let’s start with the obvious one. Modern Web browsers have grown into all-purpose apps. This probably makes a browser the most used program on your Mac. For some, the default Safari browser only serves one purpose: to download Chrome. We argue that you should at least consider other options before settling for either of them.
After Safari’s updates in 2022, Chrome no longer outperforms it very noticeably. Google’s browser is known for its speed, enormous extension library, and the best integration with Google accounts. But all major browsers share one common flaw: privacy concerns. If you use Edge, Safari, or Chrome, it’s likely that you’ll be watched by one of the three big players (Microsoft, Apple, Google) quite closely. There are less popular browsers that prevent that: DuckDuckGo, Brave, and Tor browser.
Music player: something for your soul
Apple created the Music service as a competitor of Spotify. Which is better? There is no definite answer. Let’s outline a comparison:
- Library size. Both services have more music than you can listen to in a lifetime, but Apple’s library is bigger (over 100 mil songs).
- Discovering new music. Both recommend tracks based on listening habits, but Spotify is widely regarded the best on the market in that area.
- Sound quality. Apple has the upper hand with the top quality of 192 kHz/24 bit. Sadly, Spotify still hasn’t kept the promise to release Hi-fi quality (as of June 2023).
- Device support. Both platforms can play in-browser and support Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. The winner is Spotify because it supports Linux, more smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
- Social media integration. Spotify beats Apple Music with abilities to share playlists and follow your friends, not the artists only.
- Price. Spotify has a free edition (with ads), and Apple has just a 1-month trial.
Which will you choose?
Cloud storage
This is a must in times of living in the online world. We all use several devices and need to sync data between them. Safe backups are crucial, too. There are several alternatives for the built-in iCloud. Google Drive is the most popular with 15 GB of free storage. Its best perk is the close integration with Google’s text editor and spreadsheet, as well as multiple file previews (documents, images). As a competing product, Microsoft offers OneDrive and an online edition of the MS 365 suite – but with only 5 GB of free storage. Dropbox is also very popular, despite offering just 2 GB for free. Regarding data safety, essential for storing sensitive information, opt for services offering end-to-end and zero-knowledge encryption. This means nobody can intercept or access your files, not even the service administration. Two services are noticeable here: Sync.com and MEGA.
VPN, additional security for anyone
VPN is a service for anyone concerned about online safety and privacy. It adds an extra layer of encryption to all of your data transfer with a dedicated app. It shields you like a tunnel from the prying eyes of hackers in local networks or your ISP. You should be careful choosing a specific solution as it’ll be managing your security. Most are paid on a monthly basis, few are both free and reliable. TuxlerVPN is a remarkable example here. It has a time-unlimited no-charge edition. It funds itself with the premium version and also employs a specific option called residential VPN, which makes it cheaper.
Word processor: open source or distraction-free?
Everyone uses a writing tool from time to time. Microsoft Office suite used to be a monopolist, but Apple and Google compete relentlessly with their Pages and Docs apps. The truth is, the winner is not the best one, but the one that makes people used to it. Many of us have used obsolete writing apps because of an old habit. You may stick to your favorite IT corporation or opt for an alternative.
LibreOffice is the successor of OpenOffice and prides itself in being totally open source and free with all the features. On the other hand, there is Ulysses designed for focused writing. It has no free version, but many choose it because it limits distractions to a minimum, greatly serving creative writing.
Any Mac user might just stick to the many apps preinstalled on macOS, but let’s face it: Apple has many competitors in many fields, and some are clearly superior. Which will you choose depends on your personal taste. Optimize your Mac as best you can!
