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Choosing the right software is the key to productivity and comfort. This review gathers tools that cover almost all the needs of a modern user: from professional development and design to everyday tasks and deep system optimization. We have updated the data, checked each application for compatibility with major operating systems, and analyzed their current functionality.
1. AmneziaVPN
This is a unique solution for those who want maximum privacy and independence. Unlike conventional VPN services, AmneziaVPN is an open-source client that allows you to deploy your own VPN on a personal server in just a few clicks. The program supports modern protocols (e.g., Shadowsocks, XRay) that are extremely difficult to block because they can mask traffic as regular web browsing.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
2. Adobe Creative Cloud
This is not just a program, but an entire ecosystem for visual content. The suite includes industry standards: Photoshop for raster graphics, Illustrator for vectors, Premiere Pro for editing, and After Effects for motion design. The main update of recent years is the deep integration of Adobe Firefly neural networks, which allow for extending images, removing objects from video in one click, and generating fonts from text descriptions.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS.
3. Balsamiq Wireframes
A tool for those who want to “think in interfaces.” Its main feature is an intentionally simplified, almost hand-drawn sketch style for UI elements. This is designed so that the client or team discusses the logic of transitions and button usability in the early stages, rather than arguing over specific shades or corner radiuses. It is ideal for UX designers and product managers.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Web.
4. Chromium
This is the foundation upon which almost all modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera) are built. The original Chromium is the choice for geeks and developers. It lacks Google’s built-in tracking modules, automatic updates, and proprietary codecs, making it the most “lightweight” and clean tool for web surfing or website testing.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
5. CleanMyMac
The most popular solution for cleaning Apple computers. The program doesn’t just delete caches; it also finds “system junk,” unused language packs, and remains of old applications. In addition to cleaning, it can monitor RAM status, check the system for viruses, and optimize disk performance, which is especially relevant for models with small SSD capacity.
- Platforms: macOS.
6. Chicken of the VNC
A lightweight open-source client for macOS designed for remote desktop management via the VNC protocol. Unlike heavy corporate tools, “Chicken” is valued for its simplicity and speed: it allows you to see the screen of another computer and control its mouse and keyboard as if you were sitting right in front of it. This is a great solution for administering home servers or helping loved ones.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS.
7. Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect)
The gold standard in the world of corporate security. This application creates an encrypted tunnel between your computer and the company network. It is highly resistant to connection drops and automatically reconnects when switching networks (for example, when moving from Wi-Fi to mobile data), ensuring uninterrupted access to work resources.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
8. Docker Desktop
A tool that revolutionized software development. Docker allows you to package an application with all its dependencies into a “container.” This solves the eternal “but it worked on my machine” problem. With its help, you can deploy a complex database or web server in seconds without cluttering the main operating system with unnecessary files.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
9. Eclipse IDE
Despite its age, Eclipse remains one of the most powerful development environments. It is primarily focused on Java, but thanks to its plugin system, it transforms into a tool for working with C++, PHP, or Python. It is the choice for large enterprise projects where deep workspace customization and powerful code debugging tools are essential.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
10. FileZilla
A time-tested tool for those who need to quickly upload files to a website. The interface is divided into two parts: your computer and the server, making the transfer process highly visual. The program supports download queues, resuming interrupted sessions, and filtering files by extension.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
11. Firefox
The only major browser running on its own engine, Quantum, rather than Chromium. Mozilla focuses on privacy: Firefox blocks crypto-miners and ad network trackers “out of the box.” For those who prioritize anonymity, it would be useful to check our expert rating of the safest browsers of the current year—this will help you choose software with maximum protection against tracking.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS.
12. Gephi
This is unique software for data visualization. If you have a database of thousands of connections (for example, friends on social networks or bank transactions), Gephi will turn this mass into a clear, interactive map. With its help, analysts find hidden communities, key nodes of influence, and anomalies in data structures.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
13. GIMP
The main open-source project for artists and photographers. It has everything: layers, masks, filters, and advanced selection tools. Although the GIMP interface differs from Photoshop, its functionality allows for professional color correction and the creation of complex digital paintings entirely for free.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
14. Google Chrome
A browser that needs no introduction. Its main strength is seamless integration with Google services. History, passwords, and bookmarks are instantly synchronized between your laptop, tablet, and smartphone. The Canary version allows developers to use experimental features that will only become generally available in six months.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS.
15. Google Earth Pro
A tool for those for whom regular maps are not enough. The Pro version offers advanced features: measuring areas, viewing historical imagery (how the terrain has changed over the last 30 years), and creating 4K video tours. The program is often used by ecologists, builders, and travelers for detailed route planning.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Web.
16. iTerm2
If you spend more than an hour a day in the terminal, iTerm2 will become your best friend on Mac. It supports splitting the screen into any number of panels (Split Panes), has built-in search for command history, and allows you to configure hotkeys to automate repetitive console actions.
- Platforms: macOS.
17. JDownloader 2
This is a “harvester” for downloading files. It can bypass file-hosting restrictions, automatically solve captchas, and extract video directly from links on YouTube or other services. You just copy the link, and the program itself analyzes which files are available for download through it.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
18. LibreOffice
The most powerful free competitor to Microsoft Office. The suite includes Writer (text), Calc (spreadsheets), and Impress (presentations). Unlike cloud solutions, LibreOffice is completely autonomous and provides a maximum level of control over your documents without imposing paid subscriptions.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
19. OmniGraffle
An elite tool for creating diagrams and charts. Its main feature is “smart” connection lines that automatically rearrange themselves when objects are moved. This makes it ideal for designing software architecture, drawing organizational structures, or complex business processes.
- Platforms: macOS, iOS.
20. Opera
The browser for those who love “all-in-one” features. Opera was the first to implement a built-in free VPN proxy and a sidebar with messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram). Currently, the browser includes an AI assistant called Aria, which can quickly summarize long articles or help write text directly in the browser window.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS.
21. pgAdmin 4
The most popular graphical interface for managing PostgreSQL databases. The program allows for administering servers both locally and remotely. It is convenient for designing data schemas, writing SQL queries with syntax highlighting, and visualizing data analysis results as graphs.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
22. Safari
The hallmark of macOS. The browser is highly optimized for Apple Silicon processor architecture, making it the fastest and most battery-friendly. Unique features like ad-free Reading Mode and iCloud Keychain make its use within the Apple ecosystem extremely comfortable.
- Platforms: macOS, iOS.
23. Skype
Despite the competition, Skype remains in demand thanks to the ability to call mobile and landline numbers worldwide. It is a reliable tool for video conferencing with background blur features, automatic subtitles, and the ability to collaborate on documents during a call.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS.
24. Spotify
The music service that turned the industry upside down. On the desktop, Spotify is convenient because it allows you to create massive playlists, listen to podcasts, and instantly switch audio from your computer to a speaker or smartphone. Recommendation algorithms like “Daily Mix” and “Discover Weekly” are still considered the best on the market.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS.
25. Sublime Text 4
A legendary text editor that opens instantly, even with hundreds of files. It is loved for its “Multi-cursor” mode (editing in several places simultaneously) and its system for instant transition to any file or line of code. An ideal choice for both notes and serious programming.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
26. TeamViewer/AnyDesk
Previously, TeamViewer was considered the uncontested leader, but today it is practically irrelevant for private users and small businesses due to aggressive pricing, strict free-version limitations, and withdrawal from several markets.
It has been replaced by AnyDesk. This is an extremely lightweight program (weighing only a few megabytes) that works faster than its competitor thanks to its proprietary DeskRT video codec. AnyDesk ensures minimal latency (ping), allowing for comfortable remote desktop work even with a weak internet connection. While TeamViewer often interrupts sessions suspecting “commercial use,” AnyDesk remains a much more loyal and simple tool for quickly helping a colleague or accessing a home computer while on vacation. Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS.
27. Dolphin Anty
A powerful anti-detect browser created specifically for affiliate marketing, crypto projects, and multi-accounting. It allows you to create hundreds of unique browser profiles, each appearing to website security systems as a separate real device. If you are professionally involved in multi-accounting, we also recommend checking out our detailed breakdown of the best anti-detect browsers for work to choose the right tool for your tasks.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
28. VirtualBox
A free tool for creating virtual machines from Oracle. It allows you to run one operating system inside another: for example, opening Windows or Linux in a separate window right on your Mac. It is an ideal solution for safely testing suspicious programs, learning how to work with new OSs, or running software not supported by your main system. Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
29. Wine
This is not an emulator, but a software layer that allows running applications written for Windows on Unix-family operating systems (Linux and macOS). Wine translates Windows system calls on the fly into commands understandable by your system. It is an indispensable tool for gamers and users of specific software who need to run an executable (.exe) without installing a full virtual machine. Platforms: macOS, Linux.
30. XAMPP
The most popular stack for web developers, which deploys a full-fledged server on a local computer in one click. The package includes Apache, the MariaDB database, and interpreters for PHP and Perl. XAMPP allows a programmer to create and debug a website directly on their PC before uploading it to the internet on actual hosting. Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
31. The Unarchiver
The de-facto standard for working with archives on Mac. Apple’s standard utility often fails with formats like RAR or 7z and may incorrectly display Cyrillic characters in filenames. The Unarchiver solves these problems once and for all, opening any archives in one click.
- Platforms: macOS.
32. Thunderbird
A mail client from Mozilla for those who want full control over their correspondence. Unlike web interfaces, it stores emails locally, supports powerful encryption plugins (PGP), and allows for managing dozens of mailboxes in one convenient window with a tab system.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
33. VLC Media Player
The most versatile player on the planet. It plays corrupted files, streaming video, DVDs, and any rare formats. VLC contains no ads, requires no codec installation, and possesses a vast range of audio and video settings, including “on-the-fly” subtitle synchronization.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS.
34. Xcode
The tool without which apps for Apple would not exist. It is a massive development environment including everything from a code editor to iPhone and iPad simulators. Xcode allows for creating high-performance software in the Swift language using the company’s latest graphical and neural network technologies.
- Platforms: macOS.
Conclusion
Forming the perfect set of programs is a process that directly depends on your tasks, whether it’s professional coding, digital content creation, or just comfortable home surfing. As we see, many classic tools (such as VLC or FileZilla) remain relevant for decades thanks to their simplicity and openness. At the same time, new solutions like AmneziaVPN or the integrated AI in Adobe CC set modern standards for security and automation.
