The 5 Mac applications that keep me from switching to Windows

This year will be remembered as a time when PC manufacturers with Windows began to regain ground. The start of this era of AI-powered PCs was marked by Qualcomm's presentation of the Snapdragon X Elite, followed later by Intel's response with the Lunar Lake platform. For the first time in almost a decade, I felt tempted to return to Windows. However, one problem persists: the lack of applications.

While Windows now has many of my preferred applications, there are some top Mac apps that I use daily, which prevent me from fully immersing myself in Microsoft’s operating system.

One of my favorite applications is PDF Expert by Readdle. This app provides me with advanced tools for working with PDFs and syncs perfectly between my iPad, iPhone, and Mac, allowing me to use my saved signatures on any device. This makes it easy to sign documents with the Apple Pencil on the iPad and use the same signature on my iPhone or Mac. Editing PDFs, annotating, and filling out forms are smooth processes, and I often complete these tasks faster on my iPhone than on a PC. Although I can use Acrobat on a computer, it doesn’t retain all my signatures and settings nor does it offer a cloud library for later access. For its usefulness, PDF Expert was one of the first applications I installed on my Mac, and it is the one I miss most on a PC.

Another application I miss is Parcel. Although this app has a web interface, it is an exceptional tool for tracking packages globally. I have used Parcel for over ten years, and it is one of the reasons I also use an iPhone daily. For PC users, the web interface offers many of the same functionalities but lacks key features. The native Mac version provides instant information, notification updates, and desktop widgets, making it an ideal resource for constant shipment tracking.

In terms of task management, Alfred is my favorite tool. Since I started using it, it has become essential for performing quick actions, searching for information, and managing applications on my Mac. Alfred is similar to Windows Search or Spotlight, but with more customization options and no recurring fees, making it an excellent purchase choice.

MindNode, an app I use to build mind maps, is also a valuable addition when dealing with complex issues, especially in the business realm. While there are alternatives on Windows, I prefer the integration between iPad and Mac that MindNode offers. I often start creating a mind map on the Mac and continue editing it on the iPad. Although there are other applications available, MindNode remains my preferred choice for creating mind maps.

Finally, I saved the best for last. I am so entrenched in the Apple ecosystem that I use Final Cut Pro X for video editing. While there are alternatives on Windows, my Final Cut Pro library is filled with graphics and templates that I would have to repurchase if I transitioned to Windows. The integration of iCloud Drive is also more efficient on Mac, and features like AirDrop make it hard to give up this operating system, at least for part of my workflow.