We have noticed that most VPNs leave the decision-making process to the users. For example, users have to select the best server location and protocol. But, you cannot always keep these things in your head. Won’t it be spectacular if your VPN app gave better prompts?  Well, that’s what ClearVPN claims to do.

What is ClearVPN?

ClearVPN is a privacy-focused yet easy-to-use VPN service from MacPaw. MacPaw is one of the most popular app developers, known for producing a number of high-quality apps and services for Mac and PC. ClearVPN is no exception.

Aside from its obvious features, ClearVPN stands out from other VPN services in a few ways:

• ClearVPN aims to simplify the process of using a VPN on your Mac, PC, iPhone, or Android smartphone. It wants to make VPNs accessible to everyone, not just technical experts. In fact, ClearVPN calls itself a “VPN you’ll love using.”
• The user interface of ClearVPN is also different from other VPN services. Instead of giving you a list of servers and metrics you may not understand, ClearVPN helps you make the right selection in a single click.
• The VPN service has diversified the UI based on different needs. For instance, you can have additional options in some cases, such as when you want to stream geo-restricted content or change your location to a specific place.
• On top of all these features, the VPN service also prioritizes user privacy. It uses a number of features to ensure that your data is safe, regardless of the VPN mode you use.

From the owner

“At MacPaw, we recognize that true innovation goes beyond technological advancements. It lies in reimagining the product and delivering new ways for users to extract value from a VPN solution seamlessly. Our focus is on understanding evolving user needs and crafting experiences that integrate VPN functionality into their digital lifestyles intuitively.”

Want more insights? Read our exclusive interview with the ClearVPN product manager.

ClearVPN review (TheSweetBits take)

In this ClearVPN review section, you will find everything you need to know about the VPN service. Our focus, however, was on how ClearVPN differs from conventional VPN apps in the market. Please note that we tested the macOS version of the app, and the features may vary slightly on other platforms.

The setup

We found no surprises here. Downloading and installing ClearVPN on your Mac is effortless. You can get the installation file from the ClearVPN website.

Alternatively, you can get the ClearVPN Android and iOS from the Play Store and the App Store, respectively.

The installation took only a few seconds. Now, the setup process varies based on your purchase.

We installed ClearVPN through Setapp, an app subscription service that we love at TheSweetBits. So, as soon as we opened ClearVPN, the application signed us in via Setapp. That is, we could start the VPN service in a second.

But you will probably have to enter the username-password combination if you bought ClearVPN from the developer directly.

The user experience

At the time of writing, we have been testing the latest version of ClearVPN for more than a week. And we have a few comments on the unique User Interface design.

When you first launch ClearVPN, yo’ll see a single page with a large Connect button in the center. This interface displays your location and IP address by default. To explore server options, simply click to open a sidebar menu.

The country list sidebar gives you three options:

1. Manually choose one of the countries as your location.
2. Let ClearVPN select the optimal location for the connection.
3. Select the streaming services that you need access to.

While the first two options are great yet common, we love the third option. No need to guess the right location—just select ‘Disney+ US’ or ‘Disney+ UK,’ and ClearVPN will connect you to the best server automatically. Pretty neat, right?

You can go further using hashtag categories such as #RichContent, #TopPrivacy, and #CostSaving. So, when you want maximum privacy while maybe reducing the speed. You can also look for combinations, which can save time.

Overall, setting up ClearVPN is a breeze. Simply download the app, create an account, and you’re ready to go. The clean interface makes it easy to switch between servers and access various settings. Plus, the app runs quietly in the background, ensuring your online experience remains uninterrupted.

The noteworthy features

Now, we shall look at some features that make ClearVPN different from other VPN apps we have tried and reviewed in the past.

• Incredibly Intuitive

Although we have seen intuitive VPN apps in the past, ClearVPN takes things to the next level. Its design frees us from worrying about aspects like latency or server locations. Instead, you can tell the VPN app what you want, and it will make an informed decision for you.

• One-Click Connect

Get started quickly with the one-click connect feature, which automatically connects you to the best server available based on your location.

• Multiple Options

Even though the ClearVPN app makes things easier, it does not take away the options for customization. For instance, there are times when you need to select a particular server location. You get to have these options when you pick something from the location list.

• Dedicated Streaming

We can’t understate that ClearVPN has dedicated an entire section for optimized content streaming. In this mode, you get to select server locations that will unlock specific streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, etc. We tested most platforms, and they just worked! We didn’t face those annoying IP-based blockers, either.

• Impressive Security

Despite being easy, ClearVPN remains one of the most secure options out there. For instance, it maintains industry-standard encryption across the server locations. This way, you can be sure that no one has access to what you are browsing on the internet. It works great with the no-logs policy of the service.

• Torrenting Support

We also loved that ClearVPN does not restrict torrenting. You can pick the option for torrenting-enabled servers from the collection of major shortcuts. The best part is that you can choose between over 20 servers that come under the category. However, we cannot say that ClearVPN has the best torrenting speeds.

Please keep in mind that it is not an exhaustive list of features. We have not talked about basic features like an internet kill switch, either. However, it is important to note that ClearVPN checks all these essential boxes.

The speed & performance

Before we talk numbers, a little about our testing environment.

We used a fiber broadband connection as the baseline point for the speed. Here’s what we did. The Mac is the only device connected. The Speedtest results when not using ClearVPN and while using ClearVPN were tested.

Speedtest without ClearVPN:

Speedtest with ClearVPN:

There is almost a 70% drop in the speed, which is not great.

Here are some insights from the results:

• We found that ClearVPN offers reasonable download and upload speeds, regardless of the server.
• As shown in the screenshots, the speeds you can achieve through ClearVPN are good. They may be sufficient for basic browsing needs, but not for high-speed downloads, though.

But we should add that ClearVPN is not necessarily one of the fastest VPNs. And we won’t recommend it if you expect the highest download speeds. You should be ready for that drop from 250Mbps to 75Mbps on a bad day. On the bright side, it uses innovative technologies to ensure a balanced VPN experience.

The server options

Like its competitors, ClearVPN offers VPN servers located in different parts of the world.

The options are spread across Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East. While some of these servers are multifunctional, others have been dedicated to maximum privacy or speed.

We found it impressive that ClearVPN has followed some tactics to bring its features to countries that have restricted the use of VPNs. For instance, if a country asks the VPN service provider to make logs available, ClearVPN will set up a virtual server, which may be physically located elsewhere.

This way, users can enjoy the benefits of geo-based content unblocking and anonymity without forfeiting their data to the authorities. In this aspect alone, we can appreciate what ClearVPN has done.

The customer support

Like other products from MacPaw, ClearVPN also offers the benefit of high-priority and reliable customer support. In addition to the extensive Knowledge Base and live chat, users can also submit requests via email for more detailed assistance.

Based on our experience, the customer support via live chat was not only courteous but also efficient. We did not have to wait for more than a minute, and ClearVPN support assured us that a representative would be connected to a request within two minutes.

The availability

For what it’s worth, ClearVPN offers official apps for the following platforms:

• macOS (works on macOS 13.0 and higher)
• iOS (works on iOS 16.0 and higher)
• Windows (works on Windows 10 Update 1809 and higher)
• Android (works on Android 6.0 and higher)

You can also get the Safari extension to automatically turn on ClearVPN when you start browsing.

Similarly, we love that ClearVPN’s apps for all these platforms are well-built and optimized. You do not have to worry about lags or glitches while using the service.

The pricing

ClearVPN offers flexible pricing plans to suit different needs:

• Monthly Plan: $9.99 per month
• Yearly Plan: $3.75 per month (billed $44.99 annually after the trial)

Every plan comes with a 3-day free trial, so you can explore all premium features risk-free. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you peace of mind if you decide it’s not the right fit.

Even better, you can get ClearVPN through a Setapp subscription, which is available for around $12.99 per month. This is a great way to save money, as the Setapp subscription ensures access to hundreds of other macOS apps.

One thing we noticed about the pricing plan is that a single account can only be used on up to 6 devices. Upgrading to a premium plan does not change this number, which may be a limitation for some advanced users.

If we keep this aside, we believe the pricing plans from ClearVPN are reasonable and worth what you pay.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• An incredibly intuitive User Interface
• Multiple shortcuts and VPN profiles
• Unblocks popular streaming platforms
• A relatively accommodating free plan

Cons

• Limited number of devices per account
• It could add security-centric features

FAQs

Is it safe to use ClearVPN?

Yes, it is 100% safe to use ClearVPN according to our experience. The VPN service’s privacy policy works at multiple levels. For instance, the VPN apps do not consume unwanted system resources or leave any traces on your PC. More importantly, once connected, the no-logs policy of the VPN service kicks in, ensuring that your browsing/downloading history is never saved.

Is ClearVPN free?

ClearVPN is not entirely free, but you can explore its premium features with a 3-day free trial—no commitments required. This allows you to test all paid features, including changing locations across 40+ countries and unlocking geo-restricted content like Netflix. If you enjoy the experience, you can continue with a paid plan. Otherwise, you can cancel before the trial ends.

Can I use ClearVPN on multiple devices?

Absolutely! ClearVPN allows you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously under a single account.

What is the privacy policy of ClearVPN?

As one would expect, ClearVPN has a privacy policy that does not allow the sharing of user data. However, the VPN cannot collect data in the first place according to the no-logs policy. Therefore, the overall privacy policy of ClearVPN is user-friendly and reliable, to say the least.

Does ClearVPN work with Netflix?

Yes, ClearVPN works with Netflix and other popular streaming platforms. The app even selects the best location for unlocking the content you want. For example, if you wish to access Netflix UK-exclusive content, you have an option to do so.

However, as ClearVPN’s team notes, streaming platforms continuously evolve their VPN detection methods. While ClearVPN focuses on providing a secure and private browsing experience, it also strives to anonymize user connections, making it harder for services to block VPN usage.

The bottom line

In the end, we believe that ClearVPN is a great choice if you need a rather balanced privacy solution. As it claims, the VPN service focuses on ease of use and customer satisfaction, and the ClearVPN app has been notarized by Apple and offers the best level of security.

We also found that the apps do an impressive job of ensuring the best streaming speeds and reliability. Overall, even though ClearVPN does not offer the fastest transmission speeds, you should check it out.

<p>The post ClearVPN: The No-Nonsense VPN That Works Smarter first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

Its lack of affordability, limited free trial options, inadequate subscription bundles, and sandboxing seem to cause more trouble than benefits. The problematic revenue-sharing policies of the Mac App Store have also been driving some great developers in the opposite direction.

Setapp, a subscription service from MacPaw, aims to solve this problem, offering an intuitive way to get good apps on your Mac without spending a fortune.

About Setapp

Setapp is a subscription service providing access to over 260 macOS, iOS, and web apps for a competitive monthly price. This curated collection is constantly updated, offering a diverse range of tools for productivity, creativity, and more.

By going for this subscription package, you can stop paying for individual apps or subscription plans. Setapp also offers many features to help users discover, use, and manage apps across their Apple devices.

“At our core, Setapp strives to simplify how Mac and iOS users discover and distribute apps. By prioritizing value for both users and developers, we’re constantly working to offer an experience that aligns with market demands and the needs of our customers.”

Discover more on how MacPaw reinvents app discovery and usage inside Setapp.

Features Highlight

• Setapp gives you access to a well-maintained library of apps for your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and web. It currently has over 260 apps in the library.
• Users can pay for a single monthly subscription instead of one-time purchases and subscriptions from multiple developers/vendors.
• The Setapp interface makes it easy to browse the collection of apps and find something that would increase productivity, boost Mac’s performance, or help with design/development.
• The apps included in the Setapp subscription are ad-free, providing you with the best possible User Experience across your Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
• Setapp also features an impressive selection of AI-powered apps for macOS and iOS, along with various plans that include built-in AI credits.

Key Information

• Free for 7 days, then $9.99/month for individual Mac access.
• Flexible plans available for Mac + iOS and families.
• System Requirements: High Sierra 10.13 (minimum), Big Sur 11.0 and later (recommended).
• All apps updated for free.
• Ad-free experience.
• Full access to the entire app collection, including new additions.
• Every app in Setapp is carefully chosen.

Our Hands-on Setapp Review

As a writer for TheSweetBits, finding great Mac apps has become second nature to me. For over 5 years, the Setapp subscription has made this easier. I have used Setapp on all the Macs I have owned since 2018. Even today, I spend more time on Setapp than the Mac App Store when I want to find a great app for a purpose.

In short, Setapp has become my go-to place for finding great apps that I can trust. For this review, I have been testing the latest version of Setapp on my M2 MacBook Air. I’ll talk about everything you should know about, starting from installation and setup to the current library of apps.

Installation and Setup

Installing Setapp on your Mac is like installing any other app. However, you may want to register on the site for an account for a seamless process. It may also be a good idea to start the Setapp free trial.

Setapp asks for standard macOS permissions during installation since it will be installing apps on your device. Apart from this point, the installation and setup are straightforward.

You can also choose to sign in to/sign up for the Setapp subscription after the installation. Once this part has been completed, you can start using all the features from Setapp.

The User Experience

When you get started with Setapp, you get to see the My Explorer tab of the applications. You can think of this pane as a space where you can find incredible recommendations and the newest additions to the app library that is Setapp.

As you can see, there might be a section called Hidden Gems or a couple of how-tos that can help you get something stuck. There are also personal recommendations and collections that you can explore to find out which apps can help you get the best out of your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

The recommendations become really great and spot-on after you have installed a few apps from Setapp. It learns from how helpful the existing apps are.

Sorting & Filtering

You can also explore other categories, such as On This Mac, Collections, How-Tos, and App Guides, if you want. Setup also allows you to explore all the apps in its collection or go through separate sections, such as Optimize, Work, Create, Develop, or Solve with AI Plus.

All these options in the sidebar make it easy to navigate the rather large collection of apps that you get from Setup, and once you are in a particular category, you can filter the options further. For instance, if you go to the Optimize app, you can select between options such as Menu Bar and Dock, Battery, CPU and RAM, Temperature, Speed, Screen, etc.

These filters and sorting options make it easy to navigate the vast collection and find something that you would want to install on your Mac, and this system is far better than what I have seen on the Mac App Store.

Search & AI Assistant

You can also use the search bar to find a macOS or iOS app for specific purposes. The best part? You don’t have to search for the name of the app. Instead, you can search for a particular task, such as “develop apps”.

You can also ask the AI-powered Setapp Assistant if you want in-depth suggestions. You can get started with the Setapp assistant and ask for basic tasks like “How to convert PDF to Word?” or “How do you take a screenshot on a Mac?”

If you need an interactive way to find great apps for your Mac, these two functions add a lot of value.

The Setapp App Library: An Overview

Let’s first take a look at the top Setapp apps from its five categories. I have picked five apps from each section, but they don’t show the versatility of the Setapp library.

Optimize

• Bartender helps you organize your busy macOS menu bar by arranging menu bar items and managing its behavior.
• BetterTouchTool is a great way to customize almost everything on your Mac. It offers full support for gestures, custom triggers, actions, etc.
• CleanMyMac is an all-in-one optimization and cleaning utility for macOS. It lets you free up storage space, remove applications, and speed up your Mac.
• Get Backup Pro offers fully-fledged backup solutions for your Mac. You can back up data to multiple storage spaces and retain control while doing so.
• iBoysoft NTFS for Mac is a trusted way to access NTFS drives from your Mac. This reliable tool makes it easy to format and control hard drives and other storage devices.

Work

• CleanShot X and Xnapper are two great screenshot utilities from the Setapp collection. These utilities make it easy to take beautiful and accurate screenshots on your Mac.
• Timing is a complete time-tracking solution for macOS. You can use the tool to understand the time spent on each app.
• Folx is one of the most popular download managers for macOS. It not only boosts download speeds but also supports torrent downloads and scheduling options.
• GoodTask is an excellent task manager who supports to-dos and reminders. You can sync all your data with other devices as well.
• CleanPresenter makes it easy to optimize how you present content from your Mac. This app offers incredible customization options, for starters.

Create

• Ulysses is probably the best distraction-free writing solution out there. It comes with markup support and various editing options. You can also directly publish content from Ulysses if you’re interested.
• Craft is a collaboration-friendly writing app available for macOS. The Setapp subscription brings the fully-fledged version of Craft, which also now has AI-powered tools.
• Typeface becomes a blessing for developers and designers by keeping track of your fonts. The app is an easy way to test your fonts and organize them.
• Swift Publisher makes everyone a potential publisher of books and booklets. You can use the app to design other design products as well.
• CameraBag Pro is a full-featured photo editor that professionals and beginners can rely on. It comes with a great collection of photo filters and presets.

Develop

• CodeRunner is one of the best multi-language programming editors we’ve seen. Not only is it easy to use, it offers extensive support for code completion.
• Hype is a unique app for HTML5 content creators. You can use Hype to create interactive content based on the HTML5 platform.
• SwiftyLaunch transforms how you build apps by saving up to 50 hours. This app can provide essential modules and pre-built features to optimize your next big iOS app.
• DevUtils is a curated collection of developer tools. You can use the app to quickly access generators and debuggers.
• SSH Config Editor is an effective way to manage your SSH config files from the convenience of your Mac. It will help automate many processes, thus saving a lot of time on your end.

Solve with AI+

• MurmurType is probably the best AI-powered we have come across recently. Powered by OpenAI’s Whisper engine, MurmurType can transcribe audio in almost every language you speak.
• Elephas is an AI-powered content editor that works across macOS. You can use ChatGPT’s generative ability without worrying about API keys and other technicalities.
• PDF Pals makes it easy to chat with your PDF documents. It uses the power of ChatGPT and other AI platforms to make things easier.
• Superwhisper allows you to transcribe audio to text on your Mac. You can easily download models to your Mac and get the job done.
• Spellar AI is a real-time assistant that helps you improve your performance in meetings. It can assist with English pronunciation, vocabulary, body language, etc.

Something great here is that Setapp offers iOS apps for many of these solutions. So you can enjoy the same experience on desktop and mobile devices.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• A Setapp subscription offers an incredible value
• You always have access to a curated set of apps
• Setapp can manage how you install and update apps
• Personal recommendations and discovery options
• Most apps in the collection maintain quality standards

Cons

• Access to apps is dependent on the subscription
• Not all apps are available cross-platform, especially on Android

Verdict

It must be clear to you that Setapp offers incredible value to anyone.

Even if you decide to purchase five apps from the collection separately, you’d end up spending more than what you would pay for Setapp in a year. Similarly, the Setapp subscription offers more value than any other app bundles I have come across out there.

I should also remind you that the collection of 260+ apps keeps updating. For the price of $120 per year, you get a great value package from Setapp.

Pricing Plans

Quite surprisingly, the Setapp membership currently starts at $9.99 per month, and this gives you access to one Mac.

If you want to access iOS and macOS applications, you can go for the Mac plus iOS bundle, which will cost $12.49 per month, but this will give you access to 5 devices in total. There is also a power user bundle, which will set you back at $14.99 per month, but this will give you access to 8 devices in total.

By choosing to pay annually, you can save 10%, which brings the monthly price to $8.99.

In addition, MacPaw offers additional discounts for students and teachers. That is one more reason to check out the subscription service.

If you are still unsure, you may want to try the 7-day free trial, during which you have access to the entire app library.

Exclusive offer for TheSweetBits readers!

Guys, we have great news! Setapp reached out to us and provided a coupon exclusively for our readers. Use promo code THESWEETBITS or follow this link to enjoy a 30-day extended trial. This extended trial gives you even more time to discover the vast collection of high-quality apps Setapp has to offer and see how it can transform your workflow.

Setapp vs. Mac App Store

Here’s a quick comparison of Setapp and the Mac App Store.

As you can see, the only aspect where the Mac App Store offers better value than Setapp is ownership. When you get an app from the MAS, you get full ownership and offline access. You might also have concerns about Setapp removing apps from its library. So, if you really want to own the Mac apps, you should stick to the Mac App Store.

I also wanted to mention the case of sandboxing. Many apps on the Mac App Store are sandboxed, meaning that all their functionalities are not available. Setapp, on the other hand, offers many apps without sandbox. This makes a huge difference when it comes to customization apps like BetterTouchTool and CleanMyMac.

But you also get the typical benefits of a subscription model without subscribing to different apps/vendors. For instance, Setapp offers continuous upgrades, including major ones. With the Mac App Store, you need to pay for every major upgrade.

Setapp FAQs

Can Setapp be trusted, are Setapp apps safe?

Yes, Setapp emphasizes security and trustworthiness. They conduct rigorous audits and certifications, partner with reputable developers who create high-quality apps, and implement a thorough review process to ensure that all apps meet high standards for quality, functionality, safety, and privacy.

Is Setapp available on the App Store?

No, Setapp itself is an app platform, so it’s not available on the Mac App Store or the App Store for iOS. You can sign up and install the Setapp desktop app on your Mac to access the included apps.

Can I use Setapp apps on multiple Macs?

Yes, your subscription allows installation and use on up to two Macs simultaneously.

Can I use Setapp Mobile with my plan?

Setapp Mobile requires an iOS Advanced, Power User, or AI Expert plan. Other plans don’t include it. Additionally, you need to be in the EU to install apps on your iPhone from Setapp Mobile.

Is Setapp worth it?

Determining whether Setapp is worth it depends on your individual needs and app usage. Setapp offers a variety of high-quality apps for a monthly subscription fee. Consider the value you get from using multiple apps compared to purchasing them individually. They also offer a free trial, so you can try it out and see if it works for you.

Conclusion

Setapp is a no-brainer choice for those who want the best out of their Mac and iOS devices. For the same amount you would spend on coffee every day, you get a month’s access to some great apps.

We feel Setapp has all the apps you would need to turn your Mac into a productivity boost. Its subscription model not only saves money but also simplifies app management through regular updates and an intuitive interface. For those who prioritize value and variety over ownership, Setapp presents an attractive option.

Visit setapp.com and start your free trial now.

<p>The post Setapp: The App Store Your Mac Deserves. A Bold Alternative. first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

What if you could do the same—and more—on your Mac? Well, this is what PopClip offers.

What Is PopClip?

PopClip is a productivity-focused macOS utility that brings instant text actions across macOS. So, when you select a piece of text, a number of options pop up. These options include Copy, Paste, Dictionary, Translate, etc.

At first glance, PopClip brings instant text actions that you are familiar with on iOS and iPadOS. But you get a ton of customizability that Apple’s built-in features fail to offer. In short, you have complete control over which shortcuts/actions appear when you select text.

Setting Up PopClip

Installing and setting up PopClip doesn’t take more than a few seconds. You can download PopClip from the official website or Setapp. The app has a minimal storage footprint and silently stays on the menu bar. But it may require a few permissions, including Accessibility, during setup. It may require more permissions based on the extensions you install.

Core Features

• Once installed, PopClip works across your Mac whenever you select a piece of text. However, not all text actions may be available on all apps.
• You can choose from 209 extensions in addition to standard text actions. Some of these extensions are dynamic, whereas others lead you to a third-party app or website. For instance, you can set up a Thesaurus extension to lead you to the search results for the selected word/phrase.
• Many of PopClip extensions are customizable to a great extent. For instance, you can set up a desired language for the spell-check extension. Alternatively, the Search extension lets you choose the Search URL you want.
• You get an overview of PopClip and extensions from the menu bar interface. It also lets you modify how extensions and the app behave.
• PopClip offers a well-maintained and growing collection of extensions. You can also develop a custom extension if you are a developer.

PopClip Extensions

Extensions are what make PopClip worthy of all the praise. These extensions allow you to quickly access other apps on your Mac, websites, and services. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable extension categories:

Text Processing Extensions

When you’re formatting text or editing documents, PopClip saves you time. Instead of navigating through editing menus, you can instantly apply text effects such as bold, italic, and underline with a simple selection. Additionally, you can perform tasks like capitalizing the first letter, adding quotation marks or brackets, and removing extra spaces—all with just a few clicks.

For enhanced reading and studying, PopClip also allows you to highlight text with a single click. It supports popular note-taking and PDF reading apps like Obsidian, Evernote, and PDF Expert.

Translation Extensions

PopClip offers several translation extensions to help users working with foreign languages. For example, the Instant Translate extension allows you to see translations for selected text right on the page without leaving the app. PopClip supports various translation and dictionary services, including Microsoft, Bing, Glosbe, and Online Dictionary, making it a valuable tool for anyone who frequently deals with multilingual content.

Integration with Popular Apps

One of the standout features of PopClip is its ability to integrate with other popular apps. For instance, with the ChatGPT extension, you can quickly generate content or answer questions right from your current context. You can also use PopClip to pull up Apple Maps to search for locations, invoke Downie for video downloads, or add tasks to Todoist—all with a simple text selection.

URL Shortening

If you often share links, PopClip has a handy extension for generating short URLs. Instead of visiting a URL shortening website, you can simply select a long link, and PopClip will automatically create a shorter, shareable version. This feature saves time and keeps your workflow seamless.

Development Extensions

For developers, PopClip offers powerful tools like URL encoding/decoding, IP address lookups for selected website links, and Unix to UTC time conversion. These are just a few examples of how PopClip enhances productivity for technical tasks.

These extensions, and many others, make PopClip an essential tool for a wide range of users—from students and writers to developers and business professionals.

Pricing

PopClip is a paid app that you can purchase for $12. With the Standard License, you get two years of updates. If you need a Lifetime License with free updates for perpetuity, you must pay $25. Note that PopClip is no longer available on the Mac App Store. You can purchase and download the app directly from the official PopClip website or access it through your Setapp subscription.

Summary

Considering the flexibility it offers and the reasonable pricing, PopClip is a great investment for better speed and productivity on your Mac. The ever-growing collection of extensions is another reason to go for it.

<p>The post PopClip: A Super-Customizable Utility for Instant Text Actions Across Your Mac first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

Features highlights

• Onyx provides various maintenance tasks, including disk verification, system cleaning, and cache management.
• You can access hidden macOS settings and customize system behavior for a more personalized experience.
• You can also schedule regular maintenance tasks, making it easy to keep your system running smoothly with minimal effort.
• Onyx is completely free, and the developer regularly updates it to ensure compatibility with the latest macOS versions, including macOS Sequoia.
• While Onyx is great for maintenance, it doesn’t include a backup option, and some advanced features may be confusing for new users.

Onyx for Mac review

We’ve taken Onyx for a spin to see what it can really do, and here’s what OnyX has to offer:

Installation

Installing OnyX is straightforward: download the specific version compatible with your macOS, provide it with disk access, and you’re ready to go. The app even guides you through setting up Full Disk Access so you can start optimizing right away.

Interface & Customization

OnyX’s interface is minimalistic—its primary focus is on functionality. The toolbar gives you quick access to various features, and you can customize it by selecting View > Customize Toolbar. Unlike apps that clutter the UI with excess features, OnyX is refreshingly direct.

Our Take: It may not look modern, but OnyX’s no-frills approach prioritizes usability, making it easier to dive into essential maintenance tasks.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Under the Maintenance tab, you’ll find options for cleaning and verifying system integrity. Here’s what you can do:

• Verify Filesystem Structure: Diagnose disk issues and even delete APFS snapshots to speed up the process.
• System Cleanup: Clear caches, run maintenance scripts, delete unnecessary files, and free up space.
• Application Cleanup: Clean app caches, saved states, and archived files.

Our Take: These tasks can take time, especially without a progress indicator, but OnyX does a thorough job at maintaining your Mac’s health.

Advanced Utilities

OnyX’s Utilities tab offers deeper insights into your Mac:

• Filesystem Check: Quickly verify file structure without needing to restart.
• APFS Snapshots: Create or delete snapshots to manage system backups and data states.
• Process Accounting: Track commands and system activity, useful for auditing and monitoring.
• macOS Shortcuts: OnyX also provides shortcuts to built-in tools like Wireless Diagnostics, Directory Utility, and Display Calibration.

Our Take: Casual users might not need these tools, but for developers or IT professionals, OnyX offers a wealth of options that make Terminal commands more accessible.

File Management for Advanced Users

The Files tab lets advanced users manipulate files and directories that are often hidden. You can:

• Change File Visibility: Access hard-to-reach files or hide specific directories.
• Checksum Calculations: Compare files or locate packages by checksums.
• Permanent Deletion: Safely and permanently erase files beyond recovery.

Our Take: These powerful tools are ideal for developers or tech-savvy users who need quick access to file management without Terminal commands.

Security

OnyX includes a Security tab to manage and monitor basic security features:

• Check Security Settings: See the status of System Integrity Protection, Gatekeeper, and other macOS protections.
• Enable/Disable Features: Quickly toggle Gatekeeper or security response settings with ease.

Our Take: While limited, these options offer developers or advanced users a quicker alternative to command-line security adjustments.

File & System Search

The Find tab lets you use graphical alternatives to Terminal commands, ideal for users familiar with Terminal but wanting a simpler experience:

• Locate Database: Once set up, use the locate command to search your Mac for specific files.
• Spotlight Alternative: Use mdfind to refine searches based on Spotlight-like parameters.
• Quick File Search: For finding specific files in large directories, OnyX’s tools make the process more efficient.

Our Take: If Spotlight isn’t enough, OnyX’s search options can help find elusive files without diving into the Terminal.

Personalization with Parameters

The Parameters tab lets users customize macOS behaviors, including:

• Screenshot Format and Location: Save screenshots in different formats or customize their save location.
• Finder, Dock, and Safari Tweaks: Show hidden files, alter animations, and adjust application settings with ease.

Our Take: This section is particularly appealing for users who want to personalize macOS settings that Apple keeps locked down by default.

System Info and Monitoring

In the Info tab, OnyX provides detailed system statistics beyond what macOS’s built-in System Information shows:

• Memory & Volume Use: Check memory, swap usage, and more.
• Purge Swap File: Free up space by purging the swap file if needed.

Our Take: Most users may not need this, but it’s useful for those who like more granular control over their system’s memory and volume usage.

What users say?

“I’ve been using Onyx for many years, even before I started my privacy journey. I trust the developers of Onyx and have donated to them a few times. You’ve done the research, so you can decide for yourself if you trust them or you could first also check for some alternatives that might be even open-source for example.” – Yahhas

“I set all maintenance options to on except for browser history, saved forms and cookies. That’s all you need for a cleanup. It’s essentially a GUI for existing macOS functions that would otherwise require Terminal to use.” – Dry

Is Onyx safe?

Yes, Onyx is a safe tool for Mac. The app has been developed by Titanium Software, a well-respected name in the Mac utility space. It’s been around for many years, and its developer regularly updates the tool to stay compatible with the latest macOS versions. Onyx works by providing users with the ability to clean up junk files and tweak system settings, all of which can be done safely when used correctly. However, as with any tool that alters system settings, it’s important to read the instructions and use caution, especially when making more advanced changes.

Things to keep in mind:

While Onyx is generally safe to use, it’s always a good practice to back up your data before making any major system changes. For beginners, we recommend starting with the basic cleaning and optimization options and exploring the advanced features cautiously.

How OnyX compares to alternatives

OnyX faces stiff competition from other Mac cleaning and maintenance utilities like CleanMyMac and DaisyDisk. While these tools also offer powerful cleaning and optimization features, they come with a price tag. OnyX stands out because it provides the same functionality as paid alternatives—without any cost. However, it does lack the advanced real-time monitoring features found in CleanMyMac.

Is Onyx for Mac any good?

Despite being a free tool, Onyx offers a surprising array of features for optimizing and maintaining your Mac. We found it particularly useful for cleaning up clutter, managing storage space, and fine-tuning specific system settings.

Pros

• Completely Free: No subscriptions or hidden fees.
• Comprehensive Tools: Full suite of system maintenance and optimization tools.
• In-depth Customization: Change macOS settings usually restricted by Apple.
• Regular Updates: Frequent updates keep the program in sync with macOS improvements.

Cons

• Challenging for Novices: OnyX is built for users comfortable with system maintenance.
• Potential for Misconfiguration: Mishandling certain settings can lead to stability issues.
• Sparse Support: Limited resources for troubleshooting or beginner support.

Onyx may not be suitable for everyone—especially those who prefer simpler apps for basic maintenance tasks—but for users who enjoy customizing their Macs or need a tool for regular upkeep, Onyx is definitely worth a try.

Download Onyx: https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/onyx.html

<p>The post Onyx: A Free Tool for Maintaining and Tweaking macOS first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

Since then, we’ve used this feature across our Mac, iPad, and iPhone. However, we noticed a problem: while it worked well with consistent usage patterns—keeping our MacBook Air’s battery health around 95%—a sudden change in habits caused our battery health to drop below 90%. Seeking alternatives, we found that manually unplugging our Macs was cumbersome and unreliable. But, thanks to fellow MacBook users at r/MacApps, we came across AlDente.

Enter AlDente

AlDente is a charge limiter application designed for Apple MacBooks. By combining machine intelligence with your custom instructions, this utility brings the best of both worlds.

This way, the battery optimization system on your MacBook will work alongside your workflow instead of disrupting it.

AlDente packs many features that we wish Apple had included in macOS. As a result, we ditched the Optimized Battery Charging on macOS for this super-customizable charge limiter.

From the developer

AlDente offers manual control with greater certainty, even allowing users to discharge their battery while plugged in. The Pro version includes additional features such as Sailing Mode, Heat Protection, and Calibration Mode, which enhance battery management and health.

Read our interview with the developer behind the AlDente app

Pro and cons at a glance

Pros:

• Offers precise control over charging limits and discharge cycles.
• Reduces battery degradation by preventing overcharging and deep discharge.
• Provides detailed information on battery health, usage patterns, and temperature.
• Integrates smoothly with macOS, offering a non-intrusive experience.
• Easy-to-use interface with customizable settings.

Cons:

• Some features require the Pro version, which is a paid upgrade.
• Some users may need time to fully grasp all the customization options.
• It’s currently only available for macOS devices.

Getting started with AlDente

Getting started with AlDente is a piece of cake.

• Installation

You can first download the free version from the official website, and it will start in just a second.

For an app that protects your MacBook battery for the long run, AlDente does not take up a lot of space. The installation requires less than 20 MB of storage space, but it is available in 19 languages.

You also have to install the AlDente Helper application for the app to work completely fine.

• Setting Up

When you get started with AlDente, you have a couple of features that you can enable or set up. For instance, you must select your MacBook’s desired charge limit.

We recommend going for a number like 70% or 80% to be on the safe side. This way, you can protect your MacBook battery without compromising a potential emergency scenario. Even if you have to unplug your MacBook and be on the go, 70% or 80% of the battery will be enough.

But keep in mind that you can always change this number based on your usage patterns.

From then on, AlDente will be in charge of the MacBook battery.

You can use this tool to check out the statistics or explore the free and pro features you might need.

AlDente Pro review (TheSweetBits take)

From our testing, here are some features that make AlDente Pro better than the default battery optimization on macOS.

Easy controls

Unlike the optimized battery charging mode on macOS, AlDente Pro is designed for maximum control, and you can access these controls right from the menu bar.

In our case, we have replaced the system battery indicator with the AlDente indicator. So, with a single click, we can see the desired limit and two quick options for discharge and top-up.

• The Top Up button is handy if we want to be on the go and like our MacBook fully charged. With this button, AlDente will start charging our device until the battery is full or we stop it.
• The Discharge button is useful when you have overcharged the MacBook. AlDente will work with the MagSafe connection to stop charging until the battery reaches the desired limit.

You may also have noticed that we can change the desired battery limit from the menu bar widget.

Advanced statistics

As you may have noticed, macOS does not provide much information about the battery. Of course, you can go to System Info and find the details through a report. This is a kind of a hassle.

But with AlDente Pro, you can access real-time battery statistics.

For instance, you can check the battery health, design capacity, maximum capacity, and cycle count. It also gives you access to battery specifications, which will tell you the serial number and temperature. You also get electrical specs to help you understand how quickly or slowly your MacBook is being charged.

We can access the Power Flow details from the menu bar widget with the Pro version.

We like this option much better than the details we can access through macOS.

These details are often inaccurate, as many Reddit threads reveal.

Advanced features

AlDente Pro packs a lot of additional features that can help you manage the charging, sleep, and other aspects of your MacBook battery.

We cannot list all these features here, but we will mention the ones that make most of the difference.

To avoid additional charging, you can set up Al dente Pro to stop charging when the device sleeps. Similarly, you can prevent additional charging when applications are closed.

Regarding sleep management, you always have the option to turn off sleep until the desired charge limit is reached. AlDente Pro does this because it has less control over your Mac when sleep mode is on.

Another feature that many of us would appreciate is the hardware battery percentage. This feature will show you the exact battery percentage of your MacBook battery instead of the synthesized result that macOS may display.

By the way, did you notice those question mark icons next to each feature? These links will help you better understand each feature if you are confused.

Professional battery management

With the pro version of this app, you also get a couple of security features that go beyond what most system monitor apps offer. For instance, there is Sailing Mode, which accounts for calculation mistakes while maintaining the battery percentage. Equally important is Heat Protection, which can prevent overcharging issues on your MacBook. Because Al dente Pro can access heat sensors, it will turn off charging when the temperature hits a specific limit.

Our favorite feature would be Calibration Mode, which solves several issues we encountered with my MacBook battery health.

As you may know, it’s not safe to keep running your Mac at lower percentages all the time. Instead, you have to calibrate the battery once a month.

Instead of doing it manually, you can let Al dente Pro take care of it. It will charge your MacBook battery to 100%, then discharge it to 15%, back to 100%, and hold the temperature for one hour before discharging it to the desired level.

You also get other options, such as Appearance Customization and MagSafe LED Customization. There is also a Task Scheduler built into AlDente Pro. You can also use it to trigger some tasks as you wish.

Customization

Alongside all these professional battery management features, you also get a pretty cool battery icon interface on the menu bar.

1. First, you have complete control over the menu bar icon. You can decide whether to show the percentage and choose the icon style from many options.
2. Second, a pop-up window shows the battery percentage and other statistics about the battery. You can customize what appears in the pop-up window as well.

These features are great if you want to replace the default battery icon with something that can double as a battery monitor.

The Power Flow interface is also great at times. You get a more intuitive representation of how power works within your MacBook. For instance, when charging the MacBook, AlDente Pro will show how much power goes to the battery and how much to the device.

What could be better?

We don’t mean to suggest that AlDente Pro is a perfect tool. It has room for improvement, particularly regarding the technicalities of installing and uninstalling the app.

For instance, if you simply uninstall AlDente Pro while it is set to a lower power limit, your MacBook battery may have trouble reaching a higher limit and discharging correctly. Therefore, you must always disable and increase the power limit to 100% before uninstalling the application.

This point is well explained on their website. But having this option directly within the main user interface would be nice.

Who should consider AlDente Pro

AlDente is ideal for Mac users who:

• Want to extend the lifespan of their MacBook battery.
• Prefer to customize their charging habits.
• Value detailed insights into battery health.
• Frequently use their MacBook on the go and need to optimize battery life.

Availability and pricing

AlDente is currently available for macOS; there is no information on other versions yet.

You should have a Mac running macOS 11 Big Sur or later to use this app.

You have two options when it comes to the pricing of AlDente.

• The AlDente free version offers the charge limiter and discharge features.
• But if you need all the features I discussed in the review, you should get AlDente Pro, which will set you back $12.
• You can also go for a lifetime purchase, which you can get for $25.

Alternatively, you can get AlDente Pro through Setapp, which will cost you $12.99 monthly but will give you other $240 applications.

If you do not need those advanced features, you do not have to pay for them. The essential functions for discharging and topping up the battery still give you better control over your MacBook battery than what is built into macOS.

FAQs

Is AlDente a safe app?

AlDente is an Apple notarized app that is completely safe to use. It does not ask for too many permissions or make system-level changes. You always have the option to uninstall the app and its helper in a single click.

Is AlDente good for M1/M2/M3/M4 Mac?

AlDente and AlDente Pro are good for M1/M2/M3/M4 Mac models because they can better optimize the battery situation accordingly. You also have better control over the battery, even in the clamshell mode.

Final words

We don’t know if you know this, but we spend hours each week searching for great apps to recommend to our readers and friends. Aldente Pro is one of those apps we can endorse without any doubt.

As we mentioned, the free version has no strings attached, allowing you to see how the basic features work.

Is AlDente Pro version right for you? Well, there are a few other things to consider:

• Compatibility: AlDente and Pro version is currently only available for macOS devices.
• Security: Some discussions raised concerns about third-party battery management apps. However, AlDente Pro is notarized by Apple, indicating a level of security vetting.
• Apple’s Built-in Features: macOS already offers basic battery optimization functions. AlDente Pro provides more granular control.

More details, visit the official website to download a free trial.

<p>The post AlDente Pro: Take Control of Your MacBook’s Battery Health first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

About TG Pro

TG Pro is a Mac utility that lets you check the internal temperature of your device and control the fans speeds on your Mac. Its automation features also increase the productivity of your Mac by enabling smart cooling.

• Compatible with Intel & Apple Silicon
• Real-time temperature monitoring
• Full fan control + auto boost
• Smart logs and diagnostics
• Menu bar access for quick actions

From the developer

“I believe Mac users have always been interested in performance and making sure their hardware running at optimal speed and temperatures, especially with the introduction of the Apple silicon models, beginning with the M1 and now with the new M4 based models.” Read the story behind TG Pro here.

TG Pro review: our experience

Despite how complex it is, TG Pro employs a simple installation process. We completed the installation in a few minutes. Quite surprisingly, the TG Pro app does not demand many permissions on your Mac. It is also a relief that TG Pro is notarized by Apple.

That is, Apple has verified that TG Pro does not contain any type of malware.

Anyway, once you complete the installation, you can see the fully-fledged interface of TG Pro.

The interface

It’s one thing that TG Pro is an advanced utility. Surprisingly, the developers made sure that the overall interface of the tool doesn’t trouble much, even if you’re a beginner.

The main interface contains everything you need, from the temperature information to fan controls. A quick look at the left end will land you on a series of options. You can shift between sections and explore advanced information.

Overall, even if you have never used fan control tools before, TG Pro will be a piece of cake.

We shall now look at some of its unique features.

Smart diagnostics

Smart Diagnostics is one BIG reason to get TG Pro.

During testing, TG Pro even flagged a rare improper shutdown we hadn’t noticed—turns out, a spike in CPU temperature was to blame. That level of detail gives you real insight into what’s happening under the hood.

To be honest, we’re not the kind of guys who rush into things, and putting our Mac to sleep is no exception. For that matter of fact, TG Pro listing that one rare session explains how well it is optimized to do its job. In our case, a spike in CPU temperature was indeed the culprit behind the unexpected shutdown.

Moreover, the tool is capable of providing a normally functioning fan and sensor diagnostics. Its ability to create new logs for varied administrators is indeed a promising approach to regularizing the tasks. Here is how it might help you.

You cannot always keep an eye on the optimal temperature of your MacBook components. However, with the help of TG Pro, you can automate this process. The app will keep track of essential temperature sensors and tell you if there is a problem.

In this case, we’re notified that the CPU overheating was the reason for the shutdown.

Auto boost

Of all TG Pro’s standout features, Auto Boost might just be our favorite.

As the name suggests, turning on the feature will allow the tool to automatically tune up the speed of your Mac’s fan whenever the temperature reaches a certain level. And yes, you get to define what that “certain level” means—it’s fully customizable.

You can even use Auto Boost to test how different tools behave under load by observing fan responses. Well, we did the same, especially on those who weren’t working great for me before. So, if you have a basic idea about power-intensive tasks on your Mac, you can set up smart schedules for fan control.

One thing we can say is that the Auto Boost algorithm is far better than the automatic fan control decisions by macOS. macOS tends to throttle the performance when there is higher heat. On the other hand, TG Pro will optimize the fan speed to give you better performance without hardware damage.

Both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3 & M4 series) Macs support

TG Pro is compatible with devices that operate on macOS 10.13 or higher (including macOS Sequoia), irrespective of its release date. In other words, whether it be the classic Mac from 2008 or the most powerful ones known to date, Apple silicon Mac, M2, M1 Ultra, M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max, TG Pro should work great.

Your M2 MacBook Air doesn’t have a mechanical fan, so you can’t control fan speeds—but TG Pro still gives you deep insight into internal temperatures. But, having TG Pro by your side can help you understand when the temperatures go overboard.

Single view from macOS menu bar

The menu-bar utility of TG Pro also offers great convenience. A single click lets you quickly switch between System, Max, and Auto Max settings, for times when you need an instant cooling boost.

Apart from giving you a quick shortcut to the different fan speed control options, you also get a full-view display of temperatures at which the different components are operating.

Other uses for TG Pro

We must also mention how TG Pro can double as other utilities.

For instance, if you have a fan-less Mac, you won’t need fan controls. In these instances, you can use TG Pro to keep track of Mac temperature. Compared to system monitoring apps in the category, the calculations from TG Pro are accurate and reliable. It also goes the extra mile to provide temperature sensors from sub-sections.

On our M2 MacBook Air, which does not have a fan, we use TG Pro to keep track of overheating issues. That is, if an app slows down the entire system, we check whether it is shooting up the temperature sensors. It is an effective way to keep your Mac healthy.

As one of our editors put it: “TG Pro saved our Mac from constantly overheating during 4K editing sessions.” And we couldn’t agree more.

Minor Drawbacks

Learning curve

The information that the tool provides can be overwhelming for new users and some options are placed deep below various windows. Overclocking the fan speed without knowing what you’re doing is quite easy, but in most cases, this won’t cause any damage.

When it comes to slowing down the fan speed, there are multiple safeguards in place in the form of warning pop-ups, so there won’t be any critical hardware failure at any point. Unless you ignore these warnings, you will have a smooth journey.

Installation conflicts

Although not frequent, a handful of users have reported installation issues with TG Pro. As claimed by users, an attempt to download and install from the official website landed them an error message.

That said, we didn’t run into this issue during our review. We did notice that the TG app on the App Store is outdated, but you get upgraded to the latest version of TG Pro even if you purchase the older version.

However, we’d urge the developers to avoid these potential conflicts during installation.

TG Pro PROS & CONS

Pros

Real-time temperature monitoring across all Mac sensors
Fan control customization for better thermal management
Works with Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
Helps prevent thermal throttling and overheating
Sleek, Mac-native UI with menu bar integration
Email and notification alerts for overheating
Works great with external displays and clamshell mode

Cons

May be overkill for casual users or light workloads
No companion mobile app for remote monitoring
Fan settings need careful adjustment — not beginner-proof

Verdict: Is TG Pro worth it?

In the end, we love everything that TG Pro offers. The feature-set is impressive and you don’t need to be a geek to understand how the tool works.

In particular, we love the option to choose between intelligent automation and manual control over the fan speeds. It is handy for those who are learning the ways of optimizing their Mac.

What else? Considering the same feature set, the 50% off sale seems reasonable as well.

TG Pro Pricing

TG Pro offers a one-time purchase license, not a subscription (a rare win these days!):

• Standard License: $10
• Family Pack (5 Macs): $15
• Business Pack (10 Macs): $25
• Includes free updates for all minor versions
• Compatible with macOS Monterey and later, including Apple Silicon Macs

You can try TG Pro with a free trial to explore its full features before committing.

TG Pro FAQs

Is TG Pro safe?

The temperature monitoring tool TG Pro is designed with all the security measures in mind. Being notarized by Apple itself, TG Pro is something you can trust. TG Pro uses the Hardened Runtime and offers a specific and unassailable fan control service.

Who is TG Pro best for?

Ideal for power users, developers, content creators, or anyone pushing their Mac to its limits—especially in hot environments.

Is TG Pro compatible with old Macs?

TG Pro is compatible with almost any variant of Mac. No matter if you own the brand-new M1 Pro 16-inch MacBook, or you’ve been operating on the 24-inch iMac, you can buy and install TG Pro with no issues whatsoever. But make sure your device runs macOS 10.13 or higher.

How does a fan control app improve MacBook performance?

The internal processor of the Mac, similar to any other computer, will work at peak performance when the temperature is low. While Apple has designed the MacBook to keep itself cool when under constant workload, external temperature can also affect the performance. TG Pro is recommended for users who reside in tropical or arid regions where the external temperature is higher.

TG Pro vs Macs Fan Control?

After taking a closer look at the biggest competitor to TG Pro in the fan speed control apps space for Mac, here’s what we found out about Macs Fan Control:

Similar to TG Pro, Macs Fan Control also offers a menu bar view with advanced fan speed controls, but the user interface takes a while to get used to.

Comparing the two price-wise, the TG Pro costs less ($10) compared to the Macs Fan Control ($14.95).

While Macs Fan Control is a solid free alternative, TG Pro’s rich diagnostics, Apple Silicon support, and auto-boost features make it well worth the upgrade for serious users.

Is TG Pro free?

TG Pro does not have a free version but does offer a free trial. The app is usually available for $20, but you can get this tool for 50% off, only $10, thanks to the sale that has been running for days now.

<p>The post TG Pro: The Mac Cooling Tool You Need (Review) first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

Sensei, a brand-new macOS performance tool, is a sweet solution.

What is Sensei?

Sensei in the Japanese language means master. The Sensei app for Mac is a piece of software that helps you to monitor, analyze, and improve your Mac’s performance.

Developed by Cindori, Sensei is comparatively new to the world of macOS cleaners. However, this new-generation Mac performance tool comes with the right set of features that every macOS Pro user has ever wanted.

Highlights:

• Monitor performance, including real-time statistics, hardware information, and disk benchmarks.
• Use S.M.A.R.T analysis to monitor HDD/SSD health and prevent data loss.
• Quickly remove unnecessary files like caches, logs, and downloads to free up space.
• Never delete anything without your permission, ensuring data safety.
• Easy to navigate for all user levels.

Is Sensei safe to use?

Yes, cent percent. And, it’s relatively easy to install and get started with.

Compared to the process of installing other tools in the category, the installation of Sensei is straightforward. You can download the installation file from the official website of Sensei, and it isn’t heavy at all. The entire process of installation takes less than a minute.

Once you install and launch Sensei, you have to provide specific permissions to the software. What it mainly needs is Accessibility permission. Once you have done this, the Sensei setup process is complete. And, a click on the OK button would show you the fully-fledged dashboard of this program.

Sensei keeps everything safe at all times too. For instance, it does not even touch system-based folders that could make a problem. Instead, the algorithms choose areas where healthy cleaning is possible.

What the developer says

I love the Mac, so it was natural for me to create an app that enhances the Mac experience.

I wanted to create an app that empowered the average Mac user to learn more about their Mac and optimize its performance, or even prolong its longevity.

I believe AI could offer a profound benefit for Mac users, and I’m definitely looking at ways to use it to empower our apps.

Read the full interview with Sensei App CEO – Oskar Groth

What’s inside Sensei? (TheSweetBits review)

Here we will be reviewing what Sensei for Mac has to offer. We have been testing Sensei on our 13′ MacBook Pro for the past month, and our opinions reflect the experience we had with the piece of software.

# Performance dashboard

Sensei is a real beauty in terms of the User Interface. As you can see below, the central dashboard is just unique, and it provides such a detailed, distinct, and data-driven overview of your Mac.

In the case of the MacBook Pro 13′ we used for testing, Sensei was showing system info, battery consumption, storage overview, RAM usage, CPU resources, and GPU usage. If we have other accessories connected, the dashboard may include that too.

This central performance dashboard is the best way to get a quick overview of your Mac.

# System monitor

In addition to being a Mac optimization tool, Sensei also serves as an excellent system information monitor. You can rely on the Monitor module when you want to clearly understand what is happening with your Mac hardware. It is worth noting that the Dashboard itself provides basic information about your MacBook, iMac, or Mac mini. However, the information you see through the Monitor module is much more advanced.

The Monitor module of Sensei appears in the menu bar of your Mac. You can edit what appears on the menu bar and the controls you can enable or disable. Each section contains a lot of information about each element. For instance, you can monitor the load on individual CPU cores and identify the apps consuming a considerable amount of CPU resources. Similarly, you can track the load on the network, Unified Memory, and CPU sensors.

Overall, the Monitor module of Sensei is quite helpful. You will find it more appealing if you want a better understanding of how things work inside your Mac.

# Utilities

Let’s take a look at the different utilities we get in the Sensei package.

• Optimize

This section of Sensei helps us remove two of the major causes for slowdowns: login items and launch agents. These are programs that run in the background when you turn on your Mac. We loved this feature as it helped us in finding hidden login items. Sensei offers a quick and convenient view of these things.

In a single click, you can toggle these login items and launch agents. This process is way easier than going to System Preferences and removing these programs individually. After doing this, the starting-up speed of our MacBook has improved noticeably.

You may want to do this once in a while since many programs become login items by default.

• Uninstaller

macOS has a standard interface for finding apps and removing them. However, most of the time, a few files stay in your Mac, slowing them down. More importantly, programs that you don’t currently use may be using up storage resources.

Sensei thoroughly scans the storage and apps for both these issues and provides a convenient way to remove applications from your Mac. The macOS tuner also lists applications by the amount of space it takes up. You can even know which components — app core files or data files — are making the app so big.

Once you make up your mind, Sensei allows you to uninstall multiple apps at once.

• Clean

The Clean section of Sensei is an effective way to remove junk from your macOS device. The Mac cleaning app would be scanning your Mac’s hard drive to find files that take up storage space as well as other sources of junk files. This process may take a while.

Just like we saw in the Uninstaller sector, Sensei lists down the most space-consuming content on your Mac. This could be user cache, huge files, system logs, downloads, or disk images. Once again, you can choose to remove multiple entries at once.

This feature helped me find files that we had downloaded long back and left unattended. More space saved!

• Trim

Trim is a utility that improves the performance of your Mac’s SSD storage. Sensei brings a custom driver for SSD trim, and it does a fantastic job. You have to go to the page, enable the Trim module, and give necessary system permissions to proceed. Changes take effect after rebooting.

Well, we restarted my Mac after removing several login items and enabling Trim. As claimed, there was a noticeable difference in speed and smooth performance. Because not many apps were running, we’re able to get started in a few seconds. We also noticed a considerable speed boost in the transfer. So, pretty awesome, we’d say.

# Hardware

In-depth hardware analysis is one of the reasons why we loved Sensei.

• Storage

This section provides a comprehensive overview of your Mac hard drive, mostly an SSD. You can see details like capacity, SMART status, type, lock status, and all the partitions that exist on the drive.

Besides, Sensei lets you benchmark, analyze the health, and monitor real-time statistics of the SSD your Mac is using. Trust me when we say this; these features are just useful.

• Graphics

In this section, you can know more about the Graphics Card as well as the Mac display. Even if you have an integrated graphics card, Sensei shows the necessary statistics. The same goes for all kinds of displays. Either to geek out or for information needs, this panel is the best.

Here, we don’t get any tests/benchmarks, though.

• Cooling

This is perhaps the most advanced section inside Sensei. Here, you get to know data from not just the built-in fans/battery but also thermal sensors. A cumulative insight from all these devices will tell you whether your Mac is overheating or if the fan controlling has any issues.

Sensei also uses some color codes to let you know if there is any trouble.

What we loved in Sensei

In the past couple of years, we have had the opportunity to review some popular macOS performance-boosting software. Still, here’re our personal take-aways on Sensei.

• Sensei is entirely minimal, top to bottom. The tool does not take many resources and still provides a comprehensive view of the device.
• The Dashboard of Sensei is just amazing, to say the least. Merely opening the dashboard gives us all the information we need.
• We’re yet to come across a simple tool like Sensei that provides so much information about the utility and hardware aspects of my MacBook.
• Productive features like the Trim enabler disk analyzer add so much value for a Pro user.

And, despite all these, Sensei is priced quite reasonably. Unlike some other tools for the same purpose, you can purchase Sensei at a minimal cost of $59.

What could be better?

Sensei is not yet perfect. We think there are a few areas where the developers can make amends.

• You’d miss scheduling features in Sensei. It’d have been nice if we could schedule tasks such as junk removal and statistics analysis
• As of now, Sensei supports devices that run Catalina. We think previous versions of macOS need this tool more than Catalina does.
• This did not bother me much, but Sensei does not work well with Thunderbolt 3 devices. When I connected my portable HDD via a USB Type C adaptor, for instance, Sensei was not picking up the primary partition in the drive.

We’d ask Cindori to fix these issues because that would make Sensei a must-have macOS app for almost everyone.

Any alternatives to Sensei?

Traditionally, Mac users have relied on tools like CleanMyMac for cleaning junk files or MacKeeper for basic maintenance. However, these tools often lack a comprehensive view of your Mac’s overall performance. They might clean temporary files, but they might not provide insights into CPU usage, memory allocation, or other critical system resources. For a more detailed comparison of Sensei and CleanMyMac, you can check out this resource: CleanMyMac vs Sensei: Battle of Mac Performance Tools

What does it cost?

As for pricing, there are two kinds of licenses that you can purchase. A one-year license of Sensei costs $29, and it provides support and upgrades for a year. But, if you want lifetime support and features, that will cost you $59.

By any standards, Sensei is the most affordable macOS performance software you can buy today. And, if you use any other products from Cindori, you can even get an upgrade with a discount.

Want to download Sensei free trial?

After analyzing all these aspects, we believe Sensei is a new-gen performance app for Mac users. It offers exceptional functionality without hogging system resources, a rare find these days. With just a click, Sensei provides a wealth of insights about your Mac.

Considering the time Sensei can save you, its cost is a minimal investment. If you’re running macOS Monterey (12) or later, we highly recommend checking it out! Sensei offers a free 14-day trial with full access, and it’s fully compatible with the latest macOS Sequoia and M3/M4 Macs.

<p>The post Sensei: The Minimalist yet Powerful macOS Performance Software first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

What is Bartender 5?

Bartender 5 is a powerful tool designed to declutter your Mac’s menu bar, allowing you to organize and customize it exactly how you want. Whether you’re a minimalist or someone who likes quick access to multiple apps, Bartender 5 helps you streamline your workflow by giving you full control over which icons are visible and when.

From showing icons only when you need them to hiding less important ones, this utility is perfect for anyone who finds their menu bar getting out of hand.

Key features

• Menu Bar Item Groups: Combine multiple items into one customizable menu bar item. For example, group all your cloud storage apps like Dropbox and Google Drive for quick access.
• Quick Access: Reveal hidden items by clicking in an empty space on the menu bar or using keyboard shortcuts. You can also set hotkeys for instant access to specific items.
• Triggers: Automatically show or hide menu bar items based on conditions such as time of day, Wi-Fi network, or specific applications in use.
• Custom Styling: Personalize your menu bar with various styling options, including colors, borders, and shapes. Make it uniquely yours!
• Real-Time Updates: Bartender 5 runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, ensuring lightning-fast performance.

TheSweetBits review

As a long-time user of Bartender, we’ve highlighted it as a must-have macOS app. With Bartender 5, the tool has reached new heights, offering more powerful features to manage your menu bar effectively.

First impressions

At first glance, Bartender 5 retains its hallmark functionality. It’s still the go-to tool for managing macOS menu bars. You can hide less-used icons and declutter your workspace, which is invaluable for anyone who finds a crowded menu bar distracting.

New customization options, like Smart Triggers, make it easier than ever to manage icons. For example, you can set specific triggers for when icons should appear or hide based on app activity, adding flexibility that macOS lacks natively.

However, note that Bartender 5 is exclusive to macOS Sonoma or later, meaning older macOS versions won’t support it. The app is also optimized for Apple Silicon Macs, delivering a snappier, more fluid experience for M1, M2, and M3 users.

Smart and flexible Iicon control

Bartender 5 introduces Advanced Triggers that let you control when specific icons appear or disappear based on system conditions or app activity. For example, you can set a trigger to display an icon only when the associated app is active or when an update becomes available. This “smart reveal” feature means your menu bar only shows what’s relevant to you at any given moment.

Additionally, Smart Search allows you to find and access hidden icons quickly, especially useful when managing a lot of applications. Just start typing in Bartender’s search box, and the hidden icons will appear instantly.

Bartender bar for quick access

The Bartender Bar adds a new dimension to menu bar organization. When enabled, it creates a secondary menu bar that remains hidden until you hover over it or invoke it with a keyboard shortcut. This allows you to move less frequently used icons to this bar, keeping your main menu bar clean while still making all icons easily accessible when needed.

For example, you can push lesser-used apps (like time trackers or file syncing tools) into the Bartender Bar, keeping high-priority apps like battery status or VPNs on your main menu bar.

Menu bar spacing for a sleeker look

Bartender 5 introduces Smart Spacing, allowing you to control and adjust the space between icons. This adds more customization over how your menu bar looks and feels, which is a small but welcomed feature, particularly for those who want a minimal and polished appearance. If you’ve ever been annoyed by uneven or inconsistent icon spacing, this feature is a game-changer.

Quick reveal and consistent notifications

Another standout feature is Quick Reveal, which lets you instantly show all hidden menu bar items with a single click or shortcut. This is perfect when you want to quickly check on hidden system services or running apps without constantly toggling icons on and off. Once you’ve seen what you need, you can hide them just as easily.

Additionally, Bartender 5 ensures that you won’t miss any important app notifications, even if their icons are hidden. By using the app’s Notification Center integration, Bartender will display a subtle alert when a hidden app needs your attention. This guarantees you’re always in the loop without the constant visual clutter of too many icons.

Custom hotkeys and full keyboard navigation

Bartender 5 offers full keyboard navigation, allowing you to interact with the app entirely without a mouse. This includes custom hotkey shortcuts for quickly revealing or hiding icons, accessing the Bartender Bar, or triggering specific icons based on your needs. Power users will love the ability to fully control their menu bar experience with just a few taps on the keyboard, making multitasking even more efficient.

Privacy and security

Bartender continues to uphold strong privacy standards. It only interacts with the icons you allow it to manage, and no data is collected or shared. You can rest assured that using Bartender won’t affect your system’s privacy or security settings in any way. In fact, by helping you hide certain sensitive icons (such as screen recorders or VPNs), it can actually enhance your privacy by keeping those tools out of sight from prying eyes.

Our experience with Bartender 5

Having used Bartender 5 for a while now, we can confidently say it’s a solid evolution of its predecessor. Coming from Bartender 4, we immediately noticed the smoother and more responsive performance, especially on our Mac running macOS Sonoma. The speed and fluidity are remarkable, and everything from menu bar transitions to icon management feels snappier, thanks to Apple Silicon optimizations.

The customizable triggers and rules remain as flexible as ever. For instance, we love that we can choose when certain icons should appear or hide depending on our workflow. It’s effortless to keep our menu bar decluttered, which helps us stay focused, especially when working on my MacBook’s built-in display where space is limited. Bartender 5 truly shines when we’re using a secondary monitor, where it takes advantage of the extra real estate without compromising usability.

One of our favorite features is the Bartender Bar—it’s been refined in version 5, and now switching between hidden icons is quicker. We also appreciate the added Quick Reveal feature, which allows us to bring up specific icons with a simple key press. It’s a game changer when you need quick access to something without losing focus on your work.

Compared to Bartender 4, the experience with version 5 feels more polished. While the core features remain familiar, the performance enhancements and subtle UI improvements make the upgrade worthwhile. Bartender 5 has seamlessly become an essential part of my workflow—keeping our Mac organized while offering flexibility that macOS itself simply doesn’t provide.

Compatibility and pricing

Bartender 5 requires macOS Sonoma (macOS 14) or later and is not backwards-compatible with earlier macOS versions. If you’re running macOS Ventura or earlier, you’ll need to stick with Bartender 4.

As for pricing, Bartender 5 is available for a one-time purchase with lifetime updates for the current version. It’s also available through Setapp, which offers access to Bartender alongside many other macOS utilities as part of a subscription package.

Final thoughts

Bartender 5 is more than just a menu bar organizer—it’s an essential utility for anyone who values both productivity and aesthetics. Its new features, from Advanced Triggers to the Bartender Bar, make it a highly customizable tool that seamlessly integrates into macOS Sonoma and Sequoia ecosystem. Whether you’re a casual user who just wants a cleaner menu bar or a power user who needs full control over app visibility, Bartender 5 has something for everyone.

For more details or to download Bartender 5, visit Bartender.

<p>The post Bartender 5: Organize and Customize Your Mac Menu Bar Like a Pro first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

Features at a glance

• Downie can download videos from tons of sites (including YouTube in 4K!), convert formats on the fly, and customize everything. Great for Mac users who need control.
• Integrates with browsers and lets you convert downloaded videos in one go. Saves time and keeps things organized.
• It can also convert to MP-4 (for iPad and iPhone use) or do only audio extraction on the fly.
• Supports iCloud synchronization to maintain your download history over different devices.
• The app has muli-language support and the developer offers free licenses to anyone who adds a new language to the support library.

From the developer

Downie is simple to use, yet offers advanced features, it’s frequently updated (on weekly to biweekly basis) and mainly offers easy ways to request support (me). I offer one-on-one support via email, in most cases within 24 hours, I look into the issue and do my best to help the user get the desired results. Read the full story on Charlie Monroe’s discussion of Downie’s journey from vision to reality.

TheSweetBits review

As content creators, we often have to bring other content or edit it for offline use. Since we started using Mac, we have always looked for a reliable video downloading tool that works on YouTube and popular platforms. We saw Downie on a random day while sifting through a Reddit thread on macOS apps.

Someone recommended Downie for its performance and post-processing options, and we thought we would try it. Today, Downie is an essential part of our workflow.

Here’s what we’re going to do in this review.

We will introduce Downie and explore what the latest version of Downie offers. We are testing Downie 4.7.20 at the time of writing.

Our first encounter with Downie

• What exactly is Downie?

Downie is a utility that lets you download videos from the internet, supporting thousands of websites. While you may think of it as a YouTube downloader, it offers much more. This app, developed by Charlie Monroe, is packed with features that a content developer like myself loves and uses regularly.

• Supported video platforms I use frequently

The most significant reason for testing Downie is its extensive support for most of the websites we encountered during my research, a list that spans thousands of sites. Whether we need to download a YouTube video or content from Vimeo, we can rely on this tool, which is incredibly convenient.

We had great expectations from Charlie Monroe, the developer. We have already used some apps from the developer, such as Permute and CMPlayer.

The features that impressed us

We shall now discuss some features that we loved in Downie.

• Comprehensive site support: a must-have for us

As we said, Downie’s compatibility with video hosting websites is impressive. We could easily download videos from local and international websites. You can contact the developers for a resolution if you find a website that does not allow Downie to download videos. We had to use this option only once or twice.

• 4K video support: perfect for quality seekers

Downie lets you download videos at the highest possible quality. In the case of YouTube, 4K video support is excellent. You simply have to paste the YouTube URL, and Downie does the rest. We often use the built-in Post-processing feature to save time.

However, the best part is what you can do after Downie downloads something.

• Automatic conversions: more than just downloads

With most YouTube downloading tools, We have faced issues with format compatibility. We download the video, but it is often in a format designed for maximum compression. If we want to play it on an iPad or our PC, we might need to convert it. Typically, we have to use a secondary tool for this conversion.

However, with Downie, things are much easier due to the built-in post-processing option. Whenever a video is being downloaded, we can select a post-processing option. This includes choosing from various available formats and resolutions or sending it to Permute, a media converter tool developed by Charlie Monroe.

• User-friendly interface: my ease of use

Downie has an intuitive user interface for the most part. For instance, whenever you have a video URL in the clipboard, you can simply press the plus button or add multiple URLs separated by spaces. Downie is smart enough to recognize which links are video URLs and will immediately start the downloading process.

The options for post-processing are arranged through an intuitive design.

• Customizable settings: tailoring to my needs

For the reasons we just told you, customization is an important option when we use a YouTube downloader tool.

Downie has one of the most advanced preference menus we have seen in YouTube downloading apps. You get to control almost every aspect of the app, including the appearance, history, browser extensions, and post-processing options.

You can also view a list of supported sites and explore custom integrations. Additionally, there are options to select which search engine you use via Downie and enable privacy-centric features, such as anonymous data statistics.

We also like the option for browser extensions, which are available for Firefox, Safari, and many Chrome-based apps, including Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Step-by-step guide to using Downie

Are you wondering how Downie works in real life? Here is a quick overview of our workflow with Downie.

• Step-by-step: downloading my favorite videos

We often come across YouTube or Vimeo videos that we want to download while browsing. With Downie running in the background, the process is seamless. First, we have to copy the video URL to the clipboard.

You can open Downie and press Command + V to start the download. Downie will download the video file immediately, but you can customize the post-processing options anytime.

If you need to convert a file after downloading it, you can also easily use Permute for further conversion.

• User interface: our take

As we already mentioned the simple user interface, we don’t want to be redundant. However, there are some crucial points to keep in mind.

First, Downie is designed to download multiple files simultaneously, offering maximum performance. As a result, the whole process may seem a bit technical initially, and it can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar.

It would be great if the developer included a more straightforward option for pasting the URL. You have to locate the plus button in the bottom left corner of the screen to initiate the download.

Once you get used to the interface, everything will be easy. You can get rid of downloads in a single click or clear all the finished downloads. There are also options to explore history if you download multiple videos simultaneously.

Security issue

A few months back, Charlie Monroe ran into trouble when Downie reportedly accessed and deleted a file on a user’s Mac. However, the developer promptly addressed the problem, released an apology and assured users it was a bug, not malicious code. During our testing, we encountered no similar issues, suggesting the problem has been resolved.

Comparing downie with other downloaders

Downie is not the only YouTube downloader on the market. Even when focusing specifically on Mac apps, there are several alternatives. However, one area where Downie excels is performance.

Downie consistently impressed during our testing on an M1 Mac Mini with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, coupled with a restricted 10Mbps internet connection. The download speeds were consistent, and the post-processing steps were quick.

Overall, we would say that Downie outperforms most other video-downloading apps we’ve encountered.

TheSweetBits verdict

The latest version of Downie has not changed our opinion about its YouTube video downloading capabilities. There are now even more reasons to recommend this app to Mac users.

Previously, we noticed some performance issues while using an Intel processor. However, after testing the app on an Apple Silicon device, the entire experience has improved. The performance is reliable throughout every stage of the process. Plus, the developer keeps adding more websites to the supported list.

Considering all these features, Downie justifies its $20 price tag. While you can save money with additional discounts, you get a great deal with Downie even without them.

Pros

• Wide Site Support
• High-Definition 4K Video Downloads
• Advanced customization options
• Integration with Permute and browsers
• Consistent performance

Cons

• Limited to macOS Users
• The UI could be more straightforward
• Past security concerns (addressed by the developer)

Downie pricing

Downie doesn’t disappoint when it comes to pricing, either. You can download Downie from the official website and take advantage of the free trial option that is included. However, to access all the features, you must purchase a license. There are a few options available:

1. You can buy a single license for Downie for $19.99.
2. You can subscribe to Setapp, which gives you access to Downie and numerous other apps for a monthly fee of $12.99.
3. You can get the Downie+ Permute bundle for $26.99, a saving compared to the individual price of $35.

Additionally, Charlie Monroe Software offers discounts for students, which you can avail of to reduce the cost further.

Downie is a one-time purchase of $19.99 from the developer’s website and a single license is good for all the computers you personally own, although if that is greater than three you need to contact the dev for an accommodation.

<p>The post Downie: Your Go-To Tool for Hassle-Free Video Downloads first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

What is Paletro?

Paletro is a command palette for macOS that allows you to access all the functionality of the currently focused app with just a simple keyboard shortcut. By pressing ⇧⌘P, you can quickly bring up a list of commands, keyboard shortcuts, and operations tailored to the app you’re using. It’s like having a universal control center at your fingertips!

How does it work?

Paletro utilizes macOS’s accessibility features to retrieve all available commands from the main menu of the active application. This means you can search or filter commands without ever taking your hands off the keyboard. Whether you’re navigating through complex menus or looking for specific functions, Paletro makes it easy and efficient.

Key features

• Fuzzy Search: Quickly find commands using fuzzy search, allowing you to type partial keywords and still get accurate results.
• Shortcut Display: See original shortcut keys from the current application displayed alongside commands, making it easier to remember and use them.
• Internationalization (i18n): Search using English words or alphabets in non-English locales within compatible applications, ensuring accessibility for all users.
• Customization Options: Tailor Paletro’s behavior by excluding certain menu items or disabling it in specific applications, giving you complete control over your experience.
• Themes: Choose from multiple themes to customize the look of Paletro, with plans to create your own styles coming soon!

Getting started with Paletro

1. Download Paletro from the official site.
2. Install the app by dragging it into your Applications folder.
3. Launch Paletro and grant necessary accessibility permissions.
4. Press ⇧⌘P in any application to start using your command palette!

Compatibility and pricing

Paletro is compatible with macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and later versions, ensuring it works seamlessly with most modern Mac setups. Try it risk-free with a 14-day free trial, or get it as part of your Setapp subscription!

Get Paletro a try

If you’re looking to enhance your productivity on macOS and streamline your app interactions, give Paletro a try! With its powerful command palette functionality, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.

For more details or to download Paletro, visit appmakes.io/paletro

<p>The post Paletro: Your Command Palette for macOS Applications first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>