The best Mac apps for students (2026)
Updated September 2026 · 15 apps · by the Student App Centre team
A good set of apps turns a MacBook into a proper study machine: somewhere to plan your week, write essays without distractions, keep lecture notes searchable and stop your laptop filling up before hand-in day.
This list is based on what students actually claim on Student App Centre, so it reflects real demand rather than sponsored placements. Every app below has a student discount you can claim with one membership.
To ensure your website is at the top of its game by spell-checking, performing SEO checks, performing link checks and so much more.
Student discount: 20% Off for Student App Centre members. Get the Integrity Pro student discount →
Manage your display's settings easily from the menu bar.
Student discount: 25% Off for Student App Centre members · 3,600+ students have claimed it. Get the BetterDisplay student discount →
Be in control of your internet connections, knowing when an application is trying to connect to a server, so you can decide if you want it to or not.
Student discount: 30% Off for Student App Centre members · 6,000+ students have claimed it. Get the Little Snitch 6 student discount →
A grammar checker, style editor, plagiarism checker, and writing mentor in one package, which helps keep your writing at the top of its game.
Student discount: 20% Off for Student App Centre members · 16,100+ students have claimed it. Get the ProWritingAid student discount →
Find out what is taking up all that space on your disk and delete anything you no longer need that has been hiding in your files.
Student discount: 50% Off for Student App Centre members · 3,900+ students have claimed it. Get the DaisyDisk student discount →
Typora gives you a seamless experience as both a reader and a writer.
Student discount: 15% Off for Student App Centre members · 210+ students have claimed it. Get the Typora student discount →
AlDente gives you the tools you need to extend the life of your MacBook battery.
Student discount: 20% Off for Student App Centre members · 11,100+ students have claimed it. Get the AlDente student discount →
Go ahead. Forget your passwords. 1Password remembers them all for you. Save your passwords and log in to sites with a single click. It's that simple!
Student discount: 50% Off for Student App Centre members · 9,600+ students have claimed it. Get the 1Password student discount →
Take enhanced screenshots without things such as icons getting in the way. With over 50 features you can take your screenshots to the next level.
Student discount: 40% Off for Student App Centre members · 2,300+ students have claimed it. Get the CleanShot X student discount →
Write 3x faster without lifting a finger with this AI powered voice to text tool.
Student discount: 40% Off for Student App Centre members · 720+ students have claimed it. Get the superwhisper student discount →
A single subscription that gives you access to 100s of apps, so you have an app for each of your needs.
Student discount: 20% Off + 30 Day Free Trial for Student App Centre members · 8,800+ students have claimed it. Get the Setapp student discount →
TypingMind provides a better UI for chatGPT. But it’s not limited to the interface only.
Student discount: 60% Off for Student App Centre members · 1,600+ students have claimed it. Get the TypingMind student discount →
View story notes whilst you write, set goals, sync to the cloud. These are just a few of the features that will help you with your writing.
Student discount: 40% Off for Student App Centre members · 4,200+ students have claimed it. Get the Dabble student discount →
Fight the social media algorithms and win back control over your social media usage & your subconsciousness!
Student discount: 50% Off for Student App Centre members · 770+ students have claimed it. Get the one sec student discount →
Manage tasks and projects anywhere you are across your devices. Meaning you can start getting more done in less time.
Student discount: 3 Months Free for Student App Centre members · 2,100+ students have claimed it. Get the Todoist student discount →
How we chose these apps
We ranked Mac apps by how often students view and claim them on Student App Centre, then kept apps with a current discount. The list updates automatically as students’ choices change.
Get every discount in this guide with one membership. Try it free for 7 days.
Start your 7-day free trialFrequently asked questions
What Mac apps do students need?
Most students get the most from a calendar or task manager, a writing or grammar tool, a note-taking app and a utility to keep storage and battery healthy. The list above covers each of these.
Are Mac apps cheaper for students?
Often, yes. Many developers offer student pricing, and Student App Centre members get discounts on every app in this guide.
Do I need a student email address?
No. Join with any email address. Membership unlocks every discount on the site.
How much does membership cost?
The first 7 days are free, then it's US$20 / year, billed once a year. Cancel anytime from your account before the trial ends and you won't be charged.
More guides: Best study and note-taking apps · Best writing apps for students