Introduction: Is Setapp Worth the Price?
If you’re a Mac user, you’ve probably found yourself searching for the perfect set of apps to stay productive, organized, and creative.
Setapp promises to solve that — offering an “all-you-can-use” subscription model for premium Mac apps.
In 2025, with even more subscription fatigue and app options than ever before, you might be wondering: Is Setapp still worth it?
In this review, I’ll break down what Setapp includes, how it fits into a real Mac workflow, and whether it’s still a good deal today.
What is Setapp?
Setapp is a curated subscription service for Mac and iOS apps, created by MacPaw.
For a single monthly or annual fee, users get unlimited access to a growing library of over 240 premium apps — covering everything from productivity to security to creativity.
Pricing (as of 2025):
- Mac Plan: ~$9.99/month
- Mac + iOS Plan: ~$12.49/month
- Annual discounts available
Apps are full versions — no ads, no in-app purchases, and regular updates included.
It’s like Netflix, but for quality software that actually helps you get work done.
➡️ Explore Setapp here (Free 7-Day Trial)
Who Should Consider Setapp?
Setapp isn’t for every Mac user, but it’s a fantastic deal if you fall into these categories:
- Freelancers who need professional-grade tools without stacking dozens of app licenses.
- Students looking for affordable productivity, creativity, and study tools.
- Business owners managing remote teams or juggling multiple roles.
- Productivity enthusiasts who love experimenting with apps to optimize their workflows.
- Privacy-focused users who prefer curated, ad-free software experiences.
If you find yourself spending time and money hopping between different tools, Setapp’s bundled approach can simplify everything.
Best Apps on Setapp (Top Picks for 2025)
Here are some standout apps you get access to with Setapp:
| App | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| CleanMyMac X | Keep your Mac clean, optimized, and speedy — essential maintenance tool. |
| Ulysses | Gorgeous writing environment for blogs, novels, academic papers. |
| MindNode | Beautiful, intuitive mind mapping for planning and brainstorming. |
| BetterTouchTool | Customize Mac gestures, shortcuts, window management like a pro. |
| 2Do | Powerful, flexible task manager with a clean, no-nonsense interface. |
| Paste | Best-in-class clipboard manager — saves everything you copy. |
| iStat Menus | Monitor your Mac’s performance right from the menu bar. |
| ChronoSync Express | Easy file backup and synchronization tool. |
These apps alone could easily cost hundreds of dollars if purchased separately.
Pros and Cons of Setapp
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 240+ high-quality apps for one price | Ongoing subscription cost |
| Regular updates and no hidden fees | Mac-focused — limited if you use Windows or Linux |
| Discover new tools easily | Some apps may rotate out occasionally |
| No ads, no upsells, no tracking | You might only use a handful of apps |
My Personal Experience with Setapp
I first subscribed to Setapp in late 2023.
At first, I thought it might be one of those services that sounds great but rarely justifies the subscription fee.
Instead, I found myself using over 12 apps consistently — far more than I expected.
Apps like CleanMyMac X, Ulysses, and BetterTouchTool became essential to my daily workflow.
In fact, just the cost of CleanMyMac and Ulysses alone would have been more than a full year’s worth of Setapp.
The biggest unexpected win? Discovering hidden gems like MindNode and Paste — tools that solved problems I didn’t even realize I had.
Overall, it’s become one of the easiest tech expenses for me to justify every month.
Is Setapp Worth It in 2025?
If you use 2–3 or more apps regularly from the library, Setapp easily pays for itself.
The value multiplies if you like trying new tools, streamlining your workflow, or avoiding the hassle of individual app purchases.
For serious Mac users — freelancers, students, remote workers, and productivity nerds — Setapp is absolutely worth it in 2025.
➡️ Ready to explore Setapp? Try it free for 7 days here.
FAQ About Setapp
Is Setapp safe to use?
Yes. Setapp is developed by MacPaw, a trusted name behind popular apps like CleanMyMac X. Apps are vetted for security and quality.
Can I cancel Setapp anytime?
Yes. You can cancel monthly or annual subscriptions anytime without penalty.
Does Setapp work on iPhone or iPad?
Some Setapp apps offer iOS counterparts, but access is tied to your Mac subscription. Mac + iOS plans are available.
Are Setapp apps full versions?
Yes — no ads, no in-app purchases, and all updates are included with your subscription.
How often does Setapp add new apps?
Setapp regularly adds new apps throughout the year, keeping the catalog fresh and valuable.
Conclusion
Setapp isn’t just a “bundle of apps” — it’s a smarter way to use a Mac in 2025.
By providing constant access to high-quality, ad-free software, it saves time, money, and the headache of juggling licenses.
If you’re ready to supercharge your Mac workflow, Setapp offers a no-risk 7-day free trial — and it’s absolutely worth checking out.