Best iOS apps in 2025: Setapp users choice
10 min read
Among over 2 million apps on the App Store, it's hard to find the right one for your needs, isn't it? I get it, as I have dozens of downloaded apps just for photo editing on my iPhone.
The difference between Setapp and other platforms with apps on macOS and iOS is that all the best tools have been picked out already for you.
All of them are high-quality and safe as they have been thoroughly checked by our team. I've collected and tested the most loved Setapp iOS apps by users (with ratings of 97% or higher) in different categories: creating content, optimization, and productivity. Spoiler: I understood why users enjoy them!
How to install the best iOS apps on Setapp
To check which apps in Setapp are available on iOS, you can visit the website or directly install the platform on your Mac with a 7-day trial. After downloading Setapp and signing up, you can discover a list of many selected tools for productivity, creating texts, videos and pictures, working with documents, optimizing your Mac and much more.
To find the best iOS apps available in Setapp:
- Click on All Apps on the left
- Select iOS Apps
3. Pick the app you’d like to install and click on Get iOS version
4. Scan the QR code to install Setapp iOS app right on your iPhone
5. Click on Next Step and scan the second QR code to get full access to all app features within your Setapp subscription.
Check the video instructions to install Setapp iOS apps on your device seamlessly.
Best iOS apps for content creation
Ask any content creator or blogger, and they'll confirm how important it is to be able to work from your phone and Mac simultaneously. It saves a lot of time on data transfer and avoids carrying a laptop everywhere. Setapp has many iOS app versions of text and visual content creation apps, and here are a few of the most popular ones:
App name | What I like about it |
Distraction-free writing environment with seamless sync across devices. | |
Transforms complex ideas into visual mind maps | |
Journaling with note-taking templates and prompts for self-reflection | |
Simple tool to get images out of my videos |
Ulysses: Writing without distractions
As a writer, I'm constantly either brainstorming ideas for content or implementing them. Often my topics for personal Instagram or work-related posts come not when I'm at my laptop, but somewhere on the road or even at a workout. Being able to immediately jot them down in a document on my iPhone that syncs with my Mac is super handy. With Ulysses, my text goes straight to my iCloud drive and I can continue working on it on my computer.
Why users love Ulysses (according to reviews):
- The minimal space to just write without focusing on formatting
- Markdown simplicity
- Great organization of Library and Sheets
- Easy to use on iPhone and Mac
MindNote Classic: Visual thought organization
I used to organize my thoughts in regular notes on my iPhone, but with MindNode Classic it's much more handy. Instead of a canvas of disordered text, I get structured information. Definitely love the brainstorming and outlining options in iOS app on Setapp. For creative planning or complex projects, MindNote Classic has become my essential first step.
Why users love MindNote Classic (according to reviews):
- Ability to enter, view, and edit data using a phone app
- Excellent tool for planning and execution
- Flexibility: not just for thinking, but for organizing a to-do list as well
Diarly: Structured daily reflection
Since my psychologist recommended journaling, I've made it a daily ritual. In the morning I usually write my gratitude and intention for the day, and in the evenings I like to capture the insights of the day. Before, I used to do it in notes, but with Diarly it's a completely different experience! I discovered note-taking templates such as “Daily Reflections,” “Morning Gratitude,” or “Weekly Summary,” as well as a prompt feature for more mindful reflection on the day. So far, it's the best iOS app I've tried for capturing insights on the go.
Why users love Diarly (according to reviews):
- Well-designed journaling experience
- Works great on macOS and iOS
- Beautiful UI and themes
- Ability to secure the application with a password
SnapMotion: Perfect frame extraction
Running my personal Instagram blog requires eye-catching covers and SnapMotion perfectly handles this. Before, I recorded videos and struggled to pause at the exact moment for a screenshot, often missing the perfect frame. Now, I simply import my videos into SnapMotion and can scrub through frame by frame to capture exactly the right moment.
Compared to regular screenshots, it's much better quality, which has improved my Instagram covers. For content creators who work with both video and still images, this app is an absolute must-have in your toolkit.
Why users love Diarly (according to reviews):
- Very easy way to convert a movie (MP4) to a set of still images (JPEG)
- Easy-to-use interface
- Usability without extra mess
Read more:
Best iOS apps for optimizing work routine
Do you also tend to put work on hold until you're near the desktop? I feel the same way. However, based on the reviews and ratings of Setapp iOS apps, I decided to test a few tools to manage my digital workflow on the go. In the end, I found that they saved me countless hours by letting me compress files, debug networks, manage databases, and convert formats right from my iPhone.
App name | What I like about it |
Compresses large PDF files without quality loss for easy sharing | |
Powerful network debugging tool that works seamlessly between Mac and iOS | |
Complete database management with intuitive mobile interface | |
Easy way to replace authentication apps |
PDF Squeezer: Effortless file compression
Due to my work or studies, I often send large files by mail or upload them to different sites. I don't feel comfortable compressing files on free sites with lots of pop-up ads and the risk of getting a virus on my desktop. So I searched for a reliable app, and was surprised that PDF Squzeer works even on iOS. What I appreciate most is how straightforward the app is — no complicated settings or confusing options. I just drag my files in, and the app does its magic.
Why users love PDF Squeezer (according to the reviews):
- Best way for saving space
- Good compression while remaining great quality
- Availability on iOS
Proxyman: Must-have for software developers
For those who need to troubleshoot network issues in their apps, Proxyman could be a go-to tool. iOS version of the app allows developers to debug network issues directly from their iPhone, which is particularly useful for testing how apps behave in real mobile environments rather than just simulators. My daily workflow doesn't include Proxyman, but this macOS and iOS app consistently gets rave reviews from Setapp users.
Why users love Proxyman (according to the reviews):
- Fully native UI and excellent performance
- Clean UI design and Breakpoint feature
- Best app for capture and monitoring network
SQLPro Studio: Cross-device database management
If you manage databases both on desktop and on mobile, SQLPro Studio's iOS app is the best continuation of the desktop version, letting you check databases and run simple queries whenever you want. It's not something I use because I'm not a developer, but users say it's a great way to view, store, and retrieve SQL server data.
Why users love SQLPro Studio (according to the reviews):
- Supports multiple SQL server types (Postgres, MySQL, SQLite, etc.) in one app
- Makes routine tasks like running queries, exporting results, and copying data much simpler and quicker
- Must-have alternative to Windows-based DB management tools
Step Two: Simplified authentication security
Anyone who has ever had their accounts hacked knows how much trouble it can bring. From lost recovery time to financial risks. Step Two is a security app that brings a beautiful, minimalist look to two-step verification. I like that this Setapp iOS app has a simple interface without complicated details - each account is shown as a different colored card with a name, email, and two-step code. Users admit that Step Two is the best iOS app for authentication for them, replacing all other tools.
Why users love Step Two (according to the reviews):
- Clean interface and simple to use
- Replacing all other authentication apps
- Accessible on both mobile and my Mac
Read more:
- Compress PDFs: multiple ways to reduce the size of PDF files
- Multi-factor authentication: how to turn on extra step of security
- How to turn off two-factor authentication for Apple ID
Best iOS apps for enhancing productivity
Correct me if I'm wrong, but staying focused with so many distractions around you is a critical skill that needs to be practiced. I think that's why the top best iOS apps available on Setapp include a lot of productivity apps. Here are just a few of them that I've tested personally.
App name | What I like about it |
Cool unit conversions for currency, cryptocurrency, weight, distance, and more | |
Easy copy-pasting across multiple devices | |
Makes me more focused without distractions | |
Combo of calendar, reminders and notes all in one place |
Soulver: Smart calculation companion
Instead of switching between a calculator app and notes, Soulver allows you to write things like "Monthly blog income $1,200 minus 30% taxes" and instantly see the result. Super handy, isn’t it? Another thing that impressed me was the current conversion calculations. No need to google the exchange rate - just type “€500 in USD” and you will get the result immediately. My only question is why I didn't try this one of the best iOS apps for calculations earlier!
Why users love Soulver (according to the reviews):
- Ability to write calculations in plain language rather than relying only on symbols
- Best for both personal and business tasks like expense reports, profit margin calculations, and currency conversions
- Tabbed interface and helpful shortcuts make it user-friendly
Paste: Seamless multi-device clipboard
Whenever I write articles, I have to juggle multiple pieces of content. I used to waste a lot of time copying, pasting, and switching apps. It's especially tricky when I need to transfer some content from my iPhone to a document on my Mac, in such cases I used to send a message with that text to myself in messenger. Paste makes copying and pasting content between devices straightforward – and it's my top iOS app for daily use.
Why users love Paste (according to the reviews):
- Ability to save, recall, and manage their clipboard history
- Saves a ton of time in both personal and professional workflows
- Clean interface and efficient keyboard shortcuts make it fast and easy to use
Session: Focused time management
For people who are easily distracted by one notification and then disappear into different apps, finding a tool to help focus is a must-have. Setapp users describe Session as one of the best iOS apps with the Pomodoro technique, and I tried it too! Well, my approach to work has changed significantly. Instead of sitting down for hours and gradually losing focus, I now break my time into manageable 25-minute chunks with short breaks.
Why users love Session (according to reviews):
- Detailed time tracking: ability to break down a day by task, project, and see where time goes
- Helpful companion for people with ADHD, helping them focus, stay accountable, and avoid distractions
- Seamless sync between desktop and mobile sessions
NotePlan: All-in-one planning hub
I've tried a bunch of task management tools. Somewhere I was annoyed by the interface (I can't spend too much time on entering a task!), somewhere I lacked functionality that would allow me to conveniently organize all my work, study, and side projects. Some tools I enjoyed, but they were desktop-only and I was saying goodbye to them too. NotePlan has combined not only note taking, but also calendar, bullet journaling, and lists. And best of all, it's available for both macOS and iOS.
Why users love NotePlan (according to reviews):
- Combines note-based task management, daily notes, and calendar features
- Ability to link annual day-to-day goals while incorporating meeting and project notes into one system
- Allows to have a lot of info at fingertips: from tasks and appointments to code notes and a lot more
Read more:
- 10 apps to focus when working from home
- Enable pop-ups on your Mac and still stay focused
- Break free from overworking
What are the best iOS apps for me: honest opinion
After trying out the top-rated apps in the Setapp collection for macOS and iOS I can say that I'll be using most of them daily. Right now I'm writing this text from Ulysses, and I've already had time to reflect in Diarly since this morning - it's now my favorite for journaling. I also use Paste, Session, and NotePlan for productivity, and I've already made a cover for the new Reels in SnapMotion!
The best iOS apps for me are the ones that simplify life and help me close tasks faster. Also - the ones that don't have annoying ads! So if you feel the same way about apps, try Setapp and find the right tools for your Mac and iPhone!
FAQ
Do you have to buy apps on an iPhone?
While many iPhone apps require purchase or offer in-app purchases, Setapp provides an alternative approach. A Setapp subscription gives you unlimited access to dozens of premium macOS and iOS apps.
Where can I get iPhone apps?
iPhone apps are primarily available through the Apple App Store. However, Setapp offers a curated collection of premium macOS and iOS apps as part of its subscription service.
Security-tested
