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Want to subscribe to Mac apps without overpaying? Start here

10 min read
Key Takeaways
  • Setapp is the most affordable way to use multiple Mac apps.
    Instead of buying apps one by one, Setapp gives you access to 260+ premium tools for a flat monthly fee. Using just 3–4 apps makes it worth it.
  • StackSocial and BundleHunt are great for one-off purchases.
    These trusted platforms offer lifetime deals on apps you don’t use daily. Great for PDF editors, backup tools, and similar one-time needs.
  • Stagger free trials to test apps before you commit.
    Most Mac apps offer 7–30 day free trials. I stagger them to test a few at once, stay productive, and make smarter buying decisions.
  • Setapp works for everyone — freelancers, students, pros.
    It covers writing, design, dev, and productivity workflows without the hassle of multiple licenses or fees.
  • Using 5+ apps? Setapp saves you serious money.
    You’ll save hundreds of dollars a year and get full versions of Ulysses, CleanShot X, Craft, and more. Try it free for 7 days.

I’m the kind of person who always seeks to optimize my workflow, so I have a productivity app for the things I often do. And chances are, you also have several tools that you swear by… and pay for. Separately.

As a person who can’t do without 5 to 10 daily Mac apps, I’ve had to find ways to bring down this cost. And in this guide, I’ll walk you through different options like Setapp’s all-in-one app bundle, hunting Mac app deals 2025, and taking advantage of seasonal discounts. This will let you upgrade your workflow setup without overspending.

What’s the most cost-effective way to get premium Mac apps in 2025?

Now, let’s look at the different ways you can save on your Mac apps.

Use Setapp to bundle 260+ Mac apps for $9.99/month + tax

This is the route I’ve stuck with the longest, as it’s the cheapest way to get Mac software. Setapp reimagines the whole Mac app pricing and distribution model. Instead of hunting and buying apps one by one, it combines over 260 premium Mac, iOS, and web apps into one flat monthly fee of $9.99 + tax.

A Setapp subscription gives you access to all apps within the catalog, and you can install and use as many as you’d like. The apps are curated to ensure they fit different types of users, with the main categories being:

  • Optimize
  • Work
  • Create
  • Develop
  • Solve with AI+

The list of apps that are available on Setapp

The best part? The apps in the collection aren’t just filler, but some of the most popular apps in the Mac community. For example, for developers, they range from popular big names like TablePlus and CodeRunner to niche stuff like a font manager for Mac, which is a must-have if you work in branding or UI.

Plus, there are no ads, upsells, trials, or stripped-down versions. You get the features you’d find anywhere, and your price won’t go up even if you install 30 apps. But there’s no pressure, as even using 3-4 apps is enough to ensure Setapp pays for itself.

Look for app bundles on StackSocial and BundleHunt

The two platforms specialize in affordable Mac app bundles, although you can still buy individual apps:

  • StackSocial: This is like a deal warehouse, where you can get bundled apps and single purchases at huge discounts. It mainly features PDF editors, VPNs, utilities, and Microsoft products.

Stacksocial web page

  • BundleHunt: It’s similar to StackSocial, but it lets users create their own bundles by paying a small unlock fee, usually $3-$5. You can then select any apps you need from a selection of about 40 heavily discounted apps.

BundleHunt web page

If it’s an app you don’t use every day or you want to own outright, these two let you significantly save on Mac app costs.

Combine free trials and App Store discounts strategically

Taking advantage of free trials and App Store discounts is underrated, but it’s one of the best ways to save money on Mac subscriptions, especially if you don’t have Setapp. 

Most Mac apps offer a 7–30 day free trial via the App Store or developer websites. It’s a great way to test apps and find what works. I usually stagger trials and try several options to stay productive and make smarter choices.

Also, keep an eye out for promotions, especially around back-to-school, holidays, app anniversaries, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

What type of Mac user benefits most from each option?

Of course, not every budget-saving strategy fits every workflow. Here’s a little help to choose what works best for you.

Ideal for freelancers or professionals

Freelancers and professional users are always juggling between different tools. So, you may need various tools for project management, annotations, time tracking, writing, backups, and more.

  • Best fit: Setapp + occasional lifetime licenses

Since you’ll likely need 5 to 10 daily tools, Setapp is the best way to save money on Mac subscriptions. It will give you access to almost all the apps you need for your workflow. You can then complement it with a few lifetime licenses for the apps you want to own outright. You’ll enjoy the fact that discovering new tools is easy.

Ideal for casual or occasional users

If you don’t rely on many apps day to day — say, a PDF editor here, a backup tool once a month — you probably don’t need an ongoing subscription. 

  • Best fit: BundleHunt or StackSocial + free trials

To save on the costs, you can grab lifetime licenses from StackSocial and BundleHunt for the few tools you need. You can then get a free trial when you only need an app temporarily, such as to recover a lost file.  

Ideal for students or creators on a tight budget

As a student or a creator just starting out, you are likely on a tight budget. But you’ll need powerful tools for tasks such as writing, designing, researching, video editing, and organizing your Mac. Plus, the platform offers an educational discount for students and teachers. 

  • Best fit: Setapp (budget-friendly, all-in-one)
"Balancing full-time work, side projects, and an university isn't easy — Setapp has been a lifesaver. It gives me access to tools that help me stay organized, focused, and creative without wasting time searching for the “right” app. I always recommend it to fellow students who want to get more done without burning out", says Polina Fomenkova, Content Creator.

Setapp will give you all kinds of Mac productivity apps without paying full price. Need to organize your thoughts? The platform has several visual mind mapping tools to let you brainstorm. 

Tip

You’ll also get the likes of Ulysses, CleanShot X, Craft, TexSniper, Focus, Filmage Editor, and more. Whenever you need to do something new, you’ll find a tool for it on Setapp. 

Why are Mac apps getting so expensive?

If you’ve noticed your app budgets going up, you aren’t imagining it. Over the last 5 years, more developers have switched from one-time purchases to monthly or annual subscriptions. This makes sense from their standpoint as it means more predictable revenue and frequent updates. But for people like me who rely on 5-10 apps just to get work done, it could be more expensive than my Netflix, Spotify, and phone bill combined.

That’s what made me rethink how I pay for apps. The goal wasn’t to stop using premium tools (I just can’t find a way to drop Ulysses), it was to stop overpaying for them. And it turns out, there are several ways to get the same (or better) apps for a lot less.

How much can you really save?

While it’s easy to say that Setapp and app bundles will save you money, I prefer to look at the numbers. But since discount and bundle prices on StackSocial and BundleHunt vary, I’ll focus on Setapp vs buying individually.

Let’s take an example of a freelancer or professional who uses the popular Setapp tools below:

AppStandalone cost (Yearly)Included in Setapp?
Ulysses (writing)$39.99/yearYes
MindNode (mind mapping)$19.99/yearYes
CleanShot X (screen capture & recorder)$96.00/yearYes
CleanMyMac (cleanup & optimization)$47.40/yearYes
Paste (clipboard manager)$29.99/yearYes
Craft (note-taking)$95.88/yearYes
Total$329.25/year$107.88/year (Setapp)


That’s just 6 productivity apps out of the 260+ included, but it proves that  Setapp is the cheapest way to get Mac software. Check out the full list of Setapp subscription plans.

Final thoughts: The cheapest way to get Mac software in 2025

If you rely on multiple Mac apps to get things done, using Setapp is by far the most cost-effective solution in 2025. With over 260 premium apps under one flat subscription, it eliminates the need to juggle trials, purchases, and upgrades, while still giving you access to top-tier tools. Whether you’re a freelancer, student, or casual user, there’s no smarter way to save on Mac software without sacrificing quality.

Plus, Setapp offers a 7-day free trial, allowing you to test it and see if it's worth it.

FAQs — Common Questions about Cheap Mac App Subscriptions

Is Setapp the cheapest way to get Mac apps?

Setapp is the cheapest way to get Mac apps if you rely on multiple tools. The platform provides access to over 260 fully-featured apps for just $9.99 per month, with a 10% discount available for annual purchases. Most of the apps in the library cost $20-$50 per year individually, with others charging more than the yearly Setapp fee.

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

Setapp has month-to-month and yearly plans that allow you to cancel at any time. You’ll maintain full access for the current billing cycle, and you won’t be billed in the next cycle.

What happens to my app data if I stop using Setapp?

Your app data will still remain on your Mac if you stop using Setapp. If you don’t wish to renew, you can always export the data before your subscription ends, especially if you are using apps like Ulysses and MindNode Classic, where the data is everything.

Are bundles and third-party deals safe?

Bundles and third-party deals are safe as long as you stick to trusted platforms. StackSocial and BundleHunt work directly with developers to avoid issues, but steer clear of random discount sites that seem too good to be true.

Can I combine Setapp with other subscriptions or deals?

Yes, you can combine Setapp with other subscriptions or deals. This works well when you come across a discount for an app that’s not included in Setapp, or one you want to own outright. Setapp can remain as your core toolkit, and you can then have your own stack.

250+ apps for all your daily tasks.

Sign up to Setapp and try them for free.

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