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Setapp, a subscription service designed for Mac users, offers access to various applications to enhance user experience across different needs.
With a single monthly fee, it eliminates the need for individual app purchases, providing a convenient solution for those seeking diverse tools.
In this review, we explore Setapp’s features and benefits, assessing its value for users. From productivity to creativity, the service encompasses a range of app categories.
So, let’s dive into this review as we unravel the features, weigh the benefits, and uncover whether Setapp truly stands as the ultimate Mac app subscription service.
Setapp: Quick Overview
| Feature | Summary |
|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS and iOS |
| Free Trial | Yes |
| Pricing | Starting at $9.99/month |
| Support | Online form, FAQ, and knowledge base |
| System Requirements | macOS 10.13 (minimum) to macOS 14 or later (recommended) |
Setapp Review: Key Features
In this Setapp review, we will closely examine some key features that stand as pillars for the user experience and overall functionality of the service:
1. User Interface and Layout
The user interface, or UI for short, is the way the app looks and feels when you use it. Setapp’s UI is pretty straightforward, even for someone who might not be too tech-savvy. If you’ve used the Mac App Store, you’re good to go.
When you first open Setapp, you’ll be greeted by a clean and simple layout that helps find what you’re looking for. The main screen shows a variety of apps, each with a little icon and a name, making it easy to spot what you need.
On the left side, there’s a handy menu that helps you find apps based on what they do. For example, if you’re looking for apps to help with your office work, you can click the Work category, and it will show all productivity-related apps.
Setapp also has a search bar at the top. So, if you know the name of the app, you can just type it in and find it super quickly.
Now, no review is complete without talking about the things that could be better. While Setapp’s layout is user-friendly, it doesn’t have too many ways to sort the apps. You get plenty of apps but the sorting options are limited. More sorting options will make finding the perfect app even easier.
2. Setapp App Library and Selection
A diverse and quality app library is at the heart of any app subscription service and Setapp doesn’t disappoint in this regard.
Setapp stands out for its selection of high-quality apps that are user-friendly and effectively assist with various tasks. The service offers a variety of applications, ensuring there’s something helpful for every task you need to accomplish. You’ll find apps for doing homework, drawing pictures, organizing tasks, and even fixing computer problems.
However, not every app in the library may be of use to every user. You may find many apps that don’t align with your needs or preferences, but they remain available for those who might find them beneficial.
Plus, the diversity of apps within certain categories could be improved. While some categories offer hundreds of options, others could benefit from a broader range of app types to cater to different user preferences and requirements. Balancing the variety across categories would enhance the overall user experience.
Here are some general categories of apps you can find on Setapp:
- Developer Tools – Houses web editors, database managers, website builders, API tools, and programming editors.
- Creativity – Features apps focused on activities such as screen recording, photo editing, and uploading to Instagram.
- Lifestyle – Apps related to news, email, instant messaging, YouTube, and more.
- Productivity – Features productivity-enhancing software, including timers, to-do lists, task managers, file managers, and mind-mapping tools.
- Writing & Blogging – Offers apps designed to assist writers and bloggers in staying focused and streamlining their creative processes.
- Mac Hacks – Provides handy tools and tweaks specifically for macOS, aimed at enhancing productivity and decluttering the user interface.
- Education & Research – Houses practical tools for visual brainstorming, e-reading, and mathematical computations.
- Personal Finance – Offers software solutions for managing bills, invoices, inventory, personal finances, and cryptocurrency investments.
3. Performance
Beyond the aesthetics and app selection, the performance and functionality of the service are important. Setapp works smoothly on any Mac that fulfills the system requirements for running this app. Most apps you download via Setapp work well without any trouble.
Performance-wise, Setapp is like a speedy race car. The apps open quickly, and you don’t have to wait around twiddling your thumbs. You can jump from one app to another without any hiccups, making your work feel like a breeze.
But there were a few bumps along the road. While most apps ran smoothly, there were one or two that felt a bit slow. A little tune-up for those apps would make a lot of difference.
4. Customer Support
This is one area where we feel Setapp needs improvement. Using Setapp is like exploring a big digital world, and good help is important when you get stuck. Unfortunately, there’s no quick help on Setapp.
Setapp doesn’t have call, email, or live chat support. It’s like needing quick help but not finding anyone around. There’s an online form to fill out, but waiting for a reply can feel long, especially when you’ve deadlines to meet.
They also have a FAQ section on the website and app guides in the app, but finding specific answers can be hard. There’s no official community chat, so you’ve no place to talk and share tips.
So, while Setapp has lots of cool apps, getting help can be tricky. The journey can feel lonely, and finding answers might take some time, especially if you need help right away.
Setapp: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Budget-Friendly Pricing: Setapp offers a pricing structure that is easy on the wallet, making it an affordable option for accessing a variety of apps.
- User-Friendly Interface: The service boasts an excellent user interface, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for navigating through the app library.
- Hassle-Free Management: Setapp takes care of the installation, licensing, and updating of all supported apps, relieving you of these common software management tasks.
- Diverse Premium App Library: The library features dozens of premium apps across a wide range of categories, offering something for everyone.
- Access to Top Cleaning Tools: Subscribers get full access to renowned cleaning and optimization tools, CleanMyMac X & Gemini 2.
Cons
- Cost Comparison with Individual Apps: Some premium apps available in the library can be purchased separately at a lower cost than a yearly Setapp subscription.
- Changing App Library: The assortment of applications supported by Setapp can alter unexpectedly, potentially affecting the availability of certain apps.
- Extra Charges for Additional Devices: Adding more devices to a Setapp subscription comes with additional costs, which can add up for users with multiple devices.
- Lack of Support Features: Setapp’s customer support is limited, lacking immediate options like call, email, or live chat, making seeking help challenging.
Setapp: System Requirements
Before you can start using Setapp and exploring its library of apps, make sure your device meets the system requirements. Here are the system requirements for Setapp:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Mac running macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later |
| Internet Connection | Stable internet connection required |
| Apple ID | Required for using Setapp |
| Disk Space | About 300MB for the Setapp app and sufficient free space for installing apps |
| iOS Devices (Optional) | iPhone or iPad running iOS 12 or later (for iOS apps) |
Note: For Mac users operating on macOS 10.13-10.14, an optimized version of Setapp will be automatically downloaded. This version primarily receives security updates and may exhibit differences in appearance, features, and workflows from the most recent Setapp version.
How to Use Setapp to Download Apps on Your Mac
As far as actually using Setapp to download apps on your Mac is concerned, we found it pretty straightforward. It’s not very different from using the Mac App Store to download an app. So, it means there’s no learning curve.
Here are the steps to download an app via Setapp:
- Locate the Setapp icon in your Applications folder and open it. You can also search for it in the Spotlight search.
- Sign in using the account credentials you created during the sign-up process.
- Once logged in, you’ll see the main interface displaying a variety of apps.
- Browse through the categories on the left or use the search bar at the top to find specific apps.
- Click an app that interests you to view more details about it.
- If you find an app you’d like to use, click the Install button under the app’s name.
- The app will be downloaded and installed on your Mac automatically.
How to Remove an Installed App through Setapp
Now, if you want to remove an app you installed via Setapp, the process is simple. Follow these steps to uninstall apps installed through Setapp:
- Open Setapp and click On This Mac in the left sidebar.
- Find the app you want to uninstall and click it.
- Select Uninstall by clicking the arrow icon on the blue button beneath the app’s name.
- Next, go to the Bin and empty it and that’s all.
Setapp: Pricing and Plans
Setapp offers a straightforward and transparent pricing structure, making it easy for users to access a variety of premium apps without breaking the bank. Here’s a breakdown of Setapp’s pricing and plans:
| Plan Type | Platforms | Price per Month | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal | Mac | $9.99 | 1 Mac |
| Mac + iOS | $12.49 | 1 Mac4 iOS Devices | |
| Power User | $14.99 | 4 Macs4 iOS Devices | |
| Teams | Monthly | $9.99 (1 device /member/mo) | Add as many devices as you want at $2.49/mo for each extra device |
| Annual | $8.99 (1 device /member/mo) | Add as many devices as you want at $2.49/mo for each extra device | |
| Custom Offer | Custom pricing | Custom number of devices |
User Experience: Reviews and Ratings
Setapp has carved a niche in the app subscription landscape, with users appreciating its simplicity, variety, and cost-effectiveness. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in customer support and app category balance, the overall user sentiment leans towards satisfaction, as reflected in the positive ratings and reviews across platforms.
Here are some user reviews for Setapp:
The whole Setapp product is worth a look. I use a bunch of tools in there every day to speed up workflows.
David Hill
I have been a @Setapp customer for more than a year, and I fully recommend it.
Dr Juan Santander-Vela
Have been using Setapp for almost two years, and I have to say it’s the best and the most cost-effective way of having apps on Mac.
Arash Pourhabibi
For those of you that wonder where I discover/get all the awesome apps for my Mac that I use, a lot of them are from Setapp!
Meredith Sweet
Unlike these users, the following seem pretty dissatisfied:
“I had some issues with some of the software, especially ClearVPN, and was also accidentally charge twice for my first month.”
“No Android apps for now. Setapp Mac app sometimes uses too many system resources in the background.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Setapp apps free?
No, Setapp apps are not free. Setapp operates on a subscription model, where you pay a monthly fee to gain access to a diverse library of premium apps. While the service isn’t free, it offers cost-effective access to high-quality applications.
Is Setapp safe to use?
Yes, Setapp is safe to use. It employs strict security measures to protect user data and only features vetted and reliable apps. The platform adheres to strict privacy policies, ensuring user information is secure. Setapp’s payment processes are also encrypted for extra safety, providing users with a trustworthy experience.
Is it safe to install apps from Setapp?
Yes, installing apps from Setapp is safe. Setapp thoroughly vets all apps for quality and security before adding them to its library. The platform adheres to strict security standards, ensuring users receive reliable and malware-free applications, making it a trustworthy source for downloading apps.
Does Setapp offer a free trial?
Yes, Setapp offers a free trial, allowing users to explore its extensive app library without cost for 7 days. This trial period is a great opportunity to experience the variety and quality of apps before deciding on a subscription.
Is Setapp Worth It?
Looking at all the good apps, user-friendly interface, and cost-effective subscription model, Setapp has a lot to offer. However, it could do better in helping users when they have questions by improving their customer support department.
If you like having lots of apps in one place and easy choices, Setapp is worth thinking about for Mac users. But if you only use a few apps, you can buy the apps separately instead of investing in Setapp. So, ultimately, the decision depends on user preference and needs.
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