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Best Media & Entertainment for Mac in 2026
Video players, music apps, and streaming tools
114 apps•114 free•Updated January 2026
Whether you're watching, listening, recording, or editing, the right media apps make your Mac a powerful content machine. This collection spans video players like IINA and VLC, screen recorders like OBS, audio editors, podcast tools, and streaming utilities — every one available through Homebrew. Many are free and open source, giving you professional-grade capabilities without subscription fees. From transcoding 4K footage to managing a music library, these apps cover the full media lifecycle. Use Bundl to install your ideal media setup in a single step, and skip the usual hour of downloading installers one by one.
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DaVinci ResolveFree
Professional video editing and color grading
OBS StudioFree
Free and open-source streaming and recording
HandBrakeFree
Open-source video transcoder
AudacityFree
Free, open-source audio editor
MoonlightFree
Open source game streaming client
KdenliveFree
Open source video editor
darktableFree
Open source photography workflow application
OpenShotFree
Easy-to-use video editor
ArdourFree
Professional digital audio workstation
RawTherapeeFree
RAW image processing program
LMMSFree
Free digital audio workstation
010 EditorFree
Text editor
4PeaksFree
Visualise and edit DNA sequence trace files
Ableton Live IntroFree
Sound and music editor
Ableton Live IntroFree
Sound and music editor
Ableton Live LiteFree
Sound and music editor
Ableton Live LiteFree
Sound and music editor
Ableton Live StandardFree
Sound and music editor
Ableton Live StandardFree
Sound and music editor
Ableton Live SuiteFree
Sound and music editor
Ableton Live SuiteFree
Sound and music editor
Ableton Live SuiteFree
Sound and music editor
AirfoilFree
Sends audio from computer to outputs
AirParrotFree
Tool to wirelessly mirror the screen or stream media files
Allen & Heath Midi ControlFree
Midi control software for Allen & Heath audio consoles
AlphaFree
Text editor based on Apple's Cocoa framework
Amadeus ProFree
Multi-purpose audio recorder, editor and converter
Amazon MusicFree
Desktop client for Amazon Music
Ananas Analytics Desktop EditionFree
Hackable data integration & analysis tool
AndroidToolFree
App for recording the screen and installing apps in iOS and Android
AnkerWorkFree
Webcam & audio device software
ApE (A Plasmid Editor)Free
Software for DNA sequence analysis and annotation
AquamacsFree
Text editor based on GNU Emacs
Aria MaestosaFree
Midi sequencer and editor
Astro EditorFree
Markdown editor for Astro content collections
ATOKFree
Japanese input method editor (IME) produced by JustSystems
Audio HijackFree
Records audio from any application
Audio Modeling Software CenterFree
Application for downloading, installing and updating Audio Modeling software
Audiobook BuilderFree
Turn audio CDs and files into audiobooks
AudioCupcakeFree
Master your audiobook narration and podcasts
AudioGridder PluginFree
VST2/VST3/AU/AAX DSP Server Plugin
AudioGridder ServerFree
VST2/VST3/AU DSP Server
AudioRelayFree
Stream audio between your devices
AudirvanaFree
Audio playback software
AudiusFree
Music streaming and sharing platform
Aural PlayerFree
Audio player inspired by Winamp
AVbeamFree
Audio file similarity viewer
AvogadroFree
Molecule editor and visualiser
AVTouchBarFree
Audio Visualiser for the Touch Bar
AW EDID EditorFree
Edit any standard EDID binary file, supports DisplayID and CEA-861-G extensions
AWAFree
Music streaming service
Azul Zulu Java 8 Standard Edition Development KitFree
OpenJDK distribution from Azul
Azul Zulu Java Standard Edition Development KitFree
OpenJDK distribution from Azul
Azul Zulu Java Standard Edition Development KitFree
OpenJDK distribution from Azul
Azul Zulu Java Standard Edition Development KitFree
OpenJDK distribution from Azul
Azul Zulu Java Standard Edition Development KitFree
OpenJDK distribution from Azul
Azul Zulu Java Standard Edition Development KitFree
OpenJDK distribution from Azul
BabelEditFree
Translation editor
Background MusicFree
Audio utility
Balance LockFree
Prevents audio balance from drifting left or right
ballastFree
Status Bar app to keep the audio balance from drifting
BeardedSpiceFree
Control web-based media players with media keys
BeardieFree
Control various media players with your keyboard
BerrycastFree
Screen recorder
Better ShotFree
Screen capturing and editing tool
BezelFree
iOS screen output recorder
BibDeskFree
Edit and manage bibliographies
Bitfocus CompanionFree
Streamdeck extension and emulation software
Bitfocus CompanionFree
Streamdeck extension and emulation software
BlackHole 16chFree
Virtual Audio Driver
BlackHole 2chFree
Virtual Audio Driver
BlackHole 64chFree
Virtual Audio Driver
Blobby Volley 2Free
Head-to-head multiplayer ball game
BlockbenchFree
3D model editor for boxy models and pixel art textures
Blockstream GreenFree
Multi-platform Bitcoin and Liquid wallet
BlueGriffonFree
Web and EPUB editor
BluOS ControllerFree
Manage audio systems
Bob WalletFree
Handshake wallet GUI for managing transactions, name auctions, and DNS records
Bonita Studio Community EditionFree
Business process automation and optimisation
BoomFree
Transforms audio input
BowtieFree
Control your music with customisable shortcuts
Broadcast Using This ToolFree
Shoutcast and Icecast streaming client
Burp Suite Community EditionFree
Web security testing toolkit
Burp Suite Community EditionFree
Web security testing toolkit
ButterKitFree
App Store screenshots editor
BuzzFree
Transcribes and translates audio
BZFlagFree
3D multi-player tank battle game
CapFree
Screen recording software
Captain Plugins EpicFree
Music theory tool
castrFree
Desktop application for controlling Castr streaming platform
Classroom Mode for MinecraftFree
Classroom management app for Minecraft Education Edition
CleanMyMac X ChineseFree
Tool to remove unnecessary files and folders from disk Chinese edition
CleartextFree
Text editor
ClementineFree
Music player and library organiser
Clicker for NetflixFree
Best standalone Netflix player
Clover Chord SystemsFree
Master rhythm and chord notation editor
CnCNet: Classic Command & ConquerFree
Multiplayer platform for classic Command & Conquer games
CockatriceFree
Virtual tabletop for multiplayer card games
CogFree
Audio player
Combine PDFsFree
PDF file editor
CompositorFree
WYSIWYG LaTeX editor
Couchbase Lite (Community Edition)Free
Couchbase Lite Libraries for C and C++ (Community Edition)
Couchbase Lite (Enterprise Edition)Free
Couchbase Lite Libraries for C and C++ (Enterprise Edition)
CoverLoadFree
Download high quality artwork for movies, music albums, and more
Cube 2: SauerbratenFree
Multiplayer & singleplayer first person shooter
CumulusFree
SoundCloud player that lives in the menu bar
Cura LulzBot EditionFree
3D printing solution
DeaDBeeFFree
Modular audio player
DecreditonFree
GUI for the Decred wallet
deepstreamFree
Data-sync realtime server
DeezerFree
Music player
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Best Media & Entertainment Apps for Mac in 2026
The Mac ecosystem in 2026 continues to be a vibrant hub for media and entertainment, offering an expansive array of applications designed to enhance how users consume, create, and manage digital content. From casual listening to professional-grade production, the landscape is defined by innovation, driven significantly by the advancements in Apple Silicon. Users can expect unparalleled performance, energy efficiency, and tighter integration across devices, making the Mac an increasingly capable media workstation and entertainment center. Key trends shaping this category in 2026 include the pervasive integration of Artificial intelligence (AI), which is revolutionizing content discovery, personalized recommendations, and even audio/video enhancement. AI-powered features are not just a luxury but are becoming standard, offering smarter playlists, automated editing, and intelligent upscaling for a superior user experience. High-fidelity audio and immersive experiences, such as Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, are also at the forefront, especially for users with Apple's premium audio devices. The demand for lossless streaming and dynamically tracked soundscapes is pushing developers to optimize their apps for these advanced capabilities, ensuring that every note and sound effect is delivered with pristine clarity and depth. The rise of seamless cross-device functionality means that media consumption is no longer confined to a single screen. Apps are designed to offer continuity, allowing users to effortlessly switch between their Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even Apple TV, maintaining playback progress and library access. Cloud integration further facilitates this, enabling universal access to personal media libraries regardless of physical location. Furthermore, the distinction between local media playback and streaming services continues to blur. Modern apps often combine robust local file support with extensive streaming integrations, offering users the best of both worlds. Whether you prefer to curate a vast personal library or rely on subscription services, Mac apps provide comprehensive solutions. The open-source community also remains a strong force, offering powerful, free alternatives that challenge proprietary software with their flexibility and community-driven development. When choosing the best media and entertainment apps for Mac in 2026, users should prioritize native Apple Silicon support for optimal performance, a clean and intuitive user interface, broad format compatibility, and features that align with their specific needs – whether that's advanced editing, seamless streaming, or robust media management. The market offers a diverse range of tools, ensuring that every Mac user can find the perfect software to elevate their digital media experience.
Current Trends
AI-Powered Media Experiences
In 2026, AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a fundamental component of media and entertainment apps. This trend sees AI enhancing everything from content discovery through smarter recommendation algorithms to automated editing features like filler-word removal and background noise reduction. AI is also powering features like Apple Music's AutoMix, creating seamless transitions between songs, and enabling advanced transcription services in podcast and audio editors. This intelligence is driving more personalized, efficient, and higher-quality media interactions.
High-Fidelity & Spatial Audio Immersion
The pursuit of superior audio quality is paramount in 2026. High-resolution lossless audio formats are becoming standard in streaming services and local players, appealing to audiophiles. Equally significant is the widespread adoption of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, particularly within the Apple ecosystem. This technology creates an immersive, three-dimensional soundscape, further enhanced by dynamic head tracking for a truly captivating experience, especially with compatible hardware like AirPods Pro and AirPods Max 2.
Seamless Cross-Device Ecosystems
Users expect their media experience to flow effortlessly across all their devices. This trend emphasizes applications that offer robust syncing, cloud integration, and unified user interfaces whether on a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Media servers like Plex and Jellyfin exemplify this by making personal libraries accessible anywhere. Streaming services also prioritize consistent experiences, allowing users to pick up exactly where they left off, regardless of the device. This focus on continuity enhances convenience and accessibility.
Open Source Innovation & Customization
The open-source community continues to be a powerful innovator in the media and entertainment space on Mac. Projects like VLC, Audacity, OBS Studio, and Jellyfin offer robust, free, and highly customizable alternatives to proprietary software. This trend is driven by a desire for transparency, community support, and the ability for users to tailor applications to their precise needs, often leading to features and flexibility not found in commercial products. These tools are crucial for budget-conscious users and power users alike.
Getting Started with Media & Entertainment Apps on Mac
1
Identify Your Core Needs
Before downloading, consider what you'll primarily use the app for. Are you a casual viewer, an audiophile, a budding podcaster, or someone managing a vast home media library? Understanding your main purpose will help narrow down the vast number of options available and guide you towards specialized or all-in-one solutions. For example, a video editor's needs differ significantly from a music streamer's.
2
Prioritize Compatibility & Performance
Always check for native Apple Silicon support (M1, M2, M3, M4 chips) to ensure optimal performance, battery life, and stability on newer Macs. Look for apps that actively update for the latest macOS versions. Consider the file formats you frequently use and ensure the app offers broad compatibility to avoid needing multiple programs or conversion steps. Hardware acceleration is key for smooth high-resolution playback.
3
Explore User Interface & Ecosystem Integration
A clean, intuitive user interface significantly enhances your experience. If you're deeply embedded in Apple's ecosystem, consider apps that offer seamless integration with iCloud, Siri, and other Apple devices for a unified experience. For cross-platform users, look for apps with consistent interfaces and cloud syncing across different operating systems. Test out free trials or open-source options to find a UI that suits you.
4
Evaluate Features vs. Cost
Determine if a free, open-source solution meets your needs, or if a paid app with advanced features (e.g., hardware transcoding, premium codecs, cloud storage) is a better investment. Many apps offer free tiers or trials. Weigh the specific features you require, such as Spatial Audio support, AI enhancements, or advanced editing tools, against their subscription or one-time purchase costs.
5
Secure Your Media
When dealing with personal media, consider features like parental controls (for media servers) and local encryption options. For streaming, be aware of privacy settings and data usage. Always download apps from reputable sources like the Mac App Store or directly from the developer's official website to ensure security and authenticity. Regularly update your apps to benefit from security patches and new features.
Our Recommendations
The Mac media and entertainment landscape in 2026 is rich and diverse, offering sophisticated tools for every kind of user. The dominant themes are the synergy of Apple Silicon for performance, the intelligence of AI for personalization, and the immersive quality of high-fidelity and spatial audio. Users are empowered with choices ranging from robust, free open-source solutions to premium, feature-packed applications. For comprehensive media management and seamless playback, a combination of a versatile player like VLC or IINA with a powerful media server like Plex is ideal. Audio enthusiasts will find excellent options in Apple Music or specialized lossless players, while creators benefit immensely from tools like Audacity and OBS Studio. The focus on cross-device compatibility and enhanced user experience ensures that the Mac remains a central and highly capable platform for all media and entertainment needs. Choosing apps that leverage native macOS features and embrace emerging trends will offer the most future-proof and enjoyable experience.
Must-haves:
Frequently Asked Questions
For 2026, the best free video players for Mac are widely considered to be VLC Media Player and IINA. VLC is renowned for its universal format support, playing almost any video file without extra codecs, and offering decent performance on Apple Silicon Macs. IINA provides a more modern, macOS-native experience with a sleek interface, Touch Bar support, and trackpad gestures, making it a favorite for those who value aesthetics and system integration. Other notable free options include mpv for power users and Elmedia Player which has a free version with broad format support.
About the Author
Creative Software Expert
Design & Graphics SoftwarePhoto & Video EditingUI/UX Design Tools
Maya Rodriguez specializes in design and creative software, bringing 10 years of experience as a professional graphic designer and UI/UX specialist. Maya evaluates design tools, media applications, and creative workflows with an eye toward both artistic capability and technical performance.
10+ years in graphic design · Former creative director