Setapp continues to be worth it after more than three weeks of daily Mac use. I’ve got a clearer picture now of which apps I actually use and what the real value proposition looks like.
The Apps I Actually Use
Here’s what I’m actively using from Setapp:
- CleanShot X - Screenshot and annotation tool
- ClearVPN - VPN service
- Orklift - File management
- Supercharge - System utilities
- SparkMail - Email client
- TablePlus - Database management
- CleanMyMac - System maintenance
- iStatsMenu - System monitoring
- Workspaces - Project organization
- Core Shell - SSH client
- Headway - Book summaries
That’s 11 apps I’m genuinely using, not just trying once.
The 3-Year Break-Even Reality
Here’s the honest math: if I bought all these apps individually, it would take roughly 3 years before the subscription pays for itself. And that’s not even counting major version updates, which often cost extra for individual licenses.
Some of these apps have their own subscriptions too. ClearVPN, CleanShot X, and Headway would normally require separate monthly payments. Just those three together almost justify the $10/month Setapp fee.
What I’m Missing: Family Plan
It’s a shame they discontinued the family plan. I would have gladly paid $15/month for family access. The current iOS and Mac bundle doesn’t provide enough value—there aren’t any iOS apps in Setapp that I need enough to pay extra for.
Recent Additions That Add Value
I just installed Keysmith for one specific purpose: creating a global hotkey to enter today’s date. Hopefully I can use it for more scripts and shortcuts. That’s another +1 for Setapp’s discovery value.
These small utilities that you’d never buy individually but end up being genuinely useful—that’s where Setapp shines.
The Subscription Reality
Unlike most software subscriptions that feel predatory, Setapp actually provides ongoing value. It’s not just about access to apps—it’s about:
- No license management headaches
- Automatic updates for everything
- Discovery of tools you’d never try otherwise
- Version updates included without extra cost
Apps That Didn’t Make the Cut
Not everything in Setapp is gold. Murmur (their transcription app) is honestly useless compared to dedicated tools like Spokenly. Just because an app is in Setapp doesn’t mean it’s the best option for your needs.
But the ability to try these apps without individual purchase decisions has value too.
The Bottom Line
For someone coming from Windows where many equivalent tools are free, Setapp provides access to quality Mac software without the sticker shock of individual purchases.
At $10/month, knowing it’ll take 3 years to break even, I’m still confident it’s worth it. The convenience factor, automatic updates, and ongoing discovery of new tools justify the subscription model.
It’s the Netflix approach to productivity software, and it actually works when you need multiple Mac apps anyway.