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Setapp Review

Setapp is a subscription service that provides users with access to a curated collection of applications for macOS, iOS, and web platforms.

shipped Aug 4, 2026paid
Domain rating80Monthly visits1.9M/mo
Setapp — product screenshot

Why it matters

1Offers over 270 applications for macOS and iOS through a single subscription.
2Achieved ISO 27001:2022 certification and SOC2 compliance.
3Provides an API with a rate limit of 24 requests per second for one IP.
4Pricing tiers include Individual at $9.99/month and Family at $14.99/month.

About Setapp

Business Model
Subscription SaaS
Headquarters
Limassol, Cyprus
Platforms
Web, macOS
Target Audience
Mac users looking for a comprehensive selection of software

Pricing Plans

Individual
$9.99/mo
  • Access to a library of 240+ apps
  • Free updates
  • Install on multiple Macs
Family
$14.99/mo
  • All Individual plan features
  • Share with up to 5 family members

Specs

API Available

Yes, public API

overview

What is Setapp?

Setapp is a productivity tool developed by MacPaw that enables Mac and iOS users to access a curated collection of premium applications through a single subscription. It operates on a 'Netflix for apps' model, allowing users to try and use various Mac and iOS applications without purchasing individual licenses. The platform offers a library of over 270 applications covering categories such as productivity, creativity, AI, optimization, and utilities. Setapp also provides an API for vendor integration and maintains ISO 27001:2022 and SOC2 compliance.

features

Key Features of Setapp

Setapp provides a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance productivity and application management for macOS and iOS users. The platform's core functionality revolves around its curated application library and subscription model, complemented by robust technical and compliance standards.

  • Access to a curated library of over 270 macOS, iOS, and web applications.
  • Availability on multiple Macs under a single subscription.
  • Regular updates and continuous addition of new applications to the library.
  • User-friendly interface for application discovery, installation, and management.
  • Trial period available before committing to a subscription.
  • Vendor API for integration, with a rate limit of 24 requests per second per IP.
  • ISO 27001:2022 certified for information security management.
  • Achieved SOC2 compliance, indicating robust data security controls.
  • Default_off setting for training on user data, ensuring user privacy.
  • AI Gateway functionality offering unified API access to multiple AI providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google).

use cases

Who Should Use Setapp?

Setapp is designed for specific user segments seeking efficient access to a diverse range of premium software. Its subscription model caters to individuals and families who regularly utilize multiple applications across macOS and iOS platforms.

  • Mac and iOS users seeking diverse applications: Individuals and families who require a wide array of productivity, utility, and creative applications without purchasing individual licenses.
  • Users focused on productivity and task management: Professionals and students looking to enhance daily workflows with curated tools for writing, note-taking, system optimization, and project management.
  • Individuals exploring new software: Users interested in discovering and experimenting with new applications without the financial commitment of individual purchases.
  • Users leveraging AI-powered workflows: Individuals utilizing AI+ tiers for integrated AI tools and assistants to streamline tasks within applications like PDF Pals.
  • Developers and power users: Those who benefit from developer tools, system utilities, and the option to integrate via the Setapp Vendor API.

how to use

How to Use Setapp

To begin using Setapp, users typically download the Setapp desktop application, which serves as the central hub for discovering and managing applications. The process involves creating an account and selecting a subscription plan.

  • 1Navigate to the official Setapp website (setapp.com).
  • 2Download and install the Setapp desktop application for macOS.
  • 3Create a Setapp account and log in.
  • 4Select a subscription plan (Individual or Family) or begin a trial period.
  • 5Browse the curated library of applications within the Setapp app.
  • 6Install desired applications directly from the Setapp interface; they will appear in the macOS Applications folder.

pricing

Setapp Pricing & Plans

Setapp offers a subscription-based model with distinct tiers for individual and family use, providing access to its entire application library. Additionally, it provides specific limits for AI-related features within its ecosystem.

  • Individual Plan: $9.99 per month, providing access for one user on one Mac.
  • Family Plan: $14.99 per month, providing access for up to 5 users on up to 5 Macs.
  • AI Credits: Every user receives 10 free AI credits monthly. Additional plans include 'AI Enthusiast' (125 credits) and 'AI Expert' (250 credits). Users can also utilize their own OpenAI API key.
  • AI Chat within PDF Pals: Limited to 100 requests per hour per user and 200 requests per day per user.
  • Indexing: Limited to 5000 requests per day per user.
  • Vendor API: Rate limit of 24 requests per second for one IP.

Pros

  • +Provides access to over 270 premium macOS and iOS applications for a single monthly fee, offering significant value compared to individual purchases.
  • +Offers a curated selection of high-quality, ad-free applications with no in-app purchases or paid upgrades for subscribed apps.
  • +Includes a free trial period, allowing users to evaluate the service before committing to a subscription.
  • +Maintains high security and privacy standards, evidenced by ISO 27001:2022 certification, SOC2 compliance, and default_off user data training.
  • +Integrates AI tools and offers an AI Gateway, providing advanced capabilities and unified API access to multiple AI providers.
  • +Features a user-friendly interface for seamless discovery, installation, and management of applications.

Cons

  • The subscription model may not be cost-effective for users who only require one or two specific applications from the library.
  • Some users have reported occasional issues with customer service, particularly regarding billing or trial access.
  • The application library, while extensive, may not include every niche or highly specialized application a user might need.
  • AI features, such as AI Chat within PDF Pals and Indexing, have specific rate limits that may restrict heavy usage.
  • The Setapp Mobile EU app store, an alternative iOS marketplace, has been closed down, limiting mobile access options in the EU.

Policies

Pricing Page

View Pricing

Similar Tools

Setapp vs Competitors

Setapp occupies a unique position in the software market by offering a subscription-based curated collection of premium macOS and iOS applications. Its competitive landscape includes traditional app stores, specialized software bundles, and command-line package managers.

1
Softorino

Offers a smaller, in-house collection of utility apps focused on media management and iOS device interaction.

Provides a more specialized and smaller collection of apps compared to Setapp's broad range, focusing on tools developed by Softorino itself.

2
BundleHunt

Allows users to build custom bundles of discounted apps for one-time purchases, with available apps changing frequently.

Unlike Setapp's subscription model for continuous access, BundleHunt requires a one-time purchase for each app, meaning you own the licenses but available apps rotate and are not continuously updated for free.

3
Homebrew + Homebrew Cask

A command-line package manager that allows installation of a vast array of open-source and free macOS applications, including GUI apps via Cask.

Requires comfort with the command line for installation and management, and lacks the unified graphical interface and curated premium app selection of Setapp.

4
Awesome-Mac

A community-curated, extensive list of high-quality macOS software, primarily open-source and free, for discovery.

This is a directory for discovering individual apps, not a service that installs or manages them, requiring manual download and installation for each application.

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