After neglecting my computer cleaning duties since what felt like the P.P.E. (Pre-Pandemic Era), I finally created some time to sit down and tackle the tedious task.
As I was ruthlessly deleting files and dormant programs, I realized that only a narrow set of apps survived multiple years of digital detoxing. These are my top race horses. Having put them through the wringer, year after year, they continue to deliver on their promise and outperform the competition (subjective to my needs).
With the positive memories of each app fresh in my mind, I thought it only fair to share a few of these little gems. Read on to discover my favourite desktop apps in 2022.
Please note, I’m currently running off of an Apple Silicon Mac and so apps or programs may perform differently on your system.
Brave Browser
Oh laaawdd! Not another user promoting a new browser. It’s Chrome, Safari, or bust for many people – and I get it. What makes Brave different is that its foundation is built on Chromium but is heavily focused on privacy and ad blocking. Lightning-fast with zero youtube ads – we’ve arrived at browser heaven.
Reasons to Use:
- No more YouTube Ads
- Brave Shields (goodbye pesky tracking)
- Web 3.0 focused (token-based incentives)
- Chromium-based (familiar UI + supports Chrome extensions)
Bitwarden
If you’re still using the same password from your first MSN account, you might be playing digital roulette. Gone are the days of using a simple phrase with an uppercase here and a number there. Thankfully, there’s no need to memorize long and complex alphanumeric strings to have next-level protection.
Completely open source, Bitwarden is a password manager that uses Zero Knowledge Encryption. This means that unlike 1Pass and other password managers, no one has access to your passwords. It’s available on desktop and mobile so you’re never too far from signing in to that random Baskin-Robbins account from 6 years ago.
Reasons to Use:
- Auto-Fill passwords
- Accessible on Mobile and Desktop
- Zero Knowledge Encryption (1-way access)
- Open Source (code is constantly being reviewed for holes)
Slidepad
This app comes in handy for holding websites that would otherwise be permanent fixtures in your browser – enabling them to live in a separate app. Slidepad slides open (like hot corners), giving you access to any web-based apps (Slack, Asana, WhatsApp, etc.) while also allowing you to host multiple instances. This is a very simple concept for people looking for an extra layer of organization with other apps like Shift and Wavebox offering a more robust experience.
Reasons to Use:
- Organized web apps
- Simple and easy to set up
- Multiple app instances (run different client accounts at once)
Signal
Although Signal doesn’t see as much light as my other IM apps, it’ll forever be in the arsenal as the last bastion of truly encrypted messaging. You can securely send messages across this desktop app and even have messages disappear when you need that Edward Snowden level of privacy.
Reasons to Use:
- Disappearing messages
- End-to-end encryption
- Open Source (code is constantly reviewed)
Harvest
There’s no doubt that tracking my time was the single greatest contributor to Asterix Studio’s early growth and continues to be an integral asset (see: Getting Paid). Harvest takes time tracking one step further and integrates directly with projects so that you not only actively track your progress (in both hours and budget) but it also allows you to send out estimates and invoices. Starting the desktop timer is always one click away and the mobile app is just as intuitive. This is my ride-or-die app.
Reasons to Use:
- Track budgets
- Accurate time tracking for future estimates
- Invoice in separate currencies
- Beautifully designed
Honourable mentions include...
Glyphs Mini (font creation), Buho Cleaner (lean and fast app cleaner), VLC (still epic).
