Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Setapp VS Apple

Compare Setapp VS Apple and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Setapp logo Setapp

The one place for trusted apps. Hundreds of high-quality apps for your Mac and iPhone, including AI tools.

Apple logo Apple

Available on iOS
  • Setapp
    Image date //
    2026-06-25
  • Setapp
    Image date //
    2026-06-25
  • Setapp
    Image date //
    2026-06-25
  • Setapp
    Image date //
    2026-06-25
  • Setapp
    Image date //
    2026-06-25
  • Setapp
    Image date //
    2026-06-25

A unified marketplace for Mac and iPhone users to get hand-picked, trusted apps. Get over 260 apps for a flat fee with Setapp Membership, or purchase individual apps on flexible terms through Setapp Marketplace.

  • Apple Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-22

Setapp

Website
setapp.com
$ Details
paid Free Trial $14.99 / Monthly (1 Mac)
Release Date
2017 January

Apple

Website
apple.com
Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Release Date
-
Startup details
Country
United States

Setapp features and specs

  • Diverse Application Library
    Setapp provides access to a wide range of high-quality Mac applications across different categories, all from a single subscription service.
  • Cost-Effective
    For a monthly fee, users gain access to multiple paid applications, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual app licenses.
  • Updates and Upgrades Included
    All apps within Setapp come with automatic updates and upgrades included in the subscription, ensuring users always have the latest features and security patches.
  • Easy Installation and Management
    The Setapp platform provides a user-friendly interface for browsing, installing, and managing applications, simplifying the overall user experience.
  • Free Trial Available
    Setapp offers a 7-day free trial, allowing potential users to explore and evaluate the service before committing to a subscription.

Apple features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Apple products are known for their intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making them accessible to users of all ages and tech-savviness.
  • Ecosystem Integration
    Apple's ecosystem allows seamless integration between its devices like MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, improving user experience and productivity.
  • High-Quality Hardware
    Apple is renowned for its high-quality hardware, offering stylish, durable, and performance-efficient devices.
  • Regular Software Updates
    Apple provides regular software updates that add new features and improve security, ensuring that devices remain up-to-date.
  • Customer Support
    Apple delivers exceptional customer service and support through its Apple Stores and online services.
  • App Store and Services
    The Apple App Store offers a wide range of high-quality apps, and Apple's services such as Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple TV+ enhance the user experience.

Possible disadvantages of Apple

  • High Price Point
    Apple products are often more expensive compared to competitors, which can be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers.
  • Limited Customization
    Apple's operating systems are known for their limited customization options compared to Android and Windows, which might not appeal to power users.
  • Proprietary Ecosystem
    Apple's closed ecosystem can be restrictive, as it makes it difficult to use non-Apple accessories and software.
  • Repair Costs
    Repairs for Apple devices can be costly and are often only available through authorized service providers, leading to higher maintenance expenses.
  • Storage Limitations
    Many Apple devices do not support external storage expansion, which can be a limitation for users requiring more storage capacity.
  • Dependency on Internet Connection
    Many of Apple's services require a stable internet connection, which can be inconvenient for users in areas with poor connectivity.

Analysis of Setapp

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Setapp is considered good for users who frequently use multiple Mac apps and value convenience and flexibility. It provides excellent value for money by offering a diverse selection of reliable and well-crafted applications. However, it might not be the best choice for those who only need a few specific applications or prefer to own their software outright.

Why this product is good

  • Setapp is a subscription-based service that provides access to a wide range of Mac applications for a single monthly fee. Users often find it beneficial because it offers a curated selection of high-quality apps without the need to purchase each one individually. It saves time and money for those who require multiple tools, ensuring they always have the latest versions without additional costs. Furthermore, it simplifies software management by centralizing the process of discovering, updating, and accessing various applications.

Recommended for

    Setapp is recommended for professionals, creatives, and productivity enthusiasts who use a variety of Mac applications regularly and appreciate the ease of access to a comprehensive software library without the hassle of individual purchases. It's also suitable for users who enjoy exploring new tools and apps to enhance their workflow.

Setapp videos

What's Setapp?

Apple videos

Apple Watch Ultra Review: Worth It Or Nah?

More videos:

  • Review - Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8
  • Review - Apple Watch Ultra changed my life! 8 months later review...
  • Review - Apple HomePod 2 Review: I'm Confused

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Setapp and Apple)
Project Management
100 100%
0% 0
Hardware
0 0%
100% 100
Productivity
53 53%
47% 47
Music
0 0%
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing Setapp and Apple.

What's the story behind your product?

Setapp's answer

Setapp was created in 2016 by MacPaw, the company behind apps such as CleanMyMac, ClearVPN, and more. The key idea behind Setapp was to give users a simple way to discover high-quality apps for Mac. Over the years, the catalog has grown to over 260 apps and now includes tools for Mac, iOS, and web. Setapp is localized in eight languages and has users all over the world. Here are the key dates:

November 2016: Setapp closed beta is launched for the press, opinion leaders, and influencers. December 6, 2016: Setapp Beta release. January 25, 2017: Setapp public release. August 6, 2020: Setapp let users install iOS apps. August 11, 2021: Setapp arrives on iPhone and iPad. March, 2026: Single app purchase via Setapp Marketplace is introduced. Now, Setapp includes 260+ apps, 50+ iOS apps, and about 10 web apps with more to come.

What makes your product unique?

Setapp's answer

Setapp's key differentiators:

-Curation. Setapp is a curated platform with trusted, hand-picked apps โ€” not a place filled with self-submitted apps.

-Professional focus. Setapp includes apps aimed at improving productivity and workflows for professionals who rely on their Macs. Setapp users range from developers and marketers to educators, healthcare experts, logistics and retail professionals, and more.

-Flexible access. Users have two ways to get apps: a single-fee subscription to 260+ fully unlocked Mac, iOS, and web apps; or individual app purchases via Setapp Marketplace, for those who need just a few apps rather than the full catalog.

-Security. Setapp holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022, SOC 2, and GDPR certifications. Apps are not permitted to display ads or include hidden in-app purchases.

-AI access. AI+ plans give access to all popular LLM models โ€” GPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok โ€” through a single gateway.

Setapp gives users apps they can count on. Itโ€™s not an endless store but a curated collection of apps worth usersโ€™ time and money.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Setapp's answer

-Quality over volume. The catalog includes only hand-picked, trusted apps. When downloading an app from Setapp, users can be sure it is high quality and safe to use.

-Trusted apps, no fillers. Every app is Apple-notarized, ad-free, fully unlocked, and has no features locked behind additional paywalls. Getting apps through Setapp means avoiding malware and unpleasant surprises.

-Save costs. Setapp Membership offers access to over 260 apps for a flat fee โ€” no need to subscribe to multiple individual apps and juggle subscriptions. In Setapp Marketplace, users can purchase hand-picked, trusted apps individually, with no need to double-check quality or security.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Setapp's answer

Setapp is actively used by professionals who rely heavily on their Macs and want to improve their workflows โ€” including developers, IT specialists, content creators, designers, marketers, writers, educators, students, and specialists in agriculture, logistics, retail, healthcare, and other fields.

User comments

Share your experience with using Setapp and Apple. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Setapp and Apple

Setapp Reviews

We have no reviews of Setapp yet.
Be the first one to post

Apple Reviews

  1. Priya Thakur
    iPhone 15pro

    It is a game changer! The camera quality is very nice, strong and lightweight. Enhanced battery life and stunning dispaly.

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Apple, iPhone 15pro

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Apple should be more popular than Setapp. It has been mentiond 69 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Setapp mentions (15)

  • Ask HN: How to Sell as a Software Engineer?
    > I've reached the conclusion that software quality and even price matters much less than distribution, especially now. I highly doubt that is true. We don't yet know how end-users will make purchasing decisions now that almost anyone can build something that "works". Taking AI out of the picture: you still need to define the target market segment before you build anything. You still need to find a way to... - Source: Hacker News / 2 months ago
  • Show HN: BoringBar โ€“ a taskbar-style dock replacement for macOS
    There could be 4x buyers at $10. Iโ€™d be one of the now, the dock is a constant annoyance. The app looks great, downloading the trial now. To the appโ€™s author Iโ€™d say get as many licensees as you can fast before youโ€™re Sherlocked or somebody vibecodes a clone out of โ€œwhy notโ€. I use many free and paid apps, little QoL types, like BetterDisplay, Coctail, etc and for me the included support is of little value. These... - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Coders Coded Their Job Away. Why Are So Many of Them Happy About It?
    I used a bunch of tools from https://setapp.com/ and no longer subscribe. I used to pay for Linear for all my personal projects, built one with CC that perfectly fits my needsโ€ฆ I also built a myriad of small tools that help me automate bunch of busy work I used to do manually, both for professional and personal projects. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Italian Competition Authority Fines Apple $115M for Abusing Dominant Position
    > are there any real 3rd-party AppStores for iOS now "Always has been": Setapp. Very interesting model. Readily recommend devs subscribing to this collection, but non-devs as well if you're into "there's an app for that" and fatigued with IAP. https://setapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • The One Productivity Tool You Didn't Know You Can't Live Without
    I use Paste, a very feature rich clipboard manager for Mac with gorgeous UI. It's not free, but it comes along with a Setapp license that I got from work, so if you already have a license you can use it to install Paste. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
View more

Apple mentions (69)

  • iPhone Pocket: a beautiful way to wear and carry iPhone
    As silly a product as this is, the fact that it made it to the front page of Hacker News makes it a bigger deal than it actually is. It's not like it's sitting on Apple's frontpage. It's not some major product announcement. To get to the `/newsroom` page where the product was listed, you have to literally scroll to the bottom of https://apple.com and click a tiny link. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Why Your Browser Won't Open Maps with a geo: URI (And a Workaround)
    If we take a web address, say https://apple.com, we can see that there is a scheme (https) and a host (apple.com). We can omit a path because web servers will provide a default path even if one is not specified. But if we want a specific resource from the domain, then we would add the path. For example, if we want to look at the iPhone page, we would specify https://www.apple.com/iphone/. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • The Hamburger-Menu Icon Today: Is It Recognizable?
    Well, actually the three bars are now two: the cool kids have replaced the hamburger with a sausage roll. See https://apple.com. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • I no longer have an old-school cert on my HTTPS site
    Because they actively thwarted security. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/12/nope-this-isnt-the-https-validated-stripe-website-you-think-it-is/ https://web.archive.org/web/20191220215533/https://stripe.ian.sh/ > this site uses an EV certificate for "Stripe, Inc", that was legitimately issued by Comodo. However, when you hear "Stripe, Inc", you are probably thinking of the payment processor... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (July 2024)
    Apple | https://apple.com | AIML โ€“ Sr Full-stack Software Engineer, Data Operations | FULLTIME | ONSITE / HYBRID (3 days in office, 2 at home) | Seattle, WA, USA https://jobs.apple.com/en-us/details/200551324/aiml-sr-full-stack-software-engineer-data-operations?team=MLAI Our team builds software to collect and annotate high-quality data used to train LLMs and other AI and ML models for products across Apple. I'm... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Setapp and Apple, you can also consider the following products

Konfigure - APARTMENTS | VILLA | WORKSPACE | RETAIL

Amazon - Online shopping from the earth's biggest selection of books, magazines, music, DVDs, videos, electronics, computers, software, apparel & accessories, shoes, jewelry, tools & hardware, housewares, furniture, sporting goods, beauty & much more

Metavine Platform - Metavine Platform is a comprehensive Platform-as-a-Service that help businesses build agility and compete effectively in the digital world by enabling them to iterate and create apps quickly.

Google Cloud Platform - Google Cloud provides flexible infrastructure, end-to-security, modern productivity, and intelligent insights engineered to help your business thrive.

QuickBase - Quickbase provides a no-code operational agility platform that enables organizations to improve operations through real time insights and automation across complex processes and disparate systems. โ€‹โ€‹

Clover EFI bootloader - This is EFI-based bootloader for BIOS-based computers created as a replacement to EDK2/Duet...