2026 RANKING Updated 2026-07-04

The Best Software of 2026, ranked.

Desktop & cross-platform software. Scored on feature depth, UX, pricing, integrations, security, and learning curve.

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61 RANK 61

Canva

Online Design Platform · 4.4 (6,080)

The go-to design platform for rapid prototyping, just don’t expect perfect precision.

A vast library of templates caters to diverse industries, saving time and kickstarting creative projects with a solid foundation. Real-time collaboration allows multiple team members to edit designs simultaneously, boosting productivity in remote settings. Exporting designs as PDFs can strip important formatting, causing issues for print-ready projects that require precision.
88
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Canva Read full review
62 RANK 62

Zoom

Best video conferencing
Video conferencing + AI meeting platform · 4.6 (32,480)

The verb that became a product, and the company quietly turning into an AI meeting intelligence platform.

Free tier is genuinely usable — 40-min meetings cover most external calls Video / audio quality consistently the best in category, even on poor connections The Zoom Workplace bundle confuses pricing — what's included varies by tier
87
HARDTECH SCORE
From $15 //user/month (Pro)
Free tier See Zoom Read full review
63 RANK 63

Obsidian

Markdown Knowledge Base · 4.3 (6,020)

The Markdown knowledge base that connects your notes into a web of ideas.

Customizable writing and note-taking environment with support for advanced Markdown features like footnotes and embedded files. Local-first architecture keeps your notes on your device, providing privacy and control over your data. Steep learning curve for newcomers, especially those unfamiliar with Markdown and customizable workflows.
87
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Obsidian Read full review
64 RANK 64

PostHog

Product Analytics Platform · 4.3 (6,020)

The open-source analytics platform that respects your data privacy and empowers your team.

PostHog's self-hosted option gives you complete control over your data, unlike many competitors that rely on cloud storage. The heatmaps feature visualizes user interactions accurately, making it easier to identify and optimize problem areas in your product. PostHog's pricing model can escalate quickly with increased data volume, making it challenging for growing teams to budget effectively.
87
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See PostHog Read full review
65 RANK 65

Raycast

Productivity Launcher · 4.3 (5,960)

The productivity launcher that transforms your workflow into a command center.

Raycast's command bar is lightning-fast, making it easier to access apps and tools than alternatives like Alfred. The extensive library of integrations allows seamless connectivity with tools like Notion and GitHub, enhancing workflow efficiency. Raycast's pricing model can become expensive quickly, especially for teams needing multiple licenses for advanced features.
86
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Raycast Read full review
66 RANK 66

Todoist

Task Manager · 4.3 (5,960)

Todoist: The task manager that balances simplicity with unexpected complexity in daily workflows.

Natural language processing for task entry allows quick, human-like input without cumbersome dropdowns or menus. Customizable labels and filters enable highly personalized task organization, surpassing simpler competitors in flexibility and functionality. No built-in time tracking feature means users must rely on third-party integrations, complicating project management for teams.
86
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Todoist Read full review
67 RANK 67

Dropbox

Best dedicated file sync
Cloud file storage + sync · 4.4 (13,420)

The original cloud sync that survived everyone else doing cloud sync, and the company that figured out what to do when 'sync your files' became table stakes.

Block-level sync is genuinely the fastest in category — only changed parts upload Smart Sync lets you see files in Finder/Explorer without downloading them Plus at $11.99/month is expensive vs Google One ($1.99/mo for 100GB or $9.99 for 2TB)
85
HARDTECH SCORE
From $12 //month (Plus)
Free tier See Dropbox Read full review
68 RANK 68

Metabase

Open-Source Business Intelligence · 4.2 (5,900)

The open-source BI tool that makes data exploration accessible, but with some quirks.

Metabase's SQL editor provides real-time feedback, allowing users to iterate quickly on queries without constant re-running. The native dashboard sharing feature simplifies collaboration, enabling non-technical users to engage with data insights directly. Built-in data modeling is limited, often requiring SQL knowledge to create complex data relationships effectively.
85
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Metabase Read full review
69 RANK 69

Superhuman

Fast Email Client · 4.2 (5,900)

The fast email client that makes your inbox feel like an extension of your brain.

The split inbox feature allows easy management of multiple email accounts without the clutter of traditional clients. Keyboard shortcuts are extensive and intuitive, enabling navigation that outpaces standard email tools. The subscription price is steep, making it a hard sell for teams when more affordable options exist.
85
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Superhuman Read full review
70 RANK 70

Vitrine

Top Product
Design Tools · 4.5 (0)

Turn any photo into a beautiful wallpaper

Easy to use High-quality output Limited to Mac
85
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Vitrine Read full review

Showing 61–70 of 150

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Editor's verdict

If you can only try one this quarter, make it OpenHuman.

The top three are within four points of each other on the rubric — meaning the right choice depends more on your use case than on the absolute score. Use the table or the side-by-side compare to sanity-check.

Start with OpenHuman Compare top 3
Frequently asked

What people ask before they commit.

How do you rank these products?
Every product in the Software category is scored on a weighted rubric covering performance, value, build quality, support, and ecosystem strength. Scores are recalculated every 90 days as new versions ship and new data lands.
Do affiliate links influence the rankings?
No. Rankings are produced by our editorial panel independent of any partnership. We disclose every affiliate relationship inline; the order on this page would be identical with affiliates removed.
When was this list last updated?
Last refresh: 2026-07-04. Major scoring updates happen quarterly; pricing and feature changes are refreshed weekly by our research team.
Where can I see the full spec comparison?
A side-by-side spec table for the top picks lives on the dedicated comparison page. We also publish a methodology page that explains the exact weights of every rubric dimension.