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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81 RANK 81

Penpot

Open-Source Design Tool · 4.1 (5,720)

The open-source design tool that challenges Figma with a community-driven approach.

Penpot's open-source nature allows for full customization, appealing to teams that need specific design workflows. The vector editing capabilities rival those of Figma, making it easier to create complex designs without sacrificing quality. While feature-rich, Penpot still lacks some advanced functionalities found in established competitors like Adobe XD.
82
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Penpot Read full review
82 RANK 82

Bear

Markdown Notes App · 4.1 (5,720)

The Markdown notes app that balances elegance with the frustration of missing features.

Bear's tagging system allows for complex organization without the clutter of folders, making retrieval intuitive and fast. The built-in Markdown support is seamless, enabling easy formatting and export without losing text integrity. Bear's subscription model can become expensive for teams, especially compared to one-time purchase alternatives.
82
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Bear Read full review
83 RANK 83

iA Writer

Distraction-Free Writing · 4.1 (5,720)

The minimalist writing app that strips away distractions but lacks collaboration features.

Markdown support feels seamless, allowing writers to focus on content without formatting distractions. The Focus Mode highlights the current sentence, making it easier to maintain flow during writing sessions. No collaboration features prevent teams from working together in real-time, limiting usability for group projects.
82
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See iA Writer Read full review
84 RANK 84

Portia

Featured
Developer Tools · 4.5 (0)

The ultimate 1-click hunter for blocked macOS ports

Easy to use Fast port identification Limited to macOS
82
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Portia Read full review
85 RANK 85

CleanMyMac

Mac Optimizer · 4.0 (5,660)

Your Mac's cluttered conscience, CleanMyMac promises speed but sometimes falls short.

The Smart Scan feature identifies and resolves multiple issues in one go, saving time during maintenance. CleanMyMac’s uninstaller effectively removes all associated files of applications, preventing leftover junk from cluttering your system. At $89.95 for a yearly subscription, CleanMyMac's pricing feels steep compared to one-time purchase alternatives.
81
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See CleanMyMac Read full review
86 RANK 86

Zapier

Best workflow automation
Workflow automation across apps · 4.5 (14,820)

The glue between every SaaS app that doesn't talk to every other one, and the category leader that has to keep proving itself against Make, n8n, and the AI agents coming for its lunch.

8,000+ integrations is unmatched — virtually every SaaS has a Zapier connector Visual workflow builder is the most accessible in the no-code automation category Pricing scales aggressively — heavy automation users routinely pay $500-2000/mo
80
HARDTECH SCORE
From $20 //month (Professional)
Free tier See Zapier Read full review
87 RANK 87

Listmonk

Self-Hosted Email Newsletter · 4.0 (5,600)

The self-hosted newsletter tool that balances power with a need for polish.

Listmonk's self-hosted model gives you complete control over your subscriber data, unlike many cloud-based competitors. The built-in analytics provide detailed insights on open rates and click-throughs without relying on external services. The user interface feels clunky at times, making it harder to use than more polished alternatives.
80
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Listmonk Read full review
88 RANK 88

Sketch

Mac Design Tool · 4.0 (5,600)

Sketch: The design tool that’s still relevant but feels dated compared to Figma.

Vector editing tools in Sketch are more precise than Figma's, making intricate designs easy to execute. The plugin ecosystem is extensive, offering a wide range of integrations that boost productivity and functionality. The subscription pricing model can become expensive for teams, especially when scaling beyond a few users.
80
HARDTECH SCORE
Free tier See Sketch Read full review
89 RANK 89

LogStitch

Featured
Developer Tools · 4.5 (0)

Find AWS Lambda failures fast, right on your Mac

Fast identification of failures User-friendly interface Limited to Mac users
80
HARDTECH SCORE
From $19 /month (Pro)
See LogStitch Read full review
90 RANK 90

Snap Deck HQ

Popular
macOS Productivity Tool · 4.2 (0)

Everything you need in one native macOS command bar

Intuitive interface Highly customizable Limited to macOS
78
HARDTECH SCORE
From $10 /month (Pro)
See Snap Deck HQ Read full review

Showing 81–90 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.