Tech Tools We Actually Use and Recommend for Mac Users
Below is a curated list of Mac-compatible tech products and software that we personally use and recommend to our clients. Some of these are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
We’ve tested these tools in real-world environments with MacBook Pros, iMacs, and Apple Silicon devices. If it's not Mac-friendly, it’s not on this list.
Work From Home Essentials
Video Calls
Logitech C920x Pro HD Webcam
A reliable 1080p external webcam that works seamlessly with macOS. Plug-and-play with Zoom, FaceTime, and Teams—no drivers or setup needed. This is a great choice for Mac Studio users, which don’t include a built-in camera, or for MacBook users working with a second monitor who prefer a better angle than the laptop lid allows. We’ve recommended this camera to dozens of clients looking for clean, professional video on their Mac setups.
Accessories
Nulaxy Laptop Stand
An elevated aluminum stand designed to improve MacBook ergonomics and airflow. Ideal for dual-monitor setups — it raises your MacBook screen to eye level, aligning it better with external displays for a more natural visual workspace. It also helps protect your Mac from accidental spills by keeping it elevated off your desk surface. A favorite among our clients working from home with multi-screen setups.
Storage
Backup
WD 5TB My Passport for Mac
A 5TB external USB drive preformatted for macOS and ready for Time Machine backups. If you need more than 4TB of backup space, this is one of the most affordable high-capacity options. While we’ve seen these drives perform well, we’ve also noticed they may have a shorter lifespan than the LaCie Rugged series we typically recommend. If 4TB is enough for your backup needs, check out the LaCie 4TB Rugged option first.
Do not install any bundled software that may come preloaded on the drive — it can interfere with macOS backups or stability.
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External HD
A compact, shock-resistant external drive ideal for Mac users on the move. Fully macOS-compatible and great for Time Machine backups or portable storage. We've had excellent reliability with the LaCie Rugged line. Important: We strongly recommend that you erase and reformat the drive before first use to ensure optimal Time Machine compatibility.
Do not install any bundled software that may come preloaded on the drive — it can interfere with macOS backups or stability.
LaCie Rugged Mini 4TB External HD
A rugged, portable 4TB external hard drive designed for macOS users who need reliable backup and mobile storage. Perfect for Time Machine and file transfers between home and office. The shock-resistant case makes it ideal for travel or field work. As with all external drives, we highly recommend erasing and reformatting the drive for your setup before use.
Avoid installing the bundled software, as it may interfere with macOS backups and system stability.
LaCie Rugged Mini 5TB External Hard Drive
A 5TB rugged portable hard drive built for macOS users who need high-capacity Time Machine backups or secure mobile storage. Compatible with USB-C and USB 3.0, it’s shock-resistant and ready for rough environments. We recommend this drive for users who need more than 4TB of backup space on their Mac. As with all external drives, be sure to erase and reformat before use to suit your setup.
Do not install the bundled LaCie software, as it may conflict with macOS and Time Machine performance.
LaCie d2 Professional 8TB External Hard Drive
A desktop-class 7200 RPM external hard drive with USB‑C and USB 3.0, built for high-throughput backup and storage workflows on macOS. If you need more backup space than portable drives can offer, this LaCie desktop drive is a great option. Available in 10TB to 40TB models, it’s ideal for long-term Time Machine backups. Why such a big backup? We recommend your internal Mac drive be large enough to hold all your working files — then your external backup drive should be at least twice the size of your internal storage to allow for backup history and growth. As always, reformat before use and avoid any bundled software to ensure best macOS compatibility.
External SSD 2TB (Portable)
A compact, high-performance 2TB SSD offering up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds, perfect for macOS users handling video editing, large file transfers, or fast backups. With USB‑C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, it’s future-ready and fully compatible with modern Macs after reformatting. Built tough with IP65 water and dust resistance, this is a go-to drive for professionals on the move. It’s small enough to toss into your tech kit, purse, or weekend bag, yet powerful enough for field work, client meetings, or even extended trips to the cabin.
Adapters
Accessories
USB C to USB Adapter (Apple / generic)
This adapter converts a USB‑C port to a standard USB‑A port, allowing you to connect newer USB‑C accessories (like backup drives) to older Macs with USB‑A ports. It’s especially useful if you’re preparing to migrate to a newer Mac. For example, when setting up a Time Machine backup on your old Mac using a modern USB‑C external drive, you’ll need this adapter. Once you've fully migrated to your new Mac (which will have USB‑C ports), the adapter is no longer necessary. Simple, affordable, and highly recommended during any Mac upgrade.
USB A to USB C Adapter
This small adapter lets you connect traditional USB‑A devices (like older flash drives or keyboards) to newer Macs with USB‑C ports. It’s handy if you're moving from an older Mac to a new one and still want to use your existing accessories. We recommend keeping a couple of these around during any Mac transition or for connecting borrowed devices at client sites.
Security & Privacy
Accessories
4th Gen USB Data Blocker (Juice Jack Defender)
This USB data blocker protects your Mac or iOS device from data theft while charging in public places like airports or cafes. It physically blocks data lines, allowing only power to pass through. Perfect for travelers and anyone security-conscious. We always recommend these when you're charging your phone or iPad away from home.
Software
ProtonVPN
A no‑logs, high-security VPN service built for macOS. ProtonVPN protects your online traffic from snooping—great for remote work, public Wi-Fi, and privacy-conscious Mac users. We recommend enabling Trustful Core and Always On modes for stronger protection.
ProtonMail (Encrypted Email)
End-to-end encrypted email service tailored for privacy. Works in macOS browsers and integrates into mail clients. Ideal for professionals who want secure email communication across Apple devices.
1Password
1Password icon on Mac desktop
A password manager built for Apple ecosystems. Syncs securely across Mac, iPhone, iPad, and browsers. Generates strong passwords, stores secure notes, and autofills, making credential management seamless and safe on macOS.
Scanners
Office Equipment
Epson WorkForce ES 500W Scanner
A high-speed duplex scanner with Wi-Fi and auto-document feeder (ADF), fully compatible with macOS. Great for offices going paperless — quickly scans multi-page documents to PDF, searchable text, or cloud storage. Easy wireless setup for use across Macs and iOS devices.
Travel
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1100i Mobile Scanner
A compact, USB-powered mobile scanner that works perfectly with macOS. Ideal for on-the-go professionals who need to scan receipts, contracts, or business cards. Lightweight and travel-ready.
Adapters & Docks
Accessories
CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock
A premium Thunderbolt 3 dock built for MacBook users who need a full desktop setup with just one cable. Featuring 15 ports—including USB‑C, USB‑A, SD card reader, Ethernet, DisplayPort, and up to 87W charging—this dock is perfect for creatives, developers, and anyone with multiple displays and peripherals. It’s an ideal hub for turning your MacBook into a powerful desktop workstation. While it’s an investment, you can expect up to a decade of use with this dock, depending on future port changes. Just note: accessories like this may age out faster than others as tech evolves.
Travel
CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock
A compact Thunderbolt 3 travel dock designed for MacBook users who need HDMI and Ethernet on the go. Delivers dual 4K HDMI output, USB‑A, Ethernet, and passthrough charging—all through one USB‑C port. Perfect for business travelers, remote workers, or IT techs who need to connect to external displays and networks in tight or temporary setups. Especially useful in presentation environments or on-site troubleshooting, where freeing up your MacBook’s power port while still accessing wired video and network is critical.
Networking
Home Office
eero Pro Mesh Wi Fi System
The Amazon eero 6 is a Wi‑Fi 6 mesh system designed for homes and small offices that need reliable wireless coverage. This 3-pack setup (1 router + 2 extenders) supports speeds up to 500 Mbps and covers up to 4,500 sq. ft., with capacity for 75+ connected devices—great for Mac users streaming, working remotely, or sharing large files.
That said, we want to be clear: while mesh Wi‑Fi systems like this can be appealing, they are not a replacement for hardwired Ethernet. In our experience, running network cables to key locations will always deliver faster, more stable, and more secure connections. We do not recommend mesh Wi‑Fi for business use, except in very small (2–4 person) setups. If you're planning a more robust or professional network, please reach out—we can help you do it right.
Infrastructure
NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit PoE Switch (GS116PP)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch with 16 gigabit ports and up to 183W power budget. Perfect for powering network devices (WiFi access points, cameras, VoIP phones) in a small Mac-based office setup.
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Smart Managed Plus Switch (GS108PEv3)
Managed gigabit switch with 8 ports and PoE support. Ideal for Mac users needing advanced network control in a small office or home environment.
Cabling
Cat 6 Ethernet Cable – 100 ft
A flat 50-foot Cat6 Ethernet cable with RJ45 connectors, ideal for Mac setups needing high-speed wired connectivity across rooms or longer distances. Supports up to 10Gbps speeds, making it great for connecting your Mac to routers, switches, or media devices.
The flat design is especially useful for temporary or discreet runs—like under doors, along baseboards, or behind desks—without bunching or visible bulge. Weather-resistant for both indoor and outdoor use, and also compatible with Cat7/Cat8 networks for future flexibility.
Perfect for streaming, file transfers, gaming, or work-from-home setups where Wi‑Fi just isn’t cutting it.
Monitors
Displays
LG Ultrafine 5K 27″ Monitor
The LG UltraFine 5K 27″ Display (27MD5KL) is one of the best monitors available for macOS users who want stunning visual clarity without jumping to Apple’s premium Studio Display pricing. With a 5120×2880 resolution (5K), it delivers over 50% more pixels than 4K, making it ideal for photo editing, design, video work, and even accounting or document-heavy tasks where sharp text and detail matter.
It supports P3 wide color gamut, 500 nits of brightness, and features 218 PPI for razor-sharp visuals. The Thunderbolt 3 connection delivers 5K video, audio, and data—all while charging your MacBook with up to 94W of power from a single cable. Fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3 or USB‑C Macs, including Mac Studio, MacBook Pro, and iPad Pro.
This is a top-tier alternative to Apple’s own displays—great for creative professionals, small business owners, and home users who want premium visuals without the Studio Display price tag.
LG 27UK850-W 27″ 4K UHD IPS Monitor
The LG 27UK850-W is a 27" 4K UHD IPS monitor with USB‑C, HDR10, and FreeSync, making it a fantastic, budget-friendly option for Mac users needing excellent everyday performance. While it’s not a high-end Apple Studio Display, it’s more than enough for business professionals, accountants, remote workers, or anyone needing clear, reliable visuals for general use—email, spreadsheets, Zoom, and more.
With USB‑C connectivity, it can deliver video, data, and power over a single cable, simplifying your desktop setup. The main trade-off is that this monitor does not support daisy chaining, so if you're running a dual-monitor setup, you’ll need two USB‑C ports on your MacBook or iMac.
We’ve used and recommended this exact monitor for years—it’s been a rock-solid performer for us and many of our clients. In our experience, it easily outperforms similarly priced monitors (like Dell models), which have proven less reliable. If you’re looking for the minimum monitor we recommend, this is it—skip the $200–$250 models, and go with one that’s actually built for the job.
Printers
HP LaserJet Pro M404n
A reliable monochrome laser printer with Ethernet connectivity, built for Mac compatibility and ideal for home users or small offices that don’t need color printing. The HP LaserJet Pro M404n offers fast, consistent output, and its low cost per page makes it far more economical than inkjet printers—especially for frequent printing.
While it only prints in black and white, it’s incredibly cost-effective: a single toner cartridge can last for years, depending on your print volume. It’s a smart choice if you want clean, professional-looking documents without the hassle or cost of ink.
Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All in One Printer
Compact wireless printer with printing, scanning, and copying features. Works well with Mac via AirPrint and wireless connectivity—great for home offices or classrooms.
Power & Surge Protection
APC UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector (BE600M1)
A compact uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with 600VA / 330W capacity—ideal for protecting your Mac desktop, modem, router, or other small electronics from power surges and brief outages. This model includes 7 outlets (5 with battery backup and surge protection, 2 surge-only), plus a USB charging port for phones or accessories.
Mac users can manage power settings using macOS's built-in Energy Saver settings, and the battery is user-replaceable (model APCRBC154).
This is a solid backup power option for home use, cabins, or small remote setups—but we do not consider it a business-grade solution. For office environments or mission-critical work, we recommend more robust UPS models listed elsewhere in our guide.
Travel
Goal Zero Yeti 200X Portable Power Station
A lightweight portable power station designed to keep your MacBook, iPhone, iPad, or hotspot running during power outages or off-grid work. With USB-C, USB-A, and AC outlets, it’s perfect for remote cabins, camping trips, or mobile work setups where consistent power isn’t guaranteed.
This compact unit can power your MacBook and charge your phone for hours, making it a must-have for tech-forward travelers, emergency kits, or weekend escapes. Rugged and quiet, it’s an ideal backup when reliability matters most.
Goal Zero Yeti 500 Portable Power Station
The Goal Zero Yeti 500X is a high-capacity portable power station that delivers reliable backup power for MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, monitors, lighting, and more—perfect for power outages, field work, camping, or remote cabins.
With 500W AC output (and 1,000W surge protection), it can run everything from Wi‑Fi testing gear to portable fridges and lights. Powered by an upgraded LiFePO4 battery, it boasts a class-leading 4,000+ cycles, translating to over 10 years of daily use. And if you forgot to charge it before your trip, the high-speed charging mode brings it from 0% to full in about 90 minutes.
It features USB-A, USB-C, AC, and solar input ports, plus IPX4-rated water resistance and rugged build quality. Turn it into a solar generator with an optional panel for endless, clean, renewable off-grid energy.
We’ve used the Yeti 400, 500, and 1000 personally for everything from Boy Scout campouts to storm outages. The Yeti 500X hits the sweet spot—it’s compact enough to travel with, but powerful enough to keep your MacBook, phone, and a few lights running for hours or even days.
Audio
Accessories
Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker
A compact and durable Bluetooth speaker that delivers better audio than your Mac’s built-in speakers—perfect for music, podcasts, or video calls around the home or office. It pairs easily with macOS, iOS, and other Bluetooth devices, and offers impressive battery life for all-day use.
This speaker is ideal for travel, weekend go-bags, or hanging out on your deck or desk. It’s small but mighty—though if you’re hosting larger gatherings or weekend parties, we recommend checking out our UE MegaBoom listing for bigger sound and more bass.
Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Bluetooth Speaker
The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a super-portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker built for Mac users, travelers, and weekend warriors who want 360° crystal-clear sound anywhere they go. With up to 15 hours of battery life, it pairs effortlessly with macOS, iOS, and any Bluetooth device, and is rugged enough for real-world use—rain, beach, campfires, and beyond.
It’s drop-proof, dustproof, and fully waterproof (IP67-rated)—this speaker can even float and survive submersion. The Magic Button on top lets you control playback or one-touch playlists from Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Want more sound? Use the PartyUp feature to sync with up to 150+ Boom and MegaBoom speakers and fill the space with surround sound.
Originally recommended by one of our own clients, this speaker has been tested in the wild—from campfires to beaches—and has never missed a beat. It’s become a favorite around here for solo use or when connecting with friends for a shared sound experience.
Travel
Accessories
BAGSMART Travel Cable Organizer
A compact, well-organized tech pouch designed to keep your cables, chargers, adapters, and accessories neatly stored and easy to find. A must-have for Mac users who travel, work remotely, or just want to stay organized on the go.
This small bag is just the right size to toss into a backpack or day pack, and helps you avoid the frustration of tangled cords or digging through a mess at the bottom of your suitcase. We've used pouches like this for years—they’re simple, effective, and a real time-saver when you're setting up on the road, flight or trip to the cabin.
Power
Solar Accessories
Goal Zero Nomad 50 Solar Panel
Foldable 50W monocrystalline solar panel to recharge power stations or USB-C devices off-grid. Ideal for camping, travel, or emergency setups, and integrates smoothly into Mac power workflows. Keep your Goal Zero Yeti charged up during the day so you can use it all night.
Input Devices
Apple Accessories
Apple Magic Keyboard (Wireless / Rechargeable)
The Apple Magic Keyboard delivers a clean, ergonomic typing experience with scissor-switch keys, a built-in rechargeable battery, and seamless integration with macOS. It supports function keys, Spotlight, volume, and all the shortcuts Mac users rely on—plus compatibility with iPads and iPhones for those working across devices.
While all versions perform great, we recommend the black key version, which helps hide dirt, smudges, and everyday grime better than the white version. If you’re setting up a clean, wireless Mac workspace, this keyboard is a great finishing touch—and it just works out of the box.
Apple Magic Mouse
The Apple Magic Mouse is a wireless, touch-enabled mouse designed for macOS gestures, smooth scrolling, and precise navigation. It charges via USBC cable, pairs instantly with your Mac, and integrates seamlessly across your Apple devices.
We recommend the black version to better hide fingerprints and dust from daily use—but the white version still looks sharp if that’s your style. Either way, it’s a sleek and minimal complement to your Mac desktop or laptop workstation, especially when paired with the Magic Keyboard.
Remote Business Tools
Virtual Receptionists & Chatbots
Smith.ai
Smith.ai is a virtual receptionist service designed for small businesses, consultants, and MSPs who want to look bigger and stay responsive—without hiring a full-time admin. It’s fully browser-based, integrates easily with CRMs, calendars, and email, and works beautifully across your Mac, iPhone, or iPad—no extra software required.
We’ve used Smith.ai for years and can’t recommend it enough. It’s like having a professional front desk team answering your phones 24/7/365—real people, not voicemail, picking up your calls live. It’s ideal for solo business owners or growing teams who want to focus on doing the actual work, while still giving clients that polished, personal touch.
If you miss even one valuable call, it could cost more than Smith’s monthly fee. This tool pays for itself—both in client satisfaction and peace of mind.
Want to try it?
📞 Call them to set up a demo and use my personal referral code: TIMHNYBEJ1 for priority onboarding.
Website Enhancements
Widgets & Integrations
Elfsight
Elfsight offers easy, no-code website widgets—like Instagram feeds, contact forms, and chat tools—but the real standout for us is their Testimonial Widget. It’s a simple way to display Google reviews, Yelp ratings, and client testimonials beautifully on your site—without hiring a developer or touching any code.
We use this very widget on our own website. Why? Because people buy based on reviews. Just like you wouldn’t buy a 1-star product on Amazon, your potential clients are judging your credibility before they ever call. A well-placed review section can make the difference between someone bouncing—or booking a call.
Setup is fast and works great across macOS browsers like Safari and Chrome, and integrates seamlessly with platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix. If you’re a Mac-based small business or MSP looking to build trust fast—this tool is a no-brainer.
Take a look at how we’re using it on our site for inspiration. Then imagine your own 5-star reviews helping you close your next deal.
FAQs
How do you choose what tech gear to recommend here?
We only recommend products we’ve personally tested or have seen work reliably for our Mac-using clients. Every item on this list is handpicked for compatibility with Apple products, everyday reliability, and overall value. If it’s on this page, it works—no gimmicks.
Are these affiliate links?
Some of the links on this page are Amazon affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase. These commissions help support our ongoing testing, reviews, and client resources. That said, we only recommend items we trust.
Will all of these accessories work with my Mac?
Yes. Each product listed here is Mac-compatible and supports either macOS, iOS, or both. If an item requires formatting (like external drives for Time Machine), we’ll note that in the description.
I’m overwhelmed—how do I know what I actually need?
Start with the basics: a good backup drive, a reliable power setup, and a clean desktop workspace. Scroll through the categories and look for what matches your daily setup. Or feel free to reach out—we’re happy to point you in the right direction based on your workflow.
Can I use this gear for work and personal use?
Absolutely. These items are selected for home offices, creative pros, small business setups, and travel scenarios alike. Whether you're working from home or heading to a cabin for the weekend, we've got gear that fits both life and work.
How do I know this list is still current?
At the top of this page, you'll see a "Last Updated" date so you know exactly when we last reviewed and refreshed our recommendations. We only keep gear on here that we still use, trust, or actively recommend to our clients. If something changes or a better option comes out—we’ll update the list.
What are the must-have accessories for Mac users?
That’s exactly what this list is for. Whether you use a MacBook, iMac, or Mac Studio, we’ve curated tested, reliable accessories for power, backups, monitors, webcams, travel setups, and more. These are the tools we recommend to clients, creative professionals, remote teams, and small business owners. Everything here is Mac-compatible and field-tested—no guesswork required.
I just got a new Mac—what should I buy first?
Start with the essentials:
- A Time Machine backup drive
- A reliable power solution or surge protection
- And a way to connect to your other devices (docks, cables, etc.)
From there, consider ergonomics (like a monitor stand or external keyboard), and then think about where you work—home, office, or on the go. This guide is built to help Mac users get the right gear from day one, without wasting money on stuff that doesn’t work.
What accessories do I need for a travel-friendly Mac setup?
If you're working from the road, a coworking space, or the cabin for the weekend, we’ve listed portable gear that’s reliable, compact, and travel-tested. That includes portable backup drives, compact power banks, USB-C hubs, Bluetooth speakers, and tech organizer pouches.
Look for gear marked as great for travel in each category. Whether you're on a plane or parked at a coffee shop, you'll find gear here to keep your MacBook setup clean, charged, and productive.
How can I upgrade my home office for Mac productivity?
Start by getting your monitor at eye level with a laptop stand or external display, add a Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, and make sure your desk power is protected with a UPS or surge protector. We also recommend improving your network connection with Ethernet if you're on Zoom all day.
We’ve listed Mac-friendly home office essentials for ergonomics, speed, and reliability—whether you're building your first setup or refining a pro-level workstation.
