Widgets on Mac make it easy to interact with apps without constantly switching between them. With macOS Sonoma or later, you can personalize your desktop with interactive widgets and access key information at a glance. But which widgets are worth using on Mac?
Mac widgets come in different categories based on what the host app offers. You’ll find productivity tools like to-do lists and habit trackers, system monitors, weather updates, calendars, and more. Picking the right ones can help you stay organized and get things done more efficiently. In this article, I’ll cover the 9 best Mac widgets you should have and how to use them effectively.
What are the best widgets for Mac?
Here are the best widgets for Mac spanning categories like productivity, system monitor, weather and time, and more:
1. Weather
The Weather widget comes built into macOS as part of the Weather app, giving you real-time updates and forecasts right on your desktop. It shows current conditions, hourly and daily forecasts, and weather details for multiple locations, helping you stay prepared.
You can customize the widget by resizing it to show either a compact view with key details or an expanded view with full weather data. It updates automatically, so you always have the latest information at a glance.
Category: Weather and time
Price: Free (It comes built into macOS)
2. Todoist
Todoist is a task manager that comes with a simple widget to help you stay on top of your to-dos. You can quickly add tasks, check them off when done, and view everything at a glance—without needing to open the app. The widget also shows your productivity stats, giving you a quick overview of whether you’re on track with your tasks.
The widget syncs across your devices, so tasks you create on one device show up on all the others. With Todoist on your Mac desktop, your tasks are always in view, keeping you organized and on track.
Category: Productivity
Price: Free but has a Pro version starting at $5 per user/month billed monthly
3. Spark Mail
If you’re looking for a way to manage your emails right from your Mac, Spark Mail is a great choice. This feature-packed email client boasts a clean and user-friendly interface, and its widget brings your inbox to your desktop. You can view new emails, see a list of recent messages, keep track of upcoming events with the integrated calendar, and even create new events—all without opening the app.
The widget helps you stay on top of your email management, making it easier to stay organized and efficient. Plus, it adds a sleek and polished touch to your desktop, improving both functionality and aesthetics.
Category: Productivity
Price: Free but has a paid version starting at $7.99/month
4. Fantastical – Calendar
Fantastical is another great widget for Mac that keeps your calendar, events, and tasks easily accessible from your desktop. It’s a full-featured calendar app that syncs seamlessly with accounts you’ve set up on your Mac to aggregate tasks from Apple Reminders and your email, bringing all your to-dos and schedules into one place.
The widget offers several customization options, including Calendar, Date, Date & Calendar, Event List, and Quick Action, so you can choose the view that works best for you. With Fantastical on your Mac, staying on top of your schedule is effortless, keeping your events and tasks visible at all times.
Category: Productivity
Price: Free but has a paid version starting at $4.75/month
5. Screen Time
Screen Time is a built-in macOS feature that helps you keep track of how much time you spend on different apps. Its widget lets you view your daily activity on your Mac right from your desktop or Notification Center, so you don’t have to always go into the System settings.
With the Screen Time widget, you can easily monitor app usage, see which apps take up most of your time, and make adjustments if needed. It’s a great way to be more mindful of your screen habits and stay in control of your time on Mac.
Category: Time Management
Price: Free (It comes built into macOS)
6. Spotify
The Spotify widget makes it easy to control your music right from your Mac desktop. You can play, pause, skip tracks, or see what’s currently playing without opening the app. It’s a simple way to keep your music within reach while working, studying, or browsing.
Even better, the widget updates in real-time, so you always know what’s playing. If you’re a Spotify user, this is a great way to manage your music without distractions.
Category: Music & Media Control
Price: Free but comes with a paid version starting from $11.99/month
7. World Clock
The World Clock widget is perfect for keeping track of different time zones at a glance. Whether you’re working remotely, coordinating with people globally, or just staying connected with friends and family, it makes checking the time effortless.
You can add multiple locations and view global time zones instantly—without opening the Clock app. Plus, when adding this widget on Mac, you can customize the display with various widget options to match your preferences or desktop aesthetics.
Category: Utility
Price: Free (It comes built into macOS)
8. LookUp
LookUp is a dictionary app with a widget that lets you check word meanings instantly. You can view definitions, pronunciations, and even discover a new word every day—all without opening the full app.
The widget is customizable, so you can choose to see a word of the day or your recent searches. It’s perfect for students, writers, or anyone looking to expand their vocabulary without interrupting their workflow.
Category: Educational
Price: Free but comes with a paid plan that starts from $2.99/month
9. Batteries
The Batteries widget lets you check your Mac’s battery percentage right from the desktop or Notification Center. This built-in Mac widget also shows the battery status of connected devices like AirPods and other Bluetooth accessories, so you can keep track of power levels at a glance.
It’s a handy way to monitor the battery life of your devices without opening the menu bar, helping you avoid unexpected shutdowns.
Category: System Monitoring
Price: Free (It comes built into macOS)
Signing off…
You can add widgets to your Mac using this guide. If you want more options, apps like WidgetWall or Widgetter offer customizable widgets such as Weather, PC Stats, Battery, and Sticky Notes. These apps go beyond the built-in options, so give them a try and see if they work for you.
You would like to read these posts as well:
