Whether you just bought your first Mac or have been a Mac user for years, you know how expensive software can get. You can avoid buying expensive, bloated applications that do too much by buying smaller apps that do exactly what you need them to do.
Either way, you still end up spending a lot of money on apps, and it adds up quickly. If you want to save a lot of money on apps, you can buy bundles, and try out a bunch of apps for a fraction of the total price.
Why Mac software bundles make sense:
The Mac software bundles are a great way to get your hands on expensive software at a highly discounted price. The bundles are a collection of software from different developers who decide to contribute to the bundle for reaching out new customers. You get the software at a discounted price and the developers acquire new clients. It’s a win-win situation for both parties.

Are the App bundles any good?
The people who create these software bundles work really hard to include popular, high-quality apps that have a following in the Mac community. It is rare to find an application that does not work as advertised, that is unstable, or that comes without support from the developer.
The reputation of the people offering software bundles is also on the line, so they make sure that apps do not contain malware, viruses, or anything that will harm your Mac. That does not mean you should not exercise due diligence and research the apps in the bundle before making the purchase.
What Companies and Developers participate?
A lot of people think that the low price of a bundle means that it will only contain obscure niche application. Software companies and developers get a lot out of participating in bundles, and the opportunity to do so draws a wide variety of participants. Developers gain thousands of new customers that would not ordinarily purchase their product, some bundles donate proceeds to charity, and smaller developers and companies can get a ton of exposure for their products.

Some well-known apps that have been featured in bundles include:
- Parallels Desktop
- MacJournal
- Snapz Pro
- Acorn
- TechTool Pro
- Mac DVDRipper Pro
- The Hit List
- MoneyWell
What’s the Catch?
You’re getting a valuable software package for a fraction of the retail price, so there must be a catch, right? When you purchase a software bundle, you are getting full versions of software that are not crippled. Some developers may choose not to provide free updates to the applications you purchase in the bundle, so if you like an app, you may need to shell out a little more money to keep it updated.
Where Can I find a bundle?
There are several sites that provide Mac software bundles including:

Some sites only offer one or two bundles per year, while others offer several throughout the year. If a bundle site has a mailing list, sign up so you will get notified about new bundles as they are offered. If you do not see what you like in a specific bundle, just keep an eye out for other bundles, because they crop up all the time. When you do find a bundle you like, buy it with the knowledge that you are getting apps you need at a significant discount.