Night Shift for Mac
Free
Night Shift is a built-in feature for macOS that automatically adjusts the colors of your display to the warmer end of the spectrum after dark. This helps reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality.

Our take
A smart addition for Mac users who work late.
Alright, so let's talk about Night Shift for Mac. This little feature is supposed to make your screen easier on the eyes by adjusting the colors to the warmer end of the spectrum as it gets late. Now, I get the idea: less blue light means you’re not staring at a mini sun before bed, which could help you sleep better. But here’s the thing: the difference isn’t mind-blowing. If you’re expecting some magical eye relief, you might be a bit let down. It’s subtle, and while that’s probably the point, don’t expect it to transform your nighttime computing into a candlelit zen zone.
One thing I noticed is that it doesn’t play nice with all apps. If you’re doing color-sensitive work, like photo editing or design, Night Shift can throw off your colors. You might want to toggle it off if you're working on something where color accuracy is key. Sure, it’s easy to switch on and off, but having to remember to do that is a bit of a hassle. It’s not a deal-breaker, but definitely something to keep in mind if your late-night Mac sessions involve more than just browsing and word processing.
Now, on the flip side, if you’re just browsing or watching videos, it’s a neat feature. It’s easy to set up, and you can automate it to turn on and off with the sunset and sunrise in your area. That’s a nice touch. You don’t have to fiddle with it constantly, and it’s kind of cool to have your computer know when to chill out on the harsh lights. So for casual use, it’s pretty smooth and doesn’t require much babysitting once it’s set up.
But here’s where the skepticism kicks in: is it really making a difference in your sleep? The jury’s still out on that one. Some folks swear by it, saying they notice a big difference in their ability to wind down. Others, not so much. It’s not a silver bullet for sleep issues, that’s for sure. If you’re expecting it to single-handedly fix your messed-up sleep schedule, you might be barking up the wrong tree. It’s a small piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.
Overall, Night Shift is a nice-to-have feature if you’re into the idea of reducing blue light. It’s not going to revolutionize your Mac experience, but it’s a thoughtful little tweak that can make late-night screen time a bit less jarring. Just remember, it’s not perfect, and it might not be for everyone. If you’re curious, give it a shot and see if it makes a difference for you. Just keep your expectations in check, and you’ll probably enjoy the subtle shift in your screen’s vibe.