This $20 screensaver is the most effective buy I’ve made to this point in 2026

Today, most of us spend proportionally more cash on tech {hardware} than we do on software program. In 2026, large operating system updates are free to obtain and set up, most on-line video games, providers, and social networking websites supply free ad-supported tiers, and the times of $1 cell app purchases are firmly up to now.

That being mentioned, free software program does come at a worth, even when it isn’t instantly noticeable or of direct financial worth. Telemetry, information scraping, intrusive advert trackers, pay-to-win schemes, loot bins, obtrusive UIs, and normal end-user expertise enshittification are commonplace, including credence to the “if you happen to’re not paying for a product, then you definitely’re the product” mantra.

It is inside this context that I’ve come to appreciate that some software program is completely value paying for, not solely to reward builders for his or her arduous, passion-driven work, but additionally to optimize my computing expertise throughout each PC and cell. I am going to fortunately drop just a few {dollars} on a intelligent, well-optimized utility or theme if the product presents superior consideration to element.

Now, I do know what you are in all probability pondering: screensavers and purposes aren’t precisely an apples to apples comparability. With so many free choices out there to select from — together with an intensive out-of-box catalog constructed proper into macOS — why on earth would I resolve to spend $20 on a clock-face screensaver for my iMac?

Usually, I would agree — $20 is some huge cash to drop on a single screensaver, particularly for one which solely works on a single computing platform. However Bauhaus Clock is, as they are saying, constructed totally different. It evokes a way of premium craftsmanship, performing double responsibility as each a time piece and as an aesthetic accent piece.

Bauhaus Clock ticks all the suitable bins

The macOS screensaver expertise finished proper

There are a number of third-party macOS screensavers that I am a giant fan of, and Bauhaus Clock is correct close to the highest of that checklist. The product’s clock face is visually elegant, with high-resolution property, fluid animations, and a responsive design that adapts to macOS’ mild and darkish modes. Bauhaus additionally presents its personal good algorithms for lowering the danger of show burn-in, which works by barely shifting round its on-screen property all through the day.

On the person customization entrance, Bauhaus Clock presents fairly a bit by screensaver requirements. There is a fast choice for freely switching between a bigger and a extra compact dial, along with a day and night time toggle. In its mild mode, there are 13 well-considered watch dial colorways to select from, every with their very own corresponding naming scheme.

When in dark mode, the background is changed with pure black, and you’ll swap between one in every of fourteen luminescence colours to mild up the palms, dial, and numbers. Of be aware is the pink choice, which works properly at nighttime for lowering mild air pollution and for preserving night time imaginative and prescient.

Uniquely, and what units Bauhaus Clock aside from different run-of-the-mill clock screensavers, is the choice to toggle between three distinct seconds arm motion choices. Quartz emulates the second-by-second ‘tick’ of its real-life counterpart, mechanical presents a satisfying sweeping animation, and digital supplies a clean, steady move.

A part of me needs there was a colour picker inside the Look menu to dial within the actual hue of my desire, however I can even admire the necessity for restraint with the intention to keep away from distinction and visibility points. Fortunately, the pre-configured colours cowl the fundamentals, with an ordinary white choice, just a few saturated ones, and some pastel tones. Nonetheless, I do want there have been some extra choices to select from right here.

Screensavers deserve extra love

I want the screensaver scene was extra energetic

I like the ambiance that screensavers present for my dwelling area, and it is because of this I at all times have them enabled throughout each system in my residence. Contemplating how typically my iMac’s display screen is lit up by a clock, by psychedelic swirls, or by scenic imagery, I would like the expertise to be as top-notch as will be.

Bauhaus Clock suits the invoice completely as a digital extension to my residence aesthetic. Not solely is it useful as a method to maintain observe of time, but it surely performs its duties in type and with burn-in prevention in thoughts. I am awfully fascinated by experiencing the product’s darkish mode by means of the lens of an inky OLED show panel, however I sadly haven’t got the {hardware} readily available to take action for the time being.

If there’s one request I’ve for the developer behind Bauhaus Clock, it is to port the product over to different platforms like Home windows 11 and Android. A mobile-friendly model would make for a beautiful Standby Mode-style screensaver, and it could praise my Pixel 10 completely when mounted to the wi-fi Qi2 charging stand I have on my nightstand.

At an overarching stage, I would like to see rekindled curiosity in creating attractive-yet-functional screensavers throughout the board. Windows 11’s modern screensaver scene is abysmal, Android is barely simply now starting to catch in control, and iPadOS someway nonetheless would not have a StandBy mode to talk of. We want extra Bauhaus-style choices on the PC and cell facet of issues; I, for one, would drop a fairly penny on a high quality screensaver for my Floor pill any day of the week, and I do know I can not be the one one.