Aside from everyone’s favorite social media apps – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc – there are many other free apps that everyone should take a look at that, which provide a bit more of a purpose than just scrolling. Here’s a few of our favorites that we thought you’d enjoy:
- Google Maps – If you’re still using Apple Maps, please ditch it now and download Google Maps. It’s the best by far, offering traffic updates, alternate routes, and an extremely user friendly interface. Both my parents can even use it without assistance!
- Zillow – If you’re house hunting, this is the one app you need to have. Easy to navigate, and also somewhat addicting, Zillow combines all your favorite realty companies’ listings into one place. You can filter, sort, and of course dream .. 🙂
- MyFitnessPal – If you’re looking for one simple app to record your weight, count calories, and track workouts, this is it. It’s painless and will add your food calories, deduct your exercise calories and let you know if you’re on track (aka keep you in check) – day by day.
- Open Table – For those of us that find ourselves not wanting to cook, or just enjoying going out to eat, this is such a convenient app. So many restaurants are accepting reservations on Open Table these days, it makes setting up dinner plans super easy. You can search for restaurants in your area with availability, or narrow it down by the specific restaurant you know you want to go to. Make, change, cancel your reservation, and even invite friends right from the app!
- Venmo – It’s what all the millennials are using, and I finally see why. It took me a little while to get onboard, but once I got Venmo I never looked back. We all need Venmo – because at some point, we’re the friend without cash. No need for an IOU – with Venmo you can instantly send your friend money from your bank account, while they front you the money. Splitting a dinner bill with friends? Venmo each other. Use your sister’s Amazon Prime account to buy something? Venmo her. It’s really that simple.
- Amazon – Is there really an explanation needed here? Amazon Prime, anywhere you are. What could be better?
- Uber – Need a ride? Uber has you covered. Quick and easy. No need to worry about having cash, everything goes through the app, and you can even split your fare among passengers if you’re not traveling alone. You can also secure rides ahead of time if say, you’re headed to the airport at 5am in the morning. You can request your ride the night before, so you don’t have to worry about a lack of available Ubers at that hour. For safety reasons, Uber will always give you the license plate of the car that’s going to be picking you up, along with a picture of the driver – so you can make sure when your ride pulls up, everything matches up.
- Spotify – Even if you don’t have a paid Spotify subscription, you can create a free account and start listening. You can create your own playlists, and Spotify will suggest similar songs that you might want to add. Also, by “liking” random songs that come on, Spotify will recommend songs they think you’ll like based on your feedback.
- Google Docs – If you use Google Docs often, this is a great way to access your documents at any time. Forgot to add something to your draft before leaving the office? Just pull up your document on your app and make the change. Trying to get out of the office to get your train, but not done working? Pull up your document on the app on your ride home, and continue working.
- Duolingo – Interested in a non work related but productive way to spend your time on the train or subway? Try Duolingo – it’s fun. Offering Spanish, French, German, Vietnamese, Greek, Romanian, and Japanese, this app breaks down learning another language into the simplest terms (really, I’ve tried it).
We hope you’ve enjoyed our suggestions and find at least a few of these apps useful! Happy downloading 🙂