Best Apps
19 Lesser-Known Apps You Shouldn't Live Without
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New apps like Google Photos are always exciting, but it's nice to discover life-changing apps that aren't as popular. Inspired by this Reddit thread, we complied a list of ones that you'll definitely want to use; you just haven't heard of them yet.
So, clear out space on your phone and get ready to download. We've got something for everyone, whether you need to come up with a new cocktail or stay more informed about politics. Welcome to a happier, more productive life, everyone!
Work Out Anytime
Sworkit (available in both a free and paid version), finds workouts suitable to your schedule — no matter how small the time frame might be.
Save Gas Money
If you drive at all, GasBuddy (free) is a great tool to find cheaper gas and even win gas money by participating in daily challenges.
Detect Traffic
Another pro tool for drivers, Waze (free) is a navigation app that crowdsources information to get you to your destination faster. You'll find out sooner if there are accidents, lots of traffic, or police coming up on your route.
Stay Safe
If you've ever felt unsafe anywhere, SafeTrek ($3) is an app you'll love. It lets you hold a button until you reach your destination. If at any time you let go and don't type in a pin, police will be notified and given your location to come help.
Keep a Diary
Grid (free) is a perfect starter kit for anyone who wants to start keeping a diary but doesn't know where to start. The questions are simple but meaningful.
See and Do More With a Bigger Display
If you work from home and need an extra display but don't want to buy a huge monitor, Duet Display ($16) is what you need. It's an app that hooks up an iPad to a Mac or PC for an extra display.
Sleep Better
There's no worse feeling than being rudely woken up by your alarm and feeling petrified. Sleep Cycle ($2) will get rid of that feeling by analyzing your sleeping patterns and waking you up when your body is ready.
Clean More Efficiently
Cleaning and crossing items off your to-do list is never fun, but it will be now with Unf*ck Your Habitat ($1). The app makes cleaning actually motivational and kind of enjoyable.
Find What's Fun
Traveling abroad is fun and with CityMaps2Go (free), it gets even better. The app offers maps that don't use an Internet connection as well as ideas and tips on where to go and what to see.
Record Your Life
If keeping a written diary is so 2000s, then record your life instead with 1 Second Everyday ($1). The app will record, edit, and store a second of your day, eventually creating a movie of your life that you'll love and treasure.
Stay Mindful
We all want to do enriching activities in our lives that'll make us feel happier, and Balanced (free) will help find time to make it possible.
Keep Track of Documents
Tired of keeping notebooks and old receipts? CamScanner (available in both a free and pro version) uses your smartphone's camera to scan any document to create a PDF.
Become Even More Productive
You can never be too productive and Procraster ($2) helps anyone manage and complete big or small projects.
Don't Miss a Minute of Movies
Watching movies takes serious commitment — including forgoing the idea of going to the bathroom. But with RunPee (free), you can find out when it's the right time to use the bathroom so that you won't miss anything too important in the film.
Become a Bartender
If you're stuck at home with only a bottle of tequila, orange juice, and strawberries, Cocktail Flow (free) will help you figure out how to create a drink with those ingredients. It also offers recipes and estimated prices of how much it might cost to prepare a drink.
Save Money
Be environmentally friendly but still find out what's on sale at Target and other stores with Flipp (free). The app lets any user see weekly ads.
Control Your Computer
Sometimes your laptop is far away . . . and you're too lazy to get up. That's all right because Unified Remote (free) turns any smartphone into a remote. You'll be able to control your computer without getting close to it.
Stay in the Loop
With long workdays and so much information, it's hard to stay an active citizen who follows every single law and bill proposed by Congress. Countable (free) helps keep you informed in short snippets of what bills are being proposed and even sends emails to members of Congress.
Get the Local Scoop
Whether you're in a new city or not, Insplore (free) helps you find fun activities by looking at Instagram photos of certain locations.
