There’s an app for everything, which is a problem when you have storage for about four of them. We narrowed it down to ten free apps that earn their spot on your phone.
None of these require a subscription to be useful, though several will happily offer you one.
Google Maps
Directions, traffic, reviews and offline maps in one app. It is so good at its job that most of us have forgotten how to read a road sign.
Download offline areas before you travel and thank us later.
Libby
Connects to your local library card and lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free. The selection is huge, and the waitlists are the only downside.
It’s a reminder that libraries are the best deal in town.
Duolingo
Short, game-like language lessons with a very persistent owl. The streaks are surprisingly motivating, and the free version is solid.
It won’t make you fluent overnight, but it will make you consistent.
Google Lens
Point your camera at a plant, a menu or a mysterious bug and get answers. It translates text, identifies objects and helps with homework.
It’s a small bit of science fiction in your pocket.
Spotify (Free Tier)
Millions of songs and podcasts with ads. The free version has limits, but it is still an enormous amount of music for no money.
Bring headphones and a high tolerance for the occasional mattress ad.
Notion or Google Keep
A place to put lists, notes and half-formed ideas. Either tool makes it easy to stop keeping everything in your head.
Pick one and stick with it. That is the whole trick.
Bitwarden
A free, open-source password manager that keeps your logins safe and synced. It will generate strong passwords so you do not have to name them after your dog.
It is one of the best things you can do for your digital life.
Google Translate
Type, speak or point your camera at text in another language. It is not perfect, but it can save a trip to a foreign pharmacy.
It works best when you ask simple questions and smile.
Weather apps with radar
Pick one with a good radar view and learn to love it. Knowing when the rain arrives is the closest thing we have to a superpower.
You will use it every single day.
Khan Academy
Free lessons on math, science and plenty more. It is excellent for students and adults who want to brush up on a subject.
It’s proof that education can be free.