In today's technology-dominated world, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone without a computer, cellphone or tablet. Luddites will argue that you don't need technology to improve your life, but you and I both know that there are some fantastic perks that come with the ownership of some of tech gadgets.
One major benefit of having a mobile device or even a desktop computer is the ability to download apps. Developers have created apps for almost everything, from movies to workouts, there's something for everyone so the actual challenge is to find one that works best for your everyday needs.
If you don't know where to start, don't worry, we've got you covered. We've done the hard part for you and rounded up 27 of the best free iOS and Android apps that are worth giving up your device's gigabytes for:
Health
1. Clue
This app offers everything you need to track your periods and ovulation including a cycle calendar, mood and flow log.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
2. MyPill
We've all forgotten to take our birth control pills at one point in time, so this app has been created to make sure you'll never miss a pill again.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
3. Sleep Cycle
This app features an alarm clock that analyzes your sleep cycle patterns and wakes you up when you're out of REM and into your lightest phase.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Food
4. Epicurious
If you like to experiment with new dishes, the beautifully designed Epicurious app is what you'll need. The app features over 30,000 editor and user-tested recipes with catchy pictures and big fonts. You'll also be able to save your favorite recipes and create a shopping list.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
5. Starbucks Rewards
Instead of adding another card to your wallet, simply download the coffee chain's app and use it to order, pay and reap the rewards. You can also reload your card from the app!
iOS: Here
Android: Here
6. ShopWell
The app is a bar code scanner and nutrition fact analyzer that lets you create a personal profile including your special diet requirements and food preferences. Each scanned item is accompanied with a score out of a 100 to indicate food that best matches your preference.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
7. Eat24
This food delivery app is powered by Yelp so you're able to both order and browse reviews from restaurants in your city.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Click on the next page for more apps including a public bathroom finder!
Fitness
8. MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is one of the best nutrition and fitness tracking apps out there. You can log your meals and track caloric intake with the help of the app's extensive database. You can add friends, view their journals and track each other's progress.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
9. Nike+ Training Club
The Nike+ Training Club app is the best alternative to attending a real Nike Training Club. The app offers over 100 workouts led by fitness experts. Workouts can be customized based on your fitness level and time. Each workout is complete with audio cues, step-by-step pictures and video clips which makes it easy to follow along.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Lifestyle
10. SitOrSquat
Finding a public bathroom while on the go can be really hard, so this is where the Charmin's SitOrSquat app comes in. The genius app helps you locate all the public washrooms in the area you're in.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
11. Companion
Thanks to the companion app you'll never have to worry about you and your loved ones' safety when walking alone. All you need to do it enter your destination and add companions using your contact list. If anything were to go wrong, alert mode is turned on and you'll be given the choice to connect to the closest dispatcher.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Transportation & Travel
12. Uber
The taxi rival app gives you access to an alternative form of transportation when buses and taxis are too expensive or unreliable. You'll need to register for an account and add a payment method to start requesting rides wherever you are. Once you reach your destination, you can rate your driver and review your overall experience.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
13. Waze
Hate being stuck in traffic? The Waze app uses real-time information from other drivers to help you avoid traffic jams, accidents and police patrolled areas so you can make it to your destination hassle-free.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
14. Google Maps
Never get lost again with Google Maps' real-time GPS navigation. The app provides you with directions to your destination, traffic information, alternative travel methods and more whether you're driving, walking or biking.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
15. Airbnb
Hotels are becoming a thing of the past thanks to Airbnb. You can view and book short and long-term rental including apartments, houses, cottages and trailers in cities all over the world at prices that are often cheaper than a hotel.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Continue onto the next page for even more apps to help you make life easier.
Money
16. Mint
Manage your money, stay within budget and track your credit score with this easy to use personal finance app. Mint lets you sync all your accounts so you can conveniently stay on top of your finances.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
17. Venmo
Ever owe someone a small amount of money but you don't want to go through the hassle of taking cash out from the ATM? Try using Venmo instead. The payment-sharing app lets you and your friends or family pay one another without having to exchange cash.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Entertainment
18. Spotify
Spotify is one of the best music apps currently available in the market. If you're a subscriber, the app gives you access to the service's entire catalogue anywhere you go while free members can listen to their favorite songs with some restrictions.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
19. Netflix
Watch your favorite movies, TV shows and documentaries anytime and anywhere with the Netflix app. The app lets you save content offline so you don't even data or wi-fi to watch.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
20. Shazam
If you're always wondering what a song is playing, Shazam will help you find instantly identify it. Even if you're offline, the app will save the search for when your device gets back online.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Shopping
21. ShopSavvy
This handy app lets you scan barcodes of products so you can compare prices and score the best deals every time you shop.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
22. Checkout51
Checkout51 lets you earn cash back when you buy your favorite brands from your local grocery stores.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
23. Flipp
Save money on groceries and help save the environment by eliminating paper flyers and using Flipp instead. The app combines all the flyers from your local retailers so you can easily browse the best deals every week. You can search for coupons and sales by store, brand and location.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Mail & Online Security
24. Email by EasilyDo
If you're in need of a third party app to help you manage all your inboxes with one simple tap then Email by EasilyDo should be your next app download. The app supports Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, AOL and other IMAP accounts and you'll be able to unsubscribe to junk mail, sort messages and track other important information. It's like having a personal assistant do all the work for you.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
25. Keeper Password Manager
If you have trouble remember passwords for your online accounts, Keeper is an app that'll help you log all your passwords in one place and easily access them when you need a reminder.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Photography
26. Google Photos
Forget saving your precious memories on a USB stick and enjoy the convenience of automatic backup that Google Photos offers. The app also helps you free up your device's storage space and organize your photos in albums which you can access at anytime.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
27. VSCO Cam
If you feel that your photos need a little touch up, VSCO Cam is the perfect app for the job. You'll be able to edit your images using the available presets and professional tools. The app also lets you take pictures and save them in a gallery so they're available everywhere you go.
iOS: Here
Android: Here
Which one of these apps will you be adding to your home screen? Let us know in the comments!
