Smartphone users are no stranger to mobile applications. From apps on gaming to streaming videos/music, health and fitness and more, people today are actively using mobile phones and apps to improve their daily lives. And while variety makes the experience exhilarating, it is also at times frustrating when one is spoilt for choices.

Notwithstanding, with the plethora of similar functioning apps, users are faced with a common challenge – the inability to narrow down to a single app to resolve a particular problem.

There are more than 2 million apps on the App Store and mobile app development companies are building new ones round the clock. So what should one do? Search through the 2+ million apps on the App Store? Check ratings and reviews of mobile apps? Rely on word-of-mouth?

Let us help with that. What we have done is compile a list of top 7 apps for iPhone and Android that is a must-have to simplify daily lives.

7 Mobile Applications to make your life easier

There are just too many apps that one can download and use based on need. However, not all apps deliver the same user experience. So, here are our suggestions on the different category or type of mobile apps that your smartphones must have.

Commuting apps:

People living in large cities or commuting during rush hours are battling traffic woes every day. If one is relying on public transport for commuting or prefers to walk/ride a bike, then having an app like Citymapper might prove useful.

The app computes the best routes for bus, train, subway, cab, walk, etc. by aggregating all local transit data. It also provides users the benefit of accessing maps offline and keeps them up-to-date on any delay in transit lines through messages. Available on both iOS and Android, the singular challenge of the app currently is that it is available in specific cities only.

On the other hand, for people relying on self-driven cars or individual vehicles, installing a free GPS app for Android or iPhone might prove effective. We recommend Google Maps and Waze to help escape regular traffic nightmares!

And of course, for those wanting the luxury of a chauffeur driven car, Uber or Lyft is probably the best option.

The bottom line is – commuting is an everyday activity. So, installing an app that addresses specific purpose, budget and preference are recommended. Take your pick.

Music and Video Streaming apps:

The app store is buzzing with apps for entertainment including ones on video and music streaming. People consider it as a suitable and relaxing way to spend time or simply de-stress.

And for that, we are including these apps on our list.

Our vote is for the undisputed winners in their respective fields – Netflix (for video/movie series) and Spotify (for music).

Spotify is available across many countries and can stream music, podcasts, and even some video. Though when considering local markets, there are other music streaming apps that are more popular and perform better in specific regions, Spotify, with its enormous audio content, wins the battle hands down on a global scale. Other close contenders include Apple Music, YouTube Music, Google Play Music.

A video is gradually gaining eminence as the most contagious form of content consumption. And Netflix has probably single-handedly revolutionized the way in which people watch movies and TV shows. Glocal video streaming is gaining such rapid popularity that the market is already infiltrated with big names including Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.

Health and Wellness apps:

Spurred by the rampant use of smartphones and mobile applications, health and wellness apps are getting more refined by the day. These apps are developed with the intention to empower individuals to take charge of their health and wellness, and people are embracing them wholeheartedly.

Meditation apps like SOS Method, for instance, are gaining popularity as people are getting more serious about overall health and wellness. With holistic programs curated on sleep, relaxation from stress and anxiety, focus and productivity, workplace wellness and more, the app provides a sustainable solution to mindfulness, positivity and peaceful living. The wellness app also comes with a unique 5-minute meditation program that can be done anytime, anyplace, including office workspaces.

Another popular app in this category is Endomondo. Considering that the average office-goer has a rather sedentary lifestyle, spending almost 9-10 hours at his/her desk, and another 1-2 hours in commuting, Endomondo motivates people to stay active and healthy. It tracks one’s fitness/workout routines, provides feedback on how to improve and also connect with like-minded individuals to keep users motivated and on-the-go.

Productivity apps:

We are all pressed for time and need to get more done in lesser time. When productivity is key, then reliance on apps for business productivity is often a good idea. From managing notes to documents, to organizing tasks – there’s a lot that can be done to streamline work and keep one focused.

With multiple thoughts and ideas meandering through the mind, it is not advisable to leave everything to memory all the time. This is where an app like Evernote can be of help. Evernote acts as a personal notebook. From doing the more mundane and regular tasks of maintaining to-do lists, checklists, and reminders, to using its camera for advanced functions like scanning documents, searching text, clipping articles, etc., there’s a lot one can do to simplify work with Evernote.

Google Drive is another great web app for work that can sync all documents in one place and is an excellent tool for collaboration and file management. It’s included in Google’s G-Suite apps and can be integrated with other web apps.

Apps like FocusList can also be of help in improving focus and productivity. Based on the Pomodoro technique, the app helps users to plan work, focus on one task at a time and stay motivated.

Expense Management apps:

Keeping a tab on one’s wallet is a universal challenge. With plastic money replacing paper currency, and payment apps replacing the use of cards, money management apps are transforming how expenses are being managed.

For those who are constantly battling the woes of lighter wallets, there are several personal expense management apps that track where and how much one is spending. Walnut is one such app, that tracks expenses by reading SMS. Individuals can monitor, manage and plan their spends based on insights and reports provided.

Note: There’s growing debate and concern regarding the security aspect of these apps.

Mobile Payments app:

Contactless payments – not just a jargon any more, but rather a colloquial. Alternative digital payment solutions are revolutionizing the payment scenario as more and more people are choosing to go cashless and even in some cases, cardless. Payments through smartphones are gradually emerging as the more favored alternative. With mobile payments, one can not only pay at retail stores and gas stations but also pay friends and utility bills, make bank transfers and more.

There are several top mobile wallets one can choose from based on their need. PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Google Pay by far are the most widely used apps based on unique individual needs.

E-Commerce apps:

When it comes to using apps for eCommerce, the choices are endless. There is practically no big business without an app of its own. From purchasing groceries to making hotel reservations to booking flights, making purchases in technology, fashion, utilities – the options are never-ending.

While all e-Commerce sites will not prove handy or worthwhile, we recommend having an all-purpose shopping app like Amazon or even Groupon (for those huge discounts) installed on your phones.

Mobility solutions are impacting daily lives in colossal proportions. What seemed impossible yesterday seems commonplace today. So make the most of the smartphones and get the apps installed that’s going to make life better!