Do you have a Smartphone?
Are you using it to its fullest potential?
What apps are you using to help you accomplish your personal and professional goals?
In this post, I'm going to be sharing my top 50 Apps that I use on my mobile devices.
Mobile Devices Are Everywhere
Look to your left, right or in your pocket/purse. I bet you there's a mobile device right there in one of those places (let me know if I'm right in the comments).
They are a part of our lives, for better or worse. We have more power in our pockets today than entire corporations had in years past.
I've grown to love my mobile device, and as a result have tested HUNDREDS of apps, so I thought I'd share the top 5 apps that I like for 10 different categories of my life. Yes, I'm somewhat of an app junkie. In some cases, I had to really fight to narrow it down to 5 so that you can get the best of the best.
Fortunately, most of the apps I use are available for iOS and Android, so 40 of the 50 will be cross-platform. Then I list 5 that are Android only and 5 that are iOS only. If there are awesome apps that I may not have mentioned, feel free to mention them in the comments. Enjoy . . .
Blogging
Evernote
I'm in love with Evernote. I use it for almost everything I write. Most of my blog posts and podcast episodes start as notes in Evernote. The best thing about it is that it's available on every device – computer, laptop, iPhone, iPad, android device – whatever you can think of.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
WordPress
If you're using WordPress for your blog (and you should be), then this app is pretty cool for managing your blog. It allows you to add posts and pages (but I don't use it for that), reply to comments and even check your stats if you're using the Jetpack plugin.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Godaddy Mobile
I use this for checking for available domain names. Every so often, I get an interesting idea for a URL or I get an idea for someone else and want to check to see if it's available. To do this, I use Godaddy Mobile. I don't get my domains from Godaddy, but they sure do make it easy to search for them.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Feedly News Reader
If you like to keep up with multiple blogs and be able to see what new content your favorite bloggers are posting, this is a good tool for doing so. It's technically an RSS Reader (like what Google reader used to be) and it does a great job at making the content look really good.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Gmail
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Business
Square Register
It always amazes me when businesses don't accept credit card payments. Every once in a while I run into a business that doesn't and it literally blows my mind. I have a little card reader from Square that I can plug into my mobile device. I swipe your card and you give me money. It's then deposited into my bank account the next business day. So easy a Leslie could do it 🙂
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Paypal Mobile
If you're a Paypal user, this allows you to keep track of your account. You can send payments, request payments, check your account history and much more. Well worth having!
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Paypal Here
Remember the square card reader I spoke about 2 apps ago? This does the same thing but your funds get immediately deposited into Paypal. This comes in handy if you have a Paypal debit card because then you have INSTANT access to that money. It's a beautiful thing.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Mint Personal Finance
This is just a great app for managing your finances. It allows you to manage all your bank accounts in one place, create budgets, track your finances and a bunch of other stuff. I haven't found a better one yet.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Xoom Money Transfer
Because I have a virtual assistant in the Philippines, I need to have a way to send her money. I use Xoom.com, which makes it easy to transfer money either to her bank account or to a location where she can go and pick it up. You can Send up to $2,999 for only $4.99.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Social Media
Facebook is my social media channel of choice. Why? Because everybody's there. You know it's true. You're there aren't you? Then I don't need to explain to you why I have this app.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Facebook Pages Manager
If you manage Facebook pages, this app allows you to do so better than the regular Facebook App.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Twitter is also pretty up there when it comes to social media. If you're on there, you might as well have the app 🙂
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Google+
In my opinion, Google+ is the best social network in terms of features. However, they don't have as many active people on there as Facebook and Twitter. I still love Google+ and I think they have THE best app of all the social media sites.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Hootsuite
I've just been getting into Hootsuite and I'm starting to love it. It allows you to manage multiple social media accounts in one place. You can't manage Google+ profiles but you can manage Google+ pages. This app works best on iPad because you are able to see more on one screen, but it works OK on other devices.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Productivity
Wunderlist
If you are a to-do list person, then Wunderlist is great. I love it because it's available on just about every platform and syncs between all your devices. Add things to your todo list on your computer and they are also on your smartphone.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
LastPass
I have a bunch of accounts all over the place and I don't know most of my passwords. Why not? Because I use Lastpass to create, save and encrypt my passwords so that some mean person (yes they do exist) doesn't get access to my accounts. Yes, it's still possible, but much more difficult because I use last pass. Also, I'm able to share passwords with my virtual assistant in a safe way.
- Cost: Free for app, $12/year for premium service
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Dropbox
Dropbox is one of those services that backs up your files via the cloud and allows you to access it from anywhere. It runs in the background so that you don't have to think about it. The one inconvenience is that you can only sync files and folders that are in the dropbox folder. It also allows you to easily share files and folders with anyone with great control of what they have access to.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Google Drive
This does the same thing as dropbox, but it's from Google. I prefer Dropbox because it allows you to manage everything without having to go to the website, but Google drive is great in that it is fully integrated with Google services like Gmail.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Gotomeeting
I have a weekly mastermind meeting with 4 awesome guys. We get together via gotomeeting. Once in a while, I'm not able to be at my laptop. Fortunately, there's an app for that. I can join the meeting on my phone and we can meet.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Continuing Education
Audiobooks from Audible
I LOVE to read, but I don't have much time to do it. Fortunately, I can get professionals to read to me at anytime of the day or night. Yep, I'm so cool that I can call professional actors to read to me. Ok, not quite, but audible is kind of like that. I can take my books with me anytime and listen to them at my own leisure, even while I'm on a long trip.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Amazon Kindle
For those time when I am able to spend some time reading, I have the Amazon Kindle app. All of the books that I purchase in the Kindle store are available for me to read, annotate and enjoy.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
TED
I just recently started watching a bunch of TED videos and they are great for expanding the mind. So many great ideas from the world's best innovators. I love it.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Pocket Casts
Another way I learn is by listening to Podcasts. You can find a podcast on almost ANY topic. Pocket Casts is my favorite app for listening to podcasts.
- Cost: $3.99
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Duolingo
If you're into learning foreign languages, then this is THE APP for you. Really! I found it earlier this year when I had to take a trip to Colombia. My Spanish isn't great, but this really helped me to learn a lot. I can only imagine how fluent I would be if I did this every day. It's like Rosetta Stone, but FREE – such a beautiful word!
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Communication
Skype
I Love me some Skype. It's how I keep in touch with my family in St. Maarten. They are able to get on Skype with me and see little Noah do all kinds of cool things. Skype really allows us to feel like we're right in the room with each other – the beauty of technology.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Google Voice
Google voice ROCKS – especially if you don't want to spend a bunch of money on minutes. It's like a second phone line. It's even more awesome because if someone leaves you a message, it can transcribe that message very well (unless your friends have strong accents like some of mine – if it's you, you know that I'm talking about you, lol) and email it to you. You even get a free phone number. A great way to save some cashy cashy.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Line 2
This is similar to Google Voice, but has more advanced features. You can have that fancy “Press 1 to speak to mr. Awesome himself . . .” feature that big corporations use. It also gives you the option of having a Toll free number. This is the service I use for my voicemail hotline at (888) 835 – 2414.
- Cost: Free app, $9.99/month for service
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Hangouts
I already said that I love Google+, and I think that Google Hangouts are the BEST feature that Google+ has. Not only can you get on a video call (like Skype), but you can also have 10 people on one call. It's a beautiful thing.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Facebook Messenger
At first, I saw no use for Facebook Messenger, because there's a messenger feature in the Facebook app. Then I switched to Android and fell in love with it because it allows you to use the Facebook Chat Bubbles from any screen on your phone. It doesn't matter if you're in the Google+ app, you can still have those chat bubbles. It also can manage your text messages, although I've been having some issues with the text message notifications, so I stopped using it for that.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Fun & Entertainment
Pandora Radio
Do you love music as much as I do? Then Pandora is a must have. You can create instant radio stations based on your favorite music. It's a beautiful thing. It's free with ads, or you can upgrade to remove ads. I use the free version.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Spotify
This is another music streaming service (like Pandora) but it's different in that you can create playlist of the music you want to hear. It also has a radio station feature like Pandora, but Pandora does that better. You can also download music directly to your device.
- Cost: Free for app, $9.99/month for service
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Netflix
Do I need to explain what Netflix is? You remember when you used to go to those antique places called Video rentals like Blockbuster? Well, they came into the 21st century with Netflix. Tons of movies and shows available for instant streaming. It's not free, but it's convenient.
- Cost: Free app, $7.99/month for service
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Hulu Plus
WHAT? You're still watching cable TV? What's up with that? Hulu plus is another awesome streaming services that allows you to watch many of your TV shows (even Scandal) on any device. That's the service I use now and it's part of why I can't remember the last time I watched ANYTHING on Cable.
- Cost: Free app, $7.99/month for service
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Stitcher Radio for Podcasts
This is also a podcast listening app. It's great in that there are tons of new podcasts that you can discover in their directory.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Miscellaneous Awesomeness
Nike+ Running
If you're into running, this is a great app for tracking your activity. You can also compete with your friends regardless of where they are in the world.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Youtube
Do you watch Youtube videos? Then you might as well have the Youtube app. I don't feel like I need to explain what this one does.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Google Maps
I'm starting to fall in love with Google Maps. It has come a long way and has some awesome features. It always freaks me out to be able to be in satellite view and see the actual road I'm on with everything that's in my vicinity while driving. Technology has come so far.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Crashplan
This is another backup service that's a lot more comprehensive. It pretty much backs up your entire computer for $5/month. It doesn't matter how large your hard drive is, Crashplan will back it up and you can access your files from your mobile device. It also has the option to backup your files to an external hard drive. I've had hard drives fail and because I had Crashplan, I didn't have to worry about ANYTHING.
- Cost: Free app, $5/month for service
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Hotels.com
If you travel a lot, this is a great app to have. You're on the road and need a place to stay at an affordable rate? You pop open this app, it detects where you are and gives you a list of hotels that you can book from right there. Does it get any better than that? I think not!
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Android Only
SwiftKey
This is one of the best apps in the world in my opinion. It allows you to use the swipe feature on android in an awesome way. It makes it SUPER easy for you to be able to type extremely fast using a swipe of your finger. When I try to make a status update on my iPad, I fee like I'm typing like a snail now. Man, I love Android.
- Cost: Free. $3.99 for Premium
- Download for Android
MightyText
This is one that I recently discovered and fell in love with. You're checking your email and a text comes in. What do you do? You put your hand ALLL THEE WAYYY DOWWWN in your pockets. Unless you have Mighty text. If you are one of the smart people, you get a popup right there in your browser with the text message, and yes, you can reply right there.
- Cost: Free
- Download for Android
GO SMS Pro
The beauty of Android is that it's extremely customizable. You can use a bunch of different SMS apps to manage your SMS messages. This is the best one I've found and I'm sticking with it. It has nice themes, allows you to schedule SMS messages and you can even keep some messages private (not a feature I use but I can see how that can come in handy)
- Cost: Free
- Download for Android
Light Flow Lite
On my Samsung Galaxy S4, I have an LED light that blinks when there's a notification. This app allows me to specify the color of that light depending on the app that is giving the notification. That way, if I see a light of a certain color, I know what's going on even before waking my phone.
- Cost: Free
- Download for Android
Shush
Ever been in a situation where you put your phone on silent because you're in a very important meeting, forget to turn the ringer on after the meeting and then miss some very important call. That happened to me a few times (and my wife doesn't like it). This app allows me to quickly and easily set the duration of my silent time and it automatically turns the ringer back on for me.
- Cost: Free
- Download for Android
iOS Only
Lift
If you want to get stuff done, you have to set goals. Set them, crush them, rinse and repeat. This is THE BEST app for helping you do that. It gamifies getting stuff done in an awesome way, with support from an awesome community. As of right now, it's only available on iOS, but in a convo with one of the co-founders, he told me that the Android version should be coming out soon. Until then, enjoy the iOS version.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
Bossjock Studio
If you're a podcaster and you have an iOS device, then you definitely want this app. It allows you to do a full production like you're in a professional studio with just your mobile device and a mic. It's a beautiful thing.
- Cost: $9.99
- Download for iOS
Mailbox
This is a great app for managing email if you're one of those people (like myself) who like to be at inbox zero. For managing email, it does a great job, and it helps you take control of your inbox.
- Cost: Free
- Download for iOS
Carrot
This is another todo app, but with a twist. It's very insulting and abusive, lol. Seriously, if you don't get stuff done, the app literally gets mad at you and insults you like nobody's business. However, the more you do, it unlocks features and literally becomes a better app. It was so funny though that I had to keep getting stuff done just to see what would happen next. It's an interesting, yet twisted, idea.
- Cost: $1.99
- Download for iOS
Tweetbot
The standard twitter app is great, but this one is AWESOME. It does some of the thing I wish the twitter app would do and does them very well. If you're on an iPhone or iPad, then this is the best app I've found for managing your twitter account.
- Cost: $2.99
- Download for iOS
So there you have it – my top 50 Apps. How about you? Do you have some favorite apps that aren't mentioned in the list? Let me know in the comments below.