Best Essential Apps

245+ iOS apps & games curated and reviewed

4.7 avg rating
20 free apps & games
Updated May 2026

Whether you're new to essential apps or looking for an upgrade, our curated collection of 245+ iOS apps and games has something for everyone. Each app is reviewed and rated by real users, helping you make an informed decision.

Top Picks for Essential Apps

Pinterest: Lifestyle Ideas#1

Pinterest: Lifestyle Ideas by Pinterest, Inc.

Fashion, home design and ideas
Editor's Choice
🌟 Lifestyle
4.7😐(704K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#1in Lifestyle
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Discover a world of endless creativity and inspiration with this unique platform. Explore new trends, ideas, and shopping opportunities to bring your dreams to life. Unleash your imagination and transform your aspirations into reality today!

What We Love

  • 💻 Great for inspiration and ideas
  • 🎨 Excellent for creative projects
  • 🔍 Helpful for finding references and tutorials
  • 🧠 Stimulates creativity and imagination

Room to Improve

  • 🤖 Excessive AI-generated content
  • 📢 Overwhelming number of ads
  • 🔄 Constant feed refreshing
Snapchat#2

Snapchat by Snap, Inc.

Share the moment!
Strong Contender
📷 Photo & Video
4.5😞(5.8M ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#2in Photo & Video
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Share moments with friends and family through fast and fun photos and videos using this app. Express yourself with filters, lenses, and Bitmojis, stay connected through messaging and group stories, watch live Stories, discover new content, and more! Happy Snapping!

What We Love

  • 💬 Great way to communicate with friends
  • 📷 Convenient for sharing photos and videos
  • 🤳 Fun filters and customization options
  • 🔒 Secure messaging with disappearing content

Room to Improve

  • 🤖 Forced AI assistant that can't be removed
  • 🤢 Dislike for new 3D bitmoji design
  • 🕰️ Frustration over Snapchat+ paywall for basic features
Hulu: Stream TV shows & movies#3

Hulu: Stream TV shows & movies by Hulu, LLC

Watch films & download series
Worth Considering
🎬 Entertainment
4.6😞(1.4M ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#7in Entertainment
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Discover a powerful streaming platform offering a vast selection of TV shows and movies for endless entertainment. Start streaming your favorite content today for a premium viewing experience.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Fast streaming
  • 👍 Good content selection
  • 💡 Customizable age ratings for kids

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
  • 🔍 Difficult to navigate and find shows
  • ⏱️ Too many ads and long ad breaks

More Essential Apps apps to explore

4
TikTok - Videos, Shop & LIVE
TikTok - Videos, Shop & LIVE
TikTok - Videos, Shop & LIVE
Watch, discover and stream!
Free

Discover a vibrant platform filled with short videos, music, and creative content. Join for endless entertainment and share your unique talents with the world. Experience a new way to connect through creativity!

🎬 Entertainment
(1.3M)
5
Cash App
Cash App
Cash App
P2P. BTC. Debit Card. Wallet.
Free

This application allows users to send, spend, save, and invest money easily. With features like instant money transfers, discounts on everyday spending, free tax filing, early paycheck access, and simple bitcoin investing, it provides a convenient and comprehensive financial solution for users. Consider downloading this app for seamless financial management.

💰 Finance
(8.4M)
6
SoundCloud: The Music You Love
SoundCloud: The Music You Love
SoundCloud: The Music You Love
Songs, remixes & DJ sets
Free

Discover new music with a dynamic platform that offers a wide range of songs, remixes, and podcasts. Explore a diverse collection of music and share your own creations with a vibrant community of music enthusiasts. Join now to unlock a world of musical discovery!

🎵 Music
(1.9M)
7
Dropbox: Cloud Storage Backup
Dropbox: Cloud Storage Backup
Dropbox: Cloud Storage Backup
File Transfer & Photo Drive
Free

A file storage and sharing app that allows users to store, access, and share files across devices. Access, edit, and share your files anytime, anywhere with ease.

📊 Productivity
(842K)
8
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Order, pay, and earn Stars.
Free

Order your favorite Starbucks drinks and food conveniently with our app. Earn rewards and free items with every purchase. Customize your orders and enjoy quick pickup or in-store payment.

🍔 Food & Drink
(532K)
9
Yelp: Food, Services & Reviews
Yelp: Food, Services & Reviews
Yelp: Food, Services & Reviews
Discover Restaurants Around Me
Free

Discover and order from a wide variety of restaurants with reviews, ratings, and menu options. Find your favorite food and get it delivered to your doorstep with just a few taps.

🍔 Food & Drink
(1.9M)
10
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video
Originals, movies, TV, sports
Free

Stream a variety of movies, TV shows, sports, and Amazon Originals with offline viewing, multi-user profiles, and X-Ray access. Rent or buy content, cast to the big screen, and enjoy a personalized entertainment experience. Subscribe now for a unique viewing experience!

🎬 Entertainment
(3M)
11
Zoom Workplace
Zoom Workplace
Zoom Workplace
AI-first collaboration
Free

Experience seamless collaboration with an AI-powered platform that combines chat, meetings, phone calls, whiteboard, calendar, mail, and more. Elevate your productivity with easy access to features like scheduling meetings, sharing content, and staying connected on the go. Upgrade to unlock unlimited meeting hosting, cloud recording, and AI automation. Join the community and stay connected with us on social media. Terms of Service and Privacy Statement available. Contact us for any queries.

💼 Business
(3.2M)
12
Reddit
Reddit
Reddit
Rejoins la discussion Reddit
Free

A social forum app connecting users worldwide, allowing for discussions on diverse topics, sharing news, and engaging with communities. Join now to explore and participate in endless conversations!

📡 News
(126K)
13
Subway Surfers
Subway Surfers
Subway Surfers
Join the endless running fun!
Free
$0.99 | 100% OFF

Join the endless running fun! Dash as fast as you can and dodge oncoming trains in this high-speed adventure. Play now and help Jake, Tricky... Try it out today!

🎮 Games
(3.7M)
14
Duolingo: Language Lessons
Duolingo: Language Lessons
Duolingo: Language Lessons
Learn Spanish, Math & more
Free

Learn languages, math, and music with this top education app, offering bite-sized lessons for 40 languages. Join millions of learners worldwide to improve your skills in a fun and effective way. Get started now and explore a world of knowledge!

📚 Education
(5.2M)
15
Disney+
Disney+
Disney+
Unlimited entertainment
Free

Discover unlimited entertainment with this streaming service featuring content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Enjoy a vast library of movies, series, originals, and more with multiple viewing options and parental controls. Explore new releases and classics while watching on four screens at once. Experience the magic at [link].

🎬 Entertainment
(2M)
16
LinkedIn: Community & Network
LinkedIn: Community & Network
LinkedIn: Community & Network
Find Jobs, Insights and News
Free

Connect with professionals, expand your professional network, and showcase your skills and experience through profiles and posts. Join groups, engage in discussions, and stay updated on industry news. Maximize your career opportunities and connections today.

💼 Business
(638K)
17
ESPN: Live Sports & Scores
ESPN: Live Sports & Scores
ESPN: Live Sports & Scores
Watch Games, Highlights & News
Free

Stay updated on all live sports scores, news, and updates with this app. Get real-time notifications, live game streaming, and personalized content tailored to your favorite teams. Download now and never miss a moment of the action.

⚽ Sports
(4M)
18
Airbnb
Airbnb
Airbnb
Homes, experiences, services
Free

Discover a platform connecting travelers with hosts offering unique lodging options worldwide. Book accommodations ranging from cozy apartments to luxury villas, creating memorable experiences wherever you go. Ready to unlock your next adventure?

✈️ Travel
(702K)
19
Tinder Dating App: Date & Chat
Tinder Dating App: Date & Chat
Tinder Dating App: Date & Chat
Meet New People & Date Singles
Free

Discover and chat with potential matches in your area based on shared interests and preferences. Swipe to like or pass, and start engaging in conversations with people near you. Join now to connect with new exciting individuals!

🌟 Lifestyle
(1.7M)
20
Target: Shop. Style. Save.
Target: Shop. Style. Save.
Target: Shop. Style. Save.
Shop and save from anywhere.
Free

Shop and save conveniently with our app! Enjoy automatic deals, exclusive savings, and Target Circle perks, including Same Day Delivery and Drive Up service. Plan your Target run, scan barcodes, and check out easily with our app. Download now to make shopping at Target a breeze!

🛍️ Shopping
(6.7M)

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