15 Must-Have iPhone Apps That Will Make Your Life 10x Easier
Worth the storage space, promise.
Many people, including myself, either classify apps as their best friend or mortal enemy. Often it's the latter because nobody has a damn clue what's actually worth the storage space. (I'm looking at you Starbucks app I forget about every time.) Download these 15 apps guaranteed to make your life easier—from a fitness class finder to a virtual wine guide—and you'll officially consider yourself an "app person."
1. Noisli
Noisli is only a few years old, but the app has been widely praised for its effects on individual functionality and productivity. DJ your own mix of sounds (think: rain, birds chirping, train tracks) that are known to help relieve stress and anxiety while you work, meditate, or sleep.
2. Citymapper
Citymapper is a lifesaver when you're in a big city that functions largely via public transportation, like New York, Washington, D.C., or Chicago. All you have to do is click "Get Me Somewhere," type in the "to" and "from" addresses, and the app predicts the fastest way for you to get to your location. It's like Google Maps, but better.
3. Co-Star
Instead of asking every person you meet their sun and moon signs (and rising, if you're really into this stuff), tell them to download Co-Star. The astrology app gives a thorough description of your compatibility based off of your birth charts and provides daily personalized readings regarding your "luck and opportunity," "changes," and "frustrations and challenges."
The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.
4. Headspace
Headspace is ranked #9 in the app store under "Health and Fitness" for good reason—the app's guided meditations and virtual mindfulness coaches put you at ease when you're dealing with issues like compassion fatigue on a daily basis. It's also been proven to help you sleep better.
5. Order Healthy
Instead of picking up that same salad you already ate three times this week, use Order Healthy to find the most nutritious options from your favorite restaurants. With access to over 10,000 local joints, the app automatically filters the healthier options on the menu so you can have a low-calorie meal delivered straight to your door.
6. Vivino
Choosing a bottle of wine seems like an impossible task; Vivino gives you instant access to hundreds of facts and reviews—simply snap a picture of the label. If you have no clue where to start, check out our guide to buying a bottle of wine you'll love every time.
7. UpWork
My roommate swears by this freelancing app, which provides hundreds of listings for people who prefer to live the WFH (a.k.a. work from home) life. With the help of UpWork, what was once a side gig on the weekend became a full-time job with a company she loves.
8. Flo Period & Ovulation Tracker
Over 200,000 users agree this app does magic for tracking periods and ovulation—even maing it onto our very own list of top period tracking apps. Flo uses artificial intelligence to predict menstrual cycles, while providing personalized health tips, interactive surveys, and analytical reports to help you understand your period patterns.
9. Photo Measures
Take a picture of your soon-to-be-renovated home or apartment, then use the Photo Measures app to draw up the plans for your redesign. You'll get a better idea of what the space should look like along with the tools you need to make your vision come to life. Who needs a contractor, anyway?
10. Goodreads
If you're not married to your paperbacks, Goodreads is an organization dreamland for book lovers who want to track all their favorite e-reads in one place. Another excellent use case: Scoll through recommendations from people across the world when you're looking to explore new genres.
11. Mint
From the makers of TurboTax, Mint provides an easy, simple space for you to manage your budget in one place. Save time and money by keeping track of what you're spending while monitoring your bills. No. More. Late. Fees.
12. ClassPass
If you just moved to a new city and can't afford Equinox, ClassPass gives you access to 8,700+ studios and gyms in the area. It also has a feature called ClassPass Live where you can watch interactive workouts on your phone as they happen. You'll never have the "I can't find a yoga studio near me" excuse again.
13. Sephora
If you don't want to spend hours scrolling through Sephora's massive site or waiting in that huge line at the store, use the beauty retailer's app to find your new favorite products. Best feature: you can upload a picture of yourself and see if that lipstick shade your friends keep raving about is really your color.
14. Rent the Runway
Whether it's used for a last-minute business meeting or your boyfriend's sister's wedding, Rent the Runway is your personal closet with access to thousands of designers from Oscar de la Renta to Rebecca Minkoff. App users receive exclusive content and promotions you can't get perusing online or visiting the brick-and-mortar stores. (If you are using a website, however, look no further than our guide to Rent the Runway promo codes.)
15. Airbnb
The Airbnb app is a must-have on any vacation—even if you didn't actually book an Airbnb. Use the top-rated travel app for sightseeing recommendations or as a last-minute accommodation finder when that hotel you reserved isn't exactly what you pictured online.
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.