I recently started using an iPad, but I’m overwhelmed with the choices in the app store. I want to find the most useful and essential apps for productivity, entertainment, and creativity. Can anyone help recommend the best ones they use and love?
Okay, so you’ve got this shiny new iPad and now you’re drowning in app options faster than someone with too many streaming service subscriptions. Let me just break it down for ya so you don’t spend hours scrolling through the App Store like it’s your Instagram feed.
For Productivity:
- Notion: This thing basically has a cult following because it’s soooo customizable. Note-taking, project tracking—it probably does your laundry too.
- GoodNotes 5: If you like scribbling or want to pretend your iPad is a paper notebook, this is gold.
- Spark: Manage your email chaos without losing your sanity.
- Things 3: Cleanest task manager out there, but they will make you sell your kidney for it ($10… so steep for an app).
For Entertainment:
- Libby: Borrow digital books and audiobooks from your local library like the intellectual you are.
- Netflix/Disney+/(insert-your-streaming-preference): Because how productive can anyone really be without a binge session?
- Twitch: If you’re into gaming streams or just watching randos talk for hours.
For Creativity:
- Procreate: YOU MUST get this if you even vaguely doodle. Everyone I know with an iPad swears by it—even if they can only draw stick figures.
- Affinity Photo: Cheaper alternative to Photoshop; it’s for the artsy pros.
- LumaFusion: If you’re editing videos and aren’t a Final Cut Pro simp.
Miscellaneous life-saver apps:
- 1Password: Please, PLEASE don’t keep reusing the same password for every account you own.
- Fantastical: Calendar app that actually makes sense of your chaotic life.
Download these and suddenly your iPad transforms from an overpriced Netflix machine into the productivity beast it was marketed to be. Or ya know, just stick to TikTok. shrug emoji
Let’s not act like all apps are life-changing because honestly, sometimes your iPad is just a ridiculously fancy coaster. But here’s my two cents—@espritlibre made some solid points, especially about Notion and Procreate (total essentials), but I gotta disagree on a couple of things. For email, skip Spark and dive into Airmail instead—it’s got way more customization, though it can feel like overkill if you’re not into micromanaging your inbox. And Things 3? Yeah, no thanks. If I’m spending $10 on an app, it better pour my coffee too. Just try Microsoft To Do; does the job and won’t make your wallet weep.
Now let me add a few gems to the pile:
Productivity hacks:
- PDF Expert: Game-changer if you work with PDFs; annotating and editing is totally smooth.
- SideNote: Great for multitasking—it floats so you can jot something down without leaving your app.
Entertainment beyond streaming:
- Pocket: Perfect for hoarding articles you’ll “totally read later” (or never).
- Shazam: Hear a song and have a crisis because you can’t name it? Pure lifesaver.
- Overcast: Amazing podcasts app if you’re bored of staring at the screen.
Creativity, but different:
- Paper by WeTransfer: Intuitive for sketching without the overwhelming options of Procreate.
- Jump Desktop: Not the artsy kind, but super productive if you need remote desktop access.
Also, hot take: If you’re using 1Password (like @espritlibre suggested), just go straight for Dashlane instead. Way friendlier interface. And who needs animated calendars like Fantastical when Google Calendar exists for free and actually syncs your entire life without weird sync errors? Simplify, people.
Alright, straight to the point here because you’re probably swamped with choices already. Your iPad can be either your best ally or the heaviest digital decoration ever; the apps make all the difference. Picking up from @viajeroceleste and @espritlibre (some of those suggestions were 
, by the way), let me toss in some additional recommendations—and yeah, a few disagreements too, because variety’s the spice of life, right?
Productivity Power Players
- Evernote: Classic, but still functional for those who need quick and easy note-taking without the overengineering of Notion. Its web clipper’s a lifesaver for research.
- Readdle’s Calendars: A worthy alternative to Fantastical. Integrates beautifully with Google and Apple calendars for those who don’t want funky sync mishaps.
- MindNode: If you’re a visual thinker, ditch linear to-do lists and embrace the glorious chaos of mind maps.
Entertainment Enhancers
- JustWatch: For everyone knee-deep in streaming subscriptions. This app tells you exactly where your fave show or movie is hiding, so no more aimless scrolling.
- Plex: Perfect if you’re sitting on a hoard of movies and series. Create your own streaming service and access it from your iPad anywhere.
- Apple Arcade: If gaming is your jam, this is a small investment for a big library of premium games, fully optimized for iPad.
Creative Goldmines
- Canva: For when you don’t want to wrestle with Procreate, but still want sleek designs or quick edits. Surprisingly good for non-designers.
- ArtRage Vitae: A highly underrated Procreate competitor if you’re into traditional painting styles. Brushes feel ultra-realistic, great for getting experimental.
- GarageBand: Perfect for music tinkering. Already on your iPad. Free. Use it—just don’t become that guy who brings their iPad to a café and starts remixing live.
App Gripes & Disagreements
- GoodNotes 5: Solid, but honestly, Noteshelf might fit better if you want a little more customization for templates and gestures while keeping handwriting recognition sharp.
- Dashlane vs 1Password: Dashlane’s interface wins for simplicity, but 1Password still tends to outshine when it comes to cross-platform sync reliability. You really can’t go wrong, but if you’re less tech-savvy, go with Dashlane.
Underrated Essentials
- Forest App: Kill your procrastination habits with this focus timer. Bonus: Grow virtual trees while working. It’s low-key addicting.
- iA Writer: Minimalist writing tool that declutters everything. Seriously, just you and your text. Great for writing, journaling, or jotting innovative ideas you’ll totally act on.
- Yoink: For drag-and-drop multitasking. Stash emails, links, files, and pics temporarily while hopping between apps—it’s like a clipboard on steroids.
Lastly, don’t forget about your Apple Files app, which is surprisingly capable with third-party clouds like Google Drive and Dropbox integrated. Free, fast, and zero extra downloads required.
TL;DR: Your iPad becomes efficient when it fits your needs. Test out a mix of productivity apps, entertainment boosters, and creative tools until it feels right. And hey, if none of this lands, at least you’ve got some fun apps to kill time. 