Apple’s App Store is home to just under two million apps, of which around ninety thousand must be purchased up front. Google’s Play Store is not far behind, with around 1.6 million.

But exactly how many of these apps are actually worth the time? The answer might depend on your specific needs. There are, however, several outstanding apps that just about everyone should consider.

Productivity: Stay Organised and Efficient

If you want to make the best possible use of your time, then the right productivity-focused app can be a major boon. This goes whether you’re trying to organise colleagues via Trello, or using Todoist to tackle the household chores in a more structured way.

Health & Wellbeing: Prioritise Your Mental and Physical Health

The food and drink we eat, and the intensity and consistency of the exercise we do, can make a big difference to the quality of our lives in the long run. This is where the right app can be pivotal. You might look for a diet-tracking app, or one that logs your jobs. Some health-focused apps, like Headspace, have been built to deal with mental fitness, by providing guided meditation.

Media: Stream, Listen, and Stay Informed

It’s easy to find an app that offers audio and video content. What might be more difficult is finding an app that can provide these things without the algorithmic problems that come with them. You might opt out of the streaming ecosystem entirely, and keep all of your content on your phone. Or, you might pay extra for a streaming service that provides crystal-clear, audiophile-quality content.

Gaming & Amusement: Fun and Relaxation at Your Fingertips

Of course, among the most popular apps available are those that provide a straightforward videogaming experience. The good news is that there are countless games available, and that they cater to players of every kind. You might play a puzzle game, like sudoku, or a digital version of a real-world classic, like a bingo app.

If you’re looking for a more immersive, protracted experience, then you’ll also find a wealth of story-driven games, including role-playing games. The options are almost endless, and so it’s worth trying out a number of different apps before settling into a niche you feel comfortable in.

The right game can help to make your travels, or your free time, much more enjoyable – so why not invest some time in tracking it down?