Thursday, March 28, 2024

Cool iPad Apps: Best 104 iPad Apps

Datamation content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

So many cool ipad apps, so little time.

Yes, there are soooo many iPad apps – between 30,000 to 50,000 in total, and the number vaults higher every day. So among the zillions, which iPad apps are the very best? Which apps are truly “must-have”?

The iPad, after all, can enhance your life in many ways. There are iPad apps for work, fun, personal life, providing news and information, and tracking your favorite activities.

Oh, and did we mention the iPad apps just for goofing off? Gaming on the iPad has risen to its own art form (the Angry Birds app is a mega-hit, for instance).

And the iPad app is also transforming the work place. (Of course many companies don’t officially support the iPad, so let’s not count all the apps downloaded using company networks).

Given the overwhelming number of choices, we offer a list of the best iPad apps. The iPad apps that every iPad should have – yes, we unabashedly refer to our list as the “must have” app list.

Here then, for your downloading pleasure, are the cool iPad apps that every user should download. Jump to the iPad category or you want, or begin perusing the full list below.

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPAD APPS: ENTERTAINMENT

1) Hulu Plus – TV on the iPad

Stream thousands from TV shows right on your iPad. Watch top current TV shows from NBC, Fox, ABC – Glee, 30 Rock, Modern Family, Saturday Night Live, The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, not to mention classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the X-Files, and Desperate Housewives. Watch when it’s convenient for you! Cost: Free.

2) Pandora Radio

I love Pandora. Pick a song, band or genre that you like, and Pandora will continuously stream music in that style. A great way to explore new music that’s similar to what you already like. Cost: Free.

3) Fandango Movies – Times & Tickets

Use this iPad app to check movie times and buy your ticket ahead of time – don’t wait in line for that blockbuster. Plus: watch movie trailers and read fan reviews and a summary of major reviews from Metactric. Do you really want to go to “Rocky VIII”? Cost: Free.

4) IMDb Movies & TV

The iPad app for the site that is pretty much the movie and TV online resource. Search a sprawling database of 1.5 million movie and TV titles and more than 3 million actors, actress, directors and other entertainment celebrities. Synopses, trailers, photos, show times. An awesome resource. Cost: Free.

ipad app

The Hulu app

5) TV Guide Mobile

All the show times and channels for your favorite TV shows, in a user friendly interface for the iPad. Search by show or episode. Customize the listings to follow your favorite shows. Plus, get all the daily entertainment news – who’s dating whom, who’s breaking up with whom, and who’s in rehab. Cost: Free.

6) Slacker Radio

Unlimited free access to zillions of songs from thousands of bands and artists – yes, your favorites must be in this collection. Claims “over four times the music of the leading competitor.” (Hmm…could that be Pandora?) Set up your own station or choose from more than 120 expert-programmed playlists. Cost: Free.

7) TMZ

More entertainment news than any human can reasonably consume. The celebrity rumors, the recaps, the most aggressive paparazzi. Includes videos, photos, quick updates. How’s the Brangelina doing today? Cost: Free.

ipad app

The Netflix app

8) Family Guy

A game based on the nutty Family Guy TV show. Hey, you thought you were going to be productive this afternoon. Think again! Cost: Free.

9) Netflix

I think this means the future is here: the Netflix app enables you to stream TV shows and movies (some of them free) on your iPhone or iPad. So you essentially have a movie theater and a TV set in your backpack or pocket. Wild. Cost: Free, but you need a Netflix subscription.

10) ESPN ScoreCenter

All the leagues, all the scores, all the sports, right there in interactive color on your iPad. Set up scoring alerts, customize coverage of your favorite team. Provides enough stats for even the most dedicated sports junkie. Cost: Free.

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPAD APPS: LIFESTYLE

11) Amazon Windowshop for iPad

Amazon shopping, customized specifically for the iPad. The mega shopping site you know and love, complete with shipping options, order history and 1-click settings. Even if you don’t buy from Amazon, it’s helpful to use this app to browse its many merchants when you’re out shopping, to see if you’re getting the best deal or best product. Cost: Free.

12) The Find: Shopping

Check prices online and in stores. Get the best deal at the mall by checking prices at many merchants – shows you matching products to help you save money. A highly popular app. Cost: Free.

13) Groupon

Get good deals on the best activities in 130 cities all across the US. Buy them, access them, redeem them, all online. No need to print anything out. (Save the trees!) Cost: Free.

ipad app

The Amazon Windowshop iPad app

14) FAAD App by FreeAppaDay.com

This app gives a paid app for free, once a day. Members make a wish and the FAAD folks ask the developers of that app to give it away for free. The owners don’t always agree, but this app claims to have saved big bucks for app lovers. Cost: Free.

15) Epicurious Recipes & Shopping List

More than 30,000 recipes – professionally tested – to turn any special dinner or festive lunch into a memorable event. Cool cocktails, weeknight dinners – turn those fridge leftovers into something tasty. Save a recipes to your iPad shopping list, then check off items as you pick them up. Gorgeous photography. Cost: Free.

16) Live Nation Concert Tickets

Look for and buy concert tickets when your favorite artists come to town. Most valuable: get alerts on pre-sales and last minute tickets. Plus: this app will send you photos and videos of selected artists. Cost: Free.

epicurious ipad app

The Epicurious app

17) iFitness

This iPad app helps you get and stay in shape. Provides images and videos of people performing hundreds of exercises along with instructional text. Allows you to track the progress of yourself and multiple workout partners. Plus: a food tracker and weight monitor to keep track of your improvement. Cost: $1.99.

18) ZAGAT TO GO

Restaurant reviews from scores of trusted guides. Find nearby restaurants, search by prices and cuisine, make reservations. Plus: browse photos of dishes and get recommendations from fellow diners. Cost: $9.99.

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPAD APPS: NEWS AND INFORMATION

19) Wikipanion for iPad

Use Wikipedia faster and easier with Wikipanion for iPad. Font resizing, save images to your photo library, bookmarks, dual language searching – a useful app, no doubt about it. Don’t go anywhere without Wikipedia! (But remember, it’s often wrong….) Cost: Free.

20) NYTimes

The complete New York Times, optimized for the iPad. All the news, features, finance, sports, commentary and more – pretty much the entire world, at your fingertips, updated constantly. A remarkable resource. Cost: Free.

21) USA TODAY

The news: simple, succinct, and clear. Okay, maybe you lose a nuance or two, but news updates have never been this quick and clutter-free. Money, sports, tech, life, travel. And yes, this iPad app has all those wonderful, brightly colored bar-graphs and charts that USA Today is known for. Cost: Free.

wikipanion ipad app

The Wikipanion iPad app

22) Reuters News Pro for iPad

A top news iPad app, the Reuters app offers smart news and information for professionals on the go. From sports to markets to politics. Photos, videos, audio – all in one succinct package. Plus: an offline service that lets you read without a Net connection. Cost: Free.

23) The Wall Street Journal – Mobile

Known for its financial coverage but also chronicling the gamut from politics to entertainment, the Journal remains a leading news source. This app provides real time quotes and allows you to customize the newspaper’s offering based on what’s important to you. Plus: WSJ video and radio podcasts. Cost: Free, but some material may require a subscription.

24) The Weather Channel

Not just the weather, but full-screen, customizable radar maps. Yes, you can be a weather geek. Uses Google maps and integrates with Facebook. Will it be sunny tomorrow? Cost: Free.

25) Yellow Pages

Search 60 million listings in the iPad app for the Yellow Pages. Add businesses to your contacts, share options through Facebook and Twitter. Plus: local movie showtime listings includes trailers and driving directions. Cost: Free.

26) Free Dictionary and Thesaurus

Look up that word, find the right word from several, heck, even correct your spelling. Plus: the Thesaurus allows you to take your word choice to a much higher level. More than 1 million words and 90,000 synonyms and antonyms – that’s enough to get you started! Cost: Free.

27) Kindle by Amazon.com

Download and read books in the popular Kindle format – without needing to buy a Kindle. Plenty of sample chapters; read for free to see if you like it. Plus: customize your font size and background for the optimal reading experience. Cost: Free.

weather ipad app

The Weather Channel app

28) iBooks by Apple

Download and read your favorite books, from the newest bestseller to those Victorian classics. Includes a built-in search function to find a given phrase. Plus: read text on white or – maybe easier on the eyes – sepia-colored background. Cost: Free.

29) NPR for iPad

All the news, commentary and feature stories from NPR, optimized in an attractive setting for the iPad. Browse stories while listening to clips. Save your favorite stories for future listening, zoom in full-screen by tapping, share via Facebook, Twitter or email. Cost: Free.

30) Google Books

Enables you to read a whopping two million books on your iPad (or iPhone or iPod Touch). Nice touch: it includes a night reading mode and an offline reading mode. Cost: Free .

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPAD APPS: JUST FUN

31) Brain Trainer by Lumosity.com

Train your brain by challenging it intellectually. There’s a growing trend in neuroscience that says giving your brain a “workout” not only makes it healthy, it may actually allow you to grow brain cells (that’s the theory, at least). The Brain Trainer apps touts its ability to improve memory and attention span. Work your most important muscle! Cost: Free.

32) Eye Illusions

Create wonderful and weird optical illusions on your iPad: color tests, appearing and disappearing objects, brain teasers. Yes, your eyes CAN play tricks on you (in fact they often do). Cost: Free.

33) Ocarina

Seriously cool: turn your iPhone or iPad into a musical instrument. Blow in the mic to create music, touch various holes to play notes, control vibrato and depth of tone. Entertain your friends – or at least amaze them. As David Pogue said, “If everyone had the Ocarina app there would be no more wars.” Cost: Free.

eye illusions ipad app

The Eye Illusions app

34) Magic Piano

Not just a piano iPad, a magic piano iPad app. This app plays well-known pieces as…beams of light, or on a spiral keyboard, or a circular keyboard. Lets you decide what your piano is going to look like and set degree of difficulty. Includes songs ranging from Chopsticks to Scott Joplin to Beethoven to Gershwin. Great for the young at heart of all ages. Cost: $0.99.

35) Keyboard Pro

Send texts in odd fonts – more than 100 Western styles for emotes. Upside down text, decorated text, interesting, strange stuff. It’s wacky! Cost: Free.

eye illusions ipad app

The Magic Piano iPad app

37) Ambiance

This iPad app allows you to create ambient moods on your iPad. With over 1,000 sounds, some use it to sleep, or to dream, to reminisce or simply to muse. Hundreds of sounds, from white noise to farms to French cafes. Create a mellow or stimulating mood Cost: $2.99.

38) Coin Flip Free

You just can’t decide – so flip a coin! This iPad app will flip a virtual coin just like the old-fashioned coin toss. Heads or tails? What’s it gonna be? Cost: Free.

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPAD APPS: GAMES

39) Angry Birds Lite

This game is wildly popular. You have a heavy weight on your shoulders: you’re responsible for the survival of the angry birds. It’s time for some revenge on the green pigs. Cost: Free. (But I’ve heard the .99 paid version is well worth it.)

40) Solitaire

The classic game, needing no other companions to play. A favorite of those who are stuck in airports, not to mention cubicles. Deep question: Who are you cheating when you cheat at Solitaire? Cost: Free.

41) Age of Legends

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” So claims the Age of Legends, the game environment that transports you to the battle-torn lands of Nekuria, where – depending your skill, courage and wit – timeless glory or an ignominious end await you. Take courage! Cost: Free.

angry birds ipad app

The Angry Birds iPad app

42) Smiley Drop

Test your reflexes and your ability to aim by playing Smiley Drop, that game that challenges you to do more than fire and forget – you have to think and strategize to make the most from your efforts. Cost: Free.

48) Words With Friends

This crossword game is a leading word game for the iPhone/iPad platform. It has a design that allows you to play as many as 20 games simultaneously. Need a quick game? Invite friends through Facebook or Twitter. Cost: Free.

43) Star Wars: Imperial Academy

Whoa, Darth Vader is back. As you compete against other struggling recruits in the multi-player battle, do you have the wits and strength to earn your stripes as an elite Strom Trooper? Great visuals, great fun. Cost: Free.

44) Adventure Bay

Ahoy matey, are you ready to live the life of a pirate? Create an exotic island world from over 100 items: Buried treasure, hungry alligators, tropical islands. Your obstacle (among others): those colonial guards. Cost: Free.

Adventure Bay ipad app

The Adventure Bay iPad app

45) Flight Deck

Are you up for being the Air Boss? Interesting graphics, aircraft carrier sound effects, and atmospheric background music to place you in the soaring scene. Whoosh! Play the game at the usual speed, or use the fast forward feature to move things faster. Cost: Free.

46) Real Soccer 2011

Life-like motion capture technology enables this iPad app to offer some of the most authentically realistic movements of soccer players as they run, kick, defend, score. Plus: relive soccer history by replaying some famous matches. Wouldn’t you like to change the results of some of the sport’s most famous games? Cost: Free.

47) Samurai II: Dojo

Ultra-fast fight sequences keep you on guard at all moments – can you conquer the enemy hordes? New weapons, dynamic screen angles, intense visuals. Wap! Bam! Swoosh! Adding to the spirit, the soundtrack builds with the battle sequences. Cost: Free.

Eenies ipad app

The Eenies iPad app

48) Cops & Robbers

Grab the loot and then…run! Flee the law though the cityscape, leaping rooftops, back alleys, dangerous curves. Use your special skills – you’re an acrobat on the lam, dazzling onlookers as you make your way to safety. Cost: Free.

49) Pogo Games

A treasure chest of games: Word Whomp, Turbo 21, Mahjong Safari, Sweet Tooth2. Keep track as you play, pushing your total higher as you score ever more. Cost: Free.

50) Eenies

Customize your Avatars and be aware! Shift your strategy as the landscape shifts – stay a step ahead of your enemies – or else! Set up a massive multiplayer battle. You’ll never have time to be productive again! Cost: Free.

51) Red Conquest!

Command your fleet as the epic intergalactic battles rages between the forces of Blue and Red. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate the advanced macro- and micromanagement options for tactical warfare. Be victorious in deep space! Cost: Free.

52) Doodle Fit

It looks simple, but is it? Position all the blocks within a given shape – you’re not done until you fill all the space. But be careful, some call this “addictive.” Cost: Free.

aircoaster ipad app

The Aircoaster iPad app

53) Geared

A puzzle game that touts its absolute lack of a fixed snap-grid. Every puzzle offers a dazzling array of choices. We hope you don’t have to get anything done today. Cost: Free .

54) Fruit Ninja

Can you swipe your finger fast enough to slice the flying fruit? But wait – can you do that and avoid the bombs at the same time? Includes multi-player functionality. Cost: $.99.

55) AirCoaster

A 3D rollercoaster in an iPad app. Download thousands of rides, or create your own rollercoaster rides, as wild as you can imagine it: One finger rotates, another zooms and pans. Then get on and ride. Whoopee! Cost: $0.99.

56) Real Racing HD

Vroom! This iPad app’s realistic, detailed visuals provide a sense of speed as you whip around the track – 48 cars, 76 events, 12 tracks. Touch or tilt your steering wheel to grip the track and beat the competition. Choose cockpit or external camera view. Plus: join a global online league. Cost: $9.99.

57) Orbital HD

An award-winning game with eye-catching visuals, loved by those who want to jazz up their spare moments with an iPad-induced challenge. Use your canon to shot orbs into a grid; the orb you fire will expand until it contacts a wall of another grid. Easy? You might think so – but don’t let your orb touch the death line! Cost: $2.99.

58) SCRABBLE for iPad

Scrabble: you know it, you love it. Play your favorite word game in full color HD-quality with this iPad app. Connect through Facebook. Love Scrabble? This version lets you play up to 25 games at the same time. (That’s enough, isn’t it?) Cost: $0.99.

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPAD APPS: EDUCATIONAL

59) Google Earth

This stunning iPad app enables you to view global satellite and aerial imagery, with high resolution visuals over vast amounts of the earth and its population. A remarkable technological advance. Cost: Free.

60) Starwalk

A visually intriguing guide to the stars and planets – the entire cosmos, cataloged in an iPad app. Explore more than 9,000 planets, stars and constellations. With cool 3D graphics, this app is known for its user-friendly interface. Cost: $4.99.

61) The Elements: A Visual Exploration

Explore the periodic table – the building blocks of the universe – in an environment that highlights its beauty and timeless fascination. Meticulously photographed. Cost: $13.99.

Google Earth iPad app

The Google Earth app

62) HowStuffWorks

Yes, this is super cool: a mind-boggling menu of 30,000 articles and videos on the inner workings of all kinds of stuff. Tech stuff, car stuff, odd little nuggets. Entertain your brain! How does it all work? Cost: Free.

63) 10,500+ Cool Facts

Thousands of interesting and intriguing facts. Guess what? Just like everyone’s fingerprint, everyone’s tongue is different. Or how about this one: a single cup of gasoline has the explosive power of 5 sticks of dynamite. Impress your friends, learn something and waste time – all with one iPad app. Cost: Free.

discovery channel ipad app

The Discovery Channel app

64) Discovery Channel

This iPad app includes video from all those wonderful Discovery Channel shows about the natural world, from weather to animals to amazing phenomenon. A great photo gallery. Plus: quizzes to test your knowledge of topics across the globe. Cost: Free.

65) Graphing Calculator

Your iPad can be far more than a calculator – this app turns it into a high resolution function plotter and scientific calculator. Take screen shots and email the graphs to colleagues. Display on a projector as part of your presentation. The custom keyboard enables you to enter equations faster. Cost: Free.

66) 53,000+ Famous Quotes Free

Einstein: “When you are courting a nice girl, an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That’s relativity.” Search great and interesting quotes to find just the bon mot you need for an occasion. Cost: Free.

67) FREE Spanish Tutor

An engaging, interactive system to learn Spanish, with native speaker audio for the entire vocabulary. Plus: flash cards, multiple choice quizzes and a fun puzzle game. Cost: Free.

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPAD APPS: PRODUCTIVITY

68) iWork

The Apple software suite lets you edit Microsoft Office files on your iPad. The Apple equivalent of Excel is Numbers, Keynote is the Powerpoint substitute, and Pages handles your text editing duties. Cost: $30, or you can buy Keynote, Pages or Numbers for $10 each.

69) Dragon Dictation

Record a voice memo using voice recognition software and see your words instantly in text form. Said to be five times faster than typing on a keyboard (of course that depends on how well the voice recognition works for your speaking style). Use it to send a reminder to yourself or send a quick email to a friend. Supports many languages in addition to English. Cost: Free.

70) Flipboard

This iPad app enables you to see the photos and articles your friends share on Facebook and Twitter into a magazine-style layout, making them far more easy to scan. Customize your Fliboard with sections from your closest friends and important colleagues. Cost: Free.

dragon dictation ipad app

The Dragon Dictation app

71) Instapaper

Lets you save articles for later reading offline. Plus: it optimizes readability for the iPhone or iPad touch’s screen (saves as text only). Instapaper is supported by more than 100 other iPhone and iPad apps. Cost: $4.99.

72) Evernote

An all-purpose memo pad – record and save everything from notes to photos to audio voice snippets to ideas on the run. Then synchronize it all with your Mac or Windows computer. Call it the “ultimate digital secretary.” Cost: Free.

73) iTranslate ~ the universal translator

Translate from one language to another, a single word or an entire chunk of text – includes a whopping 52 languages. And check this out: iTranslate talks: select from 43 voices in 16 language to have the text read to you. C’mon, that’s amazing! Cost: Free.

sketchbook ipad app

The Sketchbook app

74) Sketchbook Pro

A professional level paint and drawing application allows to turn the iPad into a canvas for artistic exploration – or at least touch up photos and graphics of all kinds. Includes 75 preset brushes. Cost: $7.99.

75) Whiteboard Lite: Collaborative Drawing

Use Bluetooth or wi-fi to collaborate on drawings and creative concepting with friends and colleagues. Two devices can draw on the same canvas simultaneously. Cost: Free.

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPAD APPS: COMMUNICATION

76) Facebook

You mean…you don’t have Facebook on your iPhone and iPad? Oh no – perish the thought! Please, download immediately! Cost: Free.

77) LinkedIn

Manage and update your professional profile with the LinkedIn iPad app. Got a big interview or business meeting coming up? Quickly scan the biographical details of the people ahead of time. Plus: get the latest updates from your LinkedIn network. Cost: Free.

78) Skype

Send and receive calls – for free – to and from anyone else in the world who has Skype installed. Plus: see your caller with Skype video. (You’re not having a bad hair day, are you?) Cost: Free.

skype ipad app

The Skype app

79) Viber Free Phone Calls

Make free phone calls from an iPhone to any other iPhone with Viber installed. The point is that this VoIP software claims better sound quality than regular calls. This is a popular free iPhone app, also iPad compatible. Cost: Free.

80) TextNow – Unlimited Free Texting and Picture Messaging

You know you text a lot. With TextNow, you can text as much are you want – for free. (No monthly fees.) Plus: it lets your forward calls and receive voicemail. Cost: Free.

81) Twitter for iPad

Express yourself, fully and constantly, in 140 characters or less. Twitter – flash in the pan or the shape of things to come? Please Tweet the answer. Cost: Free.

82) TweetDeck

The TweetDeck iPad app lets you manage your Twitter account. Create groups, search Twitter, manage multiple accounts, get notifications. Plus: share photos with Twitpic and YFrog. Cost: Free.

aim ipad app

The AIM app

83) AIM (Free Edition)

Chatting has never been easier – just click and start communicating with friends and colleagues with the free AIM client. Allows you to chat directly with your Facebook and GTalk friends. The Lifestream feature lets you to post to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace with a single tap. Cost: Free.

84) foursquare

This geolocation iPad app lets you announce your location, and also helps you see where your friends are. Use Foursquare to explore the world around you. Cost: Free.

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPAD APPS: UTILITIES AND TOOLS

85) Air Display

This app enables you to use your iPad as an extra screen for your Mac or Windows computers. Your iPad becomes a wireless display that you can position around your workplace as you see fit. Cost: $10.

86) Bump (Data Sharing)

Share data between two iPhones or two iPads easily. As long as they both have Bump installed, they can share photos, music, contacts, calendar events in a hassle free manner. Check your friends’ iTunes playlist, and become friends on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Cost: Free.

87) Dropbox Sync and Share Files

Sync and share your files online and across computers. See photos, documents and videos in your Dropbox. Share files via email, or copy links to share with another app. This iPad app requires a Dropbox account, which the app allows you to create for free. Cost: Free.

air display ipad app

The Air Display app

88) Find My iPhone (or iPad)

You know you get spacey sometimes – you completely lose track of your iPhone. This app (which you can install on any other iOS device) will locate it on a map. The catch is that you need to install this BEFORE you lose your iPhone. And if you’re that careful, you’re probably not the type to actually lose your iPhone. Still, a neat idea. Cost: Free.

89) Instagram

This so-called “life sharing app” helps you snap and share photos with friends, easily and for free. Probably the coolest part: it contains over a dozen interesting and eye-catching filters to jazz up your photos. Turn your snapshots into unique works of photo-art. Cost: Free.

90) Adobe Photoshop Express

This is impressive: this express version of the most respected graphic editor in existence enables you to edit and share photos from your iPhone or iPad. Even better, do your quick editing with simple gestures. Every unit should have this installed. Cost: Free.

91) RedLaser Barcode Scanner

Considered one of the most accurate barcode scanners. Check prices on virtually any product that has a barcode. Think of it as the ultimate shopping tool, enable you to quickly compare costs when you’re out shopping. Cost: Free.

92) Wallpapers HD for iPhone, iPod and iPad

High definition, visually stunning wallpapers for you to dress up the look of your iPhone, iPad or iPod. Choose among the most popular picks, or select a fashion-conscious look that sets your unit apart. Switch your wallpaper often to keep a fresh look. Cost: Free.

wallpaper ipad app

The Wallpaper app

93) Fingerprint Phone Protector for iPhone/iPod Touch

This app enables your iPhone or iPad to recognize your fingerprint – and grant only you (and those you give permission to) access to your device. Plus: amaze your friends by proving that the iPad and iPhone can verify a fingerprint. Very CSI! Cost: Free.

94) Amber Battery Pro

Are you away from an electrical outlet for longer periods? Amber Battery Pro does more than display battery usage, it claims to maximize your battery life. It also provides battery tips to help you squeeze more juice from your unit. Cost: Free.

95) IlLumination Universal Flashlight

Turn your iPhone or iPad into a flashlight. The app allows your unit to cast an ultra-bright light, and you can also set up timed flashing. Cost: Free.

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

iPAD APPS: BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

96) REALTOR.com Real Estate Search

Search the local or national housing market. This iPad app offers more than 4 million listings, updated every 15 minutes. Use the map search, check out the private ratings, share listings with friends and family and agents. Cost: Free.

97) EZ Loan Calc – Loan Calculator

A loan and mortgage calculator. Includes fields to input property tax and primary mortgage insurance (PMI) so you know what your actual monthly costs will be. Use Loan Calc when you shop for a car to compare real costs between two vehicles. Cost: Free.

realtor ipad app

The Realtor App

98) Complete Foreclosures

Filter your search for foreclosed properties using any number of criteria. Search locally or nationwide, see results listed on a map. Schedule communication with real estate agents in the area you’re interested in. Cost: Free.

99) Mint.com Personal Finance

Track your budget and expenses, view your various accounts: checking, savings, credit cards, loan balances. Automatically syncs to online banking accounts for your balances and transactions. Use categories like Food and Auto to monitor where you’re spending your money each month. Where’s it all going? Cost: Free.

100) iXpenseIt (Expense + Income = Cashflow with Budget)

Simplifies daily expense tracking and budgeting. Use those bar charts to track cash flow. Helps with business reimbursement, stores photos of receipts. Includes a multi-currency format, includes currency conversion tool. Password protected. Cost: $4.99.

101) CNBC Real Time

The iPad app to help you keep track of the financial markets: commodities, currencies, bonds, stocks – get constant price updates from the channel known for stock market coverage. Includes news, videos and profiles. Cost: Free.

102) Jobs
By CareerBuilder.com

Search nearly 2 million jobs with the Jobs iPad app, see search results in map form. Apply to jobs, use GPS to find jobs near you. Create accounts and resumes right from your iPad. Cost: Free.

jobs ipad app

The Jobs App

103) Job Search
By Indeed.com

Search millions of jobs from thousands of company webs and multiple job boards. Save or email your job postings, see new jobs added since your last search. Cost: Free.

104) Monster.com Jobs

Use your Monster account to turn the iPad into a job search machine. Store your resumes, job applications, cover letters. Access a saved search on this app or on the Monster web site. Cost: Free.

iPad app categories:

ENTERTAINMENT // LIFESTYLE, SHOPPING // NEWS AND INFORMATION // JUST FUN // GAMES // EDUCATIONAL // PRODUCTIVITY // COMMUNICATION // UTILITIES AND TOOLS // BUSINESS, MONEY, JOBS

Subscribe to Data Insider

Learn the latest news and best practices about data science, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, data security, and more.

Similar articles

Get the Free Newsletter!

Subscribe to Data Insider for top news, trends & analysis

Latest Articles