Best iPad Apps

November 28, 2011 By Digital Trends Staff

We uncover the best iPad apps including games, utilities, next-generation media apps and more.

The iPad may just be the world’s best way to read the Web on the couch, watch movies on the train, and read in total darkness, but with apps, it also takes on thousands of other uses. One hundred and forty thousand, to be exact. That’s the number of iPad-specific apps in the iTunes App Store as of November 2011. Not to mention the 500,000 iPhone and iPod apps it can also run.

Unless you plan to download and try 10 a day for the next 16 years (at which point, we’re just guessing, there might be a few more to try), you might need some help sifting through all the iPad apps available. Which is where we come in. We’ve sifted through the debris, weeded out the duds and plucked out the gems to bring you this list of our favorite iPad apps available. And we’re constantly updating it, so check back soon!

Check back here often as we’ll be updating this article with more apps and categories.

Also check out our picks for The Best iPad Games, The Best iPhone Apps, and The Best iPhone Games.

Games

Fruit Ninja HD ($3.99)

Much like Angry Birds before it, Fruit Ninja is a game that is inexplicably addictive despite being incredibly simple. Who knew that a game essentially allowing users to slice and dice a dramatic fruit salad would be such a hit, but here you have it. Pick your blade and drag your finger across the iPad screen to chop through pieces of fruit being flung across the screen. The more fruit you slice, the better your score. And beware of the occasional bomb, of course. You can play the game with friends or waste hours of valuable time on your own.

Angry Birds HD ($4.99)

What’s fun on the smaller screen is fun(ner) on the big screen. The iPad version of Angry Birds makes the controls feel less cramped, so it’s even easier to strategically send birds barreling into blocks with the swipe of a finger. As long as you don’t mind coughing up $4.99 for a bigger version of the iPhone game, anyway.

Dungeon Hunter 2 HD ($6.99)

If ever there were an iPhone app bumping shoulders with its 3.5-inch screen, yearning to make its way over to a bigger platform, this is it. Dunger Hunter may be a shameless Diablo clone, making Dungeon Hunter 2 HD a shameless port of a clone, but we’ll excuse the lack of originality for the outstanding experience. Both graphics and gameplay only get better on a bigger screen, and it becomes so immersive you may find yourself transported back to 1997, hacking and slashing your way through hell to save Tristam.

Harbor Master (Free)

Although we’ve also seen this title on the iPod and iPhone, it’s yet another example of a game that really comes to life on the iPad’s 9.7-inch screen. Yes, it’s Flight Control with boats, but unlike Flight Control HD, this one is free. Players must use finger swipes to control a never-ending stream of boats dropping off cargo in a crowded port. While the old version offered a tiny patch of water, the iPad version gives players control over a massive expanse of open sea, making it even more compelling.

Plants vs. Zombies HD ($6.99)

PopCap’s infamously addictive tower defense game takes root on the iPad just as happily as it has on the computer and the iPod before it, with the same ridiculous premise: Seed a lawn full of anthropomorphic plants to defend against wave after wave of invading zombies. If that’s not good clean fun, we don’t know what is.

Civilization Revolution ($12.99)

Having played Civilization Revolution on the iPhone prior to its iPad appearance, we can say with certainty that this is yet another title that needed to breathe. And breathe it does. The sheer number of options involved with conquering the world make Sid Meier’s legendary turn-based strategy game a better fit on the iPad than other mobile platforms.

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Apple opens nominations for best apps in 2012 Apple Design Awards contest | Alfaig.web.id at 5:40pm 8th May 2012 [...] Anyone can nominate their favorite app for Apple’s Design Awards, though should you need one or two ideas, be sure to check out DT’s recommendations here and here. [...]
Apple opens nominations for best apps in 2012 Apple Design Awards contest | Yafata.com at 6:30pm 7th May 2012 [...] Anyone can nominate their favorite app for Apple’s Design Awards, though should you need one or two ideas, be sure to check out DT’s recommendations here and here. [...]
Digital Trends at 7:41pm 28th November 2011 Buy Guaranteed Facebook Fans from digitaltrends.com said:Websites You Should Visit...[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]...
totalapps at 3:10am 2nd November 2011 Angry Birds is my favourite program, it is really fun! thenk you for the article.
The Best iPod Touch Apps at 5:45am 19th September 2011 [...] & MusicUtilitiesFunAlso check out our picks for The Best iPhone Games, The Best iPad Apps and The Best iPad Games.Page 1 of 2912345>In Case You Missed It: Steve Jobs Recommends Android [...]
beringmj at 6:27pm 8th September 2011 I am on the fence on whether to purchase and IPAD 2 or not.... does it have a usb port or potential>>>>????
Jani and Marcello Deliver the WOW! Rose and Joe’s Wedding Reception at The Venetian with Special Guest: Kim Sozzi | MMP Entertainment Blog at 6:05am 31st August 2011 [...] world travel, staying fit, and intellectual property to Harley Davidsons, concierge services, and cool apps for your [...]
Best iPad Games | Technology Magazine at 8:54pm 4th August 2011 [...] With the small assistance. Check out the small of the own favorites!Also check out the picks for The Best iPad Apps, The Best iPhone Games, as good as The Best iPhone Apps, Fruit Ninja HD ($3.99)This diversion is [...]
Best iPad Games | iPad News at 6:05pm 4th August 2011 [...] check out our picks for The Best iPad Apps, The Best iPhone Games, and The Best iPhone [...]
Best Windows Phone 7 apps at 11:13am 26th July 2011 [...] Streamin...July 26, 2011 New Apps Help Heal Invisible War WoundsJuly 26, 2011 worth checking out Best iPad Apps Best iPhone Apps Best Android Apps Best Android games latest reviews Nikon Coolpix P500 [...]
Bloomberg at 6:29pm 14th July 2011 Looking for an ipad or iphone photo app that can imprint date & time on the photo & video.
Matty Thornley at 10:48am 14th July 2011 My favorite has to be Infinity Blade at the moment. Great ap.
The Best iPhone Games at 2:05pm 29th June 2011 [...] and SimulationAdventure and Role-PlayingAlso check out our picks for The Best iPhone Apps, The Best iPad Apps, and The Best iPad Games.Page 1 of 2612345>In Case You Missed It: The Best iPod Touch Games Sony [...]
Spring cleaning for your computer and gadgets » Snappy Urls Blog at 12:47am 11th May 2011 [...] Best iPad Apps [...]
mathed at 1:43pm 28th April 2011 My favorite: Facetasks - a contact-centric task manager. Simple and neat. You keep track of your own todos but also your contact's (friends, family, colleagues, etc.). http://itunes.com/apps/mobilissimo/facetasks
Ten innovative, unusual and just plain cool uses for the iPad – JailBake at 2:18pm 17th April 2011 [...] can communicate about guest check-ins in real-time with the doormen.DJ at a partyDjay is one of the best apps for iPad because it shows how the tablet can be used for so many different purposes. The app, which allows [...]
Ten innovative, unusual and just plain cool uses for the iPad at 1:20pm 17th April 2011 [...] is one of the best apps for iPad because it shows how the tablet can be used for so many different purposes. The app, which allows [...]
The best iPad apps for kids at 3:01am 4th April 2011 [...] by real, living children ages 2 to 13.Also check out our picks for Best iPhone Apps for Kids and Best iPad Apps for people of all ages.Apps Just For Fun (Read…Mindless)Plants vs. Zombies$6.99A favorite among tweens, Plants vs. [...]
bricam2096 at 1:11pm 22nd March 2011 I must admit I have downloaded many of these apps, some were so poor in my opinion though that i deleted them but many I use daily.
Cambrionix at 4:30am 15th February 2011 Cambrionix design & custom design professional USB hubs. We are also behind the iPod and iPad charging and sync solutions, designed for the Apple iPad and iPod but also offers options for Amazon Kindle, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS. Cambrionix is currently looking for distributors - please contact enquiries@cambrionix.com if you wish to stock our products.
José Manuel at 3:18am 11th February 2011 Earth Flags HD - In case you want to find out complete details of flags of countries all over the world then you can download 'Earth Flags HD' to your iPad. Apart from respective flags of the countries you can also find more information on capital cities, extension areas, calling codes, currencies and internet TLDS of the countries. You can see maps of many places as well. The newer version has a renovated interface with additional maps such as satellite, hybrid and standard maps. You can listen to anthems of all the countries covered by the app. New features are added to the app every once in a while. There is a version for iPhone and iPod as well. App Store Link: http://itunes.apple.com/app/earth-flags-hd/id3798...
Ron Coley at 3:12am 6th February 2011 Cool. I'll have to take a look!
Julie at 2:10pm 13th January 2011 I'm trying to find a decent app to be able to use existing spreadsheets from excel. I tried numbers and it won't upload my complex sheets. is there something better???
Micaela Benyard at 9:52am 11th January 2011 Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I'm impressed! Very helpful info specially the last part :) I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
Ma Scurry at 9:31am 11th January 2011 Valuable information. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I am shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Nigel Barber at 3:03pm 31st December 2010 For something pretty unique, check out Vectoria. http://itun.es/iFD3yV
Scott Gale at 7:47pm 30th December 2010 There are a lot of great apps out there and a number were missed. Check this out for the best ipad apps that you must have: http://scottgale.com/blog/best-ipad-apps-roundup/...
Matt at 1:11am 27th December 2010 Do check out our new meditation app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meditation-karma/i...
Matt at 1:09am 27th December 2010 Check out the cool music app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cool-music-skins/i...
Artguy at 11:29pm 25th December 2010 Is there an app for playing online chess on the Ipad with a live person?
1. Richard at 3:35pm 1st January 2011 icc chess (chessclub.com)
Matt at 3:52am 21st December 2010 Hey check out my app, its on sale… and the best music player available… Just Updated… http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cool-music-skins/i... Thanks Matt
Lisa at 12:01am 9th December 2010 The World's First and Only "Joke-Animating" App - http://www.ppjpad.com or for iPhone http://www.ppjapp.com Why read a joke when you can watch one? Watch 85+ animated jokes instantly on your iPhone or iPad. Tell us a joke, it could be the next one animated! "Paper People Jokes is definitely worth the price. The great thing is the app is always changing with new content. The entertainment level of the content is perfect."-- AppDictions.com "This is one of the most unique apps I've seen."--AppStoreReviewer, 5/5 "There isn’t much not to like about the app... if you have any sense of humor at all you’ll laugh at the jokes you find in Paper People Jokes."--FreshApps.com "The Paper People Jokes app is a great way to discover dozens of new, funny jokes that you probably haven’t heard, with a new joke being added every week."--SmartAppDevelopers.com
Tali at 12:00pm 7th December 2010 New Xmas App for our little toddlers, check it out: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toddler-puzzle-xma...
Sammy at 12:51am 7th December 2010 Is there a app so that you can play zenga poker when you are on facebook as it require flash player thanks if anybody can help
amy at 3:28pm 30th November 2010 can you play sims on ipad?
JamesNeedToGetALife at 1:17pm 27th November 2010 OMG! R u living in the real world...DOUBT IT!! get real man..!! I can't believe any1 wud compare d iPad with d NOKIA!!
Tivojo at 3:43pm 22nd November 2010 If you're a Squeezebox fan I highly recommend iPend for iPad, it's nothing short of awesome! Wish I had bought an iPad before I purchased my Logitech Harmony, although Logitech is the bomb I'd have been more than happy controlling my entire house music systems with the iPad.
1. Tivojo at 10:39pm 25th November 2010 Sorry for the typo, iPeng for iPad!
Nicola at 9:02pm 17th November 2010 For educational kids iPhone/iPad apps, check out http://punflay.com/
JavaJohn at 7:31pm 5th November 2010 Best food app http://www.WhatsJohnEating.com
iAlbum at 5:55pm 3rd November 2010 iAlbum - Virtual Photo Album for the Apple iPad. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ialbum/id386190234... We've created electronic photos, why not electronic photo albums? Check-out this beautifully written app that actually looks and feels like a genuine photo album.
iod at 3:05pm 17th October 2010 They told you that you can only consume content on the iPad? They lied! Here's one of the first apps to fully realize it. Create your own cartoons and upload them to Youtube, Facebook and Twitter! In 2 minutes, with no drawing skills required! You just need a few photos. Make funny videos featuring your friends, politicians and enemies. Make them say things they wouldn't say themselves. You can finally make your own viral YouTube video without needing to do stupid things yourself! Let the puppets do it. PhotoPuppet - the revolution in home-made animation is available for your iPad. Now at special introductory price of 3.99. Grab it now! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photopuppet/id3912... Check out the video tutorials on www.photopuppet.me - you will 'get it' in 2 minutes!
dp88 at 8:11pm 5th October 2010 This one is cool for musicians: iMusician PJS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YbzDgLPIM0
Kerry Whittenberg at 7:15pm 3rd October 2010 I admit, I've not been to this blog in a very long time. nonetheless it had been yet another delight to read your excellent content.
Lutron iPad app controls shades, lights, temperature and more at 6:12pm 22nd September 2010 [...] grand into custom-installed Lutron fixtures to partake, but for those with the requisite goods, the iPad app will eliminate the need for custom keypads and PCs for programming. According to Lutron, the app [...]
Amanda at 3:07am 9th September 2010 I love having a look around the app store however, i dont like how they organise it . yes they got catagories but as their is so many apps in each catagory I feel they need to have a filter or even sub-catagories. then this will make life easier when finding great hidden apps. yes you got the search function but if you dont know exactly what you are after then this is no good. APPLE BOFFINS, their is 100's of thousand apps, please make life easier
1. Rohan at 1:40pm 9th October 2010 We are working on doing that on our site - http://www.onedayoneapp.com/
Nadine phelps at 7:19pm 7th September 2010 Looking for an iPad app that will record people's zip codes as they enter an event so that we can qualify for county tourism funds for our event next year. It needs to be quick and easy to use. Any ideas would be welcome
tee at 2:38pm 25th August 2010 There is no skype application for the Ipad - only the iphone.................
1. Kevin at 7:02pm 18th September 2010 Download the iphone one it works fine
What Apps Should I Download For My iPhone? | Hijinks Inc. at 12:44pm 15th August 2010 [...] Digital Trends Best iPhone or iPod Touch or iPad Apps [...]
Aussie Joe at 1:50am 6th August 2010 Netflix may be a great App for the US but how about including Apps that are available worldwide!!!!!
Ryan at 9:52pm 5th August 2010 Check out this New Iphone and Ipad(HD) app by Master Framer Eli Wilner, allows you to use over 100 of his amazing antique and custom frames. Wilner & Co. has built replicas of antique frames for 26 White House paintings. He lent Christie's a replica frame for a 1932 portrait by Pablo Picasso that fetched $106.5 million this spring—the most ever paid for a work of art at auction. Christie's says the buyer later acquired the frame for about $60,000. Now you can frame your photos with the same antique frames that hang in the White House as well as Gallery's and Museums around the world. http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB100014... to get the app and instantly turn your photos into masterpieces-- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photo-frames-hd-by...
Jeff at 2:11pm 30th July 2010 Hey, in the games category you missed 'AstroPhobia!' Best iPad Arcade Game app of 2010! Wicked addictive. http://www.jhandy.com/astrophobia/ Only 99 cents!
Richard Prince at 4:06pm 13th July 2010 Wake up dude, the Nokia has a tiny 3.5 in screen, a tiny crappy rice keyboard and no apps store... you don't get it and never will. iPad is an enhanced multimedia eReader and not even in the same category as a smartphone. Nokia, for get it, they dropped the ball a long time ago.
1. Frank.NL at 12:20am 17th August 2010 I completely agree. I own an iPad AND a Nokia N800 and they are in different league alltogether. The Maemo OS on the Nokia is a pain, not to speak of the slow hardware and bad browser. iPad has a few quirks of its own, but nowhere near those of the Nx00 Nokia *@#^%^#...
2. girlygirly at 5:33am 21st October 2010 Amen.
3. girly girly at 5:35am 21st October 2010 Thank you. You are so right.
cool person at 8:49am 1st July 2010 does ipad have webcam,i don't think so
1. Matty Thornley at 10:47am 14th July 2011 the iPad 2 has one. =/
cool person at 8:47am 1st July 2010 is there a cricket app or any other sport games
@iphoneapps360 at 2:24pm 24th June 2010 Video Pro for Facebook HD Watch Facebook videos on your iPad. View your favorite Facebook videos on iPad - in landscape mode for a awesome viewing experience Download now: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/video-pro-for-face...
@iphoneapps360 at 3:06pm 19th June 2010 'Nutrition Facts' iPad App Nutrition Facts' helps you track calories, search nutrition information for popular foods (including fast-foods). Carry it around in your iPad all the time to keep on top of your diet, and achieve your daily nutrition or weight-loss goal. Download Now: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nutrition-facts-fo...
Naples Smart Girl at 6:20pm 16th June 2010 I wish there was a good map app that didn't require a signal.
1. Matt at 9:00am 11th July 2010 It does I know a lot That don't require A signal. If you want a list here's my email matthewevans206@Gmail.com email me I'll send u a list
  1. Raj at 7:26am 4th August 2010 hi good
  2. mario at 5:24am 23rd November 2010 i want the list too
  3. JARED at 6:50am 27th February 2011 can i get A LISR
Bob at 5:29pm 13th June 2010 Apps to get:

Doodle Jump $1.19
Photochop FREE
Paper Toss World Tour $1.19
Uno HD $5.99
Google Earth FREE
BOMRadar $1.19
Shazam FREE
Skype FREE
Photogene $2.49
Labyrinth 2 HD $9.99
Spawn HD $2.99
myHomework FREE
Dash of Color FREE
iPiggy $1.19
Angry Birds HD $5.99
N.O.V.A HD $8.99
200+ Cool Wallpapers HD FREE
Waterslide Extreme FREE
Keynote $12.99
Pages $12.99
Numbers $12.99
Real Racing HD $12.99
Plants vs. Zomies HD $12.99
iBook FREE
Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies $12.99
3D Drum Kit for iPad $3.99
Rop'n'Fly 2 HD $2.49
90 in 1 : Appzilla $1.19
Zombie Farm FREE
Flick Kick Rugby $1.19
Flight Control HD $5.99
1. Manoj Jasra at 9:09am 17th August 2010 With the arrival of my baby girl a couple of months ago, I've been looking for good educational apps for kids in the iPad app store. There actually isn't a whole lot compared to the amount of games and business applications so a group of friends and I decided to build one for ourselves. It's called Josh and Emma Go to the Beach (priced at $1.99) and it just hit the app store, so get it while it's hot! Here's a brief description of the iPad app: They are brother and sister and love to go on adventures with their mom and dad. Tag along with Josh & Emma as they discover the world around them. Josh & Emma Go to the Beach is the first in the series of Josh & Emma educational apps for iPad. There are many more to come. Each app is designed to help children ages 2 to 6 learn their numbers, colours and the proper names of objects.
  1. Manoj at 9:13am 17th August 2010 Download Josh and Emma here: http://www.joshandemma.com/
  2. dip shit at 8:29pm 17th February 2011 Don't worry...by the time your kid is old enough to "benefit" from educational apps, there will have been many iterations/new apps developed. In the meantime, settle down!
  3. sophie at 6:41am 1st April 2011 Try this: "I can drawrite", here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/i-can-drawrite/id4... for 3-6 children.
2. bobs dumb at 11:54am 22nd October 2010 bob how about you post IPAD apps and not IPHONE apps?
3. Aaron Scott at 5:47pm 5th May 2011 Call of duty world at war zombies is the best game ever
Northorn at 8:50am 3rd June 2010 Check out OmniSketch at http://OmniSketch.com. The new version should be approved soon and has 18 brushes, slide show, online gallery and more.

Check out some videos here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=ADCB136...
christian colon at 6:40am 3rd June 2010 Great aps!
1. Alina at 10:28am 27th February 2011 You may also like We Search HD: http://agilescreensavers.com/index.php?page=ig_We...
2. SarahMichelle at 7:22pm 28th March 2011 Jurassic Pick is another must have app that should definitely be on this list. It has saved my friends and me countless hours on the weekends deciding where we should go out to eat and what we should do afterwards. It's also great when we decide we want to see a movie and we can't figure out which one to watch. I highly recommend Jurassic Pick for anyone. I use it so much now that I have it docked on the bottom of my screen right next to Safari!
Damien Paul at 9:23pm 1st June 2010 Maybe not the best best best app, but as the world cup is coming up in 9 days and since this is the ONLY ipad live soccer app it is for sure an essential app
Http://www.goalserve.com/ipad
Benny at 3:05am 31st May 2010 What about password keepers?
1. Hogan at 7:55pm 3rd December 2010 Password keepers are apps that allow you to password protect a list of all your other passwords for ease of retrieval, except for the one time you forget the password that protects all your other passwords, at which time the password keeper guarantees that you will lose ALL your passwords in one giant swoop.
aden at 2:56pm 26th May 2010 How about photo apps? iPad finally has a screen big enough to see them.
1. Sort Shots - iPad Edition
2. Photogene
3. <add more here>
1. iod at 3:04pm 17th October 2010 try Photopuppet
2. Ronald at 5:24pm 26th January 2011 Aden, MediaPadPro. You can Showcase and Customize your Photo's and Videos.