Best Android apps

Productivity

Google Keep (Free)

There are plenty of to-do list apps and note-taking apps to help you keep organized, but when Google makes a new app it’s generally worth a look. Google Keep is a lot like a basic version of Evernote. It allows you to type notes or lists, you can add photos and annotate them, and you can record audio files which are automatically transcribed. There’s a widget for quick capture, and your content is automatically shared through your Google account. For anyone already invested in the Google ecosystem this is a welcome addition.

Sidebar Pro ($2)

If you like to multitask, you may feel that Android is missing a sidebar menu where you can tap in and out of your favorite apps. That’s what Sidebar Pro delivers – a fully customizable sidebar that you can add whatever you want to. It’s quick and easy to use, which is the whole point really. As well as quick access to apps, you’ll find widget toggle options so you can flick things like Wi-Fi on and off. This is a time saving essential for multitasking fans.

Any.DO (Free)

This stylish productivity app allows you to create task lists and save notes. It supports cloud syncing and it’s easy to share lists across devices. The minimalist interface with intuitive gestures makes it very accessible. You can set alerts and reminders, customize the layout, use speech recognition instead of typing, and take advantage of the widgets for home screen updates. If you are looking for a simple task list app then check it out.

LifeKraze (Free)

Everyone can use some positive reinforcement in life. That’s the idea behind LifeKraze, a social network that encourages you to gamify your life and share your achievements with others. You can post 160-character updates on what you’ve done and receive points, cheers, high fives, and comments to encourage you. As an extra incentive, the points can earn you discounts on brands like The North Face, Skullcandy, and O’Neill. It’s refreshingly positive.

Runkeeper (Free)

Whether you’re running, cycling, or hiking, Runkeeper is a great way to track your progress via GPS on your Android phone. You’ll get a real-time readout of the distance you’ve covered and your speed and what that means in terms of calories burned. You can also measure your heart rate, set audio cues for specific targets, and listen to music while the app runs. It goes beyond the standard social media integration to hook into more than 70 other apps and services. Forget about hiring an expensive personal trainer; just download Runkeeper.

Hotel Tonight (Free)

If you’re looking for a last minute hotel then you’ll find some excellent bargains through this app. It covers most of the major U.S. cities, along with a handful of popular destinations around the world. The whole idea is same-day rooms at drastically reduced prices (up to 70 percent off). You can find detailed reviews and photographs of the hotels and book a room directly through the app. It’s a great option for city-hopping travelers.

avast! Mobile Security (Free)

he best antivirus and anti-theft app for Android is completely free. Since we took a look at it in our roundup of the best Android security apps, it has actually been improved with a host of new online tools. The detection rate for malware is second to none and the anti-theft tools surpass what you’ll find in many premium apps. You’ll find some peace of mind with this app installed.

Out of Milk (Free)

There are a lot of task managers and list apps, but Out of Milk seems to be a particularly nice one. It lets you store your lists and to-dos on the net so you can access them from the Web and is especially good for organizing what food items you already have and what you need to buy. The free version of the app has most features, but if you’re willing to cough up a $5, the premium version lets you customize the experience and use the sync features and widgets as well as manage coupons and some other items.

Kayak Flight & Hotel Search (Free)

We now have an Android app from one of the best flight-search websites on the web. Just like the website, the app lets you search multiple airlines and deal websites for the best price on a flight. The app also lets you book travel, find hotel or car rental deals, and track the status of your flight. If you’re ever stuck in an airport and just found out your flight was cancelled, this handy app might be the fastest and cheapest way to book a new one.

Mint (Free)

This app is essentially a mobile version of the online financial planning website Mint, which can keep track of multiple bank accounts or credit cards to help you stay on budget. The app automatically updates information from your accounts and has tools like budgets for different spending categories and alerts that will tell you when you’ve gone over a specified budget for the month. The app has a helpful visual interface that makes dealing with your finances as simple as possible.

Dropbox (Free)

For those who use Dropbox on their desktops already, this app performs pretty much the same function on your phone. With Dropbox, users can upload or download files to their accounts without carrying around a pesky flash drive at all times. The download and upload speeds are quick on 3G, and the app includes several sharing options for files that you have downloaded. This makes for easy transference of files to and from your computer and your Android device.

TripIt – Travel Organizer (Free)

Travel is complicated. Between flight confirmation numbers, hotel addresses and phone numbers for all of the above, staying organized can entail a hefty wad of paper in your carryon and a lot of wasted time leafing through it all. TripIt stores all your pertinent trip information in a neatly organized form, and can even generate itineraries automatically by e-mailing it confirmations from different travel organizations.

Cab4Me Taxi Finder (Free)

A simple outstretched hand will do the trick in midtown Manhattan, but if you’re looking for a cab in less frequented places around the world, Cab4Me will bring them to your feet with the press of a button. By locating you with GPS, it only lists cab companies that service the area you’re in, and even shows details like how many cabs they have available and what forms of payment they’ll accept.

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