10 Apps You Wish You Found Sooner
With so many apps flooding the app stores every day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But sometimes the best apps are the hidden gems that don’t make the front page. After some extensive research, we've found 10 underrated apps that deserve a spot on your phone, and chances are you haven't heard most of them.
1. Finch – Self-Care Companion
If you have a hard time with to-do lists but love pets and games, this app is perfect for you. Finch turns your to-do list and gamifies self-care by letting you take care of a little virtual pet as you complete your real-life goals. Each checkmark builds healthier habits while also keeping your pet happy.
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play
2. Merlin – The Bird ID App
Ever wish you could name the bird singing outside your window? Merlin Bird ID makes it possible. Built by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this free app helps identify birds instantly. You can record a bird chirping, take a picture, or upload one from your gallery to get a match. The app also lets you explore guides and range maps to learn more about the birds in your area. It's like having Cordelia Cupp from The Residence in your pocket.
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play
3. Moon Calendar – Cosmic Planning
For those who love watching the phases of the moon, this app helps you stay aligned with lunar cycles. Whether you’re into astrology, gardening, or just like planning around the full moon, it’s a surprisingly handy tool. The app also includes reminders, so you’ll never miss a new or full moon again.
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play
4. Gratitude Jar – Digital Gratitude Practice
A simple but powerful app: write what you’re grateful for, then shake the jar to resurface an old entry. It’s like getting a reminder from your past self to keep perspective. The app encourages a daily gratitude habit, helping you stay more grounded and positive over time. Studies show that practicing gratitude can improve mood and reduce stress, making this small app a surprisingly impactful tool for mental health.
5. Letterboxd – The Movie Buff’s Diary
A must-have for both casual and competitive film lovers. Letterboxd is where you log, rate, and review movies. You can also follow other users' watchlists. It's like Goodreads, but for movies.
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play
6. Paprika – Recipe Keeper & Meal Planner
Paprika cleans up recipe links, without the ads and clutter, so you only see ingredients and directions. You can create grocery lists and even keep your screen awake while cooking. Makes cooking and planning a lot easier.
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play
7. Fable – Book Clubs, Modernized
Think Goodreads with a social twist. Fable transforms reading into a social experience where you can create or join online book clubs. You can also comment chapter by chapter, track your reading habits, interact with other readers in real time, even receive monthly wrap-ups. The UI is clean and modern, and the progress tracking feels more personal.
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play
8. EatOkra – Support Black-Owned Restaurants
EatOkra is a food app with a mission: helping you discover and support Black-owned restaurants in your area. Perfect for exploring new spots while supporting local businesses. The app also features detailed restaurant profiles, user reviews, and easy map navigation so you can find your next meal with ease. It’s a great way to combine food discovery with social impact, making every bite more meaningful.
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play
9. Flight Radar – Planespotter’s Paradise
Have you ever looked up in the sky and saw a plane and wondered where it was flying? Flight Radar lets you track planes flying overhead in real time. You can tap any plane to see its destination, origin, speed, and altitude.
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play
10. SpotAngel – Free Parking Finder
If you live in or are visiting Los Angeles, this app is a must. Parking can be a nightmare in any city, especially LA, and SpotAngel helps by showing you where to find free or available parking nearby. SpotAngel also sends alerts before street cleaning or any parking rules kick in. No more spending 20 minutes looking for parking just to pay $25, SpotAngel helps you save time AND money.
Download on App Store
Download on Google Play
With all the front-page and top-ranking apps competing for your attention, it’s refreshing to find ones that genuinely add value, reduce stress, or make everyday life more fun. Whether you’re tracking the moon, discovering new restaurants, or just trying to park without a ticket, these underrated apps deserve a permanent spot on your home screen. Download a few and you might be surprised which ones become your new daily essentials.