My Personal List of Everyday Apps for Regular Folks in 2025

A journey through the digital tools of Dima’s daily life.

Preface

In this post, I want to share my personal collection of apps that make my everyday life smoother, more organized, and a bit more fun. This isn’t a list of hardcore professional tools or niche apps for software engineers – this is all about the apps that regular folks can use and enjoy. Each app has earned its spot on my devices for a reason, and I’ll walk you through how I use them, why they matter to me, and maybe even inspire you to try a few of them yourself.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the apps that make my life click!

💡 Tip

Curious about my full list of apps? Visit my public Notion database to explore:

• Grouped by status (e.g., Now, On Review) or category (e.g., AI, CLI tools).
• Views like tables for details and galleries for visuals.
• Predefined filters to quickly find what interests you.

Check it out here!

AI Assistants

For me they’re about making life easier, solving problems, and even sparking creativity.

ChatGPT is my default AI assistant. I use ChatGPT for a wide variety of tasks, from writing and brainstorming to learning new concepts or even just chatting about random topics. It’s my versatile assistant. It goes without saying – this app is part of my daily routine.

Books, Magazines, and Podcasts

This group is my digital bookshelf, podcast library, and gateway to a world of ideas and entertainment. Whether I’m diving into a good book, catching up on the latest podcast episodes, or exploring insightful articles, these applications weave seamlessly into my daily life.

My Reading

For books, Apple Books is the cornerstone. It’s my primary reader on the iPad, where I store and read my favorite titles. When it comes to managing and organizing my digital library, Calibre is an unbeatable companion. It’s a robust e-book organizer that helps me keep my collection neat and accessible. And, of course, there’s Goodreads, the ultimate social platform for book lovers. I use it to track my reading, write reviews, and share recommendations with friends.

Sometimes, I need a quicker way to absorb knowledge, and that’s where Headway steps in. This app delivers daily book summaries, condensing key insights into digestible nuggets. It’s perfect for those moments when I want to learn something new without committing to a full book.

Audiobooks and Podcasts

Audiobooks occasionally replace traditional reading for me, and Prologue serves as my audiobook player when I want to listen instead of read. On the podcast front, Apple Podcasts is a daily staple. From thought-provoking conversations to entertaining stories, this app ensures I’m always in the loop. It’s a ritual I look forward to, whether during a commute, a workout, or just a quiet evening.

Broadening My Horizons

For more business-focused content, McKinsey Insights is a favorite. It offers analytics, case studies, and expert opinions on global trends – my go-to for staying informed about the business world.

Adding to this is Feedly, my personalized news aggregator. It helps me stay updated by collecting and organizing articles, blogs, and content from my favorite sources. Feedly ensures I never miss out on important topics while filtering out unnecessary noise.

Together, these apps form a cohesive ecosystem that fuels my curiosity, keeps me entertained, and ensures I’m always learning. They interact beautifully: I might discover a book on Goodreads, read it on Apple Books, then dive into a related podcast or summary on Headway.

Documents, Text and Speech

This group is all about crafting, organizing, and presenting ideas. It’s my digital workspace for writing, editing, and processing information in a way that keeps me productive and inspired.

The Everyday Document Toolbox

When it comes to handling documents, Apple Pages, Numbers, and Keynote offer a clean and intuitive way to write, crunch numbers, and create presentations. Whether I’m drafting a letter, managing a simple budget, or designing a slideshow, these apps provide everything I need without unnecessary complexity.

For editing PDFs, Nitro PDF Pro is my Swiss Army knife. It’s perfect for tweaking, annotating, and organizing PDF documents – whether I’m preparing forms or just tidying up a scanned file.

Writing with Style

When I need a distraction-free space for creative or structured writing, iA Writer is my digital “Moleskine.” Its minimalistic interface and Markdown support let me focus entirely on my words. Alongside it is Ulysses, another Markdown editor with a sleek design that’s perfect for longer projects, like articles or storytelling.

Command-Line Gems

The command line is a quiet powerhouse for managing files and text. bat takes the humble cat command to the next level with syntax highlighting, while eza modernizes ls with a cleaner and more detailed file listing. fd is my speedy alternative to find, and fzf brings fuzzy searching magic to the terminal. These tools aren’t just about utility – they’re about making every task a little more efficient.

For those times when I need to dive deep into the metadata of files, ExifTool is my go-to. Whether it’s photos, documents, or other media, this tool makes extracting and editing metadata a breeze.

These apps and tools create a seamless environment for handling all things text, documents, and beyond. Whether I’m crafting a report, writing a story, or sifting through files with command-line wizardry, this Group keeps my workflow fluid and productive.

Education

Here is where my curiosity meets structured learning. These apps are like having a personal classroom in my pocket, helping me learn new skills, practice languages, and explore the vast world of knowledge at my own pace.

Flashcards and Focus

Quizlet is my go-to app for learning through flashcards. Whether I’m brushing up on a foreign language, memorizing technical terms, or even preparing for a quiz, Quizlet makes it easy to create and review custom sets of flashcards. Its intuitive design and variety of study modes keep the process engaging and effective.

Language Learning Made Personal

ELSA Speak takes English language learning to the next level with its AI-powered approach to improving pronunciation. I use it to train my ear and speech for correct pronunciation, which is especially handy when refining my spoken English. It feels like having a patient tutor always ready to help.

A World of Courses

When it comes to structured, high-quality education, Coursera opens doors to courses from top universities and institutions. From technical certifications to personal development, the breadth of content is inspiring. It’s my platform of choice when I want to explore in-depth topics or pick up new professional skills.

Together, these apps create an enriching learning environment, turning downtime into productive opportunities to expand my horizons. Whether it’s a quick flashcard session, practicing perfect pronunciation, or diving deep into an online course, this Group ensures that learning never stops.

Entertainment

Streaming and Media

At the heart of this group is Plex, my personal all-in-one media server. It transforms my digital media library into a streaming platform that I can access anywhere. Whether it’s a movie or a family video, Plex makes everything beautifully organized and readily available.

For streaming, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV are my go-to apps. Each platform has its unique offerings.

Live Events and Social Gatherings

When it’s time to step out and experience the world, Ticketmaster and Eventbrite are invaluable. Whether I’m booking tickets to a concert, theater, or community event, these apps make it effortless to discover and secure a spot at exciting live experiences.

To connect with like-minded people, Meetup shines as a platform for finding local gatherings and interest-based events. It’s a great way to step out of the digital bubble and engage in real-world activities, from hobby groups to professional networking.

Finance

The Finance group is where practicality meets planning. These apps help me stay on top of my finances, offering tools to budget, track spending, and manage my financial goals with ease.

Budgeting with Purpose

YNAB (You Need A Budget) is the cornerstone of my financial planning. This app isn’t just about tracking expenses; it’s about giving every euro a job. From monthly budgeting to saving for big goals, YNAB acts like a personal financial advisor in my pocket. It helps me stay disciplined and intentional about where my money goes, giving me peace of mind and clarity in managing my finances.

Recently, I’ve been exploring Spiir, a free personal finance app that aggregates transactions and provides insights into spending habits. Its user-friendly interface and automated tracking make it a fun and simple way to get a high-level view of my financial health. While I’m still experimenting with Spiir, it’s proving to be a handy tool for spotting trends and making smarter financial decisions.

Together, these apps form a cohesive financial toolkit. They not only keep me organized but also empower me to take control of my money with confidence. Whether it’s fine-tuning a budget or exploring new ways to understand spending, this Group ensures my finances are always in check.

Graphics and Design, Photo and Video

The Graphics and Design, Photo and Video group is where creativity and organization meet. These apps help me manage, edit, and even showcase my visual content with ease.

Photo Management and Backup

My photo journey starts with Apple Photos, where all my pictures and videos naturally land, thanks to my iPhone. It’s my default hub for capturing and enjoying moments. From there, Google Photos steps in as a reliable backup. For a more tailored storage solution, Synology Photos integrates beautifully with my setup, syncing photos directly from Apple Photos to my NAS for organization and long-term storage.

Tools for Visual Magic

When I need to dive deeper into photo details, ExifTool becomes invaluable. It’s my go-to for accessing and tweaking metadata, making it perfect for organizing or troubleshooting visual files. For advanced media manipulation, FFmpeg shines as a versatile tool for converting and editing videos.

Showcase and Utility

If I’m presenting or recording tutorials, KeyCastr is an indispensable tool. This tiny app lets me visualize keystrokes on screen – perfect for creating clear and engaging instructional videos. And let’s not forget Plex, which is my media server.

Together, these apps create a streamlined ecosystem for managing, editing, and showcasing visual content. Whether it’s backing up memories, editing a quick clip, or preparing a tutorial, this Group ensures that every visual need is covered with style and efficiency.

Information Security

The Information Security group is my digital fortress, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure and that my online activities stay private. These apps blend usability with robust protection, making security a natural part of my daily digital life.

Managing Sensitive Data

Apple Passwords is my default password manager, seamlessly integrated into the Apple ecosystem. It ensures that my credentials are safely stored and easily accessible whenever needed, all while maintaining a high standard of encryption and privacy.

Privacy and Connectivity

When it comes to online privacy, ClearVPN takes the lead. It’s not just another VPN – it’s a beautifully designed tool that makes securing my internet connection as simple as tapping a button. Whether I’m browsing in public or accessing region-restricted content, ClearVPN keeps my activity private and unrestricted.

Streamlining Secure Connections

Tailscale is another standout in this Group, offering a zero-configuration VPN that’s perfect for building secure and private networks. I use it to organize my devices (phones, tablets, laptops, NAS) and create seamless connections between them, whether for personal use or for setting up a secure development environment. It’s simple, fast, and reliable.

This Group represents the foundation of my digital security strategy. From safeguarding credentials to protecting online activity and connecting devices securely, these apps are indispensable in keeping my digital life safe and private.

Music

Whether it’s discovering new tracks, revisiting old favorites, or setting the mood, these apps make music an integral part of my world.

Streaming and Personal Playlists

Apple Music is at the heart of my music experience. It’s where I curate playlists, explore new releases, and enjoy seamless integration with my Apple devices. Whether I’m working, relaxing, or on the move, Apple Music provides the perfect soundtrack to match my mood.

For variety and discovery, YouTube Music complements Apple Music with its extensive library and unique mixes. It’s a great platform for finding hidden gems and enjoying music videos, making it an all-encompassing experience for both audio and visual entertainment.

A Personal Music Hub

Plex shines here again, serving as my personal media server for music. Beyond movies and photos, it organizes and streams my personal music collection effortlessly. It’s the perfect solution for keeping all my favorite tracks in one place, available anytime, anywhere.

Live Experiences

Music isn’t just about streaming – it’s also about experiencing it live. Ticketmaster plays a key role in connecting me to concerts and live performances. From securing tickets to discovering events in my area, it ensures I never miss a chance to see my favorite artists on stage.

This Group ensures that music remains an inspiring and accessible part of my day. Whether through streaming, personal collections, or live events, it’s a constant source of joy and creativity.

Productivity Tools

The Productivity Tools group is the cornerstone of my daily efficiency. These apps keep me organized, on schedule, and in control of my personal and professional life. They work seamlessly together to ensure that no detail slips through the cracks.

Scheduling and Time Management

It all begins with Apple Calendar, my trusted partner in staying on top of appointments and events. For those extra-important meetings or deadlines, In Your Face takes reminders to a whole new level, displaying fullscreen notifications that are impossible to miss. Together, they ensure I never forget what matters most.

Files and Storage

File management is organised by means of Apple iCloud Drive, Google Backup and Sync, Microsoft OneDrive, and Synology Drive Client. These tools keep my files secure and accessible, whether I’m working from my MacBook or syncing data across devices. Each platform offers unique strengths, giving me flexibility to store, share, and back up important documents with ease.

Contacts and Notes

Apple Contacts is my digital address book, ensuring I have everyone’s details at my fingertips. For quick thoughts, lists, or creative ideas, Apple Notes is a dependable space to jot things down. Its simplicity and integration across devices make it one of my most-used tools.

Tasks, Information, and Knowledge

Managing tasks is effortless with Apple Reminders, my go-to for tracking everything from errands to work projects. For staying informed, Feedly aggregates updates from my favorite blogs and websites, keeping me in the loop without the distraction of endless browsing.

On a more strategic level, Notion serves as my all-in-one workspace. Whether I’m planning projects, tracking goals, or building a personal knowledge base, Notion’s versatility makes it indispensable.

Internet Browsing and Downloads

Safari is my browser of choice, offering speed, security, and smooth integration with my Apple ecosystem. When language barriers arise, Mate Translate steps in as a reliable translator, making multilingual communication and exploration a breeze. For downloading videos, Downie is a reliable tool that works effortlessly across a wide range of platforms.

All-in-One Subscription

Setapp takes app discovery to a whole new level with its subscription-based model. This service provides access to a carefully selected suite of apps, covering everything from productivity to creativity. With one subscription, I unlock a world of premium apps that would otherwise require individual purchases. It’s a cost-effective and efficient way to access high-quality tools that align with my needs.

This Group is my productivity powerhouse, streamlining every aspect of my day. From managing my schedule and files to staying informed, these tools ensure that I can focus on what truly matters.

Social Networking and Collaboration

The Social Networking and Collaboration group is my digital connection hub. These apps enable communication, collaboration, and staying in touch with the world – whether for work, personal chats, or exploring shared interests.

Communication Tools

For messaging, Apple Messages is my go-to platform. Its seamless integration across Apple devices makes it the most convenient way to stay in touch. When I need to connect outside the Apple ecosystem, WhatsApp steps in as a reliable alternative for chatting with friends and family. Meanwhile, Telegram serves a dual purpose: it’s both a messaging app and a source of curated news through its diverse channels.

When it comes to calls, FaceTime is unmatched. It’s my preferred tool for video and audio conversations, offering high-quality connections with the simplicity and reliability I’ve come to expect from Apple.

Collaboration and Work

For professional collaboration, Microsoft Teams is my go-to at work. It combines chat, video calls, and document sharing, keeping projects and communication streamlined. While it’s not my everyday app outside the office, it’s essential for team collaboration.

Networking and Events

When I’m looking to explore events or connect with like-minded individuals, Eventbrite and Meetup are invaluable. They make discovering local and virtual gatherings easy, whether I’m interested in professional development or pursuing hobbies with others.

Specialized Insights

Truecaller has earned its place by helping me identify and ignore spam calls – a small but significant way to reduce distractions.

On the career side, Level.fyi offers insights into career ladders, helping me understand professional growth opportunities and industry standards.

This Group is a dynamic blend of tools that keep me connected, informed, and engaged with my community. Whether it’s catching up with friends, collaborating with colleagues, or finding new opportunities, these apps are at the heart of my digital interactions.

System Utilities

The System Utilities group is my digital maintenance crew, keeping my devices running smoothly and efficiently.

Email and Productivity

Apple Mail is my default email client for personal correspondence, and for good reason. Its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem means I can access my emails effortlessly across all my devices, whether it’s my MacBook, iPad, or iPhone. The app’s Clean Inbox feature automatically organizes and filters emails, helping me prioritize what’s important and declutter my inbox. Another standout feature is Mail Privacy Protection, which blocks trackers from detecting when I open an email or collecting my IP address, ensuring a higher level of privacy. With the ability to schedule emails, create smart mailboxes, and access rich text formatting, Apple Mail is not just an email client – it’s a robust tool for managing communications efficiently and securely.

For work emails, Microsoft Outlook handles corporate communications with ease, keeping my professional life organized.

When it comes to productivity, Raycast is a game-changer. It’s my application of the year for 2024, acting as a shortcut to everything I need – launching apps, running commands, and even managing tasks, all with a few keystrokes. It’s like having a supercharged assistant built into my Mac.

ℹ️ Note

Raycast is a game-changer. It’s my application of the year for 2024.

Calculations

Numi is my go-to calculator app, combining simplicity and power. Whether I’m doing quick arithmetic or complex conversions, Numi handles it all in a clean, intuitive interface.

For quick and versatile calculations, Numi is my preferred app on macOS. Its ability to handle everything from basic arithmetic to complex conversions makes it a super convenient tool. But when I’m on my iPad or phone, Apple Calculator takes the spotlight. Its new Math Note feature has completely transformed how I interact with calculations, allowing me to write equations directly and see results in real time. It’s a fantastic addition for both casual use and more detailed problem-solving.

Device Optimization and Cleaning

For maintaining my devices I use MacPaw CleanMyMac X, an indispensable tool for keeping my Mac clean, fast, and free of unnecessary clutter. On the mobile side, CleanMyPhone ensures my iPhone stays optimized by clearing out digital debris.

Enhanced Functionality

Hyperkey transforms my keyboard into a productivity powerhouse. Since I rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts, Hyperkey is an essential tool that makes navigation and operations faster than ever. For managing my Mac’s menu bar, Ice is a sleek utility that helps me declutter and organize frequently used apps.

Specialized Utilities

KeyCastr is my go-to for visualizing keystrokes, particularly useful when creating tutorials or giving presentations. It’s a small utility with a big impact on clarity and communication.

This Group is the backbone of my tech setup, ensuring that my devices are not just functional but optimized for productivity and efficiency. From managing emails to cleaning my Mac and enhancing workflows, these tools are indispensable in my digital life.

Travel

The Travel group is my trusted companion for planning and organizing trips. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, having the right tools ensures every journey is smooth and enjoyable.

Planning with Ease

Tripsy is at the heart of this Group. It’s a convenient travel planning app that consolidates all my itineraries, reservations, and plans into one beautifully designed space. From flights and accommodations to activities and local tips, Tripsy ensures that all the details are organized and easily accessible. It has seamlessly replaced traditional tools, becoming my go-to planner for any trip.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a tour through the digital apps that make up my everyday life. From staying productive to managing photos, connecting with others, and even planning trips, these apps represent a blend of functionality and enjoyment. They aren’t just tools; they’re enablers of a smoother, more organized, and inspired day-to-day experience.

This post focused on apps for “regular folks,” but my digital toolkit extends far beyond this list. If this kind of content resonates with you, I’d be excited to share similar posts in the future. Imagine a deep dive into the specialized tools I use as a Software Engineer or the creative arsenal that fuels my content creation efforts. Let me know if you’d be interested – I’d love to keep exploring and sharing with you.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through my apps. Whether you’re here to discover new tools, gain insights into their uses, or just out of curiosity, I hope you’ve found something valuable. Until next time, happy app exploring! 😊

💡 Tip

If you’re curious to dive deeper into the apps I use or explore them in more detail, I’ve got you covered! I’ve created a publicly accessible Notion database that showcases my complete collection of applications. It’s designed to be interactive and easy to navigate, offering a variety of views and filters to suit your interests.

Here’s what you can do:

• Explore by Group or Status: Browse apps grouped by their current status (e.g., “Now,” “On Review or Trial”) or their categories like AI or CLI/TUI tools.
• Switch Between Layouts: Choose between table views for detailed information or gallery views for a more visual experience.
• Filter to Your Needs: Use filters to narrow down the apps by specific attributes, such as platform, operating system, or target audience.

Click the link below to explore my full app database and uncover tools that might become your next favorites Explore My App Database on Notion

Enjoy browsing, and let me know if you find something you love or have questions about how I use a particular app! 😊