Smartwatches have become ubiquitous, primarily due to their availability at various price points. You can find budget smartwatches for a few hundred dollars or premium ones that can record an electrocardiogram. While most of these watches offer plenty of functionality, Wear OS smartwatches take it to the next level by allowing you to download apps from the Play Store. So, if you've recently purchased an Android smartwatch, we've compiled a list of the 10 best Wear OS apps to make the most of it.
No, we won't mention apps like Strava or Google Fit, as activity tracking is a staple feature of every smartwatch. Instead, we've come up with a list of great Wear OS apps that expand your smartwatch's functionality beyond fitness.
So, when you're not running or hiking, these apps will let you maximize the capabilities of your Wear OS smartwatch. Let's get to them now.
Note: All apps in this list are free. However, they may contain in-app purchases.
1. Samsung Internet Browser: The Best Browser for WEAR
Browsing on a small, circular screen may not seem like the most exciting idea. However, there may be times when you want to quickly glance at some information. Samsung's Internet browser lets you do this without pulling out your phone.
The interface has been optimized for the smartwatch screen, so you don't have to use a magnifying glass to navigate. You can set bookmarks or access your phone's bookmarks directly on the watch. Furthermore, sites like YouTube also load smoothly, so if you want to watch a video on your wrist for whatever reason, you can.
It's a useful app that you can put on your watch even if you won't use it every day.
Download Samsung Internet Browser
2. WHATSAPP MESSENGER: The best messaging app for WEAR OS
Meta recently introduced an app WhatsApp for Wear OS, allowing users to send and receive messages directly from their smartwatch. Although the app is extremely popular, we mention it because WhatsApp for Wear OS allows you to start conversations without your phone.
So, if you're in a situation where you can't take out your phone but want to send an important message, WhatsApp comes in handy. The interface is smooth, and you can view your conversations with all your contacts on your wrist.
If you do not want to send SMS using Messages app For Wear OS, you can choose to use WhatsApp.
3. TICKTICK: The best to-do list app
A smartwatch is an excellent tool for creating to-do lists on the go. Let's say you're working and suddenly remember to add milk to your shopping list. You can do this using TickTick directly from your watch, instead of reaching for your phone and getting distracted.
TickTick can also be used to set reminders. On a specific date and time you specify, the app will notify you on your wrist, along with the desired message. You can then mark the task as complete from your watch.
If you often create checklists or set reminders for tasks throughout the day, TickTick is a must-have.
4.SEVEN: The best quick workout app
Let's face it. Many of us want to get fitter, but are too lazy to exercise. Or you may not have the time to visit the gym every day. Seven targets this specific demographic. As the name suggests, the app gives you a workout routine that lasts just seven minutes.
Set your goals and exercise intensity in the app, and Seven will create a routine for you. Then, at a specific time each day at your convenience, the app sends you a gentle reminder on your wrist to exercise. When you start your workout, you can see prompts to help you exercise right on your wrist.
Here's a personal story - my goal was to lose weight, and I lost 3 kilograms in just one month by exercising for seven minutes a day!
5. FACER: The best app for customizing your watch face
Most Wear OS watches come with several watch face options right out of the box. However, if you don't like any of them, Wear OS allows you to set third-party watch faces—unlike its fruity competitor.
In addition to offering a variety of new watch faces, Facer allows you to customize and create your own watch face. So, whether you want an analog watch to mimic a sleek Rolex or a digital one similar to a G-Shock, all the tools are at your disposal.
Browse thousands of watch faces and choose the one you like. In fact, you can download multiple watch faces and switch between them depending on the occasion.
6. VELOCITY GPS DASHBOARD: Speedometer for WEAR OS
Whether you're walking, running, or taking public transportation, you've probably wondered how fast you're moving. The speed dashboard tells you exactly that—right on your wrist. The app uses your smartwatch's built-in GPS to calculate your speed based on distance and time.
Aside from this, it also has a trip log, so if you want to track your rides, the app lets you do that too. I use the app when cycling to check my speed, as my bike doesn't have a speedometer. It's also fun to check your speed with the app when traveling by train or before taking a flight!
Download Velocity GPS Dashboard
7. INFINITY LOOP:Best game for WEAR OS
There are plenty of games for Wear OS, so your watch can keep you busy if you're stuck in a boring meeting. While it's difficult to pick just one game to recommend, Infinity Loop is the best, thanks to its simple interface and logical gameplay.
While it keeps you entertained, Infinity Loop also keeps your mind engaged as you solve challenging puzzles. At the beginning of each round, you're given a random pattern. You need to rotate the patterns to form closed loops or circles. Trust me, this article took 30 minutes to finish because I was hooked on the game while testing it!
8. Water Tracker: The best app to track your daily water intake
It's recommended that adults consume 2-3 liters of water per day. Before we go any further, ask yourself if you're consistently meeting this goal. If not, it's time to download the Water Tracker app. As the name suggests, the Water Tracker app allows you to record your daily water intake throughout the day.
Every time you drink a glass of water, tap the "+" icon in the app on your smartwatch. Do this until you reach the recommended goal. Now, the problem is that most of us forget to drink water at regular intervals because we're busy at work. To address this problem, the Water Tracker app also reminds you to drink water at a specific time interval.
If you think you're not drinking enough water, you need to install Water Tracker on your smartwatch.
9. WEAR CASTS: The Best Podcast App for WEAR OS
Many users prefer to leave their phones behind for runs or workouts. In such cases, you can stream music to your smartwatch using apps like Spotify or YouTube Music on Wear OS. But what if you're listening to podcasts instead of music? Enter Wear OS.
The app allows you to sync your favorite podcasts to your smartwatch. This way, you can listen to them even when you're not near your phone. The app features podcasts from all popular platforms, such as Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. While the app is easy to use, we wish the user interface was more modern and polished.
10. SHAZAM: Identify music on your smartwatch
How many times have you heard a song on the radio or in a restaurant and wondered what song would come on next? Thanks to Shazam, you won't have to live with the regret of never listening to those catchy tunes again. While Shazam can be used on your phone, using it on your smartwatch is even more convenient.
You don't have to take out your smartphone when listening to a song. Simply launch the app on your wrist, and it will automatically start listening to any audio playing around you. After a few seconds, you'll see the song's name, along with the album and artist.
common questions:
Q1. Can I use Wear OS apps without connecting to my smartphone?
The answer: Yes, you can use most of the apps mentioned above without connecting them to your smartphone. In fact, if you have a cellular smartwatch, you can make calls and use apps that require an internet connection without your smartphone.
Q2. What is the best Wear OS smartwatch to buy?
The answer: Unfortunately, it's difficult to recommend a smartwatch that fits everyone's needs. You can check out: Our smartwatch recommendations Across different categories and choose the one that suits your needs
Q3. Can I download Android apps on a Wear OS smartwatch?
The answer: You can actually Download and install APK files on Wear OS smartwatchesHowever, make sure you download the correct version of the app before installing it.
Get the most out of your smartwatch
A smartwatch is more than just a fitness tracker. By downloading a few of the best Wear OS apps from the list above, you can enhance your smartwatch's functionality in multiple ways. What's your favorite Wear OS app, and why? Let us know in the comments below, and we'll add it to the list.
