Automatically encrypt your DNS queries so that you can browser privately using Cloudflare's global network. You also get better performance, thanks to 1.1.1.1 being some 28 percent faster than the next fastest public resolver.
No upsells, no in-app purchases, and free for life.
Download here.
Communicate in total privacy using text, voice, and video calls using Signal.
Signal uses an advanced end-to-end encryption protocol that provides privacy for every message every time.
Not only is Signal free, but it's also completely open source, allowing anyone to audit the code. Signal is the only private messenger app that makes use of open source and peer-reviewed cryptographic protocols to keep your messages safe.
Download here.
My favorite desktop browser is also my favorite mobile browser. Not only do I like the speed and ease of use of Google Chrome, but I also find that it can handle a heavy tab workload better than Safari.
I also like how it integrates across all my devices, allowing me to have one common autofill and password repository.
Download here.
Without a doubt, Freedome is my favorite VPN service. I've now used it for several years and not only is it simple to set up, it's also highly reliable, and I rarely encounter any issues when using it -- and I've put terabytes of data though it!
Running it gives me peace of mind that my data is secured, even when using sketchy Wi-Fi connections.
F-Secure FREEDOME VPN is free to download and use for 5 days. It's quick to install – no registrations or settings required. After that, prices start at $5.99 a month.
Download here.
There's are a lot of password managers out there, but based my my testing and real-world usage, LastPass is without a doubt the best of the bunch (and the competition is very stiff).
With the release of iOS 12, LastPass can now autofill from within apps. Simply launch your apps and LastPass will fill in your username and password.
Lastpass securely encrypts your data with AES 256-bit encryption and doesn't have access to any of your data.
Download here.
I've used a lot of weather apps, but I keep coming back to Weather Pro. Not only does it seem to be the most accurate, but it's also well integrated with iOS, and displays weather information is a sensible way.
Whether you just want a basic overview of an in-depth look, Weather Pro has you covered!
• 7-day forecast data in periods of 3 hours
• Weather reports for 2 million worldwide locations
• Comprehensive detail on temperature, wind direction/ speed, air pressure, precipitation amount/ probability, relative humidity, UV index, feels like temperature and more
• Worldwide alerts and warning levels for extreme weather
• Unlimited favourite locations synchronisable via iCloud
• Connection to Netatmo personal weather stations and the Apple Watch
• Global satellite and animated radar for the USA, Australia and much of Europe
• Additional features like: widget, webcams, weather photo, weather news etc.
• No adverts
Download here.
A robust and easy-to-use 2-step authenticator that can be used to protect your Google accounts and other online accounts that support an authenticator.
I've used a number of different authenticator apps and this one is the best by far.
Features include:
• Automatic setup via QR codes
• Support for multiple accounts
• Support for time-based and counter-based code generation
Download here.
If you want to automate something, there's a good chance that you can do it with IFTTT. Over 600 apps work with IFTTT including Twitter, Telegram, Google Drive, Twitch, Weather Underground, Instagram, Gmail, and devices like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Nest, and Philips Hue.
It can seem a bit daunting at first, but once you start using it you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Download here.
Just Press Record is the ultimate mobile audio recorder bringing one tap recording, transcription and iCloud syncing to all your devices. You can operate it hands-free using Siri or from your Apple Watch.
Download here.
For anyone looking for a calculator that does more than the basic one that ships with iOS (folks such as scientists, engineers, students, programmers, and so on), PCalc is for you.
It also comes with an Apple Watch app, meaning that you're never without a calculator!
Download here.
I find that standardizing on one cloud provider makes more sense than having my data spread across multiple providers, and since I use a number of devices and operating systems, Dropbox makes the most sense.
Features:
• Work on files with others through shared folders
• Use the doc scanner to turn receipts, whiteboards, and notes into PDFs
• Comment on files to share feedback with your team
• Sync, share, and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files
Download here.
If you send of receive a lot of packages, Deliveries is for you.
Deliveries supports dozens of services, including UPS, FedEx, US Postal Service, DHL, TNT, Canada Post, and many more.
Download here.