The 20 Best Free iPad Apps of 2024 (2024)

Sure, the iPad is a great piece of hardware. But it's nothing without a lot of great apps. Here are our picks for the best free iPad apps to download to get you started. We cover a range of interests, so you're sure to find some great apps to download.

What to Do First With a New iPad

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Best Microsoft 365/Microsoft Office Alternative: iWork

What We Like

Free to download and use.
Apps have a clean, easy-to-use interface.
Access your work on other devices via iCloud.
Open, edit, and save documents in Office format.

What We Don't Like

Writing tools in Pages aren't as robust as Word.
Not as many online support resources as Office.

Apple began including the iWork suite of office apps for anyone who purchased a new iPad or iPhone after the release of the iPhone 5Sin late 2013. The iWork suite includes a word processor (Pages), spreadsheet (Numbers), and presentation software (Keynote).

How do these apps stack up to Microsoft's versions? The iWork suite isn't quite as complete but also not quite as bloated.Most of us don't need all the extra features packed in with our word processor or spreadsheet, and for us, iWork is perfect.

Download Pages for iPad

Download Numbers for iPad

Download Keynote for iPad

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Stream Free Music: Pandora

What We Like

Create stations based on artist, genre, and more.
Use Voice Mode to control playback with voice commands.
Find podcasts through recommendations.

What We Don't

You'll need to pay for Pandora Plus to download music for offline listening.
Free version contains ads.

Read Our Introduction to Pandora

Pandora for the iPad is simple and sleek, offering the versatility of the Pandora website without much clutter and allowing you to play music (and podcasts) in the background while you do other things.

When you combine Pandora with the ability to use Home Sharing to gain access to your entire music collection, it's easy to see how the iPad can replace your home stereo. Pandora is easily one of the best apps available for the iPad. Pandora is free to download and use and includes many features, but you'll need to upgrade to Pandora Premium for other features, such as offline playback.

Download Pandora

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Broadcast Yourself: YouTube

What We Like

Get personal recommendations.
Find out what's trending in music, gaming, beauty, and more.
Connect with shared-interest communities.

What We Don't Like

Videos contain ads.
You'll need to upgrade to a paid subscription to download content for offline viewing.

Read Our Introduction to YouTube

Like Google Maps, YouTube used to be one of the default apps on the iPad. But when Apple and Google broke up, YouTube disappeared. The YouTube iPad app is great for those who want an app-based experience when browsing YouTube. The app can also be used as an external player for YouTube videos, so if you browse YouTube in the Safari browser, videos will open in the YouTube app.

Download YouTube

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Crunch Numbers: Calculator HD Pro Lite

What We Like

Screen shows your input and the result at the same time.
Use more than one line for long equations.
Email a calculation.

What We Don't Lilke

This free app has ads.
No way to customize colors.

We all need a calculator from time to time, and this free calculator app does a great job of utilizing the iPad format to handle a slew of calculations. Calculator HD Pro Lite features a standard mode, which is great for simple calculations, and a scientific mode, which is great for advanced math classes.

Download Calculator HD Pro Lite

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Stay Connected to Friends and Family: Facebook

What We Like

Use Siri to create status updates.
Connect with friends and family on the go.
iPad Facebook interface is easy to use.

What We Don't Like

Help resources are lacking.
Facebook is often mired in controversy.

Read Our Introduction to Facebook

Facebook works fine from the iPad's web browser, but download the official app to get the best experience. With Facebook on your iPad, sending images directly to Facebook via the iPad Photos Share button is easy. Send web links from Safari, update your status using Siri, and more.

Download Facebook

Personalized News Stories: Flipboard

What We Like

Curates news and interesting info.
Personalize your news.
Collect and share the news stories you like.

What We Don't Like

No way to block a subject if you don't want to read anything about it.
Browser add-ons may affect how Flipboard displays.

Read Our Introduction to Flipboard

Flipboard combines other social websites with traditional news and magazine sites like CNN and Sports Illustrated to create a magazine tailored to your social experience. Customize your feed, find great stories, and learn about what's happening worldwide.

Download Flipboard

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Keep Up With the News: USA Today

What We Like

Use My Topics to personalize your news.
Crosswords, Sudoku, and podcasts available.
Content is constantly updated.

What We Don't Like

You'll need a paid subscription to remove ads.
Some content is available only to subscribers.

If you need to get your news fix, USA Today is one of the best news apps in the App Store. You'll get a free dose of daily news and daily crossword puzzles and podcasts. Keep up with the weather, and sign up for breaking news alerts so you always know what's happening. The interface is highly visual and easy to navigate.

Download USA Today

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Don't Get Lost: Google Maps

What We Like

Get maps for multiple transportation modes.
Easily share maps with friends and family.
Street View perspective, indoor maps, and a host of other tools.

What We Don't Like

Street View occasionally captures images you may not want to see.
Offline navigation is available only for cars.
Design could be more streamlined.

Read Our Introduction to Google Mapps

When Apple replaced Google Maps with its own Maps app, it created such a backlash that Tim Cook apologized. Apple Maps has come a long way since its initial release, but many people still prefer Google Maps.

If you want to use your iPad as a navigation tool or to map your route before you get into the car, Google Maps is one of the must-have apps on the App Store. Apple's Maps app would undoubtedly win the award for prettiest, but Google Maps is still the most functional.

Download Google Maps

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Keep Notes and Lists: Evernote

What We Like

Tons of features that go beyond note-taking.
Access Evernote on multiple devices.
Access note history.
Notes are synchronized in real time.

What We Don't Like

If you have a large notebook list, it can be hard to access the one you want.
Mistakes numbers for phone numbers and creates a clickable link.

Evernote works similarly to the built-in Notes appbut includes several super-charged features. Evernote is cloud-based, so you sign in to your account to retrieve your notes. You can sign in with your PC, iPad, or Android device. Create notes and task lists, email them from your Evernote account, and organize them by tags.

Download Evernote

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Review Restaurants: Yelp

What We Like

Find great, highly recommended businesses.
Easy-to-use interface.
Share feedback on your experiences.

What We Don't

Spiteful reviews with no merit take away from the experience.
Some businesses claim legitimate, positive reviews are hidden.

Read Our Introduction to Yelp

There's nothing quite like Yelp for finding the best restaurants around you. Combined with a great audience of reviewers, you'll find out which restaurants are nearby and be able to choose the best. And for most restaurants, you can get a peek at the menu.

Yelp also works on almost any other type of business so that you can find a dry cleaner or an auto repair shop.Have a good experience somewhere? Share your thoughts on Yelp and help a small business thrive.

Download Yelp

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What We Like

Upload, transfer, and share files to the cloud.
Set up automatic video and photo uploads.
Easy way to send large files.

What We Don't Like

You'll need to upgrade to Dropbox Plus for additional storage and features.
Free version doesn't offer as much free storage as Google Drive.

Read Our Review of Dropbox

Dropbox Basic (its free plan) is a great way to get 2 GB of free storage on your iPad. This cloud-based storage solution also lets you easily share files between your devices, so if you want a fast way to transfer photos from your iPad to your PC without a cable, use Dropbox. If you have a lot of documents on your PC you want to access from your iPad, use Dropbox to store them.

Dropbox works with most devices; use it to share files between your PC and laptop, your laptop and your iPad, or your iPhone.

Download Dropbox

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Movie Reviews and Previews: IMDb

What We Like

Learn anything you want to know about actors, movies, and directors.
Get personalized movie recommendations.
Use the Watchlist to track your favorites.

What We Don't Like

Warning: You may lose hours exploring IMDb.
App contains ads.
Some users report poor site navigation.

Read Our Introduction to IMDb

If the iPad is the ultimate couch potato device, IMDb is the ultimate couch potato app. With access to the Internet Movie Database, you'll never be left wondering why an actor's face looks familiar or what other movies were made by a certain director. And you'll quickly become an ace at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

Download IMDb

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Look Up New Words: Dictionary.com

What We Like

More than two million definitions and synonyms.
Test your vocabulary with a Quiz Widget.
Special tools for English learners.

What We Don't Like

You'll need to upgrade to remove ads.
Helpful features, like example sentences, are available only with a paid subscription.

We've covered entertainment, news, and the social experience, but the iPad can also be educational. The Dictionary.com iPad app has one of the best online dictionaries around without the usual high price tag. You'll also get access to a Thesaurus and a Word of the Day. Tip: Use vocal pronunciations of each word so you can make sure you're saying it right.

Download Dictionary.com

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Listen to the Radio: iHeartRadio

What We Like

Find thousands of live radio stations.
Stream sports from stations like ESPN.
Find and follow your favorite podcasts.

What We Don't Like

You'll need a Plus or All Access paid subscription to download music for offline listening.
Can't select podcast genres.

Pandora may be the best music app for creating your own custom radio stations, but it won't help you listen to real stations. iHeartRadio is a combination of both, allowing you to create custom stations based on a favorite band or play real radio stations from around the world. A fun feature is the Weekly Music Mixtape, where iHeartRadio will compile your favorite tunes from the week.

Download iHeartRadio

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Study Any Subject: Khan Academy

What We Like

Prepare with practice tests, quizzes, and exercises.
Expertly created videos.
Bookmark content and learn while offline.

What We Don't Like

Not all the Khan Academy website functionality is available in the app.
No easy way to report mistakes found in a lesson.

Khan Academy is a great companion for any student, whether they're in college, high school, or middle school. The app includes lessons that spana variety of topics and classes. It even helps with SAT preparation.

But Khan Academy isn't just for students. Anyone can use it as a virtual classroom, so if you love watching the history or science channels on your TV, you'll love watching history and science videos with Khan Academy.

Download Khan Academy

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Access Your Computer Remotely: LogMeIn

What We Like

Integrates perfectly with Mac and Windows.
Frequent updates with new improvements.

What We Don't Like

Requires a paid subscription
Occasional technical issues following updates.

With the LogMeIn app, you can get remote access to your laptop or desktop computer. Once you create an account, you can control the keyboard, mouse, command keys, and most other features on your iPad.

LogMeIn also offers a desktop version, which must be installed to enable remote access. If you already set up an account on your computer, use the same account with the app.

Download LogMeIn

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Best Time Waster: Temple Run 2

What We Like

Mobile game makes great use of the iPad platform.
Addictive gameplay.
Updated graphics, obstacles, and power-ups.

What We Don't Like

Limited characters and costumes.
This game could become a serious time-consumer.

Read Our Article on Temple Run 2

Let's not forget about gaming. There are any number of great free games to download on your iPad, but if you're looking for something that combines the unique controls of the iPad with frantic action and addictive gameplay, the choice is simple: Temple Run 2. The sequel to the game that really defined the endless-runner genre is a whole lot of fun in an unassuming package.

Download Temple Run 2

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Check Your Internet Speed: Speedtest by Ookla

What We Like

Real-time assessment of network streaming quality.
Troubleshoot or verify a promised speed.
See connection consistency with real-time graphs.

What We Don't Like

Free version contains ads.
Results screen isn't intuitive.

Speedtest by Ookla allows you to test the overall speed of your internet connection measured in megabits-per-second (Mbps). While it may sound like something only a techno-geek would want on their iPad, it's handy for anyone, especially if you have an area of the house where you don't get a good Wi-Fi signal. Speedtest will help you determine how bad your connection gets and help you test solutions.

The actual numbers will vary based on the top speed of your internet connection. Many people these days have connections capable of 25 to 50 Mbps or even faster. It generally takes about 8 to 12 Mbps to stream an HD movie without getting a lot of interruptions, though 15 or higher is ideal.

Download Speedtest by Ookla

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Control Your Apple TV: iTunes Remote

What We Like

Controls Apple TV, Apple Music, and iTunes.
Playlist creation and editing.
Use AirPlay to send or listen to music.

What We Don't Like

Must make sure your Apple TV, Music, and OS are up to date.
Your iPad must be running iOS 11.4 or later.

If you own an Apple TV or if you stream a lot of music from Apple Music on your PC, iTunes Remote is a must-have app. It is basically a remote control for Apple TV, which is great because the small remote that comes with Apple TV is easy to lose. The iTunes Remote app will also let you play music from your PC if you have Apple Music or iTunes loaded and Home Sharing turned on.

Download iTunes Remote

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Stream Free Movies and TV: Crackle

What We Like

Great selection of movies and TV shows.
Free with no subscription commitment.
Original and on-demand content.

What We Don't Like

No live-streaming choices.
You'll see ads before watching content.
Few kids' options.

Read Our Introduction to Crackle

Move over Netflix and Hulu Plus, there's a great new movie app in town.Crackle delivers excellent entertainment in an interface that stands up to Hulu Plus and exceeds Netflix. Plus, it's a free download with no subscription costs. With free movies and TV shows, Crackle is a must-have app and one of the best free apps on the App Store.

Download Crackle

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This article is a list of the best free iPad apps to download and get started with. It covers a range of interests and includes various categories such as productivity, music, social media, news, gaming, education, and more. Let's go through each concept mentioned in the article and provide information about them.

iWork (Microsoft 365/Microsoft Office Alternative)

iWork is a suite of office apps developed by Apple for iOS devices, including the iPad. The suite includes a word processor called Pages, a spreadsheet application called Numbers, and a presentation software called Keynote. These apps are free to download and use on iPads and iPhones purchased after the release of the iPhone 5S in late 2013. While iWork may not be as feature-rich as Microsoft Office, it offers a clean and easy-to-use interface and allows you to open, edit, and save documents in Office format [[1]].

Pandora (Stream Free Music)

Pandora is a popular music streaming service that allows users to create personalized radio stations based on their favorite artists, genres, or songs. The Pandora app for iPad offers a simple and sleek interface, making it easy to discover and play music in the background while performing other tasks. While the app is free to download and use, there is a premium version called Pandora Plus that offers additional features such as offline listening [[2]].

YouTube (Broadcast Yourself)

YouTube is a video-sharing platform where users can upload, watch, and share videos. The YouTube app for iPad provides a personalized experience, offering recommendations based on your interests and allowing you to explore trending content in various categories like music, gaming, beauty, and more. The app also allows you to connect with shared-interest communities. While the app is free to download and use, it contains ads, and some features like offline viewing require a paid subscription [[3]].

Calculator HD Pro Lite (Crunch Numbers)

Calculator HD Pro Lite is a free calculator app for the iPad that offers a user-friendly interface and various features. It allows users to perform both simple and advanced calculations, with the screen showing the input and result simultaneously. The app also provides the ability to use multiple lines for long equations and email calculations. However, it does contain ads and lacks customization options [[4]].

Facebook (Stay Connected to Friends and Family)

Facebook is a popular social media platform that allows users to connect with friends and family, share updates, photos, and videos, and discover content from various sources. While Facebook can be accessed through the iPad's web browser, downloading the official app provides a better user experience. The iPad Facebook interface is easy to use and offers features like using Siri to create status updates and sharing images directly from the iPad Photos app. However, the app may lack comprehensive help resources, and Facebook itself has been involved in controversies [[5]].

Flipboard (Personalized News Stories)

Flipboard is a news aggregator app that curates news and interesting information from various sources, including social media and traditional news sites. The app allows users to personalize their news feed, collect and share news stories, and discover content based on their interests. While Flipboard offers a great way to stay updated with the latest news, it does not provide a way to block specific subjects if you don't want to read about them [[6]].

USA Today (Keep Up With the News)

USA Today is a popular news app that provides daily news updates, crosswords, Sudoku, podcasts, and more. The app offers personalized news through the "My Topics" feature and keeps content constantly updated. While the app is free to download and use, it does contain ads, and some content may be available only to subscribers [[7]].

Google Maps (Don't Get Lost)

Google Maps is a widely used mapping and navigation app that provides maps for multiple transportation modes, street view perspectives, indoor maps, and other tools. The app allows users to easily share maps with friends and family and offers a comprehensive navigation experience. While Apple's Maps app has improved over time, many people still prefer Google Maps for its functionality and features. The app is free to download and use [[8]].

Evernote (Keep Notes and Lists)

Evernote is a note-taking app that goes beyond simple note-taking and offers a range of features. It allows users to create and organize notes and task lists, access them on multiple devices, and synchronize them in real time. Evernote also provides features like note history and the ability to email notes from your account. While the app offers a ton of features, some users may find it challenging to access specific notebooks if they have a large list [[9]].

Yelp (Review Restaurants)

Yelp is a platform that helps users find and review local businesses, including restaurants, shops, and more. The Yelp app for iPad allows users to find highly recommended businesses, read reviews, and share feedback on their experiences. The app offers a user-friendly interface and provides information about menus for most restaurants. While Yelp can be used for various types of businesses, it is particularly useful for finding the best restaurants nearby [[10]].

Dropbox (Upload, Transfer, and Share Files)

Dropbox is a cloud-based storage solution that allows users to upload, transfer, and share files across multiple devices. The Dropbox app for iPad enables easy file sharing between devices and provides a convenient way to access files stored on your PC from your iPad. While the app offers a free version with limited storage, upgrading to Dropbox Plus provides additional storage and features [[11]].

IMDb (Movie Reviews and Previews)

IMDb (Internet Movie Database) is a comprehensive online database for movies, TV shows, actors, and directors. The IMDb app for iPad allows users to access information about movies, actors, and directors, get personalized movie recommendations, and create a watchlist. The app offers a wealth of information and is a great resource for movie enthusiasts [[12]].

Dictionary.com (Look Up New Words)

Dictionary.com is an online dictionary and thesaurus that provides definitions, synonyms, and special tools for English learners. The Dictionary.com app for iPad offers access to over two million definitions and synonyms, vocabulary quizzes, and other helpful features. While the app is free to download and use, it contains ads, and some features may require a paid subscription [[13]].

iHeartRadio (Listen to the Radio)

iHeartRadio is a streaming service that allows users to listen to live radio stations, stream sports from stations like ESPN, and follow favorite podcasts. The iHeartRadio app for iPad offers thousands of live radio stations and provides a personalized experience based on user preferences. While the app is free to download and use, some features like offline listening may require a paid subscription [[14]].

Khan Academy (Study Any Subject)

Khan Academy is an educational platform that offers a wide range of lessons, practice tests, quizzes, and exercises across various subjects. The Khan Academy app for iPad provides access to expertly created videos and allows users to bookmark content, learn while offline, and prepare for exams like the SAT. The app is a valuable resource for students of all levels and anyone interested in learning new subjects [[15]].

LogMeIn (Access Your Computer Remotely)

LogMeIn is a remote access app that allows users to control their laptop or desktop computer from their iPad. The LogMeIn app integrates with both Mac and Windows systems and provides remote control of the keyboard, mouse, and other features. While the app requires a paid subscription, it offers frequent updates and is a convenient tool for accessing your computer remotely [[16]].

Temple Run 2 (Best Time Waster)

Temple Run 2 is a popular mobile game that offers addictive gameplay and takes advantage of the unique controls of the iPad. The game features updated graphics, obstacles, and power-ups, making it a fun and engaging time-waster. While the game is free to download and play, it may become addictive and consume a significant amount of time [[17]].

Speedtest by Ookla (Check Your Internet Speed)

Speedtest by Ookla is an app that allows users to test the speed of their internet connection in real-time. The app measures the overall speed of the connection in megabits-per-second (Mbps) and helps troubleshoot or verify the promised speed. While the app is free to download and use, it contains ads, and the results screen may not be intuitive for all users [[18]].

iTunes Remote (Control Your Apple TV)

iTunes Remote is an app that allows users to control their Apple TV, Apple Music, and iTunes from their iPad. The app offers features like playlist creation and editing, the ability to use AirPlay for music playback, and compatibility with iOS 11.4 or later. It is a convenient tool for managing and controlling media on Apple devices [[19]].

Crackle (Stream Free Movies and TV)

Crackle is a streaming service that offers a selection of free movies and TV shows without a subscription commitment. The Crackle app for iPad provides access to original and on-demand content and is a great alternative to paid streaming services like Netflix and Hulu Plus. While the app is free to download and use, it contains ads and may have limited options for kids [[20]].

I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article. Let me know if you have any further questions!