Some of the best smartwatches that you will find on the global marketplace run Wear OS. This offers users loads of apps that can add a significant range of incredibly handy capabilities to their watch. But these apps do far more than bring a few simple notifications to your wrist; they can entertain you, help you stay organised and even track your health and fitness.
With all of that in mind, it can be hard to know just which apps you might want to consider and which are the must-haves that you cannot live without. Here are, in our opinion, some of the best picks out there for the best Wear OS apps. It is worth remembering that some of the available apps will still rely on your smartphone having a partner app. However, there are a few that will give you a standalone capability. Regardless these are the apps that it is well worth taking a look at.
Google Pay
There is no list of the best Wear OS apps that would be complete without a mention of Google Pay – it is quite simply put one of the most useful apps you could have on your smartwatch. Google Pay is super easy to use, all you do is put your watch close to the terminal, and you can pay for your drink, food, ticket, or whatever else you are trying to purchase without the need to find your wallet, phone or purse. If your watch has NFC, then it is effortless to set up and use Google Pay.
With the newer versions come even more capabilities, with the ability to request or send money using the send tab. You can even tap on any purchase that you make in order to split a bill – this can be done with up to five people. You can also store offers, tickets, loyalty cards, and boarding passes in the passes tab, another new addition, and then manage any cards you have saved in your Google account.
Google Maps
This one might have been around for a while, but Google Maps is still a fantastic app to have on your wrist. It can be really handy to check your location whilst you are out, particularly when you are somewhere you haven’t been before, and you would prefer not to be continually looking at your phone screen. On Wear OS Google Maps can also help you with step-by-step directions with estimates on times; all you need to do is tap on the location you want and then tap on the appropriate option at the bottom of your screen.
Wear Gesture Launcher
If you are one of those who uses many apps through a smartwatch, you will quickly tire of pressing the crown and then tapping to get to the menu. The majority of Wear OS Smartwatches do offer shortcut options but only with a couple of buttons. This app can be incredibly helpful, offering you the option to tap on the right of your screen and then draw a gesture that will launch an app. You have the option to create lots of different gestures to enable you to get at the apps you want quickly. For example, drawing an M could launch Google Maps. With the addition of new setting options, you will have the ability to enhance action confirmation delay; this will also ensure a better degree of connectivity between mobile and Wear.
Bring! Grocery List
This app is straightforward and clear to use. Bring is the perfect shopping list app for any Wear OS watch. You can even create groups and then share shopping lists with them for any different events that you have planned. There are clearly labelled icons making it easy to add products to your list, or you could add your own photos. This is a great way to make it more efficient to plan your meals and shop for the ingredients you need.
Glide
If the idea of making video calls with your smartwatch appeals, then you need Glide. Simply download the app to both your smartwatch and paired phone, and then you will have the ability to receive and then watch video messages directly on your wrist. You also have the option to send audio back, and if your watch has a front-facing camera, you can send record video.
Lifesum
Lifesum is a fantastic app for the more health-conscious individuals that helps by tracking water and food intake to assist you in achieving the right balance. You can set your personal health goals in the app, and Lifesum will show you the way towards success with a personalised plan and includes appropriate tips for exercise. Lifesum has also been working to create a diary that will give you more insights along your journey to a healthier you. This offers you more colours, more graphs and clearly shows you what diet plan you are following.
Strava
A great alternative to Google Fit, Strava is well worth a look. It is not only available on Wear OS 2.0 but also as a standalone app that can be used to track all types of sports activities, including running. If you enjoy cycling or running, you will understand how great it is to leave your phone at home and not worry about losing it but still have the ability to record your progress.
Wear Casts
Whether you run or cycle, podcasts are a great company, and with this Wear OS app, you can listen to them directly via your smartwatch. You can set it so that it automatically updates with your favourites to always have the latest episodes to hand and only uses your phone when it needs to import podcasts. This means you won’t have to take your phone with you when you are out, and about all you need is some Bluetooth earbuds to connect to your watch, and you are good to go.
With all these great apps, you’re sure to be able to enhance your smartwatch experience. The only problem might be choosing between them.
Check out some other great apps from these articles:
- Top 15 apps for your Samsung Galaxy watch
- Best Apple Watch apps
- Top 5 apps for monitoring your fitness
     |
Last Updated on June 28, 2021
A highly motivated all-around writing professional with experience in writing about modern technology. Joanne writes for Superwatches for over 2 years now. Joanne specializes in product comparisons and reviews for us and we truly appreciate the quality of her work.
Lives in Congleton, UK.