$7 a month (5 free sessions), Android and iOS
The Brain.fm app offers something a little different from the norm, generating a limitless playlist of algorithmically tuned sounds to boost productivity, to help you relax, or to get you to sleep more easily. You can pick from a variety of sounds and themes—natural, classical, cinematic and more—then set the time duration and hit the play button.
JustWatch
Diving into your favorite streaming app of choice is of course a good way to get your mind out of the confines of the same four walls, but how do you know what’s good? Enter JustWatch, which can tell you which streaming service you can find your favorite movie on, and lets you jump straight to the newest and most popular stuff too.
Google Duo
When it comes to video calling apps, you’ve got plenty to pick from, but Google Duo checks most boxes: It works on Android, iOS, and the web, and is free to use for video chats of up to eight people. You get a few cool filters and effects to play around with, and you can send recorded video messages to friends and family if a live video call isn’t possible.
Houseparty
Houseparty is also based around video chat, but in a less formal, more fun way—almost like a real houseparty. You can quickly see who’s around and who isn’t, and if you’re online then you can jump straight into calls and group chats with no waiting. Add in an engaging mix of games and diversions, and it’s easy to understand the app’s growing popularity.
Peloton
$13 a month (90-day free trial), Android and iOS
You can use the Peloton app without a treadmill or bike—there are still plenty of live classes and on-demand routines available at a tap that you can do at home and in the park with just basic equipment. What’s more, in these coronavirus-affected times, Peloton has extended the free trial period to 90 days, so you can see whether the app works for you in the long run.
Aaptiv
$15 a month (7-day free trial), Android and iOS
Aaptiv is another polished, high-quality personal training app you can use to guide your own routines at home. It’s not cheap, but you do get a wealth of audio-led workouts, covering running, strength training, flexibility, yoga, treadmill work, and more. The app is also really good at keeping a training diary and showing your progress over time.
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