The 20 Best Free iPad Apps of 2024

Watch TV, relax, and find your way with these apps

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.

01
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Best Microsoft 365/Microsoft Office Alternative: iWork

iWork for iPad with Number, Keynote, and Pages
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 5S in 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. 

02
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Stream Free Music: Pandora

Pandora app on iPad
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.

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.

03
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Broadcast Yourself: YouTube

YouTube free iPad app
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.

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.

04
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Crunch Numbers: Calculator HD Pro Lite

Calculator HD Pro free iPad app
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.

05
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Stay Connected to Friends and Family: Facebook

Facebook on the iPad
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.

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.

06
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Personalized News Stories: Flipboard

Flipboard free iPad app
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.

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.

07
of 20

Keep Up With the News: USA Today

USA Today free iPad app
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.

08
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Don't Get Lost: Google Maps

Google Maps on the iPad
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.

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.

09
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Keep Notes and Lists: Evernote

Evernote iPad app
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 app but 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.

10
of 20

Review Restaurants: Yelp

Yelp free app on iPad
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.

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.

11
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Share and Store Files: Dropbox

Dropbox free iPad app
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.

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.

12
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Movie Reviews and Previews: IMDb

IMBd free iPad app
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.

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.

13
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Look Up New Words: Dictionary.com

Dictionary.com free iPad app
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.

14
of 20

Listen to the Radio: iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio free iPad app
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.

15
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Study Any Subject: Khan Academy

Khan Academy free iPad app
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 span a 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. 

16
of 20

Access Your Computer Remotely: LogMeIn

LogMeIn app for iOS
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.

17
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Best Time Waster: Temple Run 2

Temple Run 2 Free iPad game
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.

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.

18
of 20

Check Your Internet Speed: Speedtest by Ookla

Speedtest by Ookla free iPad app
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.

19
of 20

Control Your Apple TV: iTunes Remote

iTunes Remote free iPad app
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.

20
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Stream Free Movies and TV: Crackle

Crackle website featuring free entertainment
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.

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.

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