Wear OS has evolved notably in recent years, boasting a thriving app ecosystem. Similar to Android, Wear OS comes pre-installed with the Google Play Store, allowing you to easily download apps. While the app selection may not be as extensive as on Android, there is still a variety of apps available that can elevate your wearable experience. Whether you’re seeking productivity, utility, or ecosystem apps, here are some of the top picks for Wear OS.
1. Spotify
Spotify, a renowned music streaming service, is celebrated for its vast music collection and a plethora of features that elevate your listening sessions. Among its standout features is Spotify Connect, which enhances the experience of using Spotify on Wear OS, giving it an edge over YouTube Music.
Additionally, Spotify offers offline downloads, allowing you to access your playlists and stream directly from your watch to your phone or any connected device with Spotify installed. You can adjust streaming and download quality directly from your watch, and the media controls and syncing are seamless. Overall, Spotify stands out as one of the top apps on Wear OS.
2. Google Maps
While Maps on Wear OS might not initially appear groundbreaking, its convenience for navigation can be surprising. As someone who primarily uses a scooter for transportation, Google Maps has revolutionized my travel experience, saving me considerable time.
I dislike smartphone holders and the anxiety of potentially dropping my phone while driving, so having Google Maps on Wear OS display directions on my wrist has been a perfect solution for me.
Initiating navigation on your phone automatically syncs it with Wear OS, displaying directions on your wrist. You have the option to choose between map view or directions view. I typically opt for the directions view, as the map view is too small and difficult to read on my Pixel Watch 2.
3. Todoist
Todoist, a well-known app on Android, is also compatible with Wear OS. For those unfamiliar, it’s designed to store your to-do lists and facilitate easy collaboration on projects. Serving as a comprehensive to-do and planner app, it allows you to add tasks to your schedule and monitor them closely.
The Wear OS app seamlessly syncs all your to-dos and tasks from your inbox. Despite its seemingly straightforward appearance, the app actually includes nearly all the features found in the Todoist Android app. This makes adding new tasks directly from your wrist effortless. If you’re in search of a task scheduling or reminder app that offers more functionality than Google Keep, you’ll appreciate using Todoist on both Android and Wear OS.
4. Google Home
The Google Home app is likely familiar to enthusiasts of connected smart home technology. It stands out as one of the premier apps for controlling and automating smart appliances. While the Android version offers extensive functionality, the Wear OS version expands on this by enabling you to control your smart appliances or plugs directly from your wrist.
The app has recently undergone a UI overhaul, resulting in a fantastic new look. If you own or are considering purchasing smart devices compatible with Google Assistant, Google Home can serve as a centralized hub for controlling all of them from a single location.
5. WowMouse
WowMouse has the potential to revolutionize situations where you’re without a Bluetooth mouse but have a wired one and are away from your PC. To get started, download WowMouse on your Wear OS smartwatch, then make your watch discoverable as instructed, and finally, connect it to your PC via Bluetooth.
Once connected, you can move your hand to move the cursor and pinch to simulate a mouse click. While there may be occasional latency issues, especially when far from your PC, the click accuracy and ease of use are impressive once you become accustomed to it.
6. SimpleWear
At times, you might find it convenient to manage certain smartphone features from your Wear OS smartwatch. While Wear OS is typically limited in this regard, SimpleWear is an app that extends control over many of your phone’s features directly from your wrist. Whether it’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, flashlight, location, or Do Not Disturb mode, SimpleWear has you covered.
Additionally, the app allows you to lock your device, adjust volume, and control music playback on your phone—all from your watch. The best part is that it’s entirely free and open-source, eliminating the need to grant critical permissions like Device Admin.
7. Wear Casts
For podcast enthusiasts, Wear Cast is a fantastic app that enables on-the-go listening. This independent podcast app operates without the need for a companion app on your Android phone. Simply connect your smartwatch to your Android phone for internet access and pair a set of wireless earphones.
Although the user interface might require a bit of time to get used to, you’ll discover that it is ultimately straightforward and user-friendly. Overall, Wear Cast stands out as one of the top apps available for Wear OS.
8. Sofascore
Unable to watch a game because you’re stuck at work? Sofascore comes to the rescue, keeping you updated on game scores. Whether it’s football, basketball, cricket, or over 20 other sports and 5000+ league tournaments, this app provides comprehensive score updates.
Sofascore features a clean and intuitive user interface. Simply follow your favorite games on the companion app on Android, and they will be automatically added to Sofascore on your Wear OS watch, allowing you to easily track them. Best of all, the app is completely free to use.
9. Shazam
Shazam is likely familiar to many, known as one of the most popular and accurate music recognition apps available. The Wear OS version performs admirably, swiftly recognizing music. Integration of “Now Playing” on the Pixel Watch in the At a Glance complication would enhance user experience.
With Shazam on Wear OS, there’s no need for a companion app; you can sign in directly via your Google account on your watch. The history is stored irrespective of your login status. Overall, Shazam is among the top apps you can install on your Wear OS device.
10. TIMEFLIK
While Facer is a solid app, I personally prefer the selection of watch faces available on TIMEFLICK. However, TIMEFLICK’s app interface is not as user-friendly, and some of the nicer watch faces require purchasing, which can be a downside. Despite this, if you’re seeking a wide array of high-quality watch faces, TIMEFLICK is a good option.
The app is compatible with most Wear OS versions, including Wear OS 2.0. You can buy paid watch faces using the in-app currency “p,” which can be exchanged for your currency in the shop. Although the pricing is on the higher end, the quality of some watch faces may justify the cost.
Some of the popular and widely used apps on Wear OS include WhatsApp, Google Calendar, YouTube Music, Gboard, Google Keep, Gmail, and SoundCloud. These apps are generally well-designed and offer smooth functionality. Some of them even have tiles that provide quick access to key features.
As the Wear OS ecosystem continues to expand, we can expect more popular Android apps to make their way onto the Wear platform. What are your thoughts on Wear OS? Feel free to share in the comments section below.
