The process of moving every single thing to a dedicated app has been a nightmare scenario in the smartphone age. Heck, you can't even go to a coffee shop anymore without them hassling you to sign up for their digital rewards program. Don't forget that there's a social media oligarchy too. Say "goodbye" to any hope for joy and peace.

But, as much as we hate to admit it, some apps are legitimately useful. Not in a "Web3 side hustle" way that many apps position themselves, but actually useful to real human beings.

Below, you'll find five apps that can change your day-to-day experience in a positive way.

Obsidian

Obsidian is a multi-platform app that's designed to let you take notes, reference other things in your orbit, and quickly find your information again at a later date.

This app is free for personal use, and a commercial license is just $50 per year. The best part? Everything is stored in text files that are easily accessible at the OS level. Even if Obsidian stopped working tomorrow, you'd still have access to everything you've ever written.

Platforms: Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android

Plex

Plex is a collection of apps that are designed to allow you to consume your media wherever, and whenever, you like. If you've ripped your DVD collection, dumped your CDs or downloaded those vids from that Patreon project you've been meaning to watch, Plex is the easiest way to access all of it, on pretty much any device.

Whether you decide to run the Plex server on your regular computer, or slap it onto a dedicated NAS, you can then stream the collection just like you would Netflix or Hulu.

While a lot of the functionality is free, some features are kept behind the "Plex Pass." You can pay them a monthly subscription fee, or just $120 once for a lifetime license.

Platforms: Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and more

AdGuard

Ads make much of the internet possible, but things have gotten completely out of control lately. Not only are they taking up more and more of our brain space on sites like YouTube, but they're creepily tracking us in every way they can.

If you've absolutely had enough, AdGuard is a great solution that you can use on your smartphone, computer and even right on your router — to protect your smart TVs and consoles.

There is a free version of AdGuard available for iOS, but much of the more robust functionality on offer is behind a paywall. One year of access for up to three devices will cost you $29.88, but you can opt for a lifetime license for $79.99.

Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android and more

Bliq

Depending on where and when you need a ride, different rideshare apps could have vastly different prices for the same journey. You could load up each one and punch in your directions manually every time, or you could let Bliq handle things for you.

For you, the user, this service is free, and allows you to compare the likes of Uber and Lyft easily, and then book whatever works best in a snap. We only wish we knew about it sooner.

Platforms: iOS and Android

Steddy

Many fitness apps have elaborate partnerships and pricey devices tied to them and that might work for some folks, but it can really be off-putting. Steddy takes a different approach that's much easier to follow.

You simply put in your desired activities, and it helps you make a workout schedule that fits your needs. It then lets you track your success with a scoring system that's designed to help keep you motivated. And if you want detail calendar tracking, the Pro service is a reasonable $20 a year.

Platforms: iOS

[Image: Porapak Apichodilok]