The apps in this list are available for free from Google Play.
Still, you could use the basic version of each app without paying anything.
Find Parking: ParKing
Lifewire
Automatically determines where you park.
Lifewire
Works in underground and indoor parking structures.
The interface doesn’t work right on some devices.
Automatic parking feature requires a Bluetooth unit.
Lifewire
ParKing is a handy app that takes the hassle out of remembering where you parked your car.
Take Notes: Google Keep
Create and access notes and reminders.
Syncs with your other devices.
Lifewire
Connect with Android and iOS devices.
Syncing issues with some phones and watches.
Can’t open notes on your phone from watch interface.
Lifewire
Never Get Caught in the Rain: AccuWeather
Accurate forecasts suited to small displays.
Companion app provides detailed forecast info.
Can’t switch between multiple locations.
Lifewire
What you do get is a weather app that’s easy to read at a glance.
Listen to Podcasts: Wear Casts
Download podcasts to your smartwatch.
Automatically download new episodes.
Lifewire
Requires a phone to import podcasts.
Some download issues reported.
Make a Shopping List: Bring!
Lifewire
Generate shopping lists on your watch.
Store loyalty card details.
Share your shopping lists with family members.
Lifewire
Can’t add items via a bar code reader.
Searchable items don’t include specific brands.
is a shopping list app that lets you create, edit, and share lists right from your smartwatch.
Lifewire
Find Public Transit: Citymapper
Trip timing for public transit, walking, and biking.
Supports mixed transportation routes.
Provides Uber time and cost.
Lifewire
Only works in certain cities.
Departure times aren’t always accurate.
Track Your Sleep: Sleep as Android
Lucid dreaming mode.
Lifewire
Integrates with the Sleep as Android phone app.
The only option for real sleep tracking on Wear.
Doesn’t work without smartphone.
Lifewire
Setup can be confusing.
Not all Wear smartwatches offer sleep tracking.
Sleep as Android includes a ton of features, some of which aren’t available from dedicated fitness devices.
Lifewire
The only downside to Sleep as Android is that the smartwatch app doesn’t work independently from your phone.
Authenticate Your Identity: Google Authenticator
It’s Google Authenticator, but on your watch.
Large numbers are easy to read.
Lifewire
Doesn’t work without your phone.
Won’t act as a backup for your phone’s authenticator.
Crunch Numbers: Calculator
Loads and works quickly.
No scientific calculator functions.
Get New Watch Faces: TIMEFLIK
Tons of free watch face designs.
New designs are added regularly.
Create your own watch faces.
Bluetooth errors can prevent new watch face downloads.
Feels sluggish on some devices.
It includes free watch faces, premium watch faces you might buy, and you might design your own.
Some slow performance and Bluetooth error are possible, but TIMEFLIK is a great resource for watch face personalization.
Play Golf: Hole19
Access range information when you’re golfing.
Decent coverage including small local courses.
No need to refer to phone before every shot.
Doesn’t work without a phone.
Analysis tools it’s possible for you to check out after your round.
Hole19 is a golf range finding and score tracking app that runs on your phone.
There is a paid version, but it primarily provides high-resolution graphics rather than unlocking additional course information.
Tease Your Brain: Infinity Loop
Works well with the limited screen space.
Challenging but relaxing to play.
Ads can be overwhelming.
If you have to reinstall, you lose your progress.
Despite the minimal screen space available on Wear smartwatches, some decent games are available for the platform.
Infinity Loop is especially well suited to play on small screens.
This puzzle game uses the basic mechanic of tapping puzzle pieces to rotate them until they form a pattern.
Stay Hydrated: Water Drink Reminder
Automatically generates phone/watch reminders.
Handy if you need help drinking enough water.
There are many benefits associated with staying adequately hydrated.
Still, most people have trouble remembering to take a few sips here and there throughout the day.
Find Your Way: Google Maps
Auto-orients map based on direction you’re facing.
Makes it easy to find local points of interest.
Limited in comparison to the regular Google Maps app.
Fewer options and less functionality.
Google’s map app is an easy sell on Wear.
It’s simplistic compared to the full smartphone app.
However, it makes it easy to orient yourself and automatically reorients based on the direction you’re moving.
It also allows you to drop a pin at your destination and launch full navigation on your phone.
