We review a lot of apps here, and when we find something we really like it gets the full five-star treatment. These apps aren’t necessarily perfect, but they do nearly everything right within their field and are usually an easy recommendation.
It’s important that these most excellent apps don’t get lost by the wayside, so we’re recapping every app and game that we’ve given a 5/5 score so far this year. All of these are worth a second look, and we’re certain there will be something here for everyone.
So without further ado, skim through this list of some of the best releases of recent months and tap any of the links for our full assessment. Use this opportunity to stock your Home screen with some fresh, high quality apps!
Five-star apps of 2018
Detour is a GPS-enabled app that provides immersive audio tours around big cities. Read our review
Elevate is an award-winning brain training app that can improve your cognition over time. Read our review
Gemini Photos can help you declutter your photo library to free up storage space on your device. Read our review
Headspace is our pick for the best meditation app on the App Store. Read our review
Noted is a smart note-taking app that’s perfect for recording lectures, meetings, and presentations. Read our review
DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused internet browser dedicated to keeping you secure online. Read our review
Five-star games of 2018
Optica is a novel perspective puzzler sure to put your spatial awareness to the test. Read our review
Alto’s Odyssey is a gorgeous one-tap sandboarding adventure and a near-flawless sequel. Read our review
The Birdcage shows off what’s possible with augmented reality with a series of virtual puzzle boxes. Read our review
Pocket Run Pool is a clever and addictive reinvention of the classic bar game. Read our review
Oddmar is a beautiful, charming platformer about a young viking embarking on a quest. Read our review
Florence takes mobile storytelling to a new level in this interactive graphic novel about first love. Read our review
Antihero is a superb digital board game for people who don’t normally like board games. Read our review