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You know that feeling when you're stuck in a waiting room, scrolling through the same three social media apps for the hundredth time? Or when you're on your lunch break, refreshing Instagram even though nothing new has happened in the last five minutes?
We've all been there. Your phone is a teleport to entertainment, but somehow you're still bored out of your mind. Let's change that! There are dozens of apps that can cure your boredom without leaving you feeling empty afterward.
If we already spend so much time on our phones, why not set aside just 15 minutes for something meaningful — like Headway, where you can dive into bite-sized book summaries that turn idle moments into personal growth.
Download Headway today and make your screen time count. After all, you are the apps you keep, and your phone habits reflect who you are becoming.
Quick answer: What are the best fun apps in 2025?
LinkedIn — Build your professional network and learn from industry experts
TikTok — Watch endless short videos on literally any topic that interests you
Amazon — Browse millions of products and discover things you didn't know you needed
Headway — Turn bestselling books into 15-minute summaries you can read or listen to anywhere
WhatsApp — Connect with friends and family around the world for free.
Quiz: Which fun app matches your vibe
Boredom doesn’t stand a chance when you’ve got the right app. Answer these quick Yes/No questions to find the perfect app for your mood and personality.
Find the perfect app for your situation
| When you… | Top app to try |
|---|---|
Want to actually grow while having fun | Headway – Learn in 15 minutes a day and level up your skills between gigs |
Need to track every billable minute | Apploye – Track time, log hours, and generate invoices effortlessly |
Are overwhelmed by scattered tasks | Trello – Organize projects visually with Kanban boards |
Feel buried under invoices and taxes | QuickBooks – Simplify your finances and stay tax-ready |
Can’t keep your schedule straight | Calendly – Share availability and book meetings without back-and-forth emails |
Want to impress clients with visuals | Canva – Create professional designs with easy-to-use templates |
Need to collaborate seamlessly with clients | Slack – Centralize communication and file sharing |
Are drowning in email chaos | SaneBox – Filter important messages and cut through the noise |
Forget passwords constantly | LastPass – Securely store and autofill all your login credentials |
Dream of becoming a better writer | Grammarly – Polish client communications and proposals instantly |
When you want to actually grow while having fun
Sometimes you want to scroll, but you also want to feel good about yourself afterward. These apps trick your brain into learning while you think you're just messing around on your phone.
1. Headway
Let's be honest. You probably have at least 20 books on your "want to read" list that you might never get to. Headway takes those bestselling nonfiction books and turns them into 15-minute summaries you can read or listen to anywhere.
Best for: Busy people who want to learn something meaningful during coffee breaks or commutes.
Free or paid? The free version offers one book summary daily. Premium starts at $12.99/month, $29.99/3 months, or $89.99/year. 7-day free trial available.
Join: 50+ million users.
Works offline? Yes, with a subscription, you can download summaries.
At Headway, we believe learning should fit into your actual life, not the other way around. That's why you can download summaries to enjoy offline (perfect for subway rides or flights). The app includes fun challenges and achievements to keep you motivated, plus you get a free book of the day chosen by our team. Topics cover everything from building better habits to understanding relationships to making more money.
Download Headway from the App Store or Google Play and see what all the fuss is about.
2. Duolingo
Always wanted to learn Chinese but never had the time? Duolingo breaks down language, math, music, and chess learning into bite-sized lessons that take just a few minutes.
Best for: Anyone who wants to pick up a new language without committing to formal classes or expensive software.
Free or paid? Free with ads and limited hearts. Super Duolingo (Premium) costs $12.99/month or $83.99/year, removes ads, and offers unlimited hearts.
Join: 500+ million registered users
Works offline? Limited offline access for Super Duolingo subscribers only.
With this mobile app, you can learn over 40 languages for free. The app combines speaking, reading, and writing practice to build real skills. Plus, those streak counters are motivating — you won't want to break your 30-day streak once you get going.
Fair warning: the green owl can get pretty passive-aggressive if you skip a day.
3. Open Talk | Buddy Talk
Learning a language from an app is great, but at some point, you need to talk to actual humans. Open Talk connects you with real people who want to practice English (or help you practice).
Best for: Language learners ready to test their skills with native speakers in real conversations.
Free or paid? Free.
Join: 2+ million users worldwide.
Works offline? No, it requires the internet for conversations.
You get matched with people who share your interests, so conversations feel natural instead of forced. The app tracks how many minutes you've spent talking, and you can reconnect with people you clicked with.
When your brain needs a workout
These top apps give your brain the kind of challenge it's been craving. They're perfect for when you want to feel sharp instead of sluggish.
5. Flow Free
This puzzle game looks simple, but it will have you completely absorbed within seconds. You connect colored dots without crossing paths, and somehow this basic concept becomes absolutely addictive.
Best for: Quick mental breaks when you need something engaging but not overwhelming.
Free or paid? Free with 2,500+ puzzles. Additional level packs are available for purchase.
Join: 100+ million downloads.
Works offline? Yes.
The game starts with small 5x5 boards and works up to 9x9 brain-melters. The best part? They add six new puzzles every day, so you'll never run out. It's the kind of game where you tell yourself, "Just one more level," and suddenly an hour has passed.
6. Two Dots
Connect dots of the same color to hit your goals for each level. Sounds easy? Wait until you're 50 levels in and strategize like you're playing chess.
Best for: People who enjoy relaxing puzzle games with a beautiful, minimalist design and soothing music.
Free or paid? Free to play with optional in-app purchases for power-ups and gold.
Join: Millions of players worldwide.
Works offline? Yes.
The game becomes progressively harder, motivating you to think creatively about your decisions. There's also a hidden object game within the app when you need a break from the dots.
7. Trivia Crack
Trivia Crack is one of the best games that brings fun energy to your phone with questions across six categories: science, entertainment, art, history, sports, and geography.
Best for: Trivia lovers who enjoy competing with friends and learning random facts.
Free or paid? Free with ads. Premium version removes ads for various subscription options.
Join: 100+ million downloads.
Works offline? Limited offline functionality
Spin the wheel (his name is Willy and he's adorable) to pick your category, then answer questions to collect characters. You can play solo, challenge friends, or battle strangers. Warning: you might actually learn something.
8. QuizUp
Made by Glu Mobile, QuizUp takes trivia to another level with themed decks and real-time battles against other players. With seven different categories, you can find your niche, whether you're a history buff or a pop culture expert.
Best for: Competitive trivia fans who want to test their knowledge against other players in specific topics or quizzes.
Free or paid? Free with in-app purchases.
Join: Millions of users.
Works offline? No, requires the internet for multiplayer.
The competitive element makes it way more engaging than solo trivia. Plus, destroying your friends at Disney trivia feels pretty great.
9. The New York Times apps
The New York Times isn't just about the latest news anymore. Their Games app has Wordle (obviously), The Crossword, Spelling Bee, Sudoku, and more brain teasers.
Best for: Anyone who is tired of TV shows or Netflix and wants to exercise their brain.
Free or paid? A subscription to games is required after the free trials.
Join: Millions of subscribers.
Works offline? Limited offline access for downloaded content.
These Apple and Android apps turn downtime into skill-building time. You're either sharpening your vocabulary or learning to cook something that isn't pasta again. Win-win.
When you want to get social (without the drama)
These apps help you connect with people in fun, low-pressure ways. No comparison traps or political arguments required.
10. WhatsApp
Connect with friends and family anywhere in the world without worrying about international texting fees. WhatsApp lets you send messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos and videos all for free.
Best for: Staying in touch with people internationally or creating group chats for family, friends, or work teams.
Free or paid? Completely free.
Join: 3+ billion monthly active users worldwide.
Works offline? You can only send messages if you are connected to the internet.
The app uses end-to-end encryption, so your conversations stay private. You can create groups with up to 1,024 members, share your location, send voice messages, and even make payments in some countries. It's become the default communication app in most of the world for good reason.
11. Heads Up!
Ellen DeGeneres created this digital version of charades, and it's been saving awkward family gatherings for almost a decade. One person holds the phone to their forehead while others act out, sing, or describe what's on screen.
Best for: Parties, family gatherings, or any time you need an instant icebreaker that gets everyone laughing.
Free or paid? Base app costs $1.99 with additional deck purchases available.
Join: Millions of downloads.
Works offline? Yes.
With over 75 categories, you'll find something for every group. The app records your sessions automatically, so you can relive the moment your dad tried to act out "Beyoncé" later. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just Tuesday night with roommates.
12. StarMaker
Shower singers, this one's for you. StarMaker turns your phone into a karaoke machine with millions of songs across every genre. You can sing solo, duet with other users, or collaborate on covers.
Best for: Anyone ready to take their shower singing in public without the pressure of a live performance.
Free or paid? Free with VIP subscription options for additional features.
Join: Millions of users worldwide.
Works offline? No, it requires the internet for song streaming.
The app includes voice effects and video filters to make you sound and look like a star (or at least have fun pretending). You can share your performances on other platforms or keep them private. There are even games like Ludo and Draw & Guess when your voice needs a rest.
13. Roblox
Roblox isn't just one game — it's millions of games created by users. You can build your own worlds, play other people's creations, or just explore with friends.
Best for: Creative types who want to build and play in virtual worlds with a massive community.
Free or paid? Free to play with optional Robux purchases for in-game items.
Join: Billions of downloads worldwide.
Works offline?No, requires an internet connection.
Available on pretty much every platform (iOS device, Android device, Windows, Xbox), it's become a social hub for creativity. Nice to know: it's even been recognized as an educational tool, especially for kids with autism.
14. Meme Generator
Sometimes you just need to make someone laugh. Meme Generator gives you access to every meme format you can think of, plus the tools to add your own spin.
Best for: Quick laughs when you nail the perfect caption for that Drake meme or want to share an inside joke.
Free or paid? Free with ads, premium version available.
Join: Millions of users.
Works offline? Yes, for creating memes with downloaded templates.
Browse popular templates or create something completely new. The community aspect means you can share your creations and see what others are making. It's surprisingly satisfying to nail the perfect caption for that Drake meme.
When you want to browse and discover
Sometimes you need to find something you didn't know you needed. Fun apps below turn your mindless browsing into discovery.
15. Amazon
You may know Amazon as a shopping app. Well, it's also entertaining when you're bored. You can browse millions of products, read reviews, and discover things you never knew existed.
Best for: Window shopping when you're bored, finding deals, or discovering random products you didn't know you needed.
Free or paid? Free app. Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99/month or $139/year for additional benefits.
Join: 150+ million app users, with 98 million monthly active users.
Works offline? Limited functionality offline, can browse saved items.
The app includes features like visual search (snap a photo to find similar products), AR view to see how furniture looks in your space, and daily deals. You can create wish lists, track packages, and read surprisingly entertaining product reviews. Plus, Prime members get access to free shipping, Prime Video, and exclusive deals.
When you just need to zone out
Not every moment needs to be productive. Check out these apps when your brain needs a break or you set aside some time for procrastination.
16. TikTok
Love it or hate it, TikTok has mastered the art of keeping you hooked, so the algorithm offers you an endless stream of videos on any topic.
Best for: Quick entertainment when you want to laugh, learn something random, or see what trends everyone's talking about.
Free or paid? Free with optional in-app purchases for coins.
Join: 1.5+ billion monthly active users worldwide.
Works offline? No, requires the internet for streaming.
You can find everything from cooking tips to science experiments to dance challenges. The "For You" page is scary good at figuring out what you want to watch. Fair warning: "just one more video" can easily turn into an hour of scrolling. But at least you might learn how the French Revolution began in less than a minute.
17. Colorfy
Adult coloring books became popular for a reason — they're incredibly relaxing. Colorfy brings that experience to your phone with designs ranging from simple patterns to complex mandalas.
Best for: Stress relief when you need a mindful activity that doesn't require thinking.
Free or paid? Free with limited designs, a premium subscription unlocks the full library.
Join: Millions of downloads.
Works offline? Yes, for downloaded coloring pages.
Choose your colors, fill in the spaces, and feel your stress melt away. You can share your finished pieces with the app's community or just keep them for yourself. The 'Get Inspired' section shows what others are creating if you need ideas.
18. Fruit Ninja
Swipe to slice fruit. That's it. That's the game. And somehow it never gets old.
Best for: Quick dopamine hits when you just want to slice things without consequences.
Free or paid? Free with ads and in-app purchases.
Join: Over 1 billion downloads.
Works offline? Yes, for single-player modes.
Play in Classic mode for endless fruit slicing, Zen mode for maximum relaxation, or Event mode to compete with other players. After more than a decade on the App Store, Fruit Ninja remains stupidly satisfying. There's something therapeutic about slicing a watermelon in half with your finger.
19. Subway Surfers
This endless runner has over 4 billion downloads, and once you start playing, you'll understand why. You're a graffiti artist running from a security guard and his dog, dodging trains and collecting coins.
Best for: Mindless fun when your brain is fried but your fingers still work.
Free or paid? Free with ads and in-app purchases.
Join: Over 4 billion downloads.
Works offline? Yes, for single-player gameplay.
The game requires quick reflexes but not much thinking, making it perfect for when your brain is fried. New characters and gear keep things interesting, and trying to beat your high score becomes weirdly important.
20. Spotify
Okay, you probably already have Spotify, but are you using it to its full potential? Beyond music, Spotify hosts thousands of podcasts covering everything from true crime to comedy to educational content.
Best for: Background entertainment while doing literally anything else, or deep dives into podcast topics you care about.
Free or paid? Free with ads and limitations, Premium starts at $11.99/month.
Join: 600+ million users.
Works offline? Yes, with a Premium subscription.
The platform now includes video podcasts, too, so that you can watch as well as listen. Personalized recommendations help you discover new shows based on what you already like. It's convenient whether you want to learn something new or need background noise while you do chores.
Make your screen count with Headway
Look, we all have those moments where we're bored and reaching for our phones. The difference is whether you'll feel good or guilty about how you spent that time afterward.
The apps on this list give you options beyond the endless scroll. Want to challenge your brain? Try one of the best puzzle games. Feel like being social? Start a karaoke session or connect with friends on WhatsApp. Ready to learn something? There's an app for that, too.
At Headway, we believe your free time is valuable. That's why we've made it easy to turn those spare moments into opportunities for growth. Our app offers summaries of the world's best nonfiction books in just 15 minutes, covering topics like psychology, history, relationships, and personal development.
Ready to make your phone time count? Download the Headway app and get exclusive access to thousands of book summaries on the topics that matter to you. Your future self will thank you.
Frequently asked questions about the best fun apps
How do I make my phone fun?
Fill your phone with apps that match your vibe: games, creative tools, streaming services, and fun social platforms. Add personal touches like custom wallpapers or GIF keyboards. You can even turn productivity into play with habit trackers or microlearning apps like Headway, making your screen time meaningful and fun.
What's the funnest app?
The "funnest" app depends on what you enjoy most! If you love binge-watching, try Netflix or Disney+. For music and podcasts, Spotify is a go-to. Into interactive fun? Treezy Play brings cinematic storytelling to life. Casual gamers will love Candy Crush or Two Dots for quick stress relief and endless entertainment.
What's the best app like TikTok?
Among top TikTok alternatives are YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Lemon8 for creative content. Likee offers cool AR effects, while Triller focuses on music videos. For a complete guide, check out our article on 18 Apps Like TikTok That Won't Waste Your Time in 2025.
Which app is popular now?
As of September 2025, ChatGPT leads downloads worldwide, followed by TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and CapCut. Messaging apps like Telegram and Threads also remain popular. Globally, top apps span AI, social media, streaming, and shopping, showing just how central phones have become to both connection and entertainment.
How to not use the phone when bored?
Swap mindless scrolling for offline activities like reading, exercising, or cooking. Set phone-free zones, limit app access with timers, and silence non-essential notifications. Practice mindfulness by pausing before you reach for your phone. When you’re intentional about your habits, boredom can become a chance to recharge offline.
How to spend less time scrolling?
Set screen time limits and think about creating phone-free routines. Try to be mindful by pausing before you open any app. Need more strategies? Read our guide: How to Stop Scrolling Addiction and Reclaim Your Time for tips to regain focus and create healthier habits.
