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80 Best Nexus 6 Apps

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This is a list of some of the best Nexus 6 apps to highlight the large 5.96-inch Quad-HD display and all the power packed inside of Google’s latest Android 5.0 Lollipop powered smartphone. With a huge screen and plenty of power surely you’ll want to enjoy everything app developers have to offer.

A recent report confirmed that by the end of 2014 Google now offers over 1.4 million apps on the Google Play Store, and below we’ll help you sift through them all to find the best apps for battery life, productivity, fun and more.

Read: 11 Best Nexus 6 Accessories

After using the new Nexus 6 for a few months we’ve found a good amount of excellent free apps, as well as some paid apps that all users will want to either have installed, or at least check out and see what they have to offer. Below are some of the best Nexus 6 apps available today.

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Finding the best Nexus 6 apps will allow you to do more with your smartphone, enjoy all it has to offer, be more productive, and even get better battery life. Not to mention there are plenty available on iOS that are also on Android, allowing the switch from an iPhone to Google’s latest device with ease.

With so many to choose from sometimes new users can be a bit distracted or overwhelmed so below are some of the best Nexus 6 apps, must have apps, a list of some of the stock apps you’ll find out of the box, apps to be more social, and even safer while in the car.

Of course each user has different needs, wants, preferences and more, but we’ll try and round up a good list with a wide variety to suit as many users needs as possible.

Must Have Nexus 6 Apps

When it comes to choosing a few of those must have apps that will take up your homescreen, each user is different. Some want a wall of icons like an iPhone, others want a clean front slate, and other group them into folders for social, productivity, or even entertainment.

Everyone is different, but below is a list of all the must have apps I keep on my Nexus 6 homescreen for quick and easy access in seconds. Some may be doubled in lists below, but this is what I have on my homescreens.

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Reddit is Fun – This is one of the best Android apps for Reddit users due to all the features and the clean design, but Reddit Flow is another good option.

Downloads – I’m always downloading files, images, GIFs, memes and more, so keeping the downloads folder in eyes view is important to me.

Netflix – There isn’t much to say here. Watch thousands of movies, TV series, documentaries and more with Netflix.

Google Play Music – With Google Play Music storing up to 20,000 of my own songs, and an All Access subscription of endless music, this is always on my first homescreen.

Clash of ClansWith millions of players worldwide on both Android and iOS, Clash of Clans is one of the most popular (and addicting) games available on mobile, and I play it way more than I should. So much my girlfriend rolls her eyes each time she hears the launch intro song.

Instagram – It’s popular for many reasons, but I love the ease of use and all the filters to bring my photos to life with Instagram.

Google WalletGoogle Wallet is good for a lot of things, including Tap to Pay at many locations. Especially now that Apple Pay is getting more stores and partners on board with wireless payments.

Google MapsIf you need directions, navigation instructions, or are looking for a nearby place nothing beats Google Maps

Bank of AmericaEveryone has a different app for their bank, but I keep my banking app front and center so I can check funds, transfer payments and more with ease.

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Device Manager – If you ever lose your phone, whether that be at home in the couch or while you’re out and about, you’ll want to have Device Manager installed. It’s like Find my iPhone. You can lock it, make it ring, or wipe all data to prevent info getting in the wrong hands from theft.

Dock Apps

Everyone is different with the 3-4 apps they have always on the bottom of their smartphone display in the dock, but I have my most used apps here for easy access.

Falcon Pro – Falcon Pro is easily my favorite Twitter client for Android, but it can’t be used by most thanks to a dumb token limit set by Twitter. Try the new Falcon Pro 3, or Robird was by go to Twitter Android app for years.

Phone Dialer – This is a no brainer, and I have my Phone app for contacts and dialing front and center. If you didn’t know, star a contact and a large tile is placed in the Dialer main screen in Android 5.0 Lollipop, long press to rearrange them as you see fit.

Google ChromeGoogle Chrome is the best, fastest, and most secure internet browser around, and my go to app on any smartphone or tablet.

Textra SMSThe amount of 3rd party text messaging apps for Android is getting out of hand. However, Textra is one of the best I’ve found, uses Android 5.0 material design, has plenty of customization, and is the cleanest, sleekest, and fastest app I’ve used to date.

Social Apps for the Nexus 6

These days social apps and social networks run the internet, and you’ll want to have some of the best apps available to keep in touch with friends, family, or all those funny GIF’s or memes floating around.

Twitter – The stock Twitter app is fine for most, but I prefer Falcon Pro, or Talon is a good choice too.

Facebook – We can’t forget about Facebook to keep in touch with friends or family, or to see every ridiculous post that one friend makes on an hourly basis.

Facebook Messenger – Facebook’s Messenger app keeps getting better and better. From messages, calling, emoji’s, voice messages and more. Keep in touch with this SMS replacement app.

Instagram – Again, Instagram has one of the best list of features to fine tune photos, add filters, and create “art” from photos, or at least that’s what I’m told.

Snapchat – If you’ve never used it, Snapchat allow for fast and easy communication with friends. Add a caption and hit send, and the image deletes itself for security reasons. Use it as you see fit.

TapaTalk – If you’re on a forum for a passion, interest, hobby, or like talking about your truck with other truck enthusiast, Tapatalk is one of the best forum apps.

Stock Nexus 6 Apps

While we won’t list all of the stock apps that come out of the box with the Nexus 6, below is a list of some of the ones we use the most for those interested. These come pre-installed, so no links will be necessary.

Google Play Store – Get all these apps from the Play Store. It’s also on my homescreen for easy access.

Google Maps – Directions, enough said.

Google+ – This is another social app I left out above, as it isn’t nearly as popular as the ones mentioned above. It’s growing, but only because YouTube is tied to it.

YouTube – You can always find the song or video you’re looking for on YouTube, and I can spend hours a day watching clips, or catching the news from the Philly Defranco show, and many more.

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Google Play Music – Music, for all the reasons mentioned above.

Google Drive – This is one of the best cloud storage options to keep documents in. It syncs to any device for access whenever, wherever.

Google Play Movies – Google Movies and TV keeps getting bigger and better. The selection is growing, and Google gives away free movies often so check it at least once a week or so.

Google Keep – Instead of something like Evernote, try Google Keep for a fast and simple solution for taking notes.

Camera – The stock Google camera is somewhat limited when it comes to features, but has all the basics. You’ll enjoy editing with “Photos” panorama photos, photosphere, countdown timers for selfies and more.

Clock – It has a clock, alarm to get me up in the morning, and a timer if you need it.

Google Calendar – The Calender on Android 5.0 is much improved, and something everyone should download and enjoy to keep track of their lives.

Nexus 6 Apps You’ll Love

We’ve already gone over some of the most important and best apps, but here are a few more you’ll find useful and end up loving.

LastPass – If you need a tool to manage your passwords LastPass is the best option I’ve discovered. It allows me to use strong passwords for all my sites and services and keep them behind one ridiculously strong password. Then you’ll never forget a password again.

ES File Explorer – When I need to access to my Nexus 6 in order to move files around I prefer to use this app over the included explorer app and other alternatives. Astro is another good choice.

Dropbox – Although Google Drive is useful, Dropbox is the could storage service I use most. This is how I move files, photos, ringtones and screenshots from the Nexus 6 to my computer or other devices. And I have a huge collection of GIF’s and funny photos making fun of the Bears or Patriots.

Flixster –  Movies by Flixster is one of the best apps to find nearby movie theaters, what’s playing now, upcoming movies, watch previews, and read reviews. It works by location and is my go to app when the girl wants a date night.

SoundHound – I’m constantly finding new music I love, and SoundHound is one of the best and fastest song recognition tools around, and even gives me live lyrics to attempt and sing along.

Yelp – Everyone knows about Yelp, but there are millions that don’t take advantage of this tool to find stores, places to eat, and more in your neighborhood or city.

Klink – Tethering your Nexus 6 connection to a laptop or tablet for connectivity on the go isn’t always easy, or your carrier plan doesn’t have it and you don’t want to pay. Pay for Klink, and tether for free with a USB cable.

Groupon – Everyone likes saving money, finding good deals, or doing fun things you never knew were available in your town. I’ve gone bowling, horseback riding, done Archery and more all at huge discounts thanks to Groupon. One day I’ll use a coupon for a week getaway vacation to Italy.

Nexus 6 Entertainment Apps

Again, a few of these have already been mentioned above, but there are plenty of apps to keep you entertained. Use that big 5.96-inch screen and front facing speakers to their full advantage.

Hulu Plus – This is my go to app for watching TV shows on the Nexus 6. Although it offers a wide range of shows i mostly watch the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on it.

HBO Go – When I want to watch Game of Thrones or old Entourage episides on the go I use the HBO Go app. It’s also great for access to comedy specials that are easy to watch in small blocks while on the go. Stream it to the bigscreen with a Google Chromecast.

Netflix – Netflix, it has almost everything. Need I say more? How about that House of Cards?

WatchESPN – When I need to catch an NCAA Football game or enjoy some sports, news, highlights and more, I sign into WatchESPN through Cox and enjoy everything it has to offer.

ESPN Radio – When I can’t watch I’ll use the ESPN Radio app to listen to games and other programs. Perfect for listening to sports while driving or hitting the gym.

Showtime Anytime – The Showtime app isn’t the best, but works great on smartphones or tablets, and even the Amazon Fire TV or Stick.

iFunny – If you want the latest funny photos, trending jokes, memes, GIF’s and more iFunny is like Reddit and full of humor. Same goes for The Chive app.

Nexus 6 Apps to Simplify Your Life

Adobe Reader – If you want to sign a PDF on the Nexus 6, you’ll need this free app. It’s definitely a must have for anyone that deals with contracts, agreements or even permission slips.

Waze – When I need to get around really bad traffic, I use Waze to get the best route thanks to the data it gathers from all the users. When I am a passenger I can also report accidents or speed traps.

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Google Voice – The Google Hangouts integration is still not far enough along to use as my main access to Google Voice. I use this app to check Google Voice calls, texts and voicemail. Google Voice rings all my phones when someone calls, so I don’t miss a call if I am using a different device.

Google Docs – When I need to co-edit something I use Google Docs as it is a free solution that offers easy mobile editing of shared documents.

Google Sheets – The same goes for Google Sheets. Although not as full featured as Excel in my experience it does handle my current needs well.

Travel Apps

I use these Nexus 6 travel apps to look for the best deals on hotels, and occasionally on flights. I know that commercials claim you only need one, but I always end up checking all of them. The more you know!

Although there are others, I normally check these and will use Priceline the most.

Nexus 6 Shopping Apps

I do most my shopping online these days, and you’ll probably want at least a few of the apps below to get all your shopping done with ease.

Amazon –  Amazon has one of the biggest and best selections around, not to mention 2-day free shipping with Amazon Prime can’t be beat. It’s my go to app.

eBay – I don’t use eBay as much as I did five years ago, but it still has plenty of stuff you otherwise can’t find elsewhere. I still browse occasionally, and use PayPal for my purchases. But seller fees keep me from selling anything.

CPro for Craigslist – Craigslist is one of my favorite sites for shopping, but use caution and watch out for scams. I always meet buyers or sellers at a gas station or retail store. Better safe than sorry.

Best Buy  – The Best Buy app show current specials, gaming information and rewards for My Best Buy.

PayPal – I use the PayPal app to check on balances for purchases I make online, and to check incoming payments for various projects. This is also a place to see receipts for PayPal debit card purchases.

Meh Notifier – Meh.com is one of my new favorite sites. Like Woot.com back in the day, Meh.com has one sale a day that’s usually pretty good. And don’t forget about Two for Tuesdays. I’ve bought over 20 things from this darn site in the last 8 months. The app is decent, but I’d just go to the site as it has an excellent mobile layout.

Great Nexus 6 Games

These days there are so many amazing games on Android that it’s really hard to narrow it down to just a few. For the sake of time, and this list getting huge, here’s just a few of my favorites on every device I own.

Clash of ClansWith millions of players worldwide on both Android and iOS, Clash of Clans is one of the most popular (and addicting) games available on mobile, and I play it way more than I should. So much my girlfriend rolls her eyes each time she hears the launch intro song.

RipTide GP2 – This water racing game shows excellent graphics, highlights the massive Nexus 6 display, and keeps me entertained for hours.

Asphalt 8 – Asphalt 8: Airborne is the eighth release in a series of the best racing games for Android, period.

Flockers – Flockers is like old school Lemmings, but for the 21st century. It’s fun, addicting, and very challenging.

NFL Kicker 15 – For some reason NFL Kicker is always one of my favorite games while on a flight, or needing a casual game to enjoy. I play it for hours, and pass it off to friends to try (and fail) to beat my high score.

Trivia Crack – If you want to battle your friends in some good old fashion Trivia, this award winning game is one of my all time favorites. It keeps getting better and better, and integration with iOS and Facebook friends makes it a must. Like Words With Friends, you can play it for hours, or weeks, or months. Same goes for SongPop.

Subway Surfers – Those looking for a casual and fun game similar to Temple Run, try Subway Surfers. It’s free.

Sports Apps

I’m always keeping track of sports, and these are a few of my favorites.

Bleacher Report – If you’re a sports fan like me, no one does it better than Team Stream by Bleacher Report. They have the best coverage, fastest breaking news, and an excellent app with push notifications and more.

NFL Mobile – This app is best for Verizon customers and allows you to watch games live, but it also has tons of content you won’t want to miss.

WatchESPN – For all the reasons mentioned above, everyone should have WatchESPN installed.

Yahoo! Sports – It was Sportstacular, but the new Yahoo Sports is the best app for all your sports in one app. Follow scores in real-time, get news alerts, and much much more.

ESPN Fantasy – I came in second place this year after a bad final week, but ESPN Fantasy Football app is my favorite. It’s simple and clean.

Random Nexus 6 Apps

Below are a list of some other random apps I’m using personally on my Nexus 6 for the best experience. We’ve gone over a huge list of apps here, but below are just a few more everyone can enjoy. Yes, every app listed in this post I have installed. Way too many.

Snapdragon Battery Guru – This free app analyzes your Nexus 6 use and helps deliver batter battery life without limiting what you are doing most of the time.

Speedtest – Speedtest will check your connection for download speeds, and is a nice way to see how good internet is while traveling or working.

CM Gallery – The Nexus 6 doesn’t have a photo gallery app, and instead uses “Photos” from Google Plus. I don’t like it, so downloaded CM Gallery for the best experience and would recommend others do the same.

Skype – Chat with friends and family that aren’t up on the times to use Hangouts, and use Skype for a quick video call.

iMDb – Movie trailers, news, information and more. I love this app because I’m a movie buff.

Android Wear – For those using Android Wear smartwatches

Expensify – Track all your expenses and easily upload or scan receipts with your camera. It’s a great tool.

HD Widgets – HD Widgets gives you those pretty clock and weather widgets, and tons of quick toggles like tethering, bluetooth, and more for easy access.

Google Rewards – Answer quick surveys and make money for free, can’t beat it. Save up and get an app with your earnings.

Touch Tunes – Those that go out to bars with friends can control the Jukebox all from the Touch Tunes app with most Jukeboxes these days. I always pay extra to interrupt and play a song I know everyone won’t enjoy. Like Barbie Girl or some Justin Bieber.

Zedge – Zedge has the biggest collection of wallpapers, backgrounds, ringtones, text alerts and more. I have the Mario Bros Coin sound for my SMS thanks to Zedge.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Bill

    01/16/2015 at 5:32 pm

    Snapdragon Battery Guru does not work on Nexus 6 or any Lolipop device.

  2. James Warren

    08/14/2016 at 7:10 pm

    Looking for an app that will when get a call or text message my phone will talk to me and for different addresses I put in iy

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