Best Free Apps for Australians Over 60 in 2026 — Our Top Picks
Your smartphone or tablet becomes dramatically more useful with the right apps installed. The good news is that the best apps for Australians over 60 are almost all completely free to download and use. This guide covers our top picks across every category — staying connected with family, staying safe online, managing your health, enjoying entertainment, and getting around Australia. All free. All worth downloading today.
Staying Connected With Family
WhatsApp WhatsApp is our number one recommendation for staying connected with family and friends. Free voice calls, video calls, and messaging to anyone anywhere in the world — all you need is a WiFi or mobile data connection. Works on both iPhone and Android and is particularly useful for families spread across different states or countries. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Facebook Stay connected with friends, family, and community groups. See photos of grandchildren in real time, reconnect with old friends, and join groups focused on your interests and local area. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Facebook Messenger Facebook’s separate messaging and video calling app. Free video calls and messages to your Facebook friends anywhere in the world. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Zoom Perfect for group video calls with multiple family members at once. Many families use Zoom for virtual family gatherings — birthdays, Christmas, and regular catch ups. Free for calls up to 40 minutes. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Health and Wellbeing
MyFitnessPal Track your food intake and exercise to help maintain a healthy weight and understand your nutrition. Simple to use and comprehensive — one of the most popular health apps available. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Headspace A guided meditation and mindfulness app with sessions specifically designed for beginners. Even 10 minutes a day has been shown to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Excellent for anyone dealing with anxiety or sleep issues. Available on: iPhone and Android — free with paid premium option
MyFitnessPal Track your daily steps, exercise, and activity levels. Connects with most smartphones and fitness trackers to give you a complete picture of your daily activity. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Blood Pressure Monitor App If you use a Bluetooth blood pressure monitor many brands offer free companion apps that track your readings over time and show trends. Check which app works with your specific monitor. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
News and Information
ABC News Australia’s most trusted free news app. Reliable, ad-light, and covers national and local news comprehensively. Essential for any Australian who wants to stay informed. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
The Guardian Australia Quality Australian and international news coverage. Free access to most content. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Bureau of Meteorology — BOM Weather Australia’s official weather app. Accurate forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather warnings for your exact location. Essential for outdoor activities and travel planning. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Entertainment
ABC iview Australia’s best free streaming service. Watch ABC TV shows, documentaries, news, and classic Australian programs on demand — completely free with no subscription required. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
SBS On Demand Free streaming of SBS TV shows, movies, and documentaries including an excellent range of international content. No subscription required. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Audible — Audiobooks Listen to audiobooks on your phone or tablet. Audible offers a free trial and your local library may offer free audiobooks through the Libby app — worth checking. Available on: iPhone and Android — free trial available
Libby Access thousands of free ebooks and audiobooks through your local library card. Completely free — just connect your library card and borrow books instantly. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
YouTube Free video content on every topic imaginable — exercise classes, cooking tutorials, travel documentaries, music, comedy, and much more. Endless entertainment at no cost. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Getting Around
Google Maps The most comprehensive and reliable navigation app available. Free turn by turn directions for driving, walking, and public transport anywhere in Australia. Works even in regional areas with limited connectivity when you download offline maps. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
TransLink — Queensland Queensland’s official public transport app. Plan trips, check timetables, and track buses and trains in real time across South East Queensland. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Uber Book a ride from your phone without needing cash or a credit card transaction in the car. Useful for appointments, outings, and anywhere you’d rather not drive or park. Your first few rides often include discount codes. Available on: iPhone and Android — free to download
Safety and Security
Scamwatch Radar Stay informed about the latest scams targeting Australians with alerts direct from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Knowing what scams are currently active is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Find My — iPhone Apple’s built in app for finding your iPhone if it’s lost or stolen. Also allows trusted family members to share their location with you — useful for peace of mind. Available on: iPhone — free
Google Find My Device — Android Same functionality as Find My but for Android phones. Locate your phone if it’s lost or stolen. Available on: Android — free
Government Services
myGov Access all your Australian Government services in one place — Medicare, Centrelink, ATO, and more. Check your Medicare claims, manage your Centrelink payments, and lodge your tax return all from your phone. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Medicare Manage your Medicare card, check claim history, and update your details directly from your phone. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Australia Post Track parcels, find your nearest post office, and manage deliveries from your phone. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Brain Training and Games
Wordle The hugely popular daily word puzzle that’s taken the world by storm. One puzzle per day — simple, satisfying, and great for keeping your brain sharp. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
Lumosity Brain training games designed to challenge memory, attention, and problem solving. Free version includes a selection of games. Available on: iPhone and Android — free with paid premium option
Sudoku Classic number puzzle available in multiple difficulty levels. Excellent for mental stimulation and available in dozens of free versions on both platforms. Available on: iPhone and Android — free
How to Download Apps
On iPhone: Open the App Store — the blue icon with a white letter A. Tap the Search tab at the bottom. Type the app name and tap Search. Tap Get next to the app you want. You may need to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID to confirm. The app will download and appear on your home screen.
On Android: Open the Google Play Store — the colourful triangle icon. Tap the search bar at the top. Type the app name and tap Search. Tap Install next to the app you want. The app will download and appear on your home screen.
The Bottom Line
The right apps can transform your smartphone or tablet from a basic communication device into a genuinely powerful tool for staying connected, informed, healthy, and entertained. Start with the essentials — WhatsApp for family communication, ABC iview for entertainment, BOM Weather for the forecast, and myGov for government services — and add more as you become comfortable.
All of the apps on this list are free to download and most are free to use. There’s no reason not to try them.
