Switching between devices has been part of my job for years. iPhone one week, Android the next, MacBook on the desk, Windows PC in the studio. Each platform has its strengths, but the real challenge is keeping everything in sync.
Over time, I’ve built a list of the best cross-platform apps that don’t fall apart when I move between systems. Some are free, others cost a bit, but all of them work across iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows without the usual frustration.
If you use more than one device, this list might save you some time, and possibly your sanity.
The Problem With Platform Lock-In
Every big tech company wants you to live in its own little world. Apple has iCloud and iMessage. Google has its own calendar, tasks, and storage. Samsung, Microsoft, and others do the same.
That might be fine if you never leave that world. But as soon as you try to mix it up, things break. Messages stop syncing, photos disappear, and passwords vanish. That’s what pushed me to start finding apps that work on iPhone and Android, and not just on one brand of device.
My goal has been to create a setup that feels the same wherever I’m working. It’s taken years to get right, but this list is the best balance I’ve found.
Cross-Platform Weather Apps That Keep It Fun
Let’s start with something light.
Yes, I use Carrot Weather to check the forecast. It’s one of the funniest apps on my phone. The forecasts are accurate, the design looks great, and the personality is fully customizable. You can set it to sound professional or make it completely unhinged. I keep mine on the “overly dramatic” setting, just for laughs.
There’s a free version that covers the basics, but the paid tier unlocks widgets and extra detail. The only slight frustration is that the iOS and Android subscriptions don’t sync, so I’ve ended up paying twice. Still, I enjoy it enough to justify the cost.
Cross-Platform Task Management Apps That Keep You Organized
I’ve tested more task apps than I can count, but I’ve stuck with TickTick the longest. It’s a clean, fast, and reliable way to stay on top of life.
My whole day runs through it: planning videos, creating household reminders, even writing quick packing lists before a trip. It supports natural language input, so if I type “edit video every Monday,” it automatically schedules it as a recurring task.
I keep separate lists for personal stuff, channel projects, and admin tasks. My bookkeeper also uses TickTick, so they can add reminders for receipts or invoices.
It’s free to start, but the premium version adds more lists, themes, and filters. I subscribe not because I need the extras, but because I like supporting tools that genuinely make life easier. It’s one of those cross-platform productivity apps that just works everywhere without getting in the way.
The Best Cross-Platform Password Manager Options
Your password manager is one of those apps you hope never lets you down.
I’ve used 1Password for over a decade. It’s fast, secure, and easy to use on every device I own. It stores logins, credit cards, Wi-Fi passwords, and even notes. Everything syncs automatically, and I can share vaults with family and team members.
If you want a free option, Bitwarden is another solid choice. It’s open source, secure, and available across all major platforms. Both apps fall into the category of cross-platform password manager tools that take security seriously.
What I like most is the Watchtower feature in 1Password, which flags weak or reused passwords. It’s a simple reminder that keeps everything tidy and safe without the usual panic of forgetting a login.
Cross-Platform Home Automation Apps for Smart Living
My smart home setup has gone through phases. I started with Apple HomeKit, moved to Google Home, and now rely on Homey to pull everything together.
Homey supports nearly every smart device I own. Lights, sensors, speakers, and even my robotic lawn mower. It’s reliable, easy to set up, and doesn’t need complex coding or endless troubleshooting.
There’s a free cloud version for small setups and a Pro version for larger systems that support Matter, Thread, and Z-Wave. The cross-platform home automation app side of things is where Homey really shines.
I use it both at home and in the studio. My wife has her own view in the app with quick access to the most-used devices, which keeps everything simple. If you like smart tech but hate the constant tinkering, this one is worth exploring.
Finding the Right Cross-Platform Calendar App
This one’s been tricky.
I’ve used Fantastical for years on Mac, but it doesn’t play well outside the Apple world. So for now, I’ve been juggling Motion and Google Calendar.
Motion is clever. It uses AI to rearrange your schedule automatically when you fall behind. If a meeting runs long, it moves tasks to the next open slot so nothing gets forgotten.
It’s also the only cross-platform calendar app I’ve found that properly syncs between Apple and Google calendars. The downside is the price — about $29 per month — and the mobile app sometimes needs the desktop app open to refresh.
I like it for the automation, but it’s definitely one area where I’m still open to better ideas.
Cross-Platform Email Apps That Simplify Teamwork
I use Missive to manage email. It brings all my inboxes into one place and adds team features I can’t live without.
Each email can be assigned to someone on my team, and we can chat privately inside the thread before replying. I also use rules to automate repetitive tasks. If I tag something with “invoice,” it forwards to my accounting system automatically.
It’s simple, powerful, and available everywhere. That’s why I’d call it the best cross-platform email app for collaboration.
Cross-Platform Music, Podcasts, and File Sharing
Music is easy for me. I still use Apple Music, even on Android. The sound quality is excellent, especially for lossless tracks. YouTube Music is another good option, and I’ve tried it, but Apple Music’s recommendations have finally started to make sense for me after months of training.
For podcasts, I use PocketCasts. It works on Apple, Android, CarPlay, and Android Auto, and the interface is simple. I keep just a handful of shows in rotation, and this app handles them perfectly.
When I need to transfer files, I use LocalSend. It’s a free, open-source alternative to AirDrop that works between Mac, Windows, Android, and iPhone. You open it, select the file, and everything just connects. It’s fast and reliable, and easily one of the most underrated cross-platform file sharing apps available today.
Cross-Platform Web Browsers and Messaging Apps
My browser of choice is Brave. It’s fast, private, and doesn’t need a Google login. You can sync bookmarks and history across devices by generating a simple sync code. It blocks trackers by default and makes the web feel a lot faster.
The only annoyance is the crypto pop-ups when you first install it, but those can be turned off. Beyond that, it’s smooth and stable across every device I’ve used.
For messaging, I use Beeper. It combines chats from WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Discord, and others into one clean inbox. I open it once or twice a day and catch up on everything in one place. It’s the most useful cross-platform messaging app I’ve found.
Sometimes the Facebook integration disconnects, but aside from that, it’s reliable and saves a lot of screen time.
Flight Tracking and Notes Apps That Still Need Work
Flighty is one of the best travel apps I’ve ever used. It tracks flights, gate changes, and delays before the airline even updates the boards. It’s iPhone-only right now, but if you travel often, it’s a must-have. For Android users, PlaneFinder is the next best option.
As for notes, this is where I’m still a mess. I use Apple Notes on my Mac, Google Keep on Android, and sometimes just a notebook. I haven’t found a single notes app that fits everywhere. If you know one, let me know — it’s the last missing piece in my setup.
Watch the Full Video
If you’d rather see these apps in action, my new YouTube video runs through each of them with examples, setups, and real use cases. Check it out!
My Thoughts on Building a Cross-Platform Setup
Creating a setup that works across different devices can take some time to get right. But once you’ve found cross-platform tools that simplify your life, all the testing and trying will be worth it.
Once I had these apps working together, it felt like my phone, tablet, and computer were part of one system instead of three separate ones.
Every app on this list earned its place because it does one thing really well: it stays reliable. Whether I’m answering emails on my Mac or checking reminders on my Pixel, I can trust that everything will be there.
If you’ve been struggling with platform lock-in or you’re thinking about switching ecosystems, take a look at some of these tools. They’re practical, easy to use, and they’ll make your tech setup feel a lot less fragmented. Once you’ve built that foundation, everything else starts to fall into place, including your workflow, your productivity, and your focus.
More From Pete Matheson
To see more tech breakdowns, app reviews, and behind-the-scenes setups, subscribe to my YouTube channel or join my Experiments in Progress newsletter. I share everything I’m testing, including updates that never make it to the blog.
