Problem → solution
Guides that start
with a real problem.
Short guides that start from a specific frustration ("I want a workout app without paying monthly forever"), point to a privacy-first Apple-native answer, and list the trade-offs.
"I want a workout app without paying monthly forever."
Fitbod is subscription-only, and Strong and Hevy sell Pro by subscription or as a lifetime unlock. LiftLog is a one-time purchase with no subscription, and GymLogger X has a free tier, with Pro as a subscription or a $39.99 lifetime option.
"I want to track bills without linking my bank account."
Rocket Money and Truebill require Plaid-based bank access. AllPaid is manual-first and private, with no aggregator in between.
"I want to learn shogi but every app assumes I read Japanese."
PiyoShogi, Shogi Wars, Lishogi, Kakinoki, Kanazawa, and Shogiful compared, free options first, with the kanji barrier covered for each.
"I want to learn xiangqi but every app assumes I read Chinese."
Xiangqi.com, PyChess, Best XiangQi, Club Xiangqi, PlayOK, and Xiangqiful compared, free options first, with the character barrier covered for each.
"I want a puzzle game with a real answer, and without ads and lives."
Baba Is You, Simon Tatham's Puzzles, Good Sudoku, Nonograms Katana, Threes!, Flow Free, Tare, Millrace, and more compared, ad-free picks first.
"What's the best chess app, and which one actually helps me improve?"
Lichess, Chess.com, Chessful, Chessable, and more compared by job: playing, learning openings, or understanding why you lose. Free options first.
Last updated