With so many free apps out there, having to pay for something can feel like a real wrench. It’s often those paid-for apps that bring real value and you can end up not being able to live without them.

Here are a few of the apps we think offer great value for money.

Blinkest

Life is busy and you can’t always find time to sit and read. So, Blinkist connects you to the biggest ideas from bestselling nonfiction and podcasts via 15-minute audio and text. You can enjoy from only £4.99 a month. Or take advantage of their 7-day free trial. Available on iOS and Android .

Headspace

You can try this meditation app for free, but it really is worth the full experience. From just over £4 a month you can discover new ways to improve your sleep, meditation and mindfulness, movement, morning wake-up routine and focus. Available on iOS and Android.

Forest

This handy app aims to help you stay away from your smartphone and stay focused on your work. Whenever you want to focus, plant a tree. Your tree will grow while you focus, but if you leave the app halfway through, your tree will die. Available for just £1.99 on iOS and Android.

Strava

Designed by athletes, for athletes, Strava’s free mode gives you lots, but if you’re a serious runner or cycler, the premium subscription features are more than worth it. Get advanced performance metrics, segments and analysis from only £4 a month. Available on iOS and Android.

Spotify

While we may have all tried Spotify’s free version. Once you’ve listened without the ads, it’s very hard to go back. Try it out for a week for free. Then it’s just £9.99 a month. Get the Spotify app on iOS and Android.

We’re sure you’ve all got some apps that have more than paid for themselves since you bought them. Maybe you can add some of our favourites to your list and let us know your faves in the comments below.