App of the week: Cardhop review

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Aside from the sleek dark interface, the main thing you initially spot in Cardhop is the very prominent search field. And that’s for good reason. Although you can use it like the one in Contacts, to access a specific card, Cardhop enables you to rapidly drill down to specific kinds of data.

For example, type ‘email John’ and you’ll get a results list with matching cards that have associated email addresses. The first of them will have a button that you can press to trigger an email in your default email app, as defined in Cardhop’s settings. Alternatively, you can tap a different name to view their addresses.

These smarts extend to a whole host of actions: copying data, getting directions to someone/somewhere, adding favourites, kicking off a message on social media, and even adding an entirely new card. Just start typing details and Cardhop will slot them into relevant fields on-the-fly.

On the cards

Cardhop sweats the details in the individual card view as well. The notes field, buried in Apple’s Contacts, is always accessible as a small overlay. Superior visual design differentiates methods of contact – blue buttons for written; green for calls. Bold headings and icons draw the eye.

Even tapping fields is better. In Contacts, prod a phone number and your iPhone will begin a call, whether or not you wanted that. Cardhop pops-up options, which include a call, but also messaging that number, copying it, or displaying it in large type.

There’s loads more, too: address book integration for services other than iCloud; a bespoke birthdays tab; a customisable business card with QR code; recent contacts syncing across devices. It’s usually a big ask to get anyone to replace a stock app, but not here. Four quid seems a bargain for anyone who regularly dips into Contacts and wants something better.

Cardhop is available for iOS. A version of the app is also available for macOS.