6 Best Google Play Store Alternatives, App Stores For Your Phone
The Google Play Store is the default place where we get our apps, but there are many more app stores that have something to offer. They each have their own strengths, and they often come for good reason to ignore Google’s Play Store. This is our overview.
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1. Amazon App Store
The default application store for Amazon Kindle devices, but it can also be installed on your phone as an app. Besides the Google Play Store, this is probably one of the better options for beginners looking to explore other places, as Amazon’s Appstore is both a safe and easy-to-use place.
Less good about this application store is the range, which could have been a bit more extensive. Although the Amazon Appstore will receive much more attention with the arrival of Windows 11 at the end of 2021 or early 2022, because thanks to this store you will soon be able to run Android apps on your PC. Amazon’s store will also work with app bundles, just like the Google Play Store, and that too will only benefit the offer in the future.
How many apps?
460,000+
2. F-Droid
This is one of the older application stores on the list, and it’s all about FOSS apps. That stands for free and open source software. Most of F-Droid’s apps let anyone who wants to check the code, so you’ll find many privacy-friendly alternatives to popular apps. When apps do not have open source code, this is explicitly indicated in F-Droid.
In addition, you can easily support developers of your favorite free apps thanks to free donations. This app store is very suitable for a lot of niche apps and real ‘power users’. You will find software that is not in Google’s application store. F-Droid can be installed as an apk for free.
How many apps?
5,600+
3. Aptoide
Another old acquaintance. Aptoide is keen to establish itself as one of the most complete alternatives to Google’s application store, and it has a wide range to offer. Aptoide, for example, comes with a lot of more popular apps, including the apps from Facebook, and you also come across apps that cannot be found in the Play Store.
Aptoide has more lenient rules for developers, and the store is known for shadier apps and apps and games with mature content. Aptoide feels a bit like the Wild West. A critical look together with some common sense is therefore a good combination for those who visit this app store. You can download and install Aptoide as an apk file.
How many apps?
1,000,000+
4. APK Mirror
APK Mirror is the store where you not only find apps, but also all previous versions. The service is ideal for getting around geographic restrictions with apps and you can sometimes find apk files of popular apps with updates that have only been rolled out to a limited extent. The ideal way to get started with new functions a little earlier.
APK Mirror itself scans the apps to avert malware and you will only find free apps there. The revenue model of the website consists entirely of advertisements that are displayed. Moreover, APK Mirror only exists in the form of the website that you can visit, so there is no app. However, the people behind this platform release the APK Mirror Installer, which is a handy tool with which you can install both apk files and app bundles.
How many apps?
Unknown
5. Huawei AppGallery
The AppGallery is missing a number of important apps, including, for example, the apps from Google and those from Facebook. It has also been discussed enough in connection with US sanctions on behalf of Huawei. Still, it remains a well-functioning app store that is also growing rapidly, and it is available for all phones as an apk file that you can install yourself.
Huawei is committed to attracting local app developers, so you can already find a nice range of Dutch apps in the AppGallery, including this very well-known app. Like the Amazon Appstore, Huawei’s app store is both a user-friendly and secure environment. Although we are not a fan of the regular pop-up ads.
How many apps?
Unknown
6. Aurora Store
Do you want the full range of apps from the Google Play Store, but in accessible packaging and with a focus on privacy? The Aurora Store works as a client for the Play Store and the app has a number of assets. For example, you can install apps without logging into the Google account. In addition, Aurora can download multiple apps at once and there is also an integration with Exodus Privacy. This is a service that investigates to what extent apps take your privacy into account. You discover whether and how many trackers use apps to track you. The Aurora Store also shows no advertising and has a nice design.
How many apps?
2,890,000+ apps
Do you already use alternative app stores on your smartphone, and if so which ones? Have you already used one or more of the above alternatives, and what are your experiences? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this article. Also check out our best Google Maps alternatives.
