The Google Play Store has a treasure trove of apps, but it’s not the only game in town. In fact, some of the most innovative and privacy-focused Android apps are hiding just beyond Google’s official storefront.
Before we dive into the list, you might be wondering where you can even find these hidden gems. Many of them are available on a third-party app store called F-Droid (which is the first app on the list). However, some are simply available to download from GitHub, after which you can sideload them on your phone.
1
F-Droid
As mentioned above, F-Droid is not only a great app from outside of the Play Store, but it’s essentially a store of its own. However, there’s one crucial difference—every app hosted there is free and open-source software (FOSS). This means the code is publicly available, allowing anyone to inspect it for malicious code or privacy reasons. It’s the perfect starting point for your journey into the world of off-Play Store apps. Plus, it makes installing and updating these hidden gems much easier.
2
Breezy Weather
Are you tired of weather apps that feel bloated with ads or unnecessary features? Breezy Weather is a refreshing change. It’s a clean, Material Design-inspired app that delivers all the essential weather information you need without any fuss. You can customize your data sources, choose different icon packs, and even get home screen widgets and live wallpaper.
3
Fennec Browser
If online privacy is a top concern, you should check out Fennec Browser. This is a fork of Firefox, but with all of Mozilla’s telemetry and data collection completely removed. You get the robust browsing capabilities of Firefox, including support for add-ons, without the nagging feeling that your every click is being tracked. It offers a more private web experience, giving you some control over your digital footprint.
4
TapTap
Wish your phone had a secret button? That’s exactly what TapTap delivers. This app ports the “Back Tap” gesture from newer Android versions and iPhones to virtually any Android device running Android 7.0+. With a simple double or triple tap on the back of your phone, you can trigger a wide range of actions. Launch an app, toggle your flashlight, simulate a button press, or even run complex Tasker tasks—the possibilities are endless.
5
Cromite
Another great browser for those who prioritize privacy and performance is Cromite. This Chromium-based browser is a direct fork of Bromite and comes equipped with a built-in ad blocker and enhanced privacy features right out of the box. It’s designed to be lightweight and fast, offering a snappy alternative to Chrome or Firefox, particularly if you appreciate a minimalist approach coupled with strong anti-tracking measures.
6
Linksheet
Ever get frustrated when Android automatically opens a link in the wrong app, or when it forces a specific app despite your preferences? Linksheet is an app that reintroduces and enhances Android’s old system link handling behavior. With Linksheet, you can precisely choose which app opens a link, set preferred apps for specific websites, and even benefit from experimental features like ClearURLs integration to strip tracking parameters from URLs.
7
Smartspacer
As a Pixel user, I have a love/hate relationship with the “At a Glance” widget. It’s useful, but there are just not enough customization options. Smartspacer is the answer. This app provides an incredibly powerful and enhanced version of the “At a Glance” widget for any Android device. You can add a wealth of information to your home screen, including social media notifications, detailed weather updates, Bluetooth device battery levels, and even set up AI-like conditions to display specific information based on your location or the time of day.
Download Smartspace from GitHub
8
HeliBoard
In a time when a concerning number of keyboard apps send your typing data to the cloud, HeliBoard offers a refreshing, secure, and completely ad-free typing experience. This open-source keyboard works entirely offline, ensuring your keystrokes never leave your device. You still get smart suggestions, a customizable spell checker, and easy language switching, all without compromising your privacy.
Stepping outside the confines of the Play Store might feel a bit scary at first, but as long as you use F-Droid and stick with recommended apps, you should be just fine. And you’ll unlock some handy new abilities for your Android device along the way. You might just find that your new favorite apps aren’t offered by Google at all.
Related
What Is F-Droid and How Is It Different From the Play Store?
In the Android world, one app store is king—the Google Play Store. This is the “official” place to download apps and games. However, there are a few alternatives. F-Droid is one of the most interesting options out there.