For many Android users, the go-to platform for app installations is the Google Play Store. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. One significant issue is the limited access to certain apps due to geographic or legal restrictions, rendering them unavailable through the Play Store. But geo-blocking isn’t the sole reason users seek alternatives to Google Play Store. Despite Google’s efforts to enhance security measures against malware, some malicious apps still manage to infiltrate and compromise data. Not every alternative found online can be deemed safe, underscoring the necessity for a curated list. Hence, we present this list, comprising exclusively those platforms that seasoned enthusiasts have relied on for years, if not decades. Furthermore, thanks to Android’s architecture, installing supported apps onto Android devices is a straightforward process. Without further ado, let’s delve into the list.
1. APKMirror
APKMirror, a trusted alternative to the Google Play Store, is highly regarded by the Android community for app downloads. While not an app itself, it serves as a vast repository of Android apps. One of its primary purposes is to download the latest versions of apps not yet available in certain regions, making it particularly useful for obtaining geo-restricted apps. The site offers APKs and the latest Split APK format from Google, complemented by an app for installing Split APKs directly onto your device.
APKMirror verifies the signature of all new APKs with the original to authenticate the publisher. The platform keeps track of app versions, so if the new version doesn’t work, you can download the previous one from the same webpage and it should start working again. Overall, APKMirror is one of the best Play Store alternatives for Android.
Download APKMirror
2. Aurora Store
Unlike APKMirror, Aurora is a full-fledged app store utilizing GPlayApi to retrieve packages directly from Google and display apps and updates. Also, unlike many apps on this list, Aurora is completely free, open-source, and hosted on GitHub. A significant selling point of Aurora Store is its anonymous sessions, allowing users to install apps without signing in.
Moreover, it employs MicroG for account sign-in, ensuring Google cannot spy on you. The app is highly customizable with various themes and features. While Aurora isn’t available on the Play Store, it can be installed from its official website or F-Droid, another open-source alternative we’ll explore next.
3. F-Droid
F-Droid, a free and open-source app store, hosts free and open-source applications. The platform stands out as a home to some of the best open-source applications, as well as hidden gems. Particularly favored by users of de-googled operating systems, such as Android without Google’s services, F-Droid predominantly offers lesser-known free and open-source applications, with a few proprietary ones scattered throughout.
F-Droid’s official app may not offer the best user experience, so we have F-Droid clients featuring F-Droid’s app library with their own user interface magic. Aurora Droid is a prime example. It’s developed by the same team responsible for Aurora Store, another alternative to Google Play Store.
Download F-Droid / Download Aurora Droid
4. Amazon App Store
The Amazon App Store is another commercial marketplace directly competing with Google Play Store. While not as comprehensive, it’s popular because Amazon preinstalls it on Fire products and Kindle. Apps are categorized to enhance discoverability.
Upon installation, you encounter a sign-in screen using your email. The UI resembles early iterations of the Google Play Store. Apps are categorized as expected. Download and installation procedures are standard for Play Store migrants.
5. APKPure
Searching for a specific APK online often leads to APKPure, one of the oldest Android app-distributing sites. It boasts a vast library of applications and games, much like APKMirror. You can also install the APKMirror app to simplify app installations from the platform, saving time.
In our experience, consider APKPure as a secondary option if you can’t find a desired app on APKMirror. The homepage of APKPure appears to host numerous low-quality applications and games, some of which may contain malware. During our attempt to install a game, it requested permission to access contacts, which is suspicious. However, with proper caution, APKPure remains a viable choice.
6. Huawei AppGallery
Initially exclusive to Huawei and Honor devices, AppGallery is now accessible to all following the US sanction and subsequent Google ban. This openness transforms Huawei’s Android app store into a noteworthy alternative to Google Play Store, available for installation and use on any Android device.
Exercise caution when downloading from app stores and granting permissions, as malware may lurk within. Huawei reports that its AppGallery offers over 1.3 million Android apps, including popular titles, and boasts approximately 400 million users. For those seeking an alternative to Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery presents a viable option.
7. Samsung Galaxy Store
Galaxy Store serves as the exclusive app marketplace for Samsung devices, encompassing smartphones, smartwatches, smart TVs, and more. While Samsung devices typically feature the Google Play Store preinstalled, the Galaxy Store manages updates for most Samsung apps. Additionally, Samsung has forged partnerships with numerous publishers, enhancing the platform’s popularity and profitability for developers.
Fortnite, a game Samsung partnered with Epic to bring to the Galaxy Store, deals a blow to Google and Apple due to revenue sharing conflicts, resulting in its absence from the Google Play Store and App Store. If Samsung persists, Galaxy Store could rival the Play Store, offering a compelling alternative on most devices. Currently, it serves as an alternative solely on Samsung devices.
Download Galaxy Store or find it in the App Drawer on Samsung Devices
8. Uptodown
Uptodown, a longstanding app store for Android, offers a vast library of applications and games. It provides both web and device applications for updating your apps. Notably, it offers Windows and macOS apps, catering to users across platforms.
With over 1.4 million apps, Uptodown boasts a user base of over 450 million monthly users. Collaborating with developers of popular apps like Brave, Truecaller, and PUBG, it ensures access to the latest versions. In summary, Uptodown stands out as a top alternative to the Google Play Store.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
