If you are searching for the best Google Play alternatives, this article is something you would definitely want to read. The Google Play Store is the go-to place for Android apps. But you should know that it is not the only place. Many people think Google Play Store is the only option Android users have for downloading apps. But actually there are some alternatives for it.
Additionally, if you’ve bought a device that isn’t authorized to run the Play Store, getting access can be very difficult (if not impossible). You’ll have no choice but to use some of Google Play alternatives.
Frankly, there are many reasons to use an alternative app store on Android. The options below can help you find plenty of great apps even without Google Play.
10 Google Play Alternatives for Downloading Android Apps
If you can’t access the Play Store or it has some errors, I hope one of these 10 Google Play best alternatives helps you download all the apps you need. Let’s start.
1. Amazon
No doubts, this is among one of the best Google Play alternatives that offers a wide range of games and apps for the Android phones or devices. The APK file of the Amazon app store can easily be downloaded and installed on any Android device. The app store offers outstanding deals and offers.
Apps and games are available in a number of different categories, including education, entertainment, health and fitness, music, lifestyle, books and comics, communication, photography, kids, real estate and many more. The apps and games are categorized into
- Top Rated Underground Apps and Games
- Apps and Games Best Sellers
- Featured Fire Tablet Apps and Games
- Top picks and Featured Categories
2. F-Droid
F-Droid can be installed from the official website, and it certainly presents a refreshing idea. Unlike other app stores, F-Droid is funded by donations, and the apps themselves don’t have reviews or ratings. But all of the apps contained within there are FOSS (Free and Open Source Software).
It’s an excellent app store for developers because anyone can access the code of these apps for free. You might find a particular app feature or functionality which you like and would want to use for your own app, and you can, just access the code and copy it.
The downside is that the apps are not always as “professional” as can be found in stores like Google Play and the Amazon app store. Still, for developers, it’s highly recommended.
3. SlideME
SlideME is an app store that ships on many devices that don’t have Google Play. It targets device makers looking to sell in regions that the Play Store doesn’t service very well. SlideME also seeks developers whose apps aren’t welcome on Google Play. Though it doesn’t permit apps with adult content.
The store app that you download to your phone is called SAM, the SlideME Application Manager. SlideME’s app selection is larger than F-Droid’s. But it is smaller than Amazon’s. You’ll find more games here than on F-Droid and can avoid the tracking that comes with using Amazon.
While SlideME may reach out to areas underserved by the Play Store, the company is actually based in Seattle. Each app is subject to review, so you can expect a certain degree of quality and safety.
The store’s interface hasn’t seen an update in years, but it’s still functional and easy enough to learn. There are plenty of ways to discover new apps, which is a plus. Selecting an app gives you a download button, description, screenshots, reviews, and a few more options towards the bottom. It’s a fairly standard amount of choices, similar to what you might find in the Play Store.
However, there is a thin banner advertisement that runs along the bottom of the app sometimes, which is annoying if you accidentally press it.
4. GetJar
It is one of the other Google Play alternatives with a vast array of free apps to download. These can be filtered with the categories (and subcategories), which are mostly the same as in the Google Play Store, such as Productivity, Finance, Photos, among others.
GetJar is nothing new to Symbian device users. The software is accessible over web interface and also comes as an official app. The applications available within are well categorized and organized. This app relies upon older or previous Android APIs. The process to download this app is quite straightforward. But it is not compatible to latest Android standards.
GetJar isn’t just for Android phones either, it has cross-platform support (iOS, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile etc), and also employs user comments (likes and dislikes, and Facebook support).
5. Humble Bundle
As the name suggests, Humble Bundle didn’t begin as an app store. Initially, it offered a semi-regular set of bundles that let you pay however much you wanted for a pack of games. If you paid over a certain amount, you unlocked the full bundle. Plus, a portion of every sale went to charity.
Eventually, Humble Bundle expanded from a series of bundles into a full-blown app store. The site also sells soundtracks and books.
But the bundles continue. Some of the early bundles included Android games. For a while, there was also a regular Humble Mobile Bundle that released separately from the main bundle. That practice has ended, but Android games haven’t disappeared. You can still find them within the Humble Store, and you may occasionally see one make an appearance as part of a bundle.
The Android Humble Bundle app isn’t a complete store. Instead, it’s a hub for downloading apps you’ve purchased and installing the occasional update. The interface is a little outdated, but it still works. The Humble Store may not contain anywhere near the selection found in the Play Store or the Amazon Appstore, but every download is DRM-free. That means you actually own the software you purchase here, which you’re free to download and backup in any way you like.
6. Mobogenie
Mobogenie Market is another good android store to download apps and games for free. It allows the users to choose from a variety of categories and download the related apps. If you want to download an app, and it is not available in any other android store, Mobogenie market is a great place to look for.
7. Aptoid
Aptoid is one of Google Play alternatives for mobile applications which runs on the Android operating system. In Aptoide, unlike the default Google Play Store, there is not a unique and centralized store but each user manages their own store.
8. Uptodown
Uptodown website is available in twelve languages, and offers localized content for each of them, providing free downloading. For this, it uses the services of VirusTotal , which provides reports of all its apps based on the results of more than 50 antivirus programs. In addition to the application catalog, Uptodown has a news blog and tutorials related to the world of software, as well as an official application for Android.
9. APKUpdater
Unlike the play-store alternatives shown previously, APKUpdater pursues a simpler goal. It delivers updates earlier than others. You want to use the new WhatsApp features sooner than your friends? Facebook drains your battery too much? Then you need the APKUpdater. Because it informs you about available updates earlier than any other Android App Market.
The new versions are either downloaded from APKMirror, APKPure or via Evozi from the Play Store. They all have a good reputation, but are not as safe as F-Droid or the Play Store. In addition, you have to download each time to the respective website, which can mean exposure to dodgy ads.
Unlike the other app stores mentioned, APKUpdater does not offer a search function, and only updates apps you already have.
10. Apps Lib
AppsLib serves an exclusive library of Android games and apps. The simple to use interface makes it easier to download the apps even for first time visitors. The Filters available in the interface helps in searching for desired apps from the million of options in an easy manner.
The apps are categorized into various sections that make it easy to download and install the applications or games. The marketplace is an option for devices that are unable to get Google certification. Premium apps can be purchased by making payment through PayPal.
Conclusion
Hope these 10 Google Play alternatives has helped you to download your favorite apps. Moreover, we have talked earlier in one of out articles about Google Chrome alternatives. You can read it if you need to have some information about this issue.
