Google Play is the native Android app store. However, this is not all you can get. In fact, there are also open source Android app stores and we will talk about it in this article.
If you’re not familiar, open source Android app stores are stores that allow you to download Android apps that you sometimes can’t find on Google Play. However, unlike Google Play, they focus on providing open source apps and even the programming code of these stores is also open source.
Open source applications have their source code available to all users. In addition, said code can be evaluated by other Internet users. If you want to know more about the benefits of open source, we will talk about it in detail in this publication.
6 Best Open Source Android App Stores
Now that you know what open source stores are, we can show you which are the six best open source Android app stores. Without further ado, they are as follows.
F-Droid, the most popular open source Android app store
The first open source Android app store on the list is F-Droid. This is one of the open source app stores that has been running since 2010. In addition, it focuses on providing the highest level of security to its users.
Additionally, since it is a pioneer store that focuses on hosting open source apps, it has a large app store. In this store you can find productivity tools, some messaging apps, media players, games and more.
For example, here you can find apps like Telegram and VLC Audio and Video Player for Android. F-Droid interface is very easy to use. If you want to try it, we leave the link below so you can download it.
Enter │ F-Droid
APKMirror, a popular alternative
Another good option to consider is APKMirror. This option provides you with a large number of Android apps APKs. One thing that makes this app store proud is that it allows you to download the original APK of any app without any modifications.
Also, the app catalog is huge and you can even find the APK of the banned app on Google Play. As if this isn’t surprising, the catalog also provides you with beta versions and previous versions of the apps. If the current version has a bug, the later one will allow you to use the previous version of the app.
Binding │ APKMirror
Aurora Store, a store that offers you apps from different countries
If none of the options we’ve presented appeal to you, you may want to check them out at the Aurora store. What makes this option unique is that it gives you access to the Google Play app catalog, but without having to use the official Google Store.
And if you think you can’t update the apps you download through this store, you’re wrong. This is because Aurora Store can offer you updates for every app you use.
With this store, you can download apk of apps that are not available in your country or region. In fact, it allows you to search and download previous versions of any app you find in the catalog.
Enter │ Aurora Store
GetJar, a fairly complete option in terms of functions
This is a store that has been operating since 2005, and has a great catalog of messaging apps, social networks, utilities, games and much more.
In addition to offering free applications, it offers the possibility to pay for paid applications, but that’s not all. This store allows you to use trial versions of paid apps. That way, you can decide to pay for it.
Additionally, it offers you the best apps based on where you are. That way, it recommends apps that are in your language and suit your needs.
Link │ GetJar
Yalp Store, an app store focused on privacy
This open source alternative is very similar to the Aurora Store. However, the biggest difference is that the Apple Store is privacy-focused as it ensures the anonymity of the apps you download. In fact, you don’t need to open a user account to use this store.
The interface is easy to use, configurable and very intuitive. If you want an option that ensures the privacy of the apps you want to download, this option will be perfect for you. The only list allows you to download only free apps.
Enter │ Yalp Store
Accresent, the simplest of all open source Android app stores
Last but not least we have Accrescent. Strange as it sounds, it downloads apps from Google Play. Like the other options we’ve shown you, you don’t need to open a user account to use it, and it keeps you up-to-date with the apps you’ve installed.
However, its biggest strength is that it’s very lightweight, as its APK doesn’t weigh more than 5MB. You can also categorize apps according to how compatible they are with your mobile or tablet. However, this option only works if your phone or tablet is running Android 12 or 13.
Link │ increasing
If none of these stores convince you, we invite you to review our list of 10 non-Google Play Android apps. We have no doubt that some may interest you.
And what do you think? What do you think about these open source Android app stores? Do you know of any other stores we haven’t mentioned? If so, leave us a comment and share this article if it was useful to you.
