Eight easy-to-use open source hybrid mobile application development platforms
My Top 6 Open-source Android Apps From The Google Play Store - And Why That's Important
Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesAndroid and open source are closely intertwined. In fact, most open-source fans I know also use Android. Coincidence? I think not.
One nice thing about Android is that the Google Play Store has lots of open-source software. That's not to say every single open-source title is worth your time and effort, but there are plenty of FOSS apps that are not only worth your time but also some of the best in class.
Also: I upgraded to Android 16 - here's what I love and what's still missing
I want to introduce you to a few of my favorite Android open-source apps, all of which are available on the Google Play Store. Being on this store is important as I'm not a big fan of side-loading apps.
I know there are plenty of apps available outside of the Google Play Store, but knowing if those apps can be trusted places a bit of a shadow over them. Because of that issue, I recommend apps that are available from the official location.
Also: 7 ways to get more out of your Bitwarden password manager
With that said, let me introduce you to the open-source Android apps I regularly use.
1. BitwardenOf all the password managers on the market, Bitwarden is (by far) the best. Not only is the app open source, but it also includes every feature you could ever need from a password manager, uses industry-leading encryption, allows you to share vault entries safely with others, includes two-factor authentication (so you don't have to depend on yet another app to generate the time-based code), has a great user interface, is easy to use, and the team behind the app listens to users.
The Android version of Bitwarden can also be used for auto-fill, so you tap a login field and Bitwarden populates the password for you. Bitwarden also has one of the best random password generators I've ever used, with many customizations and the option to use a passphrase instead. Bitwarden can be used for free, or you can upgrade to a paid account for more features.
Find out more via the Bitwarden price/feature matrix.
2. BraveBrave is almost always listed as one of the most secure browsers on the market. This Chromium-based browser is like Chrome, but with more security and privacy. Brave has a built-in AI tool (called Leo) which you can quickly access from the Brave three-dot menu in the bottom-right corner. Leo allows you to chat like a regular AI tool and can even summarize websites for you.
Also: 5 Android browsers that are better than Chrome (and why I prefer them)
Brave includes a built-in VPN that you can enable or disable from the same menu you access Leo. However, Brave includes some crypto bits that I always disable. I also disable the Brave Wallet and Rewards.
One additional feature I appreciate in Brave is the privacy stats widget on the Start page that keeps you up to date on how many trackers and ads are blocked. Brave is a great (and free) browser that improves on Chrome but looks and behaves very similarly.
3. WaveletIf you use wireless earbuds with your Android device, you owe it to yourself to use Wavelet. This free, open-source app includes several preset sound profiles for thousands of earbuds. These profiles mean you don't have to tweak the EQ to get the best sound from your earbuds.
Also: How to use a VPN on Linux - and why you should
Wavelet includes AutoEQ, a graphic equalizer, a limiter, and channel balance. Essentially, you start listening to music through your earbuds, open Wavelet, enable AutoEQ, tap AutoEQ, type the headphone model, tap the matching entry, and enjoy music exactly how it was meant to be heard through those particular headphones.
You can also boost the EQ by enabling the graphic equalizer and then selecting a curve that matches your taste. If you want to get the most out of your wireless earbuds, consider this free, open-source app a must.
4. Tor BrowserIf you want serious privacy, you need to use Tor Browser. Tor Browser is, hands down, the most secure and private browser on the market. Although Tor isn't the easiest browser on the market to use, the security and privacy features are worth it.
However, it's also important to note that all this privacy and security comes at a cost -- speed. The security layers used by Tor Browser mean pages might not load as quickly. That issue means you might only use Tor Browser for sites that require you to submit or view sensitive information. Either way, this free and open-source browser should be on your Android device.
5. KDE ConnectKDE Connect allows you to connect to Linux devices on your network and share clipboard content, files, URLs, and even notifications. If your desktop of choice is KDE Plasma, the app is pre-installed, which makes it very easy to connect the app on your phone with the app on your desktop or laptop.
Also: How to connect Android to the Linux desktop with KDE Connect
With this mobile app, you can even run commands on your Linux devices. If you don't use KDE Plasma as your desktop, you can use the GNOME GSConnect (a desktop app) to make the connection between your desktop and Android device (using KDE Connect). KDE Connect is free to install and use.
6. ProtonVPNIf you need a system-wide VPN (as opposed to one limited to a web browser), try ProtonVPN. This VPN service offers tracker blocking, highly secure servers, was created by the same CERN scientists who developed Proton Mail, offers secure, private, encrypted, and unlimited access, and even unblocks access to popular websites and platforms.
You can connect to servers in over 110 countries, which can be very convenient when you need to switch to another location (should the one you're using not work properly). ProtonVPN does offer a free account, but it's limited to one device at a time, medium VPN speed, and can only connect to servers in five countries (which are randomly selected).
Also: The best VPN services (and how to choose the right one for you)
If you want more bang from the app, you can pay $2.99/month to get the highest VPN speeds, a choice of over 13,000 servers, ad/tracker/malware blocking, and more.
Featured Waze vs. Google Maps: Which navigation app is best? I took a walk with Meta's new Oakley smart glasses - they beat my Ray-Bans in every way 6 ways to protect your passport and other travel docs from cybercriminals - before it's too late How to maximize your Windows 11 PC's battery life in 9 easy stepsThese Are Our Picks For The Best Android Apps Of 2024
Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
The year is drawing to a close, and that means it's time for our best Android apps of 2024 breakdown. It's been an incredible year for tech in general, but we've also seen some notable Android app developments from companies big and small. And yes, while generative AI-influenced apps heavily influence this list, those genuinely practical apps that make smaller digital tasks much easier will still get their time to shine here.
We picked our favorite apps based on their impact on us over the past year, their functionality and effectiveness, and their novelty. Our main list below details the best Android apps released in 2024. However, because we've used various tools across the year, we've also included another section for older apps that stole our hearts. Without further ado, here are the best Android apps of 2024.
What is your favorite Android app of 2024?9044 votes
Focus Go
51%
Google Gemini
9%
Mozilla Thunderbird
7%
Blackmagic Camera
8%
Arc Search
3%
ElevenLabs Reader
2%
PixelShot
5%
Clean As Duck
5%
Pixel Weather
6%
AInput
3%
Focus GoThe best new Android gallery app, bar none.
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Focus Go is a simple Android gallery app, but don't let that modest description fool you. The app puts your photos front and center, and that's wonderfully refreshing in the age of AI and feature creep.
So, yes, you won't find any AI gimmicks, editing tools, or additional features here. This app was made to showcase your photos and nothing more. This acute focus makes Focus Go incredibly swift, regularly loading mountains of photos in little to no time.
It may sound threadbare, but Focus Go is one of those rare Android apps that nails the one thing it sets out to do.
Google GeminiA must-have Android utility and worthy heir to Google Assistant's throne.
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
I was skeptical when Gemini launched and promised to overthrow Assistant as Google's chief virtual helper. But since the app launched in February, we've seen countless new additions to the platform.
Thanks to a slow but assured rollout of extensions, the arrival of Gemini Live to more regions, and its newer ability to remember user preferences, Gemini has become an essential app for Android smartphone users. I've used Gemini Live for all sorts of queries, from cooking to general knowledge conversations, while Gemini has offered incredible insights into email formation, document creation, and more.
Mozilla ThunderbirdThe best new unified email app for Android.
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Mozilla Thunderbird finally launched the stable version of its long-awaited Android email app, and it's an excellent debut. It borrows heavily from K-9 Mail, but using this legendary app's functional bones as a base is good.
Thunderbird collates emails from various accounts: Hotmail, Webmail, Yahoo, Gmail, and beyond. It also includes a unified inbox, allowing all these emails to be viewed in a single stream. Sure, it lacks the AI trappings of Gmail and the extensive features of Outlook, but it's a good start. Thunderbird desktop users can easily import their configurations to the Android app, making it a seamless offering for legacy users.
Blackmagic CameraAn excellent manual video recording app for Android users.
Modern smartphones are powerful pocket video recorders, capable of sucking up 8K moving images without fuss. While native camera apps are great, professionals and enthusiasts require something more serious. That's where Blackmagic Camera fills a niche.
Originally an iOS exclusive, Blackmagic Camera arrived on Android in 2024 to offer users manual controls, quick access to frame rate, a lens picker, and another image adjustment. Users can view a histogram and other status indicators from the main recording screen. More serious users can benefit from DaVinci Resolve support, and there's also an option to save clips to Blackmagic's cloud storage service for paying customers.
Notably, the app added support for a host of premium flagships with its latest version, but it does not offer LOG support — something that would've taken the Android version of the app into the must-have category. It's a great package, but we hope Blackmagic takes it to the next level next year.
Arc SearchThe best new Android browser of the year, infused with AI goodness.
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Arc Search is a browser on the surface but functions more like an answer engine on Android. Its nifty Browse For Me feature supercharges this facet, directly answering search queries (think Perplexity) with bullet point answers and a list of sources. Users can also use it as a traditional browser, roping in Google and co. For general searches.
I wasn't a big fan of Arc Search at launch, but the app has received several updates. It's now a great companion browser for those needing quick web access.
ElevenLabs ReaderTurn any ebook, PDF, or website into an audiobook.
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
ElevenLabs isn't getting a Christmas card from me this year, at least not after it killed Omnivore, one of the best read-it-later apps I discovered far too late. Nevertheless, its innovative Reader app does earn it a gold star in my book.
As its name suggests, Reader makes various document formats audible, transforming them into audiobooks. Its trump card is its ability to vocalize this content using various AI voices, including celebrities. Practical features, like playback speed, the ability to import simple text documents, and an easily navigable UI, add to the app's appeal as a study guide or a hands-off article reader.
AI is everywhere in 2024, sometimes to no real effect, but Reader is an excellent example of how useful it can be when implemented correctly.
PixelShotGet a Pixel Screenshots-like feature for any Android phone.
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
This year, the Pixel 9 series received some tremendous exclusive features, and Pixel Screenshots is the most ingenious. It aims to bring some semblance of order and use to your masses of screenshots. Thankfully, non-Pixel owners can rely on a third-party Android app called PixelShot to bring a similar feature to their devices.
PixelShot unashamedly dupes Pixel Screenshots, organizing your screenshots folder and summarizing the information using AI. Users can also leave notes on specific screenshots and search for specific snippets, making it a useful archival tool.
The app uses AI to analyze your data and sends some text snippets for analysis, which raises questions about security, especially if you screenshot essential documents. However, it's free and well worth a try.
Clean as DuckA simple chore management app for busy households.
Andy Walker / Android Authority
I've always found it challenging to keep up with more mundane chores that are imperative but easy to forget. Clean As Duck helped me record these and reminded me to tackle them when required.
The app offers users a long set of templates detailing some common chores, but you can add practically anything to the app that you need a reminder for. For instance, I like to add a reminder to water specific plants more often than others.
Clean As Duck is among my favorite apps of the year, and it absolutely deserves its place on this list.
Pixel WeatherGoogle's refreshed weather app is the best new weather app of the year.
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Google had several hits in 2024, and the revamped Weather app is one of them. First debuting on the Pixel 9 series (hence the name I'm using), the app adopted a fresher modern design with movable widgets and even more weather metrics. These details now include pollen notifications, multi-day forecasts, and an AI Weather Report feature that decodes and summarizes the day's data in a sentence.
It may not be the best weather app available across the entire Android ecosystem, but Google is clearly committed to continuing to expand its feature list.
AInputGet Magic Compose smarts on practically any Android device and any app.
Finally, AInput rounds out our list thanks to its helpful AI-fueled text suggestions. Like Google's Magic Compose, AInput offers users a list of alternative suggestions to lines of text replies. The app can be used in social media apps, when constructing a review on Google Maps or a comment on YouTube. It also integrates an AI web search feature for those who prefer guided web tours.
Perhaps the only issue I've found with AInput is the prevalence of ads that mar the experience. Of course, you can pay to remove these.
Honorable mentions
Andy Walker / Android Authority
There are many apps we've grown fond of in 2024 but were launched in years past. This is a special category I wanted to include for those particular apps.
What was your favorite app of 2024? Comment below with your pick, and vote in the poll above.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting
The Best Themes For Android In 2024 - Android Authority
Ryan Whitwam / Android Authority
Android is loved for its customization features, and each day newer and better apps are being developed for user convenience. Before, you had to root your phone in order to change the system color or use a dark theme. But now, many OEMs support system-wide customization options with app stores dedicated to the same. There are also theme builders like Google's Material You, available on newer versions of Android, that allow you to personalize your Android without using any additional apps.
However, a lot of the old ways still work today on older devices, including icon packs, third-party Android launchers, various wallpaper apps, and even some more hardcore stuff like widgets and live wallpaper creators. There are tons of things you can do. In this article, we'll talk about the best Android apps from a customization point of view.
The best Android themes and customizations Action Launcher
Price: Free / In-app purchases ($4.99 – $12.00 per item)
Action Launcher is a great place to start for theming. It allows you to auto-customize the colors of the launcher from the colors on your wallpaper. Additionally, it has a variety of customization options to make everything look how you like it. This includes app shortcuts, a quick bar, smart-sized icons, Android's new Material You theming, and elements from the Google Pixel Launcher. It's also a rock-solid launcher app. You can do all kinds of fun Android themes with this one, but it takes a bit of work.
Square HomePrice: Free / In-app purchases ($1.99 – $5.99 per item)
If you're a fan of Windows phones, you're going to love this one. Square Home is a highly customizable launcher app available for Android devices that turns your boring phone UI into the metro UI of a Windows phone. It offers a user-friendly interface with smooth vertical and horizontal scrolling. This one utilizes tiles to elegantly display notifications, calls, SMS, emails, and more. It is like a smart app drawer that intelligently organizes your apps based on usage. While some premium features like animated tiles, a media controller, infinite scrolling, and 3D effects for horizontal scrolling require payment, there are flexible subscription plans available, including monthly options priced at $1.99 and a lifetime subscription at $5.99.
Energy Bar (or Energy Ring) appsPrice: Free / In-app purchases ($1.99 – $21.99 per item)
Energy Bar (or Energy Ring) is a series of apps that let you do fun stuff with your screen. The original Energy Bar puts a battery meter along the top border of your screen. It goes down as your battery does. The notch and pinhole cameras complicated things a bit, but the developer has the Energy Ring series of apps for those obstacles. The apps work on any phone with a flat upper screen, most devices with a pinhole, and about half a dozen devices with a notch. You'll have to check out the developer's page to find the one that works best for you, but it's a neat way to accentuate the top of your phone.
Always OnPrice: Free /In-app purchases ($0.99 – $4.99 per item)
Always On, also called Muviz Edge, is a unique app in its category. It's unique in this way that it adds a Live Music Visualizer around the edges of your screen while you listen to music from your music player app, giving your device a cool, aesthetic look. It also has edge lighting for Always On Display screens, with a variety of super customizable options. It also lets you choose your preferences from a range of design packs and color palettes to match your style. There are even options to control the visualizer's behavior and prevent screen burn-in. It supports many different music players, which you can find more about on the Google Play Store.
Android Keyboards (Gboard, Swiftkey)Price: Free
Gboard and SwiftKey are two of the most popular Android keyboards. They're both excellent for personalizing your device. SwiftKey has more options; it includes many unique themes, along with a variety of seasonal themes. Gboard has more basic options and offers a more minimalistic design. However, both keyboards have custom theming available on top of the preset stuff. There are other keyboards with this functionality; however, Gboard and SwiftKey are simply the two best ones in terms of usability and performance. Plus, they're both free, with no in-app purchases or ads. Thank you, Google and Microsoft!
KWGT and KLWPPrice: Free /In-app purchases ($5.99 per item)
KWGT and KLWP are two of the most popular customization apps out there right now. KWGT allows you to create custom widgets and has a lot of other features to help you create the best widgets according to your preferences. This app also has support for Google Fit, sensor data, weather, and even stuff like custom-made countdown timers.
KLWP is a live wallpaper maker. It features a WYSIWYG editor that lets you create custom wallpapers and shares many common features with KWGT. The two apps work well with each other; together, they give you the best package for personalization. There is also the KLCK Kustom Lock Screen feature if you want to go even further and add a lock screen to the mix.
Nova LauncherPrice: Free
Nova Launcher is one of the best launcher apps out there. It's excellent for Android theming. It's equipped with a ton of customization options, including icon packs, sub-grid positioning, color controls, a scrollable dock, and much more. There are also Nova Launcher themes in Google Play that add a bit more to the mix. The paid version adds some extra features like gestures to execute certain commands easily, creating app drawer rooms, assigning custom gestures to icon boxes, hiding certain apps without uninstalling them, and many more. This app is recommended for newbies; it's a good app to start customizing.
TapetPrice: Free / In-app purchases ($0.99 – $399.99 per item)
Tapet is a simple wallpaper generator. It randomly generates wallpapers from a selection of different patterns. There are nearly 100 patterns to choose from, all of which are fully customizable, including the theme color. The best part about it is that it works offline, but one downside is that it requires you to learn the gimmicks a little. The controls are a little harder to comprehend because they differ from conventional apps; however, you'll get used to them in no time. You can find some seriously cool, one-of-a-kind stuff with this one. The free version gives you access to some patterns, but buying the premium version unlocks all of the patterns.
WalliPrice: Free / In-app purchases ($0.99 – $29.99 per item)
Walli is another wallpaper app on our list. It features a variety of unique images and artwork from different artists. Think of it like Etsy, but for your wallpapers. This app features a lot of exceptional stuff that you generally can't find on any wallpaper app. Walli also does the right thing by giving its artists some of the earnings from the app itself. The UI is user-friendly and easy to navigate through, and there is also a neat playlist feature to help you discover new wallpapers. Some other options include Google Wallpapers, Abstruct, and WallPix.
Wallpaper and ThemesPrice: Free
Wallpaper and Themes is a developer for Android that offers a ton of different themes. This one is a good idea if you're looking to make quick changes to your default UI. Without any issue, you can just install the app and change the look of your icons, wallpaper, and even the theme. Some of these apps even have customized widgets for you to try. There's even a launcher for Android.
Themes for AndroidPrice: Free / In-app purchases ($0.49 – $7.49 per item)
Themes by Android is an app developed by The AppKnight developers that offers different customization options for Android. It has over 75 categories of HD backgrounds that you can apply to both your home screen and lock screen. These wallpapers and themes range from neon themes to vibrant 3D designs. This one is super customizable, so you can use it according to your preferences. We also appreciate other features like easy sharing and the ability to save your favorites.
GO LauncherPrice: Free / In-app purchases ($0.99 – $109.99 per item)
GO Launcher is another launcher app for your Android phone. This one gives you access to a number of free themes and HD wallpapers that are refreshed every day. It also features tons of fun animation effects to make your phone look slick. The app also keeps your privacy in mind, so there's also a hide-and-lock app for extra security. There's another feature called Dr. Clean that helps speed up your phone by freeing up RAM and clearing up space. Using this app, you can even create your own live wallpapers with stickers and animations.
Bonus: OEM themesPrice: Free
Android doesn't have native theming. However, many OEMs have now begun to offer some type of customization app. Samsung, HTC, Huawei, MIUI, and others have integrated theme engines. You'll have to access your settings menu or the individual OEM app store in order to find them. These allow you to change the color and theme of your icons, background, quick settings, settings menu, and other elements that normal theming methods can't get to. However, they're not that diverse, and some of them even cost money. However, it's a good place to start. The Samsung Theme Store is known for providing some of the best freebie themes.
Bonus: Root theming optionsPrice: Free
Rooted devices have a lot more customization options than non-rooted devices. Those who dare break the warranty and go rogue have a ton of options, including Xposed Framework for various UI tweaks, Substratum and Synergy for overlay themes, and some custom ROMs allow for various theming elements as well. This is one of the few good reasons left to root your device because it lets you dig into the system instead of being locked out like a normal, non-rooted device. We have Substratum linked up, but you may have to do some digging to find all of the various options for a rooted device.
If we missed any great Android themes, tell us about them in the comments. Also, if you're a bit new at this, you can find a plethora of tutorials on Reddit and XDA-Developers. Both sites have some pretty hardcore theming threads. You can also click here to check out our latest Android app and game lists.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting
Comments
Post a Comment