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The 6 best Google Play Store alternatives

alternative appstores
© nextpit

The Google Play Store is usually the go-to place for Android Apps, but it’s not the only place. Though Google doesn’t allow other apps stores to be downloaded from within Google Play itself, that doesn’t mean you can’t get them. Here are the 6 best app store alternatives to the Play Store.

To enable your device to install these apps you must first follow these steps:

  • Go into your Settings menu
  • Open Security
  • Check the unknown sources box.

This will now let you install apps (or APKs) from outside of Google Play.

Go here for a full explanation of what an APK file is and how to install them

As a word of warning, enabling unknown settings means that the apps installed do not have Google’s seal of approval. And it also means that the apps you download through these stores may not have Google’s in-house security either.

Jump to:

We’ve done what we can to verify the apps stores recommended here, but be careful when downloading updates or any other apps, especially something that offers a normally paid app for free.

Amazon App Store for Android

When looking beyond Google Play, the Amazon App Store is the place to start. Here you can get thousands of free and paid apps, as well as paid apps for free.

Amazon gives away a paid app for free every day and using Amazon's dedicated app store is the only way to access them. Amazon also regularly offers free bundles of paid apps (good ones, too). 

Aside from great free titles, the Amazon App Store has a huge selection of books, movies and songs – often at lower prices than on Google Play. Download the Amazon app at the link, but be aware that you must have an Amazon account to use the service. 

androidpit amazon app store screenshot
The Amazon App Store offers paid apps for free every day. / © NextPit

GetJar

GetJar is an alternate app store app 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 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).

You can use the GetJar website to download and access apps or you can download the dedicated GetJar app store APK.

androidpit getjar app store 1
GetJar offers a large selection of apps for Android and other operating systems. / © ANDROIDPIT

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.

fdroid
If you like to support independent developers, or you're one yourself, look no further than F-Droid. / © NextPit

Aptoide: Large, decentralized, dangerous

One of the most sophisticated app sources is Aptoide. It works with a distributed network of different store providers and unifies them under the Aptoide platform. However, this poses considerable security risks.

AndroidPIT aptoide appstore
Registration with Aptoide is optional. / © NextPit

App updates come through Aptoide faster than with the Play Store. Beta versions of WhatsApp or Nova Launcher are also available. Some of the apps offered for free in Aptoide cost money in the Play Store, which casts doubt on their origin. If you also use one of the many third-party stores, you'll see more and more pirated software.

Given the potentially hazardous situation, Aptoide should only be used by experienced users who can spot pirated or suspicious software.

Uptodown: an app shop you can trust

With 2.5 million malware-tested apps available, Uptodown seems to be a reliable Play Store alternative. The number of specific Android apps is significantly lower with an official count of "30,000", but it proves to be sufficient. The installation packages are available to download on the website but it is advisable to install the uptodown app first. This will inform you about available updates in the future.

AndroidPIT uptodown appstore
Uptodown homepage. / © NextPit

In the short, anonymous setup you can decide if you want to be informed about new app versions or if you would rather be left alone. Then you can browse the store. You'll soon notice something missing: There is no paid content. Uptodown has no payment system. This means that no apps or in-app purchases can be paid for. So paid apps are either not found at all or start with an error message.

alternative play store
Uptodown is financed by ads. / © NextPit

Commenting on the sensitive issue of app quality, Tomás Ratia, Advisor Strategy and Growth, explains that Uptodown initially uses Virus Total to automatically check the 2.5 million APKs with 50 anti-malware engines. In addition, a local editorial team takes care of manual quality control and creates neutral tests in text and video formats.

Indeed, Uptodown seems tidy. During several test searches, we did not notice any counterfeits or pirated software that is often seen in the other Play Store alternatives from Aptoide or Amazon. For free apps, we can certainly recommend Uptodown. Unfortunately, the apps versions tend to be older compared to those from Aptoide or APKUpdater.

APKUpdater: Get updates earlier

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.

apkupdater
APKUpdater is simple and fast. / © NextPit

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.

What do you think is the best alternative to the Google Play Store? Let us know in the comments below. 

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David McCourt

David McCourt
Editor

David enjoys staying abreast of the latest technology and newest Android apps. Outside of the office, he can be found playing snooker and writing bad 00s indie songs.

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77 comments
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  • 2
    Jared Feb 20, 2022 Link to comment

    I think following are the best Apps in sake of Goople play store-
    1. Samsung Galaxy Apps.
    2. Mobile9
    3.1Mobile Market


  • 2
    Mukesh Jat Jul 5, 2020 Link to comment

    freeroid.com is good alternative .. but it actually fetch apps from play store and deliver.


  • 1
    Amit Mar 6, 2020 Link to comment

    Great List of Play Alternatives
    gameforumer.com


  • 3
    Kimberley M. Williams Dec 26, 2019 Link to comment

    9apps also big app store and amazon app store is also.


  • marco sarli 39
    marco sarli
    • Admin
    Dec 21, 2019 Link to comment

    Aptoide all the way


  • Albin Foro 30
    Albin Foro Nov 4, 2018 Link to comment

    Some of those listed provide direct installs through their own apps, others provide APKs to be installed by Android itself. For any and all, I'd recommend installing reliable third party malware scanning software, which will essentially replicate Google Play Store's own scanning on every new install or update. UpToDown has an important advantage over Play Store and some other sources, in permitting users to download earlier versions of apps, which are often more compatible with older devices or don't have stupid new developments. I'd throw in Softpedia as a safe source that recently added Android apps to its long standing PC software library, with pretty good reviews and news.


  • SmallB 1
    SmallB Nov 4, 2018 Link to comment

    Amazon also have app store!!! Such a great share.
    www.gujjutravel.in


  • Mike 22
    Mike Dec 19, 2017 Link to comment

    How many apps can you really use?


    • SmallB 1
      SmallB Nov 4, 2018 Link to comment

      Google app store only


  • Chad_Higgins 15
    Chad_Higgins Dec 18, 2017 Link to comment

    One Mobile Market
    No mention of it?


  • 27
    Sorin Dec 15, 2017 Link to comment

    Waw, a lot of applications !


  • 1
    newaz Mar 14, 2017 Link to comment

    I back up my sms, multimedia files contacts etc via Mobogenie. after reset my phone i try to restore sms to my phone but getting no success. The mobogenie show " mobogenie.exe has stopped working"


    Guys please help how to restore my sms from my pc to my phone becauase all sms are very important to me.


    Thank You


  • Sadia Khan 1
    Sadia Khan Mar 4, 2017 Link to comment

    Thanks for this post. Very interesting and top play store alternative. Great Post.
    internetseekho.com


  • Samuel Striker 2
    Samuel Striker Feb 26, 2017 Link to comment

    Wow , very interesting article .


  • AppzMob,Inc 2
    AppzMob,Inc Nov 20, 2016 Link to comment

    Hi, from Appbloo Market,

    AppBloo Market is an alternative way to browse the large and growing number of android apps and games.
    We’d like to invite you to join Appbloo Market and publish apps and games for free! www.appbloo.com/login.php

    It will be our pleasure to have you on board!

    Our website www.appbloo.com/ Appbloo Market


    • Dionysos Sjaak 1
      Dionysos Sjaak May 14, 2017 Link to comment

      I'm trying to upload my apk to your store and my apk is 97 mb, then it say i max filesize is 95 mb....


  • mark zuck 2
    mark zuck Jul 3, 2016 Link to comment

    This list is awesome and thank you! :)
    but i have some more sites to upload your APK files and Free.
    unity3diy.blogspot dot com/2014/11/19-google-play-store-alternatives.html

    na bil


    • na bil 1
      na bil Jul 3, 2016 Link to comment

      ?


  • Abdullah Mahamud 1
    Abdullah Mahamud May 28, 2016 Link to comment

    good article for android alternative app stores for developers. thnx for sharing


  • Android Markets 1
    Android Markets Apr 14, 2016 Link to comment

    Wow , very interesting article .
    I'm also doing a blog about the best Google Play Store alternatives .
    You can check it anytime from this links : downloadmarketandroid.blogspot.com


  • Daniel Nilsson 1
    Daniel Nilsson Mar 29, 2016 Link to comment

    I would check out Appland applandinc.com that makes third party white label app stores for Caterpillar (the construction company), True Digital Plus (thai operator), Turk Telekom, etc. You can learn more at CodeNgo

    Appland offers developers to upload their app in one single place and then all their App Store customers can review the app and the approve it.


  • Hello ASM World 2
    Hello ASM World Dec 21, 2015 Link to comment

    www.appbajar.com is an alternative android app store


  • Hello ASM World 2
    Hello ASM World Dec 21, 2015 Link to comment

    www.appbajar.com is an alternative android app store


  • Hello ASM World 2
    Hello ASM World Dec 21, 2015 Link to comment

    www.appbajar.com is an alternative android app store


  • Ananya Roy (Anu) 2
    Ananya Roy (Anu) Nov 26, 2015 Link to comment

    You May Try Another Emerging Alternative Play Store for Downloading Apk File is AndroPps.com


  • 1
    BHAVESH KUMAR Nov 14, 2015 Link to comment

    FREE Android Marketplace - androidappania . com


  • Fikri Ramadhan 1
    Fikri Ramadhan Oct 28, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi,

    Is downloading paid app on google play but free on mobogenie is legal??


  • Esmael Kedir 2
    Esmael Kedir Aug 29, 2015 Link to comment

    No 1Mobile mentioned, it should be the 1st and already i have used it for several time.

    Chad_HigginsAndrea


  • 2
    Vítor Duarte Aug 25, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi from Aptoide,

    Aptoide is already the 3rd largest Android App Store worldwide, delivering 100 Million+ monthly downloads to our community of developers.

    We’d like to invite you to join Aptoide and publish for free and with no integrations required (e.g., billing SDK) by going to our website on the Publishers section and clicking in "Join Now!". Your app will be live in 5 minutes!

    Under “Description of your goals as a Publisher” mention "BLOG" and we’ll be glad to give you a special welcome gift!

    Looking forward to have you onboard.

    João Rodrigues


    • 1
      Gamer at AlifGamez Jan 11, 2017 Link to comment

      I found Aptoide useful easy to set up and get nice result


  • 7
    Ihsan Ullah Aasim Aug 11, 2015 Link to comment

    well these are good but i feel 1mobilemarket more amazing than all


  • 2
    crystal Harris Jul 30, 2015 Link to comment

    Mobo market is good


  • Cat Purvis 1
    Cat Purvis Jul 17, 2015 Link to comment

    We have created an infographic with some of the top 50 or so stores globally with a very brief description of why you might use them. Which are the best depends on who you are trying to reach and what type of app you are promoting. I can't post a link but if you are interested please go to exiconglobal and its on the blog 16th July with a link to the infographic. Like some of the feedback in the thread
    Hope it helps.


  • 1
    blackflag Jul 11, 2015 Link to comment

    i don't appreciate what google has done with the whole information sell off tactics they use as well as the changes they make to the android platform without our consent. if i buy something no matter who made it i own it. so what other choice do we have but to jailbreak our devices. i respect google because they are good at what they do and no matter how much i dislike google they still make the best apps dagnamit. but im defiant to the end if they say go left im going right you can count on that. 😈


    • 28
      itprolonden Dec 21, 2017 Link to comment

      Your comment is all over the place.


  • 7
    J Gabri-El Jul 4, 2015 Link to comment

    1mobile should be close to number 1. The best looking by far. I installed getjar, and noticed that many apps are not offered. When searching the net for an apk removed from Play Store, I remembered I'd used 1mobile before. Aptoide's good, but as mentioned has cache issue. Blackmart can be useful.


  • Deezul Yusof 9
    Deezul Yusof Jun 29, 2015 Link to comment

    I am surprised that 1Mobile App was not mentioned and another Aptoide (but Aptoide tends to keep a cache of already updated versions and assume that you are still on the old version - a big minus) But I would say 1MobileApp is the best for the rest of the world , Amazon is US centric , dunno why you select it. As for "Blackmart" it is like the name suggested.


    • 1
      Vivek Avasthi Jun 29, 2016 Link to comment

      Hello Loie, hope you are doing good and I really appreciate your blog. It is very informative and I knew most of them already but I liked the way you shared about how to download and use all the app stores. I am also a android app developer, please contact me for any help and vice versa.
      Visit here to know more about android: ValueCoders dot com


  • 5
    Abhiram S. Jun 26, 2015 Link to comment

    Can we trust the apps in these markets like play store?


  • 2
    John Smith May 6, 2015 Link to comment

    Please can you give info on site so as to download long vidieos


    • Riadh Bouamra 1
      Riadh Bouamra Apr 18, 2016 Link to comment

      Hi,
      You have to acces youtube through any engine search
      -type "www.youtube.com"
      -select your video
      - delete all the characters before "youtube" and add "ss" your video link must look like this "ssyoutube/..." then press enter
      -select the format you prefer then press download

      Or

      Add the word "Magic" between "you" and "tube"
      "youMagictube"

      Enjoy


  • 2
    Ashfaq Ahammed Dec 30, 2014 Link to comment

    The best way to grab the premium application , just go through this link.

    *admin edit: external links are forbidden*


  • 3
    Muhammad Abdullah Dec 24, 2014 Link to comment

    App Vn is also a good alternative store. :)


  • 2
    Jenni Ferr Nov 18, 2014 Link to comment

    You should check these 19 alternative on unity3diy blog


  • 2
    Yasin Shahpari Jun 23, 2014 Link to comment

    I use website as market, it free and direct download Site For Download App And Games


  • 1
    Mithilesh Parmar Jun 18, 2014 Link to comment

    Where is blackmart...its the best app store where we can download tons of apps and games for free even the paid apps for free ....


    • My1 37
      My1 Jun 18, 2014 Link to comment

      that's piracy and therefore forbidden in here. read the comments before uttering such, well you know what I mean

      SorinAndrew Albanobubuskin


  • bubuskin 6
    bubuskin Jun 17, 2014 Link to comment

    I think F-Droid is more good than Aptoide and SlideME. It has lots of open source apps.


  • Diptangshu M. 15
    Diptangshu M. Jun 17, 2014 Link to comment

    He he! I got SwiftKey the day it was free on Amazon and I've been using it for writing this comment even now. Thanks to SwiftKey Cloud, I'm getting their premier theme pack.


  • Bojan M. 23
    Bojan M. Jun 17, 2014 Link to comment

    It's obvious I was talking about period before that ... Still, that's not my point.

    J Gabri-El


  • Bojan M. 23
    Bojan M. Jun 17, 2014 Link to comment

    I like Amazon Appstore the most. They do offer a paid app for free every day. Some really amazing apps had their turns. A funny thing happened: one day I bought SwiftKey and the next day it was for free :D but I didn't care, SwiftKey is an amazing app, absolutely worth the money.

    J Gabri-El


    • 3
      kapil Jun 17, 2014 Link to comment

      Swift keyboard is free even in playstore from last week ..


  • 2
    Athul Nair Jun 16, 2014 Link to comment

    i prefer blackmart

    Dan C.


  • 2
    Pratik Patil Jun 16, 2014 Link to comment

    You forgot Blackmart xD

    Dan C.


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Jun 16, 2014 Link to comment

      Someone else mentioned it above, to which I stated that we don't really support pirated apps because developers deserve the support and if they ask money for their apps, it's because the app is (supposed to be) better, have no in-app advertisements and other perks. If you are looking to get paid apps for free, I would recommend Amazon Appstore, they have different paid apps for free or discounted daily.

      SorinitprolondenblackflagMandobubuskin


  • 2
    Balamurugan Bala Jun 16, 2014 Link to comment

    others too
    1market,
    mobile9,
    operamini store.,

    Loie FavreTom Cat


  • 4
    Jeff Goldfinch Jun 16, 2014 Link to comment

    I like aptoid .the mobigenie one feels dodgy to me .it always has spammy ads saying you have viruses when I know I dont

    Loie Favre


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Jun 16, 2014 Link to comment

      I checked out mobigenie and I could not agree with you anymore!

      Sorin


  • Chad_Higgins 15
    Chad_Higgins Jun 15, 2014 Link to comment

    wow nobody said One Mobile Market which is what i use!

    Sorincrystal HarrisJ Gabri-ElLoie Favre


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Jun 16, 2014 Link to comment

      Cool! I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for your input.

      Sorin


  • 32
    Deactivated Account Jun 13, 2014 Link to comment

    Blackmart alpha were you can download any paid apps for free

    talhaMDan C.


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Jun 13, 2014 Link to comment

      I personally think that developers who want money for their apps should be paid. Most of the time, they aren't even asking for much. AndroidPIT doesn't support pirating apps, and only getting paid apps for free when the deal is officially closed with the developers themselves.

      SorinGrossDadsinksterGints K. KulikovskisSaksham KarnawatMuhammad AbdullahkapilHenry B.Chris RinaldoLeonardoNorthernbaygirl


      • 2
        Chris Rinaldo Jun 16, 2014 Link to comment

        I agree Loie! Especially those devs that are good honest app makers with no alterior motives beyond helping us do things more easily

        Loie Favre


      • Loie Favre 33
        Loie Favre Jun 16, 2014 Link to comment

        Agreed! There are of course those who will abuse but I think for the most part it's easy to tell.

        Sorin


      • My1 37
        My1 Jun 18, 2014 Link to comment

        I would only use that methods to TEST an app without demo or alike before buying, or at the time where I had no method of paying at the credit card only times...

        SorinDan C.Mladen Vuckovic


  • Dwarfer66 25
    Dwarfer66 Jun 13, 2014 Link to comment

    To bad getjar now crashes for me on opening, sent them an email, but nothing happens and I have LOTS of apps I have paid through paid.


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Jun 13, 2014 Link to comment

      Good to know!

      Sorin


  • Tom Cat 66
    Tom Cat Jun 12, 2014 Link to comment

    Sorincrystal Harris


    • Loie Favre 33
      Loie Favre Jun 13, 2014 Link to comment

      Thanks Tom Cat!

      Sorin


    • My1 37
      My1 Jun 18, 2014 Link to comment

      just a tip, use a space between the link and the brackets, especially closing brackets or else links can get broken.

      Sorin


    • 7
      J Gabri-El Jul 4, 2015 Link to comment

      www.1mobile.com


  • Henry B. 10
    Henry B. Jun 12, 2014 Link to comment

    Best one is AndroidPIT App Centre obvs

    Ali ChibliLoie Favre


    • 4
      Mo Vaid Jun 13, 2014 Link to comment

      Sorry but Aptoide is way better.

      SorinGints K. KulikovskisAlbertoDan C.Éderson OliveiraByron Garay


    • 11
      Random Username Jun 15, 2014 Link to comment

      Is it even a real app store or does it just redirect to the Play Store like TegraZone?


    • Bojan M. 23
      Bojan M. Jun 17, 2014 Link to comment

      Sorry, not even close. AndroidPIT once was an app store, now it's just the app list which redirects you to play store.


      • My1 37
        My1 Jun 18, 2014 Link to comment

        also the app-"store" is completely buggy when reading news with it, e.g. scrolling problems etc.

        Sorin


    • 2
      Jenni Ferr Nov 18, 2014 Link to comment

      http :/ /bit .l y/1wTSVy9 19 alternatives

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