The 10 Best Alternative App Stores for Android
 |
By Inspire Visual Updated February 2025 |
Hands down, the largest and most popular app store for Android is Google Play, with a massive collection of over 2.3 million apps. With a good app strategy and solid user engagement plan, you are well-equipped for success in the Play store.
If you are searching for a great Google Play APK store alternative to download APK apps, you’ll have some excellent options on our list.
Additionally, if you’re launching an app, alternative app stores offer great potential. With less competition and lower or no fees, these stores are worth considering.
The best Google Play alternatives for Android
Google Play’s immense success is partly due to it being the official Android app store, pre-installed on most Android phones. It’s also the easiest way to install an APK app on your phone (APK is the file format for Android apps).
However, a major drawback of Google Play is that the top charts often feature the same popular APKs, making it difficult to discover great alternative Android apps.
Many users are unaware that alternative app stores exist (there are even alternative app stores for iOS users now), and installing an APK from these stores is not complicated. We’ll provide instructions on how to do this at the end of the article.
For Android developers, another challenge with Google Play is the fierce competition, making it difficult for newcomers to gain exposure.
Each alternative app APK store has a significant number of monthly active users, so if you have an app idea, there’s no reason not to launch it on these platforms to reach a larger audience. Likewise, if you’re searching for unique Android apps that may not be available on the official store, exploring these alternatives is a great option.
In some cases, certain app stores or apps may be restricted based on your region. Using a VPN service can help bypass these restrictions by allowing you to change your virtual location. A VPN also adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet connection, helping to protect your personal data while browsing or downloading apps from third-party stores. We recommend NordVPN.
When we develop an Android app for our clients, we often advise them on which app stores they will benefit from being featured on in addition to the Google Play store.
We have in-depth experience with the various app stores, and we are confident when we recommend which app stores are the best fit based on any app’s core functionality.
For example, we recommend the F-Droid store as an ideal choice for any techy app targeting the more advanced IT crowd, whereas itch.io is a good testing ground for any indie game-developed app.
Of course, every app user and owner has specific goals they want to accomplish, so look at the list below to see which app stores are out there that you can benefit from today.
The world’s largest retailer launched its Amazon App Store in 2011. The app store comes pre-installed on Amazon’s Fire devices and is a strong competitor to Google Play.
With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft announced that the Microsoft Store would allow access to the Amazon App Store, enabling users to run Android apps on a Windows-based PC.
Currently, the Amazon App Store offers more than 534,000 apps, including popular titles such as Minecraft, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Roblox, and Spotify, among many others.
Amazon Coins, a virtual currency, can be used to purchase apps, games, and in-app content. Users can buy Amazon Coins as gift cards or earn them through various promotions.
One unique aspect of the Amazon App Store is that, in addition to standard APK apps, developers can also submit HTML5 web apps for distribution.
Every new app undergoes a review process by Amazon staff before being published, ensuring apps are safe to use and function properly.
Depending on the app type, we often recommend our APK or HTML5 web app clients publish their apps on the Amazon App Store to reach a broader audience. While some apps may not be suited for this store, we assist clients in making the right decision based on their app’s functionality.
We also help app publishers meet all submission requirements, including uploading images, descriptions, tags, and more.
You can install the Amazon App Store here and access it from your Android phone.
Samsung, the largest manufacturer of Android smartphones, launched its own app store in 2009. The Galaxy Store comes pre-installed on Samsung Galaxy smartphones and Gear smartwatches and is available in 180 countries. However, the catch is that APK apps from the store are only accessible to Samsung device owners.
Positioning itself as a premium APK app marketplace, the Galaxy Store maintains stricter quality standards, unlike Google Play, which is flooded with low-quality apps—nearly 50% of which are unrated and have minimal downloads.
To publish an app on the Galaxy Store, developers must meet a range of requirements, including performance, usability, hardware compatibility, app content, and legal compliance. Samsung places a strong emphasis on these factors to ensure a high-quality user experience.
Our app development team is well-versed in Samsung’s requirements and can typically navigate the approval process smoothly, often securing approval on the first attempt.
One of the biggest advantages of publishing on the Galaxy Store is reduced competition compared to Google Play, along with direct access to millions of Samsung Galaxy and Gear device owners.
F-Droid is a community-maintained app store, and unlike corporate-run stores, every app available on the F-Droid store is free and open-source.
Founded in 2010, F-Droid primarily caters to utility apps and power users. It serves as an alternative for more tech-savvy users who require advanced features beyond what mainstream apps offer.
The store organizes its apps into 17 categories, covering familiar themes such as Games, Graphics, and Navigation. However, it also offers a range of specialized apps in categories like Connectivity, Development, Internet, Science & Education, and Theming.
While the app selection is relatively small—around 3,800 apps—F-Droid remains a valuable APK store alternative for both developers and users. It serves as an excellent testing ground before launching an app on larger marketplaces and offers access to unique apps not found in other APK stores.
QooApp is an Asian app store specializing in anime, games, and comics from developers in China, Japan, and Korea.
Many apps are not available in English, so you may need to browse through the library to find English-translated comics or games. To make the search easier, navigate to the Games section and select the Western and Others subcategory.
When you download an APK app, you’ll often encounter a manga or anime-styled interface, staying true to the store’s theme.
Downloading an app is simple—you don’t even need to create an account. Just tap the Download button, and the app will install directly onto your phone or tablet.
To keep your apps up to date, visit the QooApp store, where updates are handled automatically.
For anime-styled games and comics, QooApp is one of the best Android app stores available.
Aptoide is an alternative app store based in Portugal, first released in 2009. Unlike traditional third-party app stores, Aptoide operates without a centralized store. Instead, individual users manage their own APK app stores.
However, this doesn’t mean finding apps is difficult. Just like centralized stores, you can search the entire Aptoide library using the search bar on their website or within the Aptoide app.
Popular apps available on Aptoide include PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), TikTok, Netflix, Twitter, and many more.
With over 430,000 daily users and a selection of more than one million apps, Aptoide remains a popular choice for those looking beyond the official app stores.
One key difference is Aptoide’s more relaxed content regulations. Unlike other APK app stores, it allows a wider variety of apps, including adult content and piracy-related apps. Additionally, you don’t need a registered account to download apps, making it a convenient yet less restricted platform.
The Uptodown app store is another excellent alternative for finding high-quality APK files for Android.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Spain, Uptodown originally started as a portal for downloading desktop programs. However, with the rise of mobile phones, the company quickly saw an opportunity and expanded into the market with its new APK store.
Uptodown’s mission is to be as non-restrictive as possible while still prioritizing user safety and security. As app developers, we understand the importance of protecting users—whether it’s a financial app safeguarding investments, a healthcare app handling sensitive data, or an e-commerce app processing transactions.
Since not all app publishers can be trusted, and some apps may be modified by hackers to steal user data, Uptodown uses VirusTotal to scan every app for trojans, viruses, and malware before they are published.
Unlike many other stores, Uptodown has no demographic restrictions, meaning anyone can access it without needing to sign up.
Their revenue model is advertisement-based, so they do not sell paid apps in the same way as the Google Play Store. However, some apps include in-app purchases or freemium models, but Uptodown does not take a cut, which often results in lower prices for APK apps.
SlideMe was founded in 2008 and markets itself as “the best alternative to the Google Play app store.” While it offers both free and paid apps, its selection is smaller than that of Google Play.
You can pay for apps on SlideMe using either a PayPal or Amazon account to fund your purchase.
When we code an app, we can take advantage of SlideMe’s fantastic features, including a lower 20% revenue share fee (Google Play charges 30%) and SlideLock—a tool to protect your app from third-party tampering.
SlideMe has a dedicated team that approves every app, ensuring that users avoid rogue apps with malicious intent. They also create a safer environment for kids by prohibiting gambling, adult content, and illegal-themed apps.
It is a worthy alternative app store for obtaining APK apps or publishing an app.
APKPure is a China-based website serving users worldwide. Since its launch in 2014, it has become a popular alternative Android app store, offering mobile users a massive library of Android applications and games. Unlike traditional app stores like Google Play, APKPure primarily provides APK files for direct download and installation, granting access to a wide range of apps outside the official ecosystem.
One of APKPure’s main selling points is its extensive collection of both popular and niche apps, as well as games. Users can search for specific apps or browse through categories to discover new ones. Additionally, APKPure often provides updates for apps before they become available on the Google Play Store, making it a valuable resource for early access to new features and improvements.
APKPure also offers additional features such as app reviews, ratings, and recommendations to help users discover high-quality apps. The platform emphasizes security and strives to ensure that all apps available for download are free from malware and other security threats.
The Huawei AppGallery, commonly known as just AppGallery, is the third-largest Android app store in the world. It was launched in China 13 years ago and became available to international audiences four years ago.
With more than 580 million users across 170 countries, it is a thriving hub for mobile users and developers. Since 2019, the developer base has grown by 172%, reaching 5.4 million registered developers. The top-rated apps include familiar names like TikTok, Snapchat, and JustEat, but it’s also easy to find alternative apps such as Earntogether (make money by chatting), Snaptube (download HD videos and MP3s from any site), and MEGA (client device encrypted cloud storage).
Enjoy apps spanning 18 categories and games offered across six sections. You can sort by “Most Popular” apps in each category and browse through the “Featured” section. They also offer exclusives with competitions, rewards, and in-game events available only to AppGallery users.
All apps are downloaded directly from the Huawei AppGallery website or within the AppGallery app.
HappyMod is an unusual alternative app store, as it doesn’t offer originally created apps but rather “modded” apps. Their catalog features more than 1,000,000 modded apps to choose from.
Each app is a downloadable APK file that has been modified to extend its functionality or remove certain restrictions from the original app.
For example, ads may be disabled in games, in-game currency might be unlimited, or the trial period could be extended indefinitely.
Due to these principles, the HappyMod store is not an ideal choice for app publishers and is not one we recommend for our clients. However, it offers plenty of options for app users who want to bypass the microtransactions popularized by mobile games and apps.
HappyMod users provide feedback on whether the apps are working and free of malware. APK apps are removed if they don’t meet these standards. Additionally, each app is manually checked by a HappyMod staff member before approval.
HappyMod claims compliance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), and publishers can request their app be taken down from the APK store if they believe there has been a DMCA violation.
We thought Itch.io deserved a bonus spot.
Itch.io is an app store available through its website and, more recently, as a download on the Epic Games store. The Itch.io APK store offers apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web platforms.
The store focuses on delivering indie games for Android and currently has more than 200,000 games in its catalog. Some are free, while others are paid apps.
Finding popular games like Among Us is unusual. However, the quality is generally high, even though the games are not developed by professional app development agencies like Inspire Visual. For the most part, these games are not listed in other app stores and are created by game communities and volunteers who spend a short amount of time releasing games they are passionate about.
Itch.io also holds events where developers have only a few days to complete a game, which is then published on this alternative APK store.
Developers have unparalleled freedom in how their apps are sold, from choosing their payment model and timing to creating highly customizable app listings.
Whereas Google Play requires a 30% revenue share, Itch.io operates on an open revenue-sharing model, allowing developers to choose how much, if anything, they want to share (the standard is 10% with Itch.io).
TapTap deserves a mention as well. It is a mobile app store and community platform that originated in China in 2016 and is operated by XD Inc. It has gained popularity for its strong focus on mobile gaming.
Today, TapTap offers more than 120,000 games played by over 60 million gamers, serving as a global hub for users seeking diverse gaming experiences. It distinguishes itself by providing access to a wide range of mobile games that may not be readily available in traditional app stores. The platform also fosters a vibrant community where users can discover, share, and download games, creating a sense of connection among gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
The game library ranges from well-known titles to indie gems, allowing users to explore different genres and discover unique gaming content. TapTap enhances user engagement through features such as over 4 million user reviews and ratings, offering valuable insights that help individuals make informed decisions about the games they choose to download and play.
TapTap emphasizes localization by supporting multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for users worldwide. This commitment to inclusivity allows individuals to navigate the platform easily and find content that aligns with their gaming preferences. Users can connect with friends, share gaming experiences, and recommend titles to one another, adding a social dimension to the TapTap community.
How to install APKs from one of the alternative Android app stores
If you’re ready to install an APK from one of these stores, you may need help getting it onto your phone. While it’s a bit more work than downloading from the official Play Store, don’t worry—it’s quite easy.
Once you have installed the third-party app store on your phone, you can download and install additional APK files directly within the alternative app store.
How to get an alternative Android app store on your phone
Depending on if you are running Android 8.0 or later on your Android phone, or if you are still running Android 7.0 Nougat or older, the installation method is slightly different. Go to the appropriate section below for instructions for your specific device scenario.
How to install a third-party APK on Android 8.0 Oreo and later OS’s
Google changed how APK installations are installed from Android 8.0 Oreo and later OS’s. You need to do only four steps to install APKs on the latest Android versions.
- Download the APK you want from one of the alternate app stores above.
- Click on the completed download in your web browser OR go to your Download folder with a file browser app and click the downloaded APK.
- Once downloaded, Android will request your permission from the mobile browser or file browser to install the downloaded app. Give permission to install and you should be redirected back to the installation screen. If you are not redirected, manually go to your Download folder to try again.
- The app will install, and you are done.
Once the app is installed, you’ll find the newly installed app in the app drawer. If an app does not install correctly, it is probably because it is incompatible with your device. In that case, you will have to try it on another device or find a compatible app.
How to install a third-party APK on Android 7.0 Nougat and earlier OS’s
With Android Nougat and earlier versions, you must enable the ‘Install from Unknown Sources” setting in Settings. Follow these steps to install on older Android systems.
- Download the APK you want from one of the alternate Android app stores listed.
- From your Home Screen, go to Settings, Security, and Enable the ‘Install from Unknown Sources” setting.
- Use a file browser, go to your Download folder, and then click the APK file you just downloaded.
- Your new Android app will be installed and ready for use.
If you have any install issues, it could be because you are running an old version of Android. You’ll need to update your Android OS or buy a new phone if you need that app.
Final thoughts
When you download APK apps from an alternative app store, you are not protected against malware, viruses, and security threats in the same way as you are on Google Play.
Be vigilant about what you download and where it comes from.
Downloading from the Samsung Apps Store is safer than downloading a modded app from HappyMod. That said, all of the app stores listed are well-established and generally safe to use. Many also have verification teams that ensure apps are secure before they are allowed in the marketplace.
Keep in mind that when installing apps from third-party stores, you will need to enable the “install from unknown sources” setting on your Android device, which comes with its own risks.
Our first choice when publishing apps for our clients is the Google Play Store. However, most of these alternative Android app stores are excellent for expanding the user base and providing additional promotional opportunities.
They are also great sources of software for Android users looking for more than what the mainstream Google Play Store offers—each with its own specialty, whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an anime fan, or someone who loves modded apps.
If you’d like to publish your app in one of these Android stores, we at Inspire Visual are experts in the entire development process. We hand-pick resources specifically for every project and work exclusively with senior talent.
Learn more about our app development phases and unique strengths that set us apart from the competition.
Contact us today by email or call us at 407.434.9171 to discuss your app project. We’d love to help bring your vision to life!
About Inspire Visual
At Inspire Visual, we believe that compelling design, functionality and content help drive effective results. That’s why we work hard to provide innovative, visually inspiring and functionally sound solutions to address your marketing challenges and extend your brand’s reach.
We offer decades of experience helping brands worldwide with websites, mobile app development, email marketing, direct mail campaigns, brand identity design, UI/UX, graphic design, print design, tradeshow design and more. We feel privileged to be allowed into our clients’ businesses, and we strive to provide personal service and close collaboration throughout your project.
Call 407.434.9171 or email hello@inspirevisual.com to contact us, so we can meet you, learn more about your business and answer any questions you have. We’d love to connect with you!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Revolutionizing User Experiences: AI-Powered Mobile Apps
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting how we interact with technology on a daily basis. Find out which five AI apps are the most powerful today and how they can help improve your life.
Navigating Tomorrow: Upcoming Trends for Mobile Apps
In 2024, mobile apps are poised to undergo a transformative evolution with several key trends shaping the landscape. Get first-hand knowledge of what is to come and what to include in your app.
Are you ready to talk about your project?
Hello, I’m Angela, co-founder of Inspire Visual! Let’s have a chat about your project. Send an email or fill out the form to get started. Talk soon!