Best Android apps 2023: Great apps in every category

(Image credit: Android Central)

Our phones are pocket-sized supercomputers with professional-grade cameras and batteries for days, but what would be the point without the best Android apps to take advantage of it? Millions upon millions of Android apps transform our phones from shiny glass slabs into productivity powerhouses.

Over the last year, these are the apps that have seized the day and made our lives easier, faster, and better. So now that you have one of the best Android phones of the year make sure you download all of the best Android apps.

The best smart assistant apps

Google Pixel 7 Pro with LIFX bulb, Kasa Smart Mini Plug, Wyze Cam, Nest Mini — (Image credit: Chris Wedel/Android Central)

Who needs a personal assistant when you have services like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa available wherever you go? These types of apps aim to help alleviate the stresses and pressures of your day-to-day life to make things easier. From automation to smart home products and everything in between, these apps allow you to get work done with some help.

Best keyboard apps

Google Emoji Kitchen in Gboard — (Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi)

The keyboard on your smartphone is one of the most used apps daily. It's the first thing to pop up when your friend sends you a message if you need to reply to an email or just need to get your thoughts out. But the great thing is that there's a keyboard app that works for everyone, regardless if you want something basic or if you want to go to the extremes of customization.

Best internet browsers

While the Google Search app makes it easy to search for something quickly, your mobile browser handles much of the heavy lifting. These mobile browsers have become so powerful that you can install extensions, while others provide the most private browsing experience possible. And hey, one of our picks even gives its users the ability to make some dough while surfing.

Brave Private Web Browser

While ads help keep the lights on for some, they can be a real nuisance when you're just trying to check the news. With a browser like Brave, you're guaranteed to get the best ad-free browser while getting a fast and secure browsing experience. There's also the added benefit of Brave paying you to browse the web at your pace and how you want to. Payments are made to the built-in Brave Wallet, a cryptocurrency e-wallet. The browser also includes a firewall and VPN.

Download from: Google Play Store (opens in new tab)

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is the de-facto choice for many, and for a good reason, it simply works. Google has worked tirelessly to bring new features to the app and keep a fresh and crisp design. As a result, when using Chrome, you'll get almost all the same features as the app on your computer, including sync capabilities so you can start reading something on your phone and pick it up on your PC as well as the ability to copy and send text from your mobile browser to the web.

Download from: Google Play Store (opens in new tab)

Best VPN apps

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are used for various reasons, including giving you the ability to hide your online identity. Another popular use for a VPN is streaming some TV shows while traveling abroad. All of our top VPN app picks are free to download, but there are subscriptions to consider if you want to browse everywhere securely.

ExpressVPN

With over 3,000 different servers in more than 90 countries, it's easy to understand why ExpressVPN provides a great experience. It's easy to get started, and then all of your web browsing is encrypted, and you can surf safely. After signing up for the service, there is no cap on the number of devices that can be connected, and it will even protect your text and instant messages. If you use our link to sign up (opens in new tab), you get three months on the house as well as 49% off your yearly subscription.

Download from: Google Play Store (opens in new tab)

Best file management apps

Files by Google on a Pixel 4a kept on a wooden table — (Image credit: Android Central)

Although many of us have changed the way we use our phones, one thing will never change — we download many things. I'm talking about applications and music files, documents, PDFs, or even new wallpapers. Therefore, it's important to keep your files organized, so you know where everything is or get rid of those stale memes.

Best photography apps

Google Pixel 5 camera app pointed at a pathway through trees outdoors — (Image credit: Android Central)

After years of potato pictures from mobile devices, we are finally at a point where our smartphones can take better pictures than some DSLR cameras. Heck, the best Android camera phones can compete with entry-level DSLR shots nowadays. The Play Store opens the door for many different apps to take, edit, and save these photos, which, in some regards, act as a digital memory bank.

Google Photos

For those who care more about backing up their photos and less about "pro-level editing," then the only real choice is Google Photos. The app gives users some basic photo editing capabilities while occasionally giving you "stylized" photos of how Google thinks your photo should look. You can make creative collages, easily sort your files, and create shared albums in seconds. Pixel users are in luck as they get access to additional editing tools and features in-app.

Download from: Google Play Store (opens in new tab)

Best theming and customization apps

Nova Launcher Lloyd Theme on an Android phone — (Image credit: Android Central)

Compared to the competition, the biggest benefit of Android is the ability to customize and theme just about every aesthetic aspect of your device. From the widgets, you use to the look of your app drawer and even your settings menu, there's a way to customize everything. These are the best apps that you can use to get the exact look that you want on your smartphone.

Best password managers

Google Passwords for Android on Samsung Galaxy S21 — (Image credit: Android Central)

Absolutely, positively, under no circumstances should you have a note on your smartphone with passwords listed. Hackers are better than ever today, and your personal information can be revealed easier than you think. However, if you have a password manager, those passwords can be analyzed, and then you will be informed as to whether the password has been compromised. Then the app can help create a safe, secure, and almost unbreakable password so your information doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

Social media is a fickle sister. It can be a great source of news and information and an easy way to keep in contact with your friends, but it's also frustrating when the latest trends and memes clog up your timelines. Luckily, there are many different platforms to share your voice with like-minded people or create an awesome community.

Snapchat

Just about everyone you know is on Snapchat, and for good reason since it makes sharing your life easier than before. You get private messaging, free cloud storage, and a slew of different lenses to make your photos and videos absolutely perfect. Meanwhile, the Discover section provides a collection of short videos curated just for you. The main attraction, however, remains to be the disappearing pictures, videos, and messages that you can send and receive.

Download from: Google Play Store (opens in new tab)

Best messaging apps

Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram logos on Android phones — (Image credit: Android Central)

Let's be real. Messaging is the primary way that just about everyone communicates. Thanks to the various apps and services, it's much easier to shoot your mom a text than to call her and sit on the phone for an hour or more. Not everything requires a phone conversation, and these messaging apps open the doors to easier communication with friends, family, co-workers, and others.

Best video calling apps

How long has it been since you've seen your family after you moved away? With video chat applications, you can pick up the phone and see your family and friends even though you are miles and miles away. Some apps offer extra benefits like seeing who's on the video chat before answering, while others are just basic and get the job done.

Google Meet

Although it was nearly overshadowed by Zoom, Google Meet is now the most popular video conferencing app out there. This is largely due to Google's amazing cross-platform integration. You can start a Meet video call right away or schedule one for later. Meet calls can be initiated from Google Calendar or even Google Docs. There are plenty of features within the app including a green room, filters, and loads of other communications tools. It supports groups of up to 250 people, and you can record your meetings and have the recording saved directly to Google Drive.

Download from: Google Play Store (opens in new tab)

Best dating apps

Holding a smartphone with the Bumble logo

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Breakups are tough to get through for everyone, but there comes a time when you'll want to strap on your boots and get back in the saddle. These dating apps make it easier than ever to meet new people, and regardless of whether you are looking to find a new friend or build a new relationship, these apps help you get started.

Best news apps

Google News logo on an Android phone kept on a wooden table

(Image credit: Android Central)

The world is moving at a more rapid pace than ever, and you don't want to miss out on that pertinent news being talked about around the office. There are news apps from dedicated sources, but having an aggregator parses the non-essential news from the essential. You can use an app that lets you aggregate the news you care about from the sources you trust in a clean layout.

Best reading apps

Sitting and holding the Kindle (2022) outside — (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

There is something special about holding a physical book in your hand and turning the pages while diving deeper and deeper into a story. However, you can have an entire library of books saved directly on your phone in this day and age. So whether you want to read a book on your lunch break or catch up on a comic book series, the best reading and e-book apps make it easy.

Best sports apps

ESPN app on a phone held up in one hand — (Image credit: Android Central)

Much of the world gets consumed by their favorite sports, from soccer to the NFL and everything in between. Thanks to the selection of apps in the Play Store, you can follow them all. Whether you want to know if your top pick got injured or if you want to catch the highlights from last night's game, these apps make it possible.

Best video streaming apps

Netflix app logo on a phone

(Image credit: Android Central)

Streaming services are the way of the future, and these days, there's a streaming service available for everyone. While the old-time sitcoms and movies are great, these streaming companies push new and original content that takes advantage of 4K HDR playback and tells some of the best stories. Then others give you a platform to make your own videos and share them with the world.

Best music streaming apps

Spotify app open on Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Galaxy Z Fold 4 — (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Regardless of whether you're on a road trip or just trying to hunker down and get some work done, music makes the world go 'round. These music streaming services give you the largest library of songs that you can imagine and make products like the iPod look like a faint relic of the past. Just open the app, pick the song that's stuck in your head, and belt out the lyrics like there's no tomorrow.

Best podcast apps

Podcast Addict app playing Android Central podcast on a Galaxy Z Fold — (Image credit: Android Central)

Radio stations can be annoying with the ads that come up every couple of minutes, often lasting longer than the show you're listening to. Podcasts give you access to "radio" shows that you care about and make it so that you can either sit back and enjoy a simple conversation or listen to a riveting story that spans multiple episodes.

Best financial management apps

College IDs sitting next to an Android phone with the Google Wallet app logo

(Image credit: Chris Wedel / Android Central)

Staying on top of your finances is never easy. With everything from the banking sector to e-commerce coming over to the digital side, it's harder than ever to track your income and expenditure. Luckily, there is a slew of awesome apps built from the ground up to help you maximize savings and keep track of everything fiscal right from the comfort of your phone.

Best apps for selling stuff

Time marches on, and that new toy that you bought a year ago has started collecting dust in the corner. Should you recycle it? In some instances, that's correct, but as the saying goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure," and there's an opportunity to make some money back. These apps allow you to list your old clothes, electronics, and even cars so that they can get put to use and give you some extra green in return.

Best mental health and digital wellbeing apps

Habitica app on an unfolded Z Fold 2 standing upright on a table with a DS5 controller in front of it — (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Mindless YouTube videos and video games don't do much to keep your mind sharp. But, at the end of the day, your mind is the most powerful tool, and it's important to keep it sharpened. These tools let you step away from your phone or work as an extension to help keep your mind at ease.

Best fitness and workout apps

The Galaxy S22+ sitting in front of a Bowflex dumbbell, showing the FitBod Android app. — (Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

One of the most popular new year's resolutions is to get in shape. This means taking care of your body, staying healthy, and hitting the gym to either bulk up or lose some weight. However, some apps make it, so you don't even have to step foot in a gym if you want to go at your own pace. And what better way to do so than with the help of some ultra-powerful applications that are tailored to your needs?

Best to-do apps

Todoist and Google Keep apps on Android phones — (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

It happens all the time. You start adding items to your to-do list, but they still end up being forgotten, and then you have to rush and do everything at once. Or maybe you just need a way to take a quick note for easy access later. These to-do apps will help to make sure that you keep track of your menial tasks or more in-depth projects.

Best learning apps

Blinkist app on an Android phone — (Image credit: Android Central)

Along with keeping your mind sharp, you'll want to keep training your brain and yourself to learn something new all the time. Regardless if it's learning a new language or trying to figure out exactly what Quantum Physics is, there's an app for that. Or maybe you just want to have an informative book condensed into a 15-minute session, giving you the most important points.

Best email apps

The Gmail logo on a Pixel 6 Pro

(Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

Emails are simply the worst form of communication. Instead of getting the spam flyers in your mailbox, you now get ads and spam in your email inbox. However, some rely so heavily on email that it's become a way of life. And those folks need an app that makes organization and consolidation of emails easy so that you can finally achieve the fabled "Inbox Zero."

Best navigational apps for driving

Viewing Google Maps on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4's smaller cover screen — (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Unless you have lived in the same place for the last 15-20 years, chances are you don't know the right road to take to get somewhere new. Or maybe you need to get a ride from the train station to the hotel, and you need to find out the best modes of transportation available to you in the vicinity. These traveling apps make it easy to do anything that you need to do, and then some.

Best calendar apps

Google Calendar on an Android phone — (Image credit: Android Central)

Nobody wants to miss that important doctor's appointment, but if you don't have it written down somewhere, it's a possibility. Having a mobile calendar makes it possible to quickly and easily organize your day while being reminded about that important meeting. In addition, these apps can be tailored to your needs, showing you the most important information about how your day will go.

Best cloud storage and backup apps

Google Drive on an Android phone and a laptop — (Image credit: Future)

You don't want to be stuck in the dark trying to find that file that you could have sworn you downloaded but has been buried. Our smartphones are literal pocket computers, and it's important to keep those downloaded files neatly organized. Plus, it's always nice to be able to have an app analyze your files and photos and offer to delete them without you going through them one by one. Any one of these excellent cloud storage solutions can be the boon you've been looking for to keep your data safe and sound, backed to the cloud.

Best PDF scanner apps

Scanning and creating a PDF file on an Android phone — (Image credit: Android Central)

If you go to an event or have many meetings with new business associates, chances are you end up with a lot of business cards that go in a drawer. With these PDF scanners, you can snap a quick picture and then instantly have a digital business card that can be added to your contacts or saved for use later on.

Best writing and transcribing apps

Google Docs Poetry Lifestyle — (Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

It doesn't matter if you're an author or just an office grunt. You'll need to put words on paper for some reason at some time. Some apps allow you to do just that while keeping those pages stored for reference later. Or maybe you're already an author and want to learn more about the world of Markdown writing without any extra distractions. Regardless of the situation, there's an app available that lets you simply sit down and write.

Best voice recording apps

Google Recorder app on a Pixel 4a held in hand — (Image credit: Android Central)

Nobody likes forgetting that idea or thought or reminder to get something done. Or maybe you want to brainstorm some ideas verbally instead of putting them in something like a Google Doc or task manager. Voice recorders make it easy to start them up and just start talking, and some of them even cut out the silence during your breaks.

Best phone to PC extension apps

How to use Link to Windows on your Galaxy S20 — (Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

It would only make sense for there to be applications that integrate with your phone and computer so that they work as one. For example, instead of having to pick up your phone every time a notification comes through, you can get the same notification on your computer so that you can stay focused on what you're doing.

There's literally an app for everything

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When browsing the Play Store, you'll find thousands and thousands of applications that look interesting and different from the "regular" ones. There are many different applications to discover, and we are always looking for that next cool and "hip" app to check out. It can be tough to go through and find all of the best applications for every situation, but we are grateful for the options provided. Some of these apps can even improve the best cheap Android phones and make that Pixel 6a feel like a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Without applications, our phones would just be phones, and where's the fun in that? So whether you love mobile gaming, getting things done, or just want to sit back and catch up on your favorite show, there's an app for that. And while some applications may work for you or me, that doesn't mean it will work with your buddy or grandmother. These are just some of the best apps you can find today, but we are always looking and hoping for new and exciting apps to hit the Play Store.

Namerah enjoys geeking out over accessories, gadgets, and all sorts of smart tech. She spends her time guzzling coffee, writing, casual gaming, and cuddling with her furry best friends. Find her on Twitter @NamerahS.

With contributions from

Andrew MyrickSenior Editor - Chromebooks, tablets, and wearables

The best smart assistant apps

Best keyboard apps

Best internet browsers

Best VPN apps

Best file management apps

Best photography apps

Best theming and customization apps

Best password managers

Best social media apps

Best messaging apps

Best video calling apps

Best dating apps

Best news apps

Best reading apps

Best sports apps

Best video streaming apps

Best music streaming apps

Best podcast apps

Best financial management apps

Best apps for selling stuff

Best mental health and digital wellbeing apps

Best fitness and workout apps

Best to-do apps

Best learning apps

Best email apps

Best navigational apps for driving

Best calendar apps

Best cloud storage and backup apps

Best PDF scanner apps

Best writing and transcribing apps

Best voice recording apps

Best phone to PC extension apps

There's literally an app for everything

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