One of the first apps I install on a new Android device isn’t from the Play Store; it’s an alternative to the Play Store. F-Droid is an open-source app store packed with useful apps that often have no ads, tracking, or subscriptions. It’s perfect as a companion to the Play Store, and what’s more, it works on just about any Android device.
Why F-Droid has become essential for me
It’s a simpler, less commercial Android experience
F-Droid is the go-to app store for de-Googled phones or phones running a custom ROM. If you can’t, or don’t want, to use the Play Store, it’s a great source for high-quality apps, including some excellent replacements for the built-in Google apps. But I install it on devices that have the Play Store, too.
It has a far smaller selection of apps, but that’s part of the appeal. The Play Store is very crowded, and once you move away from the established names, it can be difficult to find what you’re after, or even something that’s trusted.
The apps on F-Droid tend to be smaller, utility-focused apps that are actually useful, rather than those designed to drive engagement and steal your attention. Having fewer choices makes it easier to choose. Instead of finding 50 file managers in the Play Store with no way to tell them apart, F-Droid might only give you a handful.
If that’s not enough, you can expand…