Unlike Apple, Android users aren’t limited to one specific Android app store, so when it comes to shopping around for the best apps for your device, the world is truly your oyster.
While there’s no official Android app store, a vast majority of devices come pre-installed with the Google Play Store, which essentially acts as Android’s answer to Apple’s App Store. However, Google Play isn’t the only option for Android users to choose from.
Google Play Store (AKA The Android App Store)
First and foremost, we need to talk about the Google Play Store. For most people, this is the only Android app store you’ll need.
Google Play offers all of your favourite apps like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and everything else you use on a daily basis. But what’s more, you can also purchase or rent movies, tv shows and books. So basically, Google Play is a one-stop shop for all of your media needs.
The Google Play Store comes preinstalled on a wide range of Android Devices, you can view the full list of compatible devices here.
Amazon Appstore
The Amazon Appstore only comes pre-installed on Amazon Fire devices, but can be downloaded onto any Android device. However, the process of downloading the app store requires you to enable your phone to download apps from unknown sources, which isn’t recommended by Google.
The major difference between Amazon and Google Play is that Amazon offers an in-app virtual currency that allows you to purchase apps at a discounted price. You can purchase coins with real money, or earn them doing in-app tasks.
It’s a fair bit of leg work to download the app store, but if you’re an avid mobile gamer and want a wider selection to choose from at a cheaper price point, the Amazon Appstore could be an option for you.
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Samsung Galaxy Store
Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy Store is exclusive to Samsung devices, but if you happen to own one, it ups the ante when it comes to app shopping with a number of exclusive For Samsung titles.
Generally speaking, the Galaxy Store feels somewhat redundant because most of the apps ans services are already available on the Google Play Store.
However, it does offer the added benefit of creating apps that are specifically tailored to your device, which makes for a more pleasant user experience for Samsung customers.
APKMirror
APKMirror isn’t technically an Android app store, it’s actually just a giant repository of apps — including heaps of beta versions that aren’t available in the Google Play Store.
This will never really serve as an alternative to a fully fledged Android app store, rather, as extra content if you’re looking for something discontinued or really niche that hasn’t been picked up by Google Play.
Not to mention, it’s perfect if you don’t necessarily want the newest version of an app due to bugs and issues, or just personal preference.
You can download APK Mirror here.
So there you have it, there’s no Android app store but with these alternatives you should have access to every app you could ever want or need.