Best Android Apps of 2022
The Google Play Store has millions of apps. Some are great, but many are duds. Covering 13 main categories and 104 top apps, our guide highlights the apps that deserve a spot on your Android phone or tablet.
Android tablets and phones are technological marvels reshaping our society. They entertain, let you work from anywhere, and keep you connected with friends, family, and colleagues.
With the right app, you can turn the humble cell or tablet into a mobile movie theater, workstation, art canvas, recipe organizer, and more.
There are tons of apps to download from the Google Play Store, but which ones are worth checking out? We hve put together this list to help you discover worthwhile apps, so read on: you might find something you didn’t even know you needed.
The 104 recommended apps are organized into 13 categories, including Music, Productivity, Security, and Utilities, so it’s easy to find an app that fits your mood.
Need a fun streaming video service? There is an app. Looking for a dependeble word processor that will keep you productive on the go? There is also an app. Note that we do not include any games in this roundup. For those purpose you may check out our separate list of the best Android games.
If this is your first time using an Android device, perusing 100+ apps can be overwhelming. If so, you may check out our list of 10 must-have Android apps to cover the basics. If your wallet is feeling a bit light, know that many entries on both lists are free.
Each recommended app is great in it is own way. All in all, our collection is the epitome of the best apps in the Google Play Store at the time of writing. So explore and enjoy.
We haven’t forgotten iPhone and iPad users. For the iOS faithful, check out our roundups of the best iPhone apps and best iPad apps.
Browser
Brave Privacy Browser
Brave Privacy Browser offers many features designed to protect your online security and privacy. For example, it includes built-in blockers for ads, pop-ups, scripts and third-party cookies.
It even implements the HTTPS Everywhere extension, so you can be sure that your connection to your site is secure. The lightweight, minimalist design also looks great.
Go duck
Based on Google’s Chromium codebase, DuckDuckGo is a minimalist browser designed to keep your online activities private.
DuckDuckGo defaults to the highest encryption available for any site you visit and lets you clear your browsing history with the click of a button.
If you are tired of trackers following you for advertising purposes and want to browse the web freely, download DuckDuckGo.
Firefox
Firefox is fast, cleanly designed, and a joy to use. Mozilla emphasizes the way it doesn’t collect your data, and we’re happy to see the app comes with full security settings including options to protect your information from advertisers and a private browsing mode.
Like the desktop version, Firefox for mobile has a robust selection of add-ons, excellent tab management, and a dynamic start page for bookmarks and the latest headlines. You can even sync settings, history and tabs with the desktop version
Microsoft edge
Microsoft Edge makes it easy to sync web pages, bookmarks, and browsing history between your Android device and the Edge browser on your desktop.
Key features of the mobile browser include integrated reading view, news ratings and content blockers (powered by Adblock Plus).
You can search with Bing using your voice or select a photo, and you can earn points through the Microsoft Rewards program. Dark and light themes for Microsoft Edge look elegant and easy to navigate.
Browser
Privacy stalwarts, rejoice! Tor now has an official (and modern) Android app. The Tor Project operates on the principle that “Internet users should have private access to an uncensored web.
Before you start using Tor, be sure to read this overview of how Tor works(Opens in a new window), as it addresses a specific type of privacy threat (and does it well).
Tor Browser may run slower than other browsers due to its complex inner workings, but for users who appreciate and rely on its protection, this shortcoming should be negligible.
Duolingo
If you want to learn another language, Duolingo gamifies language learning with short lessons and a friendly interface. Starting with simple vocabulary and building on it, Duolingo is your guide to learning a new language or reviewing ones you already know.
The more you use the app, the more content you unlock, and with practice, the more you learn. The free app currently supports Danish, Dutch, French, German, Irish, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish
Twitch is the best way to watch people game or pursue their creative passions on your mobile device. From esports to cooking to music and more, there’s probably something on Twitch that everyone can enjoy.
If you’re feeling generous, you can also support your favorite creators directly from the app. Twitch Prime members can also claim free games and in-game loot every month.
Yahoo Sports
With the Yahoo Sports app, you can watch live NFL games in your area, as well as primetime games, for free. The app also helps to know the scores and highlights of other national sports leagues. The well-designed layout and solid testing performance make it worth the download.
Netflix
Despite the ups and downs in the quality of its library, Netflix still dominates the world of streaming TV and movies. The service also creates its own (sometimes essential) content, including original comedies, cartoons, dramas, and documentaries.
Some shows have become cultural phenomena, making Netflix a must-have. Shows like Black Mirror, Stranger Things and The Crown (the most expensive TV show of all time) are usually the talk of the day. You can even download ,and select episodes to watch offline at your leisure.