Android users have plenty of options beyond mainstream apps, including some hidden gems that offer extra features and flexibility. From security boosters to handy everyday tools, we’ve compiled a list of 20 lesser known Android apps worth trying. Whether on Google Play, GitHub or elsewhere, these apps cover utilities, entertainment, organization and more.
If you’re curious about what else you might’ve been missing, we’d recommend checking out the r/androidapps community on Reddit. Some of the developers of these apps are active there, in case you want to learn more or give them feedback. If you’re a budding developer, learn how you can submit your android app to Google’s Play store.
Essential Utilities
URL Check
URL Check helps you safely handle links by stripping away trackers and unnecessary redirects. With VirusTotal integration, it also lets you scan links for any potential malware or phishing attempts before opening them.
It includes an option to shorten links, making URLs cleaner and easier to share. This Android app is perfect for privacy conscious folks as it helps you avoid tracking while ensuring safer web browsing.
Available on F-Droid
Obtainium
Obtainium is designed for those who frequently sideload apps from alternative sources like GitHub or APKMirror. Instead of manually searching for updates, Obtainium checks these sources for new versions of your apps and notifies you automatically.
It supports popular repositories like GitHub, F-Droid and APKPure for a broad range of apps. It saves time and keeps your alternative Android apps up to date, improving overall security and functionality.
Available on GitHub
Memory Guardian
Memory Guardian is one of the best android apps that helps you track a device’s performance based on memory usage. The app protects sensitive data by automatically clearing your clipboard at intervals you can set yourself. This feature is especially handy for anyone copying passwords, credit card numbers, or personal info, ensuring it doesn’t stay accessible to other apps.
By adding an extra layer of protection, it lets you keep confidential data safe without extra effort.
Available on Samsung Galaxy Store
Quick Cursor
Quick Cursor is designed for easy navigation on large screen devices. By creating a virtual cursor at the screen’s edge, it allows you to access items at the top of the screen just by swiping up from the bottom.
It’s an ideal android apps for users who often operate their phones with one hand, as it makes interacting with apps and browsing more convenient, especially on bigger Android devices.
Available on Google Play Store
Productivity & Organization
Tilla
Tilla is a subscription tracker android app that organizes all your monthly and yearly subscriptions in one place. It comes with customizable alerts and reminders so you won’t miss payments or exceed your budget.
You can view details like renewal dates, costs and subscription frequency to keep your expenses in check.
Available on Google Play Store
Smart Contact Reminder
Smart Contact Reminder lets you stay connected by reminding you to reach out to key contacts periodically. It has customizable reminder frequencies, so you can choose how often to check in with each contact.
By customizing the reminders, you’ll be able to maintain strong connections without the mental load of remembering who to contact when.
Available on Google Play Store
Contextual App Folder
Contextual App Folder keeps your home screen organized by automatically displaying different folders based on factors like location, time or Bluetooth connections.
For example, you can set it up to show your work apps during office hours and entertainment apps at home. It’s a smart way to keep only relevant apps accessible and reduce home screen clutter.
Available on APK Mirror
Stuff
Stuff is a straightforward to do list that sits on your home screen for quick task management. This Android app is minimalist and avoids extra features, letting you easily manage everyday to-dos and checklists.
It’s ideal for users who want a lightweight, no-frills approach to staying organized without getting overwhelmed by options.
Available on Google Play Store
Media & Entertainment
ViMusic
ViMusic is an ad-free music streaming app that stands out for its simplicity and offline playback option. With a lightweight build, it offers a seamless listening experience without distracting ads or clutter. It is free and open source, so users need not worry about security or quality.
It can cache your favorite songs, so you can listen offline without reloading each time.
Available on GitHub
Just Player
Just Player is a high-quality, open-source video player that supports a range of video and audio codecs, including HDR. It offers smooth, lag-free playback with advanced features like subtitle support and Bluetooth connectivity.
If you want an Android app that delivers high-quality video without extra fluff, Just Player is worth trying.
Available on Google Play Store
Tools & Utilities
Smart Spacer
Smart Spacer is a versatile widget that allows you to customize your home screen’s at a glance feature with additional details like upcoming events, reminders, or weather info. You can customize the widget’s color and size, letting it blend with your home screen’s aesthetic.
It’s great for personalizing your Android interface and keeping all essential info easily accessible.
Available on Github
HEBF Optimizer
HEBF Optimizer is a performance focused app offering tweaks to improve battery life and speed up your device. It includes tools like RAM cleaner, app booster, and CPU settings, which are useful for older devices or if you want more control over your phone’s performance.
It includes a dedicated battery monitor, helping you see detailed battery usage patterns. HEBF Optimizer is ideal for tech savvy Android users who want hands-on customization.
Available on GitHub
LocalSend
LocalSend enables fast and secure file transfers between devices of different platforms, such as iOS, Windows, and Linux. It uses Wi-Fi for quick, data-free transfers, and doesn’t require internet access. The app uses encrypted connections for secure transfers even between different platforms.
This app makes file sharing simple and reliable, particularly for cross platform users who need a universal solution.
Available on F-Droid
AnyTracker
AnyTracker is a flexible tracking app for price changes, numbers, or specific text on websites. It’s useful for monitoring online shopping deals, countdowns, or updates to favorite items. It allows for custom notifications, so you’re alerted as soon as your tracked content changes.
Whether you’re a bargain hunter or just like keeping tabs on specific data, AnyTracker can streamline your tracking needs.
Available on Google Play Store
Privacy & Security
LinkSheet
LinkSheet provides control over how links open on your device, letting you manage URLs without opening unwanted content. You can set it to ask how each link should be handled, ensuring you only open links in the apps you prefer.
This Android app is great for anyone who likes to manage their links and prevent intrusive auto-open behavior.
Available on GitHub
TidyPanel
TidyPanel lets you organize your notification bar by hiding unimportant notifications. Instead of getting overwhelmed with alerts, you can filter and prioritize notifications so that only the important ones are visible.
It’s a helpful app for maintaining focus and minimizing distractions on your Android device.
Available on Google Play Store
Shizuku
Shizuku provides advanced system customization, enabling deep control over Android settings and features. It’s particularly useful for power users who want to access otherwise restricted parts of the system. Shizuku supports both rooted and non rooted devices, making it accessible to more users.
Shizuku integrates with other tools to enhance functionality, making it perfect for those who want a highly customized Android experience.
Available on Google Play Store, Github
Lifestyle & Convenience
LavSeeker
LavSeeker helps you locate public bathrooms near you by using OpenStreetMap data. It can even point out lesser known spots not listed on Google Maps. LavSeeker regularly updates its database, so new listings are added as they become available.
This app is especially useful when you’re in a new area and need to locate facilities on the go, taking some stress out of navigating unfamiliar places.
Available on F-Droid
Birday
Birday is a no fuss birthday manager that keeps track of upcoming celebrations for friends and family. It sends reminders for each birthday, helping you avoid forgetting important dates. It syncs with your contacts and automatically pulls in birthdays for easier organization.
Birday is free, ad free and is regularly updated.
Available on Google Play Store, F-Droid
Unit Lab
Unit Lab is an offline unit converter that covers a wide range of conversions from metric to imperial, currency, temperature, and more. It features a smart search function that lets you find conversions instantly just by typing keywords.
You don’t need internet access to use the app, which makes it convenient for travelers or anyone dealing with multiple units of measure.
Available on Google Play Store
Conclusion
We hope this list of secret android apps was helpful in uncovering some hidden gems. As always, make sure you do your due research on app quality, frequency of updates, safety and efficiency before choosing to hit download.
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