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{{warning|This page has not been actively updated in nearly a decade. You can help fix it}}
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[[File:android apps.PNG|thumb]]
 
[[File:android apps.PNG|thumb]]
  
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== "App Stores" ==
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Google's Android is one of the two primary competing cellular phone systems (with the other being [[Apple|Apple's iPhone]]). Android was formerly the Hacker's choice due to its kernel being [[Linux]] and it's hyper-customizability. In the time since its initial release in 2008, Android has increasingly become locked-down to the End-User and continues to be harder to root and hack. If you know what you're doing, you can easily jailbreak your Android phone —as well as root it— into a nearly-fully functioning computer. Many forums and communities exist for this very purpose, and specialty software exists for these tasks. This specialty software is prone to change often and frequently, and does not always work on every single cellphone. Much of this software is also maintained by [[Pajeet|Indian Programmers]] or the Chinese.
 +
 
 +
Universally recognized software for accessing higher functionality includes [https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.termux/ Termux], a Terminal Emulator, Xposed, a root-level module installer, xPrivacyLua, a per-app permissions-management system, just to name a few.
 +
 
 +
To unlock full-functionality, one must know the exact model number of the cell phone. There is a chance that your model number is unknown by the community. Older Cell Phones work better for rooting, and the installation of alternative roms because hackers (and crackers) have had more time to experiment with them.
 +
 
 +
This page is filled with recommended software that does not nessesarily require rooting, and is for common use. Android uses a package type known as APKs, which can be aquired from Google Play, or alternative App Stores not requiring Google Services such as APKPure and F-Droid. Always express caution when installing from third-party repositories.
 +
 
 +
==Rooting/Custom ROMs==
 +
A few applications will require root access, and occasionally phones will ship with bloatware that you cannot remove. To solve this, read up and get yourself [[Android ROMs]].
 +
 
 +
=="App Stores"==
  
−
* [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid (FOSS Repo)] — Also allows you to add other repository locations as well.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid (FOSS Repo)] : F-Droid is more or less the most popular alternative to the default Google Play store as all your main FOSS applications can be found here (sometimes even paid versions of software on the Google play store are avaliable on F-Droid for free). Allows you to add repository locations as well.
−
* [https://www.aptoide.com/ Aptoide] — An alternative, decentralized set of repos that inspired F-Droid, for those who still want mainstream apps and timely updates without having to sign in to Google or sideload apks repeatedly. It features [https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/74618/how-safe-is-it-to-use-aptoide malware] scanning and compares the app signature with that of the Google Play Store when available.
+
;[https://auroraoss.com/ Aurora Suite] : Popular FOSS client alternative to Google Play Store & F-Droid, only sane Google Play Store front-end.
−
* You can also download APK files directly from Google Play with [https://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/ Evozi's APK Downloader] or [https://apk-dl.com/ APK Downloader], [https://m.apkpure.com/ APKPure] or [https://github.com/yeriomin/YalpStore Yalp Store]. Be wary of third party sources that claim to provide unmodified APKs from Google Play if an app signature, checksum or other means of verification is not available. Some may bundle in malware or adware.
+
;[https://www.aptoide.com/ Aptoide] : An alternative, decentralized set of repos that inspired F-Droid, for those who still want mainstream apps and timely updates without having to sign in to Google or sideload apks repeatedly. It features [https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/74618/how-safe-is-it-to-use-aptoide malware scanning] and compares the app signature with that of the Google Play Store when available.
−
* [https://github.com/JusticeRage/ApkTrack ApkTrack] — Well, it's not an app store, but it scrapes a couple of sites for updates for apps you have installed, and gives you the direct .apk download for them. Useful for people who use proprietary software (e.g. Nova Launcher, KLWP), but want to avoid using the Play Store. One could argue that it's useless when Aptoide (with its verification and whatnot) already exists, but it never hurts to have more alternatives.
 
  
−
== Web browsers ==
+
You can also download APK files directly from Google Play with [https://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/ Evozi's APK Downloader], [https://apk-dl.com/ APK Downloader],[https://aapks.com/ Aapks], or [https://m.apkpure.com/ APKPure]. Be wary of third party sources that claim to provide unmodified APKs from Google Play if an app signature, checksum or other means of verification is not available. Some may bundle in malware or adware.
  
−
* [https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/mobile/ Firefox for Android]
+
==Web browsers==
−
** Very similar to the desktop version in terms of its add-ons;
 
−
** FOSS and respects your [[freedom]]s;
 
−
** Syncs with the desktop version of Firefox, should you sign in (advised against)
 
−
* [http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/mobile/android.html Google Chrome for Android]
 
−
** Well integrated because it is made by the same people who made Android;
 
−
** Closed source, and receives many of the same privacy complaints the desktop version of Chrome does;
 
−
** Syncs with the desktop version of Chrome.
 
−
* [https://www.bromite.org/ Bromite]
 
−
** Based on Chromium, FOSS and respects your [[freedom]]s;
 
−
** Baked-in adblock engine with filters from EasyList, EasyPrivacy and others
 
−
** Removes click-tracking and AMP from search results
 
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brave.browser Brave for Android]
 
−
** Based on Chromium. Open Source, developed by Brave Software, founded by former Mozilla exec Brendan Eich
 
−
** Built-in AdBlock, tracking and security protection, and further speed optimizations.
 
−
** Has an upcoming micropayment feature that is somewhat controversial
 
−
* [https://wiki.codeaurora.org/xwiki/bin/Chromium+for+Snapdragon/ Chromium] with Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ branch patches (CAF based) that increases performance from 10 to 40%;
 
−
** Closed source, and receives many of the same privacy complaints the desktop version of Chrome does;
 
−
** Supports audio playback in the background;
 
−
** Built in hosts file based adblocker.
 
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=acr.browser.barebones Lightning]
 
−
** FOSS;
 
−
** Follows Google's UI pattern;
 
−
** Fast;
 
−
** Uses the Webview engine integrated with the Android system, so older versions of Android may have security issues with this browser;
 
−
** The Playstore has a paid "plus" version and a free version. Plus comes with integrated, optional adblocking and Free version is limited to 10 tabs open at a time;
 
−
** The version on F-Droid is identical to the Playstore's paid version, but free of charge.
 
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fevdev.nakedbrowser Naked Browser]
 
−
** Very minimalistic, barebones UI;
 
−
** Lists trust as the first feature in the description;
 
−
** Author is a confirmed /g/entooman.<sup>[[List_of_recommended_Android_software#References|1]]</sup>;
 
−
** Uses the Webview engine integrated with the Android system, so older versions of Android may have security issues with this browser.
 
  
−
== Imageboard browsers ==
+
;[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android.chrome&hl=en_AU Google Chrome]
 +
: The default web-browser preinstalled on nearly every stock android rom.
 +
: Suffers from all the same problems as the desktop version of chrome (privacy concerns, bloat, etc). '''Not recommended.'''
 +
;[https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/mobile/ Firefox for Android]
 +
: FOSS.
 +
: Very similar to the desktop version in terms of its add-ons;
 +
: Syncs with the desktop version of Firefox, should you sign in (advised against)
 +
: With Mozilla's recent statements about [https://blog.mozilla.org/blog/2021/01/08/we-need-more-than-deplatforming/ censorship] and [https://digdeeper.neocities.org/ghost/mozilla.html general fuckery,] they should be avoided.
 +
;[https://github.com/uazo/cromite Cromite by Uazo]
 +
: (continuation of Bromite, which is abandoned)
 +
: Based on Chromium, FOSS and respects your [[Freedom|freedoms]];
 +
: Baked-in adblock engine with filters from EasyList, EasyPrivacy and others
 +
: Removes click-tracking and AMP from search results
 +
;[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brave.browser Brave for Android]
 +
: Based on Chromium. Open Source, developed by Brave Software, founded by former Mozilla exec Brendan Eich
 +
: Built-in AdBlock, tracking and security protection, and further speed optimizations.
 +
: Has an upcoming micropayment feature that is somewhat controversial
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.mozilla.fennec_fdroid/ Fennec]
 +
: Based on the latest Firefox release (codenamed Fenix).
 +
: It has proprietary bits and telemetry removed, but still connects to various Mozilla and Google services that can track users.
 +
;[https://github.com/fork-maintainers/iceraven-browser Iceraven]
 +
: Based on Mozilla's Fenix version of Firefox, GeckoView and Mozilla Android Components.
 +
: about:config support
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/packages/us.spotco.fennec_dos/ Mull]
 +
: Privacy oriented and deblobbed web browser based on Mozilla technology.
 +
: Enables many features upstreamed by the Tor Uplift project using preferences from the arkenfox-user.js project.
 +
: It is recommended to install 'uBlock Origin'.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/de.marmaro.krt.ffupdater/ FFUpdater]
 +
: Easy way to download the .apk files and keep updated a variety of browsers from Github.
 +
: Includes Bromite, Brave, Iceraven and more.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/acr.browser.lightning/ Lightning]
 +
: Lightweight barebones browser without many features. No-longer being developed.
  
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=nya.miku.wishmaster Overchan] — Browse multiple imageboards.
+
==Imageboard browsers==
−
* [https://github.com/Mishiranu/Dashchan Dashchan] — Powerful *chan browser, uses the extension apps for supporting particular imageboards.
 
  
−
=== 4chan ===
+
;[https://github.com/Adamantcheese/Kuroba Kuroba]
 +
: Forked from Clover after the main developer stop accepting pull requests. Fixes a ton of bugs, supports viewing most imageboards, doesn't support 4chan's new captcha.
 +
;[https://github.com/K1rakishou/Kuroba-Experimental KurobaEx]
 +
: A Kuroba fork including captcha support, new thread navigation, external archive support, new media viewer, mpv support, and lots of other minor improvements.
 +
;[https://github.com/Mishiranu/Dashchan Dashchan]
 +
: Made by the Russians at [https://2ch.hk 2ch.hk]. Uses the extension apps for supporting particular imageboards.
 +
;[https://github.com/chandevel/Clover Clover]
 +
: Stable Lightweight client, doesn't support 4chan's new captcha
 +
;[https://github.com/nnuudev/BlueClover Blue Clover]
 +
: Updated fork of Clover including captcha support, external archive support, image renaming, board flags, etc.
  
−
* [http://chant.dxh.me/ Chant] — Banned from the App store.
+
==Communications==
−
* [https://github.com/grzegorznittner/chanu/blob/HEAD/README.md Chanu].
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.floens.chan Clover] on F-Droid — Can play webms.
 
  
−
=== 8chan ===
+
For most users, the app will you use to communicate will be dependent on the platform your friends use (or you have forced them onto). Most platforms will have their own app that you can use however they will usually contain many anti-features. Some platforms have 3rd party apps which may not save your privacy but may make your experience better.
  
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.wingy.chan Exodus] — Fully featured 8chan browser based on [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.floens.chan Clover].
+
Majority of the apps here will only work if both parties have it, otherwise it simply is a fancy replacement for the messages app.
  
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=blackman.matt.infinitebrowser Infinity] — Buggy unsupported 8chan browser. [https://github.com/mblackman/Infinity-Browser Github].
+
;[https://www.signal.org/ Signal]
 +
: The successor of TextSecure and RedPhone. It provides end-to-end encrypted VoIP and IM over Wi-Fi or cellular internet using your existing phone number. It is recommended by both Snowden and Bruce Schneier. It previously required Google Play, but now you can download the APK from the website directly.
 +
;[https://silence.im/ Silence]
 +
: Send encrypted SMS messages. Fork of TextSecure with only the SMS encryption and no internet messaging. Available in Google and F-Droid App Store.
 +
;[https://jami.net/ GNU Jami]
 +
: Serverless, DHT-based messenger, a GNU project of the Free Software Foundation.
 +
;[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xabber.android&hl=en Xabber (XMPP and others)]
 +
: has OTR support.
 +
;[https://conversations.im Conversations]
 +
: God tier XMPP client supporting [[OMEMO]], [[PGP|GPG]], and [[OTR]] encryption.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.fsck.k9 K-9 Mail (Email)]
 +
: supports OpenPGP if APG is installed.
 +
;[https://github.com/M66B/open-source-email FairEmail]
 +
: Open source, privacy friendly email app
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.telegram.messenger Telegram (IM)]
 +
: a more secure WhatsApp/Viber replacement (please be aware that the server side is still proprietary, although you can still use "secret chats").
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.moez.QKSMS/ QKSMS]
 +
: If you don't care about security, this is a very nice one to use instead of Google Hangouts or your phone's preinstalled messaging app. It is open source also.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/io.mrarm.irc/ Revolution IRC]
 +
:Decent IRC client. Is open source.
 +
;[https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat SimpleX Chat]
 +
: Decentralized instant messenger. Open source and requires no identifying info such as phone number to use.
  
−
== Communications ==
+
==Music==  
  
−
* [https://www.signal.org/ Signal] — The successor of TextSecure and RedPhone. It provides end-to-end encrypted VoIP and IM over Wi-Fi or cellular internet using your existing phone number. It is recommended by both Snowden and Bruce Schneier. It <s>requires Google Play Services, but you could use microG to work around that</s> previously required Google Play, but has since removed that dependency. You can download the APK from the website directly. Signal only works if both parties have it!
+
;[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gonemad.gmmp GoneMAD Music Player]
−
* [https://silence.im/ Silence] — Send encrypted SMS messages. Fork of TextSecure with only the SMS encryption and no internet messaging. Available in Google, Amazon and F-Droid App Store.
+
: (Paid proprietary) Know the recently released Foobar2000 for Android? This app more or less is what its' devs are trying to recreate - and they can't do it, despite the fact that it was in development for years. Supports a shitload of formats including .opus(!!), and it has a decent UI, which is reminiscent of Vanilla Player and Rocket Player combined. Good, robust app.
−
* [https://jami.net/ GNU Jami] Serverless, DHT-based messenger, a GNU project of the Free Software Foundation.  
+
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=ch.blinkenlights.android.vanilla Vanilla Music]
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xabber.android&hl=en Xabber (XMPP and <s>Facebook chat</s>, among other things)] — has OTR support.
+
: A superior FOSS music player.
−
* [https://conversations.im Conversations] God tier XMPP client supporting OMEMO, GPG, and OTR encryption.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/it.fossoft.timberfoss/ Timber]
−
* [https://chatsecure.org/blog/chatsecure-conversations-zom/ DEPRECATED], [https://zom.im Zom] is spirtual successor.<s>[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.guardianproject.otr.app.im&hl=en ChatSecure] — XMPP Client focused on Security and Privacy. Supports TOR (needs orbot) and OTR encryption.</s>
+
: yet another open-source mp.
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.fsck.k9 K-9 Mail (Email)] — supports OpenPGP if APG is installed.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/souch.smp/ SicMu Player]
−
* [https://github.com/M66B/open-source-email FairEmail] — Open source, privacy friendly email app
+
: Ultra barebones lightweight FOSS music player that's based on folders displayed in a file hierarchy tree view, in addition to some nice basic features.
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.telegram.messenger Telegram (IM)] — a more secure WhatsApp/Viber replacement (please be aware that the server side is still proprietary, although you can still use "secret chats").
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.simplemobiletools.musicplayer Simple Music Player]
−
* [https://wiki.tox.chat/binaries#android_warningexperimental Antox] — Tox client for android. It is Skype minus the botnet. Still experimental, so expect it to be terrible.
+
: FOSS music player part of a series of FOSS apps made by the same developer.
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moez.QKSMS&hl=en QKSMS] — If you don't care about security, this is a very nice one to use instead of Google Hangouts or your phone's preinstalled messaging app. It is open source also.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.oxycblt.auxio Auxio]
 +
: A simple, rational music player based on Material Design.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/io.github.muntashirakon.Music Metro]
 +
: A material design music player for Android forked from [https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/code.name.monkey.retromusic Retro Music] with Google Play API removed and all pro features unlocked.
 +
 +
==Video players==
  
−
== Music ==
+
;[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad&hl=en MX Player]
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.andrew.apollo Apollo] — FOSS, port of Cyanogenmod's default music player for other ROMs.
+
: A solid player. Will play nearly everything (some formats will require a custom codec), really good subtitle support. Proprietary and ad-supported.
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.music&hl=en Google Play Music] — Your music from the Google Botnet!
+
;[https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-android.html VLC]
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kodarkooperativet.blackplayerfree&hl=enBlackPlayer BlackPlayer] — A favorite among many /g/entoomen, it is a player light on resources, light on the eyes, but not light on functionality!
+
: Android version of the vastly popular VLC client. Plays everything.
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kabouzeid.gramophone&hl=en Phonograph] — A music player with customization capabilites for appearance.  
+
;[https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/is.xyz.mpv MPV]
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maxmpz.audioplayer PowerAMP] — Trial version, but may be worth the money for the extra features.
+
: /g/s recommended desktop video player is on android.
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gonemad.gmmp GoneMAD Music Player] — Know the recently released Foobar2000 for Android? This app more or less is what its' devs are trying to recreate - and they can't do it, despite the fact that it was in development for years. Supports a shitload of formats including .opus(!!), and it has a decent UI, which is reminiscent of Vanilla Player and Rocket Player combined. Good, robust app. It's paid, though - the free version is a 14 day trial.
+
: Suggested for those who want a FOSS video player, but don't like VLC.
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=another.music.player Shuttle] — Free version has ads, but apks without exist.
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=ch.blinkenlights.android.vanilla Vanilla Music] — A FOSS music player, for those with tinfoil wrapped phones.
 
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=naman14.timber&hl=en Timber] (Currently in beta, so it may have bugs!) — Another open-source player with modern, material inspired design. Comparable to Phonograph in terms of settings.
 
  
−
== Video players ==  
+
===Youtube===
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad&hl=en MX Player] — A solid player. Will play nearly everything (some formats will require a custom codec), really good subtitle support. Proprietary and ad-supported.
+
;[https://github.com/TeamNewPipe/NewPipe NewPipe]
−
* [https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-android.html VLC] — Android version of the vastly popular VLC client. Plays everything.
+
: A lightweight YouTube front end without the botnet. Can download videos for offline viewing, play audio in background, play videos in a small window while using other apps. Supports subscribtions without a Google account. Can be used for Soundcloud, MediaCCC, PeerTube and FramaTube as well. It is under heavy development, updaded regularly.
−
* [https://github.com/mpv-android/mpv-android/releases MPV] — An unofficial experimental build of /g/'s favorite player, mpv. Suggested for those who want a FOSS video player, but don't like VLC. Remember, these builds are experimental and might not work well.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=free.rm.skytube.oss Skytube]
 +
: YouTube client with hardware acceleration, it can subscribe you to channels without an account.
 +
;[https://github.com/libre-tube/LibreTube LibreTube]
 +
: Open source YouTube client that uses the Piped API. By default, it proxies video through a Piped instance which means your IP isn't exposed to Google, and also included Sponsorblock integration. Can save subscriptions and playlists locally with no account.
  
−
=== YouTube ===
+
==Privacy and Security==
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.schabi.newpipe NewPipe] — A lightweight YouTube front end without the botnet. Can download videos for offline viewing, play audio in background, play videos in a small window while using other apps, but cannot view comments. It is under heavy development.
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=free.rm.skytube.oss Skytube] — YouTube client with hardware acceleration, it can subscribe you to channels without an account.
 
  
−
== Privacy and Security ==
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/dev.ukanth.ufirewall/ AFWall+]
 +
:  Easy to use firewall (requires root).
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.android.keepass/ KeePassDroid], [https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.kunzisoft.keepass.libre/ KeePassDX], [https://github.com/PhilippC/keepass2android Keepass2Android]
 +
:  KeePass/KeePassX compatible password managers.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.zygotelabs.locker/ Locker]
 +
:  Factory resets your device after a customisable number of login failures (requires root).
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/eu.faircode.netguard NetGuard]
 +
:  Firewall that works as a local VPN. It doesn't require root.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.sufficientlysecure.keychain OpenKeychain]
 +
:  Encrypt your Files and Communications. Compatible with the OpenPGP Standard.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.typeblog.shelter/ Shelter]
 +
:  Uses the work profile feature to isolate apps from having access to files, contacts, apps, etc., from the main profile. The isolated apps can also be freezed.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=be.uhasselt.privacypolice Wi-Fi Privacy Police]
 +
:  Defeat certain methods of Wi-Fi location tracking.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/eu.faircode.xlua XPrivacyLua]
 +
:  Successor to XPrivacy that doesn't seem to suffer from the same problems as the old version. Made by the same author as the original XPrivacy. Requires Xposed and Android 6.0+.
 +
;[http://repo.xposed.info/module/biz.bokhorst.xprivacy XPrivacy]
 +
:  Requires Xposed. Allows you to restrict app permissions.
  
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=afwall%2B&fdid=dev.ukanth.ufirewall AFWall+] Easy to use firewall (requires root).
+
==Ad-blockers==
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oasisfeng.greenify&hl=en Greenify] — Hibernates bloated botnet apps (Skype, Messenger, Facebook) that attempt to continually run in the background.
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=keepass&fdid=com.android.keepass KeePassDroid] — KeePass/KeePassX compatible password manager.
 
−
* [https://keepass2android.codeplex.com/KeePassDroid Keepass2Android] — a modern version of KeePass for Android. Has an integrated keyboard (to avoid other apps from logging your password in your clipboard), and fingerprint unlocking. Not on F-Droid, but it's open source.
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=locker&fdid=net.zygotelabs.locker Locker] Factory resets your device after a customisable number of login failures (requires root).
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.sufficientlysecure.keychain OpenKeychain] [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.thialfihar.android.apg APG (OpenPGP)].
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.torproject.android Orbot] — TOR client for Android.
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=be.uhasselt.privacypolice Wi-Fi Privacy Police] — Defeat certain methods of Wi-Fi location tracking.
 
−
* [http://repo.xposed.info/module/biz.bokhorst.xprivacy XPrivacy] — Requires xposed. Allows you to restrict app permissions.
 
−
**[https://github.com/cernekee/WinXP I wouldn't really trust it. ]
 
  
−
== Ad-blockers ==
+
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.adaway AdAway]
 +
: Blocks ads by editing host files - requires root. Can also be used without root by using the VPN slot for it.
 +
;[https://adguard.com/en/adguard-android/overview.html Adguard]
 +
: Works as a local VPN.  Also battery hungry, but lets you use a firewall even if you don't have root, and can filter mobile traffic.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.blokada.alarm Blokada]
 +
: Ad-block that works a local VPN and doesn't require root. Can use multiples lists for rules, e.g. AdAway.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.jak_linux.dns66 DNS66]
 +
: Blocking host names through DNS. Can be used for ad-blocking. Best part is that it doesn't require root, or fucking around with proxy settings. Worst part is that it's got a couple of [https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66#using-it issues]. Be a good /g/entoomen and help the dev find and squash bugs, or suggest features.
  
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.adaway AdAway] — Blocks ads by editing host files - requires root.
+
==File Managers==
−
* [https://adblockplus.org/en/android-install AdBlock Plus] — Works as a proxy, battery hungry.
 
−
* [https://adguard.com/en/adguard-android/overview.html Adguard] — Works as a local VPN.  Also battery hungry, but lets you use a firewall even if you don't have root, and can filter mobile traffic.
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.jak_linux.dns66 DNS66] — Blocking host names through DNS. Can be used for ad-blocking. Best part is that it doesn't require root, or fucking around with proxy settings like in AdBlock Plus. Worst part is that it's got a couple of [https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66#using-it issues]. Be a good /g/entoomen and help the dev find and squash bugs, or suggest features.
 
−
== File Managers ==
 
  
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.cyanogenmod.filemanager.ics File Manager] — Comes preinstalled on CyanogenMod.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.ghostsq.commander Ghost Commander]
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.ghostsq.commander Ghost Commander] — Gives access to all files on the device. Requires root.
+
: Another Norton Commander clone. Gives access to all files on the device. Requires root.
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=amaze&fdid=com.amaze.filemanager Amaze] — Available on F-Droid, features material design, and has root options.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=amaze&fdid=com.amaze.filemanager Amaze]
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobisystems.fileman&hl=en File Commander] — Light version, needs a premium key to get way more features, but APKs exist.
+
: Available on F-Droid, features material design, and has root options.
−
* [http://neatbytes.com/solidexplorer/ Solid Explorer] — Free trial for 2 weeks pay required later, but APKs exist. Payment also doesn't work for everyone.
+
;[http://neatbytes.com/solidexplorer/ Solid Explorer]
 +
: Free trial for 2 weeks pay required later, but APKs exist. Payment also doesn't work for everyone.
 +
;[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.fx FX File Explorer]
 +
: File manager with archive creator and extractor, media player, image viewer, binary (hex) viewer and text editor. Root capabilities possible with free [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.fx.rr add-on app]. Premium add-on enables access to cloud services, SMB, WebDAV, FTP, sending files directly to another instance on another device through NFC and/or Wi-Fi as well as accessing files from the browser. APKs exist.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.openintents.filemanager/ OI File Manager]
 +
: Very lightweight file manager.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.veniosg.dir/ Dir]
 +
: FOSS ultra lightweight and barebones file manager with all the basic features you'd probably need and literally nothing more.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/packages/me.zhanghai.android.files Material Files]
 +
:  FOSS file manager based on Material Design guidelines.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.simplemobiletools.filemanager.pro Simple File Manager]
 +
: FOSS file manager part of a series of FOSS apps made by the same developer.
  
−
== Games ==  
+
==Navigation==
  
−
Before you install any games from the Play Store, '''read over their permissions!''' A lot of free to play games will run in the background, feed you ads, and data mine the shit out of you. If you have the right security on your phone, you can easily block snoopy permissions and enjoy the terrible free to play game.  
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/app.organicmaps Organic Maps]
 +
: Privacy-respecting OpenStreetMap based mapping with a clean interface.
 +
;[http://maps.me MAPS.ME]
 +
: OpenStreetMap based offline map and turn by turn navigation.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=net.osmand.plus OsmAnd]
 +
: OpenStreetMap based mapping. Allows you to store detailed mapping info locally for offline access.
  
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdcategory=Games&fdid=com.uberspot.a2048 2048] — A simple puzzle game where you merge matching numbers.
+
==Photography And Photo Gallery==
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=pixel&fdid=com.watabou.pixeldungeon Pixel Dungeon] — An excellent open source traditional roguelike with pixel-art graphics.
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=scummvm&fdid=org.scummvm.scummvm ScummVM] — Open source engine for running old Point and Click Adventures like King's Quest, Leisure Suit Larry, Full Throttle, etc. Requires original commercial games to play (which are easily found).
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=pixel&fdid=com.shatteredpixel.shatteredpixeldungeon Shattered Pixel Dungeon] — A fork of the original with new features.
 
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=sudoku&fdid=de.sudoq SudoQ] — Sudoku without permissions.
 
  
−
== Navigation ==
+
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=net.sourceforge.opencamera Open Camera]
 +
: Feature-rich open-source camera app.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.alienpants.leafpicrevived/ LeafPic Revived]
 +
: Alternative Image Gallery, Material Design and FOSS.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/packages/com.simplemobiletools.gallery.pro Simple Gallery]
 +
: FOSS gallery part of a series of FOSS apps made by the same developer.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.witness.sscphase1 Obscuracam]
 +
: FLOSS camera app made by The Guardian Project to obscure faces in photographs.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/packages/us.koller.cameraroll/ Camera Roll]
 +
: Fast and intuitive Gallery replacement with cropping, EXIF editor, file manager. No longer maintained.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/packages/de.k3b.android.androFotoFinder/ A Photo Manager]
 +
: Super lightweight.
 +
;[https://github.com/WSTxda/QP-Gallery-Releases/ QuickPic Gallery]
 +
: An open-source fork of the original excellent media gallery app.
  
−
* [http://maps.me MAPS.ME] — OpenStreetMap based offline map and turn by turn navigation.
+
==Torrents==
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=net.osmand.plus OsmAnd] — OpenStreetMap based mapping.  Allows you to store detailed mapping info locally for offline access.
 
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waze Waze] — Croudsourced navigation app that allows you to view and report accidents, traffic jams, speed and police traps, and from the online map editor, can update roads, etc.
 
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.here.app.maps HERE WeGo] — Based on Nokia's navigation app. Comes with light-triggered night mode and works in offline mode if need be.
 
  
−
== Photography ==
+
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.proninyaroslav.libretorrent LibreTorrent]
−
* [http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2055140 Snap Camera] — Full featured camera application for Android.
+
: Free and open source torrent client, very similar to Flud but without the ads.
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=net.sourceforge.opencamera Open Camera] — Feature-rich open-source camera app. CM turned your camera to shit and the stock camera app blows? Use this.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.github.axet.torrentclient/ Torrent Client]
−
*[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iudesk.android.photo.editor Photo Editor] — The only real photo editing software for Android.
+
: A Torrent Client.
−
*[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.horaapps.leafpic LeafPic] — Alternative Image Gallery, Material Design and FOSS.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.biglybt.android.client/ BiglyBT]
 +
: Ad-free, open source torrenting for phone, tablet, Chromebook, & Android TV
  
−
== Torrents ==
+
==Miscellaneous==
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.proninyaroslav.libretorrent LibreTorrent] — Free and open source torrent client, very similar to Flud but without the ads.
 
  
−
== Miscellaneous ==
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/de.danoeh.antennapod AntennaPod]
−
*[https://routerkeygen.github.io/ Router Keygen] - a free WPA/WEP key generator, can get you access to the internet if you're lucky. Supports [https://github.com/routerkeygen/routerkeygenAndroid/blob/master/README.md a variety of routers].
+
: An Excellent podcast manager that is available on F-Droid.
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=antenna&fdid=de.danoeh.antennapod AntennaPod] — An Excellent podcast manager that is available on F-Droid.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.programmierecke.radiodroid2/ RadioDroid]
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.ligi.materialteatimer Material Tea Timer] — A fucking ''material'' tea-timer so you can have your tea tasting just right, ensuring peak coziness in the cold during months. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSQZ-McBd9k&list=PLQPxKaYFi-Ojn56ywFtwgBTTzQp-9mVGb Cafe de Touhou] is also recommended playing in the background.  
+
: A wiki-based, open source streaming radio player.
−
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digipom.easyvoicerecorder.pro Easy Voice Recorder Pro] — The paid version of a great sound recording app.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.y20k.transistor/ Transistor]
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=cz.martykan.forecastie Forecastie] — Get the weather forecast for anywhere in the world, cached for offline use.
+
: A bare bones app for listening to radio programs over the internet.
−
* [http://www.kiwix.org/wiki/Software Kiwix] — A web reader for offline content, notably Wikipedia.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.ligi.materialteatimer Material Tea Timer]
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=lesser+pad&fdid=org.pulpdust.lesserpad Lesser Pad] — A simple text editor that saves documents in plain-text format.
+
: A fucking ''material'' tea-timer so you can have your tea tasting just right, ensuring peak coziness in the cold during months. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSQZ-McBd9k&list=PLQPxKaYFi-Ojn56ywFtwgBTTzQp-9mVGb Cafe de Touhou] is also recommended playing in the background.
−
* [http://piratebox.cc/android PirateBox] — Run a fileshare/chat wireless hotspot. Requires root.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=cz.martykan.forecastie Forecastie]
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=net.etuldan.sparss.floss spaRSS] — Auto-updating RSS feed reader with full text extraction (no more truncated feeds).
+
: Get the weather forecast for anywhere in the world, cached for offline use.
−
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.ligi.survivalmanual Survival Manual] — Learn how to survive innawoods. А great companion for both veterans and newbies alike. Hell, it's a good read even if you're not going anywhere. Guide is based on the (public domain) US Army Survival Field-Manual FM 21-76, and is fully working offline. Even has illustrations.
+
;[http://www.kiwix.org/wiki/Software Kiwix]
−
* [https://microg.org/ microG] — FOSS re-implementation of Google’s proprietary Android user space apps and libraries. Great for those who desire a bit more privacy, but still want to continue using Google's services. When used on older phone, it can even better your battery life. (Your ROM needs to support signature spoofing - Omni 5 and 6 have it in out of the box, but other ROMs require a [http://repo.xposed.info/module/com.thermatk.android.xf.fakegapps patch]. If you're not comfortable with running xposed, or just want to avoid it for some reason, you can use [https://github.com/moosd/Needle Needle by moosd]). Implementation status can be viewed [https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GmsCore/wiki/Implementation-Status here].
+
: A web reader for offline content, notably Wikipedia.
−
*[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grarak.kerneladiutor Kernel Adiutor] - Manage your kernel's parameters (e.g. you can fuck around with overclocking and/or undervolting - as long as your kernel supports that, and I/O schedulers).
+
;[https://github.com/itkach/aard2-android Aard2]
−
*[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.artifex.mupdfdemo MuPDF] - The Android port of a well known and efficient PDF reader
+
: Offline dictionary and wiki reader for .[https://github.com/itkach/slob slob] files.
−
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.sufficientlysecure.viewer/ Document Viewer] - Basically MuPDF (literally) but better. Supports many common file formats (except .doc and .docx, but you should be exporting to .pdf like an adult). Respects your privacy together with a good balance of being feature-rich, yet simple to use. Comes with sane defaults but offers extensive customization. Since it's built on MuPDF for document rendering it looks great, while the bookshelf view is also very nice to look at. Overall a great app for reading.
+
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.pulpdust.lesserpad/ LesserPad]
 +
: A simple text editor that saves documents in plain-text format.
 +
;[http://piratebox.cc/android PirateBox]
 +
: Run a fileshare/chat wireless hotspot. Requires root.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=net.etuldan.sparss.floss spaRSS]
 +
: Auto-updating RSS feed reader with full text extraction (no more truncated feeds).
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.ligi.survivalmanual Survival Manual]
 +
: Learn how to survive innawoods. A great companion for both veterans and newbies alike. Hell, it's a good read even if you're not going anywhere. Guide is based on the (public domain) US Army Survival Field-Manual FM 21-76, and is fully working offline. Even has illustrations.
 +
;[https://microg.org/ microG]
 +
: FOSS re-implementation of Google's proprietary Android user space apps and libraries. Great for those who desire a bit more privacy, but still want to continue using Google's services. When used on older phone, it can even better your battery life. (Your ROM needs to support signature spoofing - Omni 5 and 6 have it in out of the box, but other ROMs require a [http://repo.xposed.info/module/com.thermatk.android.xf.fakegapps patch]. If you're not comfortable with running xposed, or just want to avoid it for some reason, you can use [https://github.com/moosd/Needle Needle by moosd]). Implementation status can be viewed [https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GmsCore/wiki/Implementation-Status here].
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.artifex.mupdf.viewer.app/ MuPDF]
 +
: The Android port of a well known and efficient PDF reader. There is also a [https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.artifex.mupdf.mini.app/ mini version] with less bloat.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.sufficientlysecure.viewer/ Document Viewer]
 +
: Basically MuPDF (literally) but better. Supports many common file formats (except .doc and .docx, but you should be exporting to .pdf like an adult). Respects your privacy together with a good balance of being feature-rich, yet simple to use. Comes with sane defaults but offers extensive customization. Since it's built on MuPDF for document rendering it looks great, while the bookshelf view is also very nice to look at. Overall a great app for reading.
 +
;[https://github.com/inorichi/tachiyomi Tachiyomi]
 +
: Free and open source manga reader for Android
 +
;[https://github.com/billthefarmer/diary Diary]
 +
: a Diary (not bloated). Notes are stored as .txts, sorted by da''y''te and put in /year/month subdirectories. Includes calendar interface to help navigate notes.
 +
;[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=utw.android.midsequer2 MidSequer2] | [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=utw.android.midsequer v1]
 +
: Basic piano-roll midi sequencer with straightforward interface.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.google.android.diskusage/ DiskUsage]
 +
: Lightweight and FOSS disk storage visualizer.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/axp.tool.apkextractor/ Apk Extractor]
 +
: Extract APKs from your device, even if installed from the Playstore.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.forrestguice.suntimeswidget/ Suntimes]
 +
:  Tracks sunlight and moonlight times. Features an app, alarm clock, and widget collection.
 +
;[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.simplemobiletools.clock/ Simple Clock]
 +
: FOSS and lightweight combination of a clock widget, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer. Ensure battery optimization permissions are tweaked for alerts to function.
 +
;[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cronometer.android.gold Cronometer]
 +
: Non-free but excellent nutritional database and calorie-counting app.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 168: Line 273:
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 +
 
*[https://prism-break.org/en/categories/android/ Prism Break] — Lists software that respect your freedom and privacy (and points out those which do not).
 
*[https://prism-break.org/en/categories/android/ Prism Break] — Lists software that respect your freedom and privacy (and points out those which do not).
 
*[https://droid-break.info Droid Break] — Lists notable free and open source software.
 
*[https://droid-break.info Droid Break] — Lists notable free and open source software.
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 +
 
*[[List of recommended Windows software]]
 
*[[List of recommended Windows software]]
 
*[[List of recommended GNU/Linux software]]
 
*[[List of recommended GNU/Linux software]]

Latest revision as of 00:34, 6 May 2024

Installgentoo-wiki-logo-r1.png This dongle is a stub. You can help the InstallGentoo Wiki by adding more freedoms.
Warning: This page has not been actively updated in nearly a decade. You can help fix it
Android apps.PNG

Google's Android is one of the two primary competing cellular phone systems (with the other being Apple's iPhone). Android was formerly the Hacker's choice due to its kernel being Linux and it's hyper-customizability. In the time since its initial release in 2008, Android has increasingly become locked-down to the End-User and continues to be harder to root and hack. If you know what you're doing, you can easily jailbreak your Android phone —as well as root it— into a nearly-fully functioning computer. Many forums and communities exist for this very purpose, and specialty software exists for these tasks. This specialty software is prone to change often and frequently, and does not always work on every single cellphone. Much of this software is also maintained by Indian Programmers or the Chinese.

Universally recognized software for accessing higher functionality includes Termux, a Terminal Emulator, Xposed, a root-level module installer, xPrivacyLua, a per-app permissions-management system, just to name a few.

To unlock full-functionality, one must know the exact model number of the cell phone. There is a chance that your model number is unknown by the community. Older Cell Phones work better for rooting, and the installation of alternative roms because hackers (and crackers) have had more time to experiment with them.

This page is filled with recommended software that does not nessesarily require rooting, and is for common use. Android uses a package type known as APKs, which can be aquired from Google Play, or alternative App Stores not requiring Google Services such as APKPure and F-Droid. Always express caution when installing from third-party repositories.

Rooting/Custom ROMs

A few applications will require root access, and occasionally phones will ship with bloatware that you cannot remove. To solve this, read up and get yourself Android ROMs.

"App Stores"

F-Droid (FOSS Repo) 
F-Droid is more or less the most popular alternative to the default Google Play store as all your main FOSS applications can be found here (sometimes even paid versions of software on the Google play store are avaliable on F-Droid for free). Allows you to add repository locations as well.
Aurora Suite 
Popular FOSS client alternative to Google Play Store & F-Droid, only sane Google Play Store front-end.
Aptoide 
An alternative, decentralized set of repos that inspired F-Droid, for those who still want mainstream apps and timely updates without having to sign in to Google or sideload apks repeatedly. It features malware scanning and compares the app signature with that of the Google Play Store when available.

You can also download APK files directly from Google Play with Evozi's APK Downloader, APK Downloader,Aapks, or APKPure. Be wary of third party sources that claim to provide unmodified APKs from Google Play if an app signature, checksum or other means of verification is not available. Some may bundle in malware or adware.

Web browsers

Google Chrome
The default web-browser preinstalled on nearly every stock android rom.
Suffers from all the same problems as the desktop version of chrome (privacy concerns, bloat, etc). Not recommended.
Firefox for Android
FOSS.
Very similar to the desktop version in terms of its add-ons;
Syncs with the desktop version of Firefox, should you sign in (advised against)
With Mozilla's recent statements about censorship and general fuckery, they should be avoided.
Cromite by Uazo
(continuation of Bromite, which is abandoned)
Based on Chromium, FOSS and respects your freedoms;
Baked-in adblock engine with filters from EasyList, EasyPrivacy and others
Removes click-tracking and AMP from search results
Brave for Android
Based on Chromium. Open Source, developed by Brave Software, founded by former Mozilla exec Brendan Eich
Built-in AdBlock, tracking and security protection, and further speed optimizations.
Has an upcoming micropayment feature that is somewhat controversial
Fennec
Based on the latest Firefox release (codenamed Fenix).
It has proprietary bits and telemetry removed, but still connects to various Mozilla and Google services that can track users.
Iceraven
Based on Mozilla's Fenix version of Firefox, GeckoView and Mozilla Android Components.
about:config support
Mull
Privacy oriented and deblobbed web browser based on Mozilla technology.
Enables many features upstreamed by the Tor Uplift project using preferences from the arkenfox-user.js project.
It is recommended to install 'uBlock Origin'.
FFUpdater
Easy way to download the .apk files and keep updated a variety of browsers from Github.
Includes Bromite, Brave, Iceraven and more.
Lightning
Lightweight barebones browser without many features. No-longer being developed.

Imageboard browsers

Kuroba
Forked from Clover after the main developer stop accepting pull requests. Fixes a ton of bugs, supports viewing most imageboards, doesn't support 4chan's new captcha.
KurobaEx
A Kuroba fork including captcha support, new thread navigation, external archive support, new media viewer, mpv support, and lots of other minor improvements.
Dashchan
Made by the Russians at 2ch.hk. Uses the extension apps for supporting particular imageboards.
Clover
Stable Lightweight client, doesn't support 4chan's new captcha
Blue Clover
Updated fork of Clover including captcha support, external archive support, image renaming, board flags, etc.

Communications

For most users, the app will you use to communicate will be dependent on the platform your friends use (or you have forced them onto). Most platforms will have their own app that you can use however they will usually contain many anti-features. Some platforms have 3rd party apps which may not save your privacy but may make your experience better.

Majority of the apps here will only work if both parties have it, otherwise it simply is a fancy replacement for the messages app.

Signal
The successor of TextSecure and RedPhone. It provides end-to-end encrypted VoIP and IM over Wi-Fi or cellular internet using your existing phone number. It is recommended by both Snowden and Bruce Schneier. It previously required Google Play, but now you can download the APK from the website directly.
Silence
Send encrypted SMS messages. Fork of TextSecure with only the SMS encryption and no internet messaging. Available in Google and F-Droid App Store.
GNU Jami
Serverless, DHT-based messenger, a GNU project of the Free Software Foundation.
Xabber (XMPP and others)
has OTR support.
Conversations
God tier XMPP client supporting OMEMO, GPG, and OTR encryption.
K-9 Mail (Email)
supports OpenPGP if APG is installed.
FairEmail
Open source, privacy friendly email app
Telegram (IM)
a more secure WhatsApp/Viber replacement (please be aware that the server side is still proprietary, although you can still use "secret chats").
QKSMS
If you don't care about security, this is a very nice one to use instead of Google Hangouts or your phone's preinstalled messaging app. It is open source also.
Revolution IRC
Decent IRC client. Is open source.
SimpleX Chat
Decentralized instant messenger. Open source and requires no identifying info such as phone number to use.

Music

GoneMAD Music Player
(Paid proprietary) Know the recently released Foobar2000 for Android? This app more or less is what its' devs are trying to recreate - and they can't do it, despite the fact that it was in development for years. Supports a shitload of formats including .opus(!!), and it has a decent UI, which is reminiscent of Vanilla Player and Rocket Player combined. Good, robust app.
Vanilla Music
A superior FOSS music player.
Timber
yet another open-source mp.
SicMu Player
Ultra barebones lightweight FOSS music player that's based on folders displayed in a file hierarchy tree view, in addition to some nice basic features.
Simple Music Player
FOSS music player part of a series of FOSS apps made by the same developer.
Auxio
A simple, rational music player based on Material Design.
Metro
A material design music player for Android forked from Retro Music with Google Play API removed and all pro features unlocked.

Video players

MX Player
A solid player. Will play nearly everything (some formats will require a custom codec), really good subtitle support. Proprietary and ad-supported.
VLC
Android version of the vastly popular VLC client. Plays everything.
MPV
/g/s recommended desktop video player is on android.
Suggested for those who want a FOSS video player, but don't like VLC.

Youtube

NewPipe
A lightweight YouTube front end without the botnet. Can download videos for offline viewing, play audio in background, play videos in a small window while using other apps. Supports subscribtions without a Google account. Can be used for Soundcloud, MediaCCC, PeerTube and FramaTube as well. It is under heavy development, updaded regularly.
Skytube
YouTube client with hardware acceleration, it can subscribe you to channels without an account.
LibreTube
Open source YouTube client that uses the Piped API. By default, it proxies video through a Piped instance which means your IP isn't exposed to Google, and also included Sponsorblock integration. Can save subscriptions and playlists locally with no account.

Privacy and Security

AFWall+
Easy to use firewall (requires root).
KeePassDroid, KeePassDX, Keepass2Android
KeePass/KeePassX compatible password managers.
Locker
Factory resets your device after a customisable number of login failures (requires root).
NetGuard
Firewall that works as a local VPN. It doesn't require root.
OpenKeychain
Encrypt your Files and Communications. Compatible with the OpenPGP Standard.
Shelter
Uses the work profile feature to isolate apps from having access to files, contacts, apps, etc., from the main profile. The isolated apps can also be freezed.
Wi-Fi Privacy Police
Defeat certain methods of Wi-Fi location tracking.
XPrivacyLua
Successor to XPrivacy that doesn't seem to suffer from the same problems as the old version. Made by the same author as the original XPrivacy. Requires Xposed and Android 6.0+.
XPrivacy
Requires Xposed. Allows you to restrict app permissions.

Ad-blockers

AdAway
Blocks ads by editing host files - requires root. Can also be used without root by using the VPN slot for it.
Adguard
Works as a local VPN. Also battery hungry, but lets you use a firewall even if you don't have root, and can filter mobile traffic.
Blokada
Ad-block that works a local VPN and doesn't require root. Can use multiples lists for rules, e.g. AdAway.
DNS66
Blocking host names through DNS. Can be used for ad-blocking. Best part is that it doesn't require root, or fucking around with proxy settings. Worst part is that it's got a couple of issues. Be a good /g/entoomen and help the dev find and squash bugs, or suggest features.

File Managers

Ghost Commander
Another Norton Commander clone. Gives access to all files on the device. Requires root.
Amaze
Available on F-Droid, features material design, and has root options.
Solid Explorer
Free trial for 2 weeks pay required later, but APKs exist. Payment also doesn't work for everyone.
FX File Explorer
File manager with archive creator and extractor, media player, image viewer, binary (hex) viewer and text editor. Root capabilities possible with free add-on app. Premium add-on enables access to cloud services, SMB, WebDAV, FTP, sending files directly to another instance on another device through NFC and/or Wi-Fi as well as accessing files from the browser. APKs exist.
OI File Manager
Very lightweight file manager.
Dir
FOSS ultra lightweight and barebones file manager with all the basic features you'd probably need and literally nothing more.
Material Files
FOSS file manager based on Material Design guidelines.
Simple File Manager
FOSS file manager part of a series of FOSS apps made by the same developer.

Navigation

Organic Maps
Privacy-respecting OpenStreetMap based mapping with a clean interface.
MAPS.ME
OpenStreetMap based offline map and turn by turn navigation.
OsmAnd
OpenStreetMap based mapping. Allows you to store detailed mapping info locally for offline access.

Photography And Photo Gallery

Open Camera
Feature-rich open-source camera app.
LeafPic Revived
Alternative Image Gallery, Material Design and FOSS.
Simple Gallery
FOSS gallery part of a series of FOSS apps made by the same developer.
Obscuracam
FLOSS camera app made by The Guardian Project to obscure faces in photographs.
Camera Roll
Fast and intuitive Gallery replacement with cropping, EXIF editor, file manager. No longer maintained.
A Photo Manager
Super lightweight.
QuickPic Gallery
An open-source fork of the original excellent media gallery app.

Torrents

LibreTorrent
Free and open source torrent client, very similar to Flud but without the ads.
Torrent Client
A Torrent Client.
BiglyBT
Ad-free, open source torrenting for phone, tablet, Chromebook, & Android TV

Miscellaneous

AntennaPod
An Excellent podcast manager that is available on F-Droid.
RadioDroid
A wiki-based, open source streaming radio player.
Transistor
A bare bones app for listening to radio programs over the internet.
Material Tea Timer
A fucking material tea-timer so you can have your tea tasting just right, ensuring peak coziness in the cold during months. Cafe de Touhou is also recommended playing in the background.
Forecastie
Get the weather forecast for anywhere in the world, cached for offline use.
Kiwix
A web reader for offline content, notably Wikipedia.
Aard2
Offline dictionary and wiki reader for .slob files.
LesserPad
A simple text editor that saves documents in plain-text format.
PirateBox
Run a fileshare/chat wireless hotspot. Requires root.
spaRSS
Auto-updating RSS feed reader with full text extraction (no more truncated feeds).
Survival Manual
Learn how to survive innawoods. A great companion for both veterans and newbies alike. Hell, it's a good read even if you're not going anywhere. Guide is based on the (public domain) US Army Survival Field-Manual FM 21-76, and is fully working offline. Even has illustrations.
microG
FOSS re-implementation of Google's proprietary Android user space apps and libraries. Great for those who desire a bit more privacy, but still want to continue using Google's services. When used on older phone, it can even better your battery life. (Your ROM needs to support signature spoofing - Omni 5 and 6 have it in out of the box, but other ROMs require a patch. If you're not comfortable with running xposed, or just want to avoid it for some reason, you can use Needle by moosd). Implementation status can be viewed here.
MuPDF
The Android port of a well known and efficient PDF reader. There is also a mini version with less bloat.
Document Viewer
Basically MuPDF (literally) but better. Supports many common file formats (except .doc and .docx, but you should be exporting to .pdf like an adult). Respects your privacy together with a good balance of being feature-rich, yet simple to use. Comes with sane defaults but offers extensive customization. Since it's built on MuPDF for document rendering it looks great, while the bookshelf view is also very nice to look at. Overall a great app for reading.
Tachiyomi
Free and open source manga reader for Android
Diary
a Diary (not bloated). Notes are stored as .txts, sorted by dayte and put in /year/month subdirectories. Includes calendar interface to help navigate notes.
MidSequer2 | v1
Basic piano-roll midi sequencer with straightforward interface.
DiskUsage
Lightweight and FOSS disk storage visualizer.
Apk Extractor
Extract APKs from your device, even if installed from the Playstore.
Suntimes
Tracks sunlight and moonlight times. Features an app, alarm clock, and widget collection.
Simple Clock
FOSS and lightweight combination of a clock widget, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer. Ensure battery optimization permissions are tweaked for alerts to function.
Cronometer
Non-free but excellent nutritional database and calorie-counting app.

References

1 Has a bookmark of /g/ in one of the demo screenshots.

External links

  • Prism Break — Lists software that respect your freedom and privacy (and points out those which do not).
  • Droid Break — Lists notable free and open source software.

See also

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