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== "App Stores" ==
+
If you MUST have a smart phone, you might as well use it. Here's what we recommend for using on the Android system.
  
* [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid (FOSS Repo)] — Also allows you to add other 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.
 
* 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] 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.
 
  
== Web browsers ==
+
==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]].
  
* [https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/mobile/ Firefox for Android]
+
=="App Stores"==
** 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://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mokee.yubrowser&hl=pt_PT YuBrowser]
 
** [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 minimilistic, 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.
 
  
== *chan browsers ==
+
*[https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid (FOSS Repo)] — Most popular alternative to the default Google Play store. All your main FOSS applications can be found here (sometimes even paid versions on the play store are avaliable on F-Droid for free). Also allows you to add other repository locations as well.
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=nya.miku.wishmaster Overchan] — Browse multiple imageboards.
+
*[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/Mishiranu/Dashchan Dashchan] — Powerful *chan browser, uses the extension apps for supporting particular imageboards.
+
*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://android-apk.org/ Android Apk],[https://aapks.com/ Aapks], [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://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.
  
=== 4chan ===
+
==Web browsers==
* [http://chant.dxh.me/ Chant] — Banned from the App store.
 
* [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.
 
* [https://partyvan4chan.wordpress.com/ Party Van].
 
  
=== 8chan ===
+
*[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android.chrome&hl=en_AU Chrome/Default Browser]
 +
**Usually the default browser
 +
**Just werks.
 +
**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]
 +
**Very similar to the desktop version in terms of its add-ons;
 +
**FOSS.
 +
**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://www.bromite.org/ Bromite]
 +
**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://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.
 +
*[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/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/repository/browse/?fdid=org.wingy.chan Exodus] — Full featured 8chan browser based on [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.floens.chan Clover].
+
==Imageboard browsers==
  
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=blackman.matt.infinitebrowser Infinity] — Buggy unsupported 8chan browser. [https://github.com/mblackman/Infinity-Browser Github].
+
*[https://github.com/Adamantcheese/Kuroba Kuroba] -- Forked from Clover after the main developer stop accepting pull requests. Fixes a ton of bugs, supports 4chan, as well as many others. The go-to client.
 +
*[https://github.com/overchan-project/Overchan-Android/releases Overchan] — Another fork of overchan. Browse a number of russian and non-russian imageboards.
 +
*[https://github.com/Mishiranu/Dashchan Dashchan] — Powerful *chan browser, made by the Russians at [https://2ch.hk 2ch.hk]. uses the extension apps for supporting particular imageboards.
  
== Communications ==
 
  
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thoughtcrime.securesms 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. Requires Google Play Services.
+
===4chan===
* [https://smssecure.org/ SMSSecure] — Send encrypted SMS messages. Fork of TextSecure with only the SMS encryption and no internet messaging. Available in Google, Amazon and F-Secure App Store.
 
* [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.
 
* [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.
 
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.fsck.k9 K-9 Mail (Email)] — supports OpenPGP if APG is installed.
 
* [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://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.
 
* [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.
 
  
== Music ==
+
*[https://github.com/grzegorznittner/chanu/blob/HEAD/README.md Chanu] (May not work as has not been updated since 2015).
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.andrew.apollo Apollo] — FOSS, port of Cyanogenmod's default music player for other ROMs.
+
*[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.floens.chan Clover] on F-Droid Can play webms.
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.music&hl=en Google Play Music] — Your music from the Google Botnet!
 
* [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!
 
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kabouzeid.gramophone&hl=en Phonograph] — A music player with customization capabilites for appearance.
 
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maxmpz.audioplayer PowerAMP] — Trial version, but may be worth the money for the extra features.
 
* [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.
 
  
== Media players ==  
+
===8chan===
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.abitno.vplayer.t VPlayer] — Plays just about every file format ever made, but not recommended for girl cartoons.
 
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad&hl=en MX Player] — Recommended for anime, really good subtitle support (Will play MKVs!).
 
* [https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-android.html VLC] — Android version of the vastly popular VLC client. Plays everything.
 
  
=== YouTube ===
+
*[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].
* [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, but cannot view comments. It is under heavy development.
 
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=free.rm.skytube.oss Skytube] — YouTube client with HW acceleration, subscribe to channels without an account.
 
  
== Privacy and Security ==
+
*[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=blackman.matt.infinitebrowser Infinity] — Buggy unsupported 8chan browser. [https://github.com/mblackman/Infinity-Browser Github].
  
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=afwall%2B&fdid=dev.ukanth.ufirewall AFWall+] Easy to use firewall (requires root).
+
==Communications==
* [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://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 ==
+
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.adaway AdAway] — Blocks ads by editing host files - requires root.
+
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://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.
 
  
== File Managers ==
+
*[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://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.cyanogenmod.filemanager.ics File Manager] — Comes preinstalled on CyanogenMod.
+
==Music==  
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=com.ghostsq.commander Ghost Commander] — 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://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.
 
* [http://neatbytes.com/solidexplorer/ Solid Explorer] — Free trial for 2 weeks pay required later, but APKs exist. Payment also doesn't work for everyone.
 
  
== Games ==
+
*[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gonemad.gmmp 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.
 +
*[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=ch.blinkenlights.android.vanilla Vanilla Music] — A superior FOSS music player.
 +
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/it.fossoft.timberfoss/ Timber] — yet another open-source mp.
 +
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/souch.smp/ 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.
  
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.
+
==Video players==
  
* [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdcategory=Games&fdid=com.uberspot.a2048 2048] — A simple puzzle game where you merge matching numbers.
+
*[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://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=pixel&fdid=com.watabou.pixeldungeon Pixel Dungeon] — An excellent open source traditional roguelike with pixel-art graphics.  
+
*[https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-android.html VLC] — Android version of the vastly popular VLC client. Plays everything.
* [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://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/is.xyz.mpv MPV] — /g/s recommended desktop video player is on android. Suggested for those who want a FOSS video player, but don't like VLC.
* [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 ==
+
===YouTube===
  
* [http://maps.me MAPS.ME] — OpenStreetMap based offline map and turn by turn navigation.
+
*[https://minerev.com/youtube-vanced/ Vanced] — YouTube Vanced is a mod for the youtube app. It adds features such as adblock, background play, popout player, etc. It requires root for all its features to work.
* [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://appsgag.com/en/newpipe/details 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 and FramaTube as well. It is under heavy development, uptaded regularly.
* [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://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://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 ==
+
==Privacy and Security==
* [http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2055140 Snap Camera] — Full featured camera application for Android.
 
* [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.opencamera Open Camera] — Yet another feature rich open-source camera application.
 
  
== Torrents ==
+
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/dev.ukanth.ufirewall/ AFWall+] Easy to use firewall (requires root).
* [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.
+
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.android.keepass/ KeePassDroid], [https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.kunzisoft.keepass.libre/ KeePass DX], [https://github.com/PhilippC/keepass2android Keepass2Android]  — KeePass/KeePassX compatible password managers.
* [https://github.com/Gwindow/WhatAndroid WhatAndroid] — Client for browsing [[Private trackers|What.CD]].
+
*[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] [https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.thialfihar.android.apg APG (OpenPGP)].
 +
*[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.
  
== Miscellaneous ==
+
==Ad-blockers==
*[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].
+
 
* [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/repository/browse/?fdid=org.adaway AdAway] — Blocks ads by editing host files - requires root.
* [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://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=cz.martykan.forecastie Forecastie] — Get the weather forecast for anywhere in the world, cached for offline use.
+
*[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.
* [http://www.kiwix.org/wiki/Software Kiwix] — A web reader for offline content, notably Wikipedia.
+
*[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/?fdfilter=lesser+pad&fdid=org.pulpdust.lesserpad Lesser Pad] — A simple text editor that saves documents in plain-text format.
+
 
* [http://piratebox.cc/android PirateBox] — Run a fileshare/chat wireless hotspot. Requires root.
+
==File Managers==
* [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://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/repository/browse/?fdid=com.ghostsq.commander Ghost Commander] — 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.
 +
*[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.
 +
 
 +
==Navigation==
 +
 
 +
*[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.
 +
 
 +
==Photography And Photo Gallery==
 +
 
 +
*[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.
 +
 
 +
==Torrents==
 +
 
 +
*[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.
 +
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.github.axet.torrentclient/ Torrent Client] — A Torrent Client.
 +
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.biglybt.android.client/ BiglyBT]
 +
 
 +
==Miscellaneous==
 +
 
 +
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/de.danoeh.antennapod AntennaPod] — An Excellent podcast manager that is available on F-Droid.
 +
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.programmierecke.radiodroid2/ RadioDroid] — A wiki-based, open source streaming radio player.
 +
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.y20k.transistor/ Transistor] — A bare bones app for listening to radio programs over the internet.
 +
*[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.
 +
*[https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=cz.martykan.forecastie Forecastie] — Get the weather forecast for anywhere in the world, cached for offline use.
 +
*[http://www.kiwix.org/wiki/Software Kiwix] — A web reader for offline content, notably Wikipedia.
 +
*[https://github.com/itkach/aard2-android Aard2] -- Offline dictionary and wiki reader for .[https://github.com/itkach/slob slob] files.  
 +
*[https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.billthefarmer.editor/ Editor] — 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.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 148: Line 182:
  
 
==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]]

Revision as of 20:15, 25 August 2021

Android apps.PNG

If you MUST have a smart phone, you might as well use it. Here's what we recommend for using on the Android system.


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) — Most popular alternative to the default Google Play store. All your main FOSS applications can be found here (sometimes even paid versions on the play store are avaliable on F-Droid for free). Also allows you to add other repository locations as well.
  • 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 or APK Downloader,Android Apk,Aapks, APKPure or 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.
  • 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

  • Chrome/Default Browser
    • Usually the default browser
    • Just werks.
    • Suffers from all the same problems as the desktop version of chrome (privacy concerns, bloat, etc). Not recommended.
  • Firefox for Android
    • Very similar to the desktop version in terms of its add-ons;
    • FOSS.
    • 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.
  • Bromite
    • 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
  • 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.
  • Naked Browser
    • Very minimalistic, barebones UI;
    • Lists trust as the first feature in the description;
    • Author is a confirmed /g/entooman.1;
    • Uses the Webview engine integrated with the Android system, so older versions of Android may have security issues with this browser.
  • 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
  • FFUpdater
    • Easy way to download the .apk files and keep updated a variety of browsers from github. Includes Bromite, Brave, Iceraven and more.

Imageboard browsers

  • Kuroba -- Forked from Clover after the main developer stop accepting pull requests. Fixes a ton of bugs, supports 4chan, as well as many others. The go-to client.
  • Overchan — Another fork of overchan. Browse a number of russian and non-russian imageboards.
  • Dashchan — Powerful *chan browser, made by the Russians at 2ch.hk. uses the extension apps for supporting particular imageboards.


4chan

  • Chanu (May not work as has not been updated since 2015).
  • Clover on F-Droid — Can play webms.

8chan

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.

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.

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

  • Vanced — YouTube Vanced is a mod for the youtube app. It adds features such as adblock, background play, popout player, etc. It requires root for all its features to work.
  • 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 and FramaTube as well. It is under heavy development, uptaded regularly.
  • Skytube — YouTube client with hardware acceleration, it can subscribe you to channels without an account.

Privacy and Security

  • AFWall+ Easy to use firewall (requires root).
  • KeePassDroid, KeePass DX, 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 APG (OpenPGP).
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

Torrents

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.
  • Editor — 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.

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