Best Free Android Apps of 2025
With so many apps on the Google Play Store to choose from, and only so much phone storage to go around, it can be tricky to know which of the best free Android apps should have a coveted spot on your phone. So, what are the best apps to download from the Google Play Store in 2025? We’ll go over all the latest and greatest apps you should be sure to have on your Android mobile device this year.
Contents:
- Must-Have Android Apps
- Newest Apps for Android
- Best Apps for Kids & Parents
- Gaming & Entertainment Apps
- Productivity Apps
- Travel Apps
- Local/Community Apps
- FAQs
Must-Have Android Apps
If you haven’t heard of these apps yet, now is the time to download them from the Google Play Store for your Android device. Chances are, all your friends already have. Don’t miss the boat and add these top Android apps now:
Findmykids
Google Play Store
With the Findmykids app, parents can gain precious peace of mind with services that allow them to keep tabs on their family members. From GPS location tracking and the Sound Around feature to emergency paging and family chat, this app is designed with children’s safety in mind.
It can be used with both smartwatches for kids and children’s smartphones! Download the app here right now and finally stop worrying about your loved ones!
Cash App
Gone are the days of asking for 10 different checks at a restaurant or struggling to find a few bucks to pay back that friend you owe. With Cash App, digital transfers are free, easy, and instant. You can send money to your friends and family who also have a cash tag. You can also get a debit card, invest in the stock market, and donate to causes you care about. It’s the banking app you need for the 21st century.
Shazam
Google Play Store
Anytime you need to know what song is playing, the Shazam app conveniently listens and displays the relevant song information within seconds! This app is also helpful when you want to know a song’s lyrics.
Calm
Whether you want to try meditation or simply get some better sleep, Calm has a wide variety of nature sounds, bedtime stories, peaceful songs, breathing programs, and guided meditations to help you relax. A premium subscription is also available for more content.
Tasty
Google Play Store
With Tasty, created by Buzzfeed, users can discover new recipes daily to help the budding chef in all of us. You’ll find high-definition photos and videos along with step-by-step instructions for all kinds of recipes that work with your unique dietary needs.
TuneIn
Did you know you can listen to various radio stations from all around the world – for free – from your mobile device? Everything from local sports, music, podcasts, and news stations from around the world is all at your fingertips with this convenient app. TuneIn even includes top brands like CNN, FOX, ESPN, NPR, and TED Radio Hour. A premium version is also available, though not needed.
Newest Apps for Android
What are the best free Android apps of 2025 that you might not have heard of? We’ll detail some of the newest ones to hit the scene so far this year that we’ve researched just for you:
ChatGPT
Google Play Store
The AI app that has taken the world by storm and has changed how we work and research is now available on the Google Play Store! You can type or even verbally ask your questions and have conversations with ChatGPT about anything and everything. It’s like turning your Android device into a supercomputer that fits right in your pocket.
Instagram Lite
After a year of rumors, Instagram Lite has finally dropped! Available in more than 170 different countries, Instagram Lite is a pared-down version of the popular social media app that requires just 2MB to run.
Google Health Studies
Google Play Store
Now available to Android users for the first time, this app from Google allows users to voluntarily and securely contribute to health research in areas that matter to them. Stay updated on the results from studies led by major medical universities and hospitals like Harvard Medical School.
National Park Service
This brand-new app from the United States National Park Service will have you asking, “Where has this app been all my life?” With this app, available on the Google Play Store, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts can find and visit the best National Parks near them, go on self-guided tours, explore interactive maps, discover activities and programs at each park, and even download offline park data for their visit.
Warpath
Google Play Store
For those who enjoy playing war strategy games, this real-time World War 2 simulation has been a huge hit since becoming available for Android devices. Users can customize and command their own historically accurate battle units, plan out attacks, and follow along with an epic storyline.
TikTok Lite
TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps among the younger generations. Now, with TikTok Lite, people with older Android versions of mobile devices can still appreciate the short 15-second entertainment clips with this pared-down version of the TikTok app. It’s faster, lighter, and easier to stream your favorite content creators.
Best Apps for Kids & Parents
Kids and parents have unique needs when looking for apps on the Google Play Store. Here are some of the best Android apps on the market targeted towards families:
The main thing for each parent is their child’s safety! Use the Findmykids app to check your child’s location and listen to the surroundings to make sure that everything is fine with them! Download the best app for parents right now from the App Store or Google Play.
Duolingo
Google Play Store
Whether you want to learn a new language for an upcoming trip, are trying to raise your children bilingually, or simply want to sharpen your language skills for fun, Duolingo is the premier educational app for language learners.
Gordon Ramsay: Chef Blast
Everyone’s favorite TV chef has come out with a puzzle game of his own, new to Android this year. Kids and adults can cook with Gordon, discover new recipes, play various puzzle games, and become culinary masters!
ReDecor
Google Play Store
HGTV lovers and creative kids will both love this addictive home décor app for interior design. Play with different styles, complete fun challenges, shop for virtual goods, and compete in contests to design the best space.
YouTube Kids
Now your kids can browse the top video platform in the world more safely with YouTube’s kid-friendly app version. Customize kid profiles, parental controls, and enhanced content blocking features to protect your kids from seeing content they aren’t ready for.
Google Earth
Teach your kids about geography in one of the most fun and interactive methods—Google Earth! Fly across the globe and virtually walk down the streets of foreign lands like the ancient streets of Rome or the rainforests in Costa Rica. Your kids will love exploring the world right through their Android devices, learning about different locations and countries along the way.
Gaming & Entertainment Apps
Sometimes you just want to kill some time and have some fun on your mobile device. Any of these apps below will be a welcome break from work, school, and the news:
Among Us
Google Play Store
If it seems like everyone is playing this hot new game, you wouldn’t be wrong. Adults and kids of all ages are enjoying this multi-player mystery game where you must work together to find the imposter. This wildly popular game has more than 11 million Android downloads over the last few years, and that’s not sus at all.
Goodreads
Like reading? Let this app help you remember to put down your phone and spend some time with a book. Users can keep track of books they want to read, what their friends are reading, and how much progress they’ve made towards their reading goals. On Goodreads, you can also discover new books to read based on your current favorites and make recommendations to others.
TikTok
Google Play Store
We get it, you’re tired of social media. But with TikTok, it is easier than ever before to scroll through a selection of short videos uniquely targeted to you, thanks to TikTok’s algorithm. The more time you spend on the app, the more it gets to know you and suggests the best videos for you, making this platform highly satisfying but also highly addictive. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Tubi
One of the newest content platforms on the market, Tubi is becoming an increasingly popular place to go for free streaming TV and movies. No subscription is required, and ads are minimal compared to cable TV.
Productivity Apps
Today’s smartphones are capable of so many utilitarian services, and app developers just keep upping the ante. Download these top free useful apps for Android that will make your life easier:
Dashlane
Google Play Store
This handy password manager not only keeps all your login information in one place but also allows you to log in automatically and sync all your passwords across all your devices. Securely store up to 50 passwords for free. With Dashlane, you’ll never get locked out of your account again!
Sleep as Android
Let your phone wake you up with this award-winning sleep cycle smart alarm. Since how you start your mornings can make or break your day, this app aims to wake you up gently, at the optimal moment for you. Wake up with the music or nature sounds YOU want, not what your phone’s Android versions of preset alarm choices limit you to. Most of this app’s features are free, and a paid version is also available.
HERE WeGo
Google Play Store
As one of Google Maps’ biggest competitors, HERE WeGo really shines with its selection of offline maps. Whether you’re traveling in a remote area with no cell service, exploring new places around the world on limited data, or preparing for a local or national emergency, offline maps can be an extremely beneficial tool. You can also get local information on public transportation for more than 1300 cities around the world, and can even book a taxi in select locations.
Medica
If you need to take any medications, a prescription tracking app like Medica can be very beneficial. You can enter your medications, track your doses, stay on top of refills, take notes, create a schedule, and receive reminders. It might just be one of the most helpful apps available for families on the Google Play Store.
Robinhood
Google Play Store
Investing in the stock market has never been easier than with the Robinhood app for casual investors. Despite recent controversies, many users still enjoy the Robinhood platform for day trading or casual investing.
EveryDollar
Track your spending, set financial goals, and create a budget with the EveryDollar budget and finance tracking app from financial advisor Dave Ramsey. The free version of this app allows you to manually input your spending so you can see a breakdown of exactly where your money goes. The premium version allows users to connect bank accounts for automatic updates to their spending and budget. This Google Play Store app is one of the best budget management apps around!
Google Wallet
Google Play Store
Forgot your wallet at the store? With the Google Wallet app, you can use Google Pay when you go to checkout while out shopping. Just tap your phone to the card reader and you’re good to go! Whether you’re grabbing your favorite coffee order at your local coffee shop or doing some back-to-school shopping for the kids, you can keep all of your credit cards in your Google Wallet right on your phone, available on the Google Play Store.
Travel Apps
As 2025 kicks off, many people are starting to feel comfortable with traveling again. Go ahead and plan that summer vacation with these top convenient and money-saving travel apps:
Hotwire
Google Play Store
The Hotwire free travel app makes searching for travel deals fun! You can save up to 60% on exclusive deals with top-secret hotels that will be revealed upon booking. Feed your adventurous side or play it safe with low prices on hotels and rental cars all over the world.
Expedia
As one of the industry leaders in discounted travel, Expedia has long been a top choice among budget-savvy travelers. You can book your hotel, flight, rental car, or complete vacation packages with Expedia’s price comparisons.
Tripadvisor
Google Play Store
For years, millions of travelers have trusted Tripadvisor with their next vacation. Plan, book, and save on your next trip with Tripadvisor. In addition to travel deals, you can discover reviews, photos, and ideas on tons of places to go, things to see, and attractions to explore.
Flightradar24
What’s that plane flying overhead? Why is there a helicopter circling your neighborhood? When will your family member’s flight arrive? Will your flight be delayed? What is the weather on the ground at your destination? All of these questions can be answered with this simple, free flight radar app.
Airbnb
Google Play Store
Everyone’s favorite travel app now includes local events and activities in addition to places to stay. When you’re ready to travel again, Airbnb’s extensive selection of properties will be there for you!
Kayak
Kayak allows you to search for, save, and track the flights and hotels you want in order to get the best deals. This award-winning app’s private deals, price forecasts, price alerts, and flexible date searches help you determine when to buy and when to go.
Google Translate
If you’re planning a trip abroad, you’ll definitely find the Google Translate app from the Google Play Store super handy when it comes to communicating and getting around. You can scan menus and signs, talk directly into the app, or type what you want to say, and it will automatically translate it into another language! Plus, you can download specific languages to access them offline in case you lose connection. The world is at your fingertips with this nifty free Google Play Store app.
Local/Community Apps
The best ways to connect with your local community have all gone digital. Download these free apps for Android phones to stay on top of events, browse business reviews, and keep in touch with your neighbors:
Nextdoor
Google Play Store
Chat with your neighbors, find the best contractors, get information on local happenings, post lost and found pets, and more with this popular networking app. Subscribe to your interests and connect with verified community residents for free.
Rover
Got pets? Now you can find boarding, dog walking, and pet sitting services all from a free app. Get connected with animal lovers in your area who would love to care for your pets!
Yelp
Google Play Store
Though it’s been around for years, few review websites can compete with the content of Yelp. Yelp has made great efforts over the years to stay relevant and innovative, with the ability to browse restaurant menus, make reservations, redeem special offers, and even order takeout from your favorite spots – all within the app. From hair salons and doctors to restaurants and hotels, it always pays to check the reviews before you go.
Groupon
Groupon is another brand that has stood the test of time. With more than 1.5 million app reviews, this shopping discount app offers deals of up to 70% off products, places, and events all over the world. From restaurant discounts and half-price concert tickets to cheaper salon services and discounted travel, there is something for everyone on Groupon.
Eventbrite
Google Play Store
Looking for things to do? Eventbrite lets you browse local events, sign up to attend, buy tickets, and even create your own community event. Virtual events are also now available! Never be bored again and discover new things to do with Eventbrite.
Meetup
Another great way to discover new places and meet new people is the popular Meetup app. With a focus on free local community events and groups, you’ll find a group for every interest you can think of – from yoga to business networking. You can join and attend as many groups as you like – all for free!
Whether you’re looking for the next big gaming app to kill time, the latest free Android apps to up your productivity, or the best app to keep your family safe, this list of the best free Android apps of 2025 should have something for you. Share this helpful list with a friend, let us know your thoughts, and comment on your favorite applications for Android phones below!
FAQs
What are the most useful apps for Android?
When it comes to finding the most useful apps for Android in the Google Play Store, you’ll want to look at apps that make your life easier, like Google Wallet and Google Maps, Cash App, EveryDollar, and Findmykids.
What apps on my Android do I not need?
Pre-installed apps on your Android device, like flashlight, QR code scanners, and screen recorder apps, are not necessarily needed. It’s also helpful to check which apps are taking up the most storage on your phone and decide whether to delete them. Of course, you can always re-download them from the Google Play Store if needed.
What is the most downloaded free app?
The most downloaded free app from the Google Play Store is ChatGPT.
Find out more useful apps for your family and yourself:
- The 30 Best Educational Apps for School
- Best Real-Time Location Tracking Apps
- Best Family Tracking Apps Free
- To Track a Cell Phone Location by Number Only: Is it Possible?
- Best Android Parental Control Apps
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