List of free alternative Apps
This is a list of Apps I consider great alternatives to what you’re might used to (Me not listing apps from services like Netflix, Spotify or your favourite instant messenger does not mean they won’t run, ’cause they do!). Maybe you even find something new here?
App Stores 
Aurora Store
An alternative way to access the App Store. Allows you to either use it anonymously or with your Google account, giving you full access to your previously purchased library of apps.
F-Droid
An App Store specifically for free Open-Source apps. Many apps found here can’t be found on the Play Store and vice versa. Allows sharing of apps via bluetooth and much more.
Make sure to check out the additional repositories and perhaps add some as source in the F-Droid settings. Especially “IzzyOnDroid” offers hundreds of additional apps, enhancing your experience greatly.
Browser
FFUpdater
This useful tool from F-Droid will let you install multiple popular browsers such as Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi and Bromite. Just make sure not to go nightly.
SmartCookieWeb
A privacy-centric browser.
That’s it.
WebApps
A great tool to basically make apps out of websites and Webapplications.
Sandboxes all of them for enhanced security.
Communication
K-9 Mail
Very powerful mailing app. Supports basically anything around mails.
For Murena /e/OS users: Your standard mail client is a fork of this one. You can use it instead.
Element
Chat Client for the federated Matrix network.
Don’t worry if it’s slow, that’s all part of the experience.
Binary Eye
QR and barcode scanner. Can also scan a picture on your phone. No telemetry or other unnecessary bloat.
Music & Videos
NewPipe
Alternative client for Youtube you don’t need an account for.
Offers playlist, downloads, background playback, pop-out window, import of your existing data and more.
VLC Media Player
Most versatile media player. Basically plays back everything, including web streams.
It’s icon now proudly reminds everyone of the programmers great traffic cone collection.
Twire
Twitch Client that offers quick access to your favourite streamers, let’s you chat as normal after login, “Top Games”, Top Streamers”, VODs, basically everything you need. Except BTTV emojis, Pog.
PowerAmp (Paid App)
Simply too good not to be named. Most powerful music player app out there with many options to get the best audio out of your device. Purchaseable Google-less on powerampapp.com.
Navigation
Magic Earth
A way better alternative to Google Maps and most other navigation software. Best while driving a car.
Standard navigation software of /e/ OS.
OsmAnd~
Another excellent navigation app. Goes into incredible detail by providing informations about shops, sights, hiking paths, dedicated bike lanes and more.
MAPS.ME
Yet another navigation app. It specifically targets tourists and advertises the ability of always working offline maps including attraction informations.
Personal Information
Open Camera
A free and powerful camera app that comes with all the features you could wish and let’s you control everything.
Simple Mobile Tools
A whole set of free & simple applications for everyday life. They offer a Launcher, Gallery, Contacts, Calendar, Caller and much more.
All their apps start with “Simple” and comes with either an orange or purple icon.
Nextcloud Tools
Another set of tools for personal information management that can be used on conjunction with an own Nextcloud. Examples are a Cookbook, Notes, Talk or Deck.
Security
AirGuard
Necessary to detect tracking devices like Apple AirTags and other Bluetooth LE devices that seem to constantly travel with you.
PilferShush Jammer
Blocks any unwanted background usage of your microphone by malicious apps (passive mode) and offers a technical list helping you to identify them. Disables itself during a phone call.
Aegis Authenticator
Easy TOTP authenticator, alternative to the Google Authenticator or Authy.
Don’t forget to make regular backups!
AuthPass
A local password manager that’s compatible with KeePass2 / KeePassXC.
Supports biometrics to unlock the database.
Shelter (requires root)
Allows you to install Apps inside a secure shelter by using Androids work profile so they can’t access any of your data, as well as to automatically “freeze” them as soon as they’re in the background.
Social Media
Twidere
A very popular alternative Twitter client that has a huge range of features. For example it can restore the old “like” stars. Yay!
Mastodon
The better, federated alternative to Twitter. Biased? Who, me? Never.
Part of the Fediverse, a way of social networking connecting various platforms.
SlimSocial for Facebook
An App that allows you to access Facebook without all the intrusive stuff. Use the social network knowing Zuckerberg only knows about what you’re willing to tell him.
Barinsta
Alternative client for Instagram.
This app isn’t in active development currently. The creator advocates for using PixelFed.
PixelFed
A respectful alternative to Instagram without harmful algorithms.
Part of the Fediverse, a way of social networking connecting various platforms.
Infinity for Reddit
An alternative, feature rich Reddit client. Supports multiaccounts, removes ads and even got a lazy mode that scrolls for you so you aren’t disturbed from eating doritos.
Tools
Plexus
A very handy tool to check for compatibility of apps with smartphones that either use MicroG or no Google services at all. As it’s very new (as of May ’22) the database is still quite small, but over time it should become an extremely useful tool!
DAVx5
The de-facto standard application for cloud synchronisation of your contacts, calendar and notes. Can be downloaded for free on F-Droid.
Picture sources: AuroraOSS, F-Droid Logo 4, FFUpdater, SmartCookieWeb, WebApps, K-9 Mail, Element, Binary Eye, NewPipe, VLC Icon, Twire, PowerAmp, Magic Earth, Osmand~, Maps.me, Open Camera, Simple Mobile Tools, Nextcloud, AirGuard, Aegis Authenticator, AuthPass, Shelter, Twidere, Mastodon, SlimSocial for Facebook, Barinsta, PixelFed, Infinity for Reddit, Plexus, DAVx5
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