The immense variety of essential applications for Android mobile Turn your experience with these devices into something practically limitless. Thousands of apps coexist in the Google Play Store and other alternative markets, covering everything from communication, productivity, and creativity to health, entertainment, and security. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to install on your phone to get the most out of it and not miss out on the essential tools that make your life easier. Therefore, in this exhaustive article, we present a unique, detailed, and up-to-date selection of essential apps for Android phones, enriched with information and trends from the best recommendations from experts and leading technology media.
In this compilation, you'll find everything from classic must-have apps to authentic hidden gems discovered by editors of major portals. Each recommendation is accompanied by an in-depth explanation of its features. Features, advantages, integration into everyday life and reasons why you should install themA guide for all types of users: from those who are new to a new phone and don't know where to start, to veteran users who want to discover new features and get the most out of Android.
Essential messaging apps
Communication is the core of any smartphone. That's why messaging apps consistently appear on top lists of must-have apps for Android. Below, we review the essential ones and give you alternatives based on your needs:
- WhatsApp: It is the most widely used instant messaging app globally. It allows individual and group chats, file sending (photos, videos, documents, links), voice notes, stickers, GIFs, emojis, calls, and video calls with end-to-end encryption. Its ease of use and massive adoption make it the most popular app for messaging. essential. In addition, each year it receives new features and improvements that consolidate its leadership. Learn about the most downloaded apps of 2024 and trends.
- Telegram: Reference for those seeking privacy, themed channels, bots, large groups, message scheduling, secret chats, and unlimited cloud storage. It works on multiple devices simultaneously and is ideal as a "personal cloud" for sending files to yourself.
- Signal: If your priority is maximum confidentiality and open sourceSignal is the best option. It offers strong encryption, secure voice and video calls, and stands out for its commitment to privacy.
Other messaging and chat apps recommended by experts and editors include:
- Google Messages: For SMS/RCS, it integrates advanced features such as sending photos, videos, and rich chats.
- Discord: Key in gaming and thematic communities, with voice and text channels, bots and groups.
- Clubhouse: To create and participate in audio chat rooms, perfect for networking or specific interests.
Social networks and communities
Social media apps are essential for staying informed, sharing moments, and staying in touch:
- InstagramIdeal for sharing photos, videos, stories, and reels. It remains the go-to visual platform for millions of users.
- Facebook: Although its user base has changed, it remains essential to many, especially for follow events, groups, marketplace and connect with family or acquaintances.
- Threads and Bluesky: New microblogging alternatives, with personalized feeds and thematic communities.
- Twitter/X: Essential for keeping up with current events and participating in real-time conversations, although many users are exploring alternatives.
- LinkedIn: Essential for professional topics, networking and job searching.
Among the hidden gems recommended by specialized media we find:
- Letterboxd: For movie buffs, it allows you to register movies, rate, share opinions and discover recommendations.
- True: An alternative to Instagram for those looking for a more exclusive and less crowded network.
Productivity, notes and organization
Your Android mobile can become a essential work and personal management tool If you choose the right apps:
- Google Keep: Quick notes, to-do lists, reminders, and seamless integration with the entire Google ecosystem.
- NotionModular and powerful, ideal for those looking to combine databases, calendars, tasks, projects, and notes in one place. Its widget is very practical.
- Google Calendar: Organize your calendar, appointments, reminders, and events with unbeatable synchronization.
- Microsoft OneNote: Features a notebook format ideal for dividing work into sections, adding images, lists, and files.
- Trello: The best project management app for boards and cards, very useful for both teams and personal use.
- Google Docs: Cloud-based document editing with offline functionality and automatic synchronization.
- Evernote: A classic for capturing information, saving notes, audio, images and organizing complex ideas.
Among the innovative proposals, experts highlight:
- Reeder: An ideal RSS reader for filtering relevant information and reading news without distractions.
- Widget: To customize your home screen with calendar, gallery, clock, and more widgets in Material You style.
- MoneyBox: App to facilitate savings and manage financial goals visually.
Multimedia, music and video
Smartphones have completely replaced music and video players. These are the apps you can't miss:
- Spotify: A catalog of millions of songs, playlists, podcasts, and offline mode for premium users. Its free version, despite including ads, is very comprehensive.
- YouTube Music: Seamless integration with Google and YouTube to discover music videos, smart playlists, and your favorite music.
- Apple MusicIf you have an account in the Apple ecosystem, it's your ideal alternative, with great audio quality and excellent playlists.
- TidalIf you are looking for superior sound quality (Hi-Fi), this service stands out from the rest.
- eSounds: Free alternative based on music from YouTube and other services, although quality may vary.
For streaming video:
- Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, SkyShowtime: Install your favorite streaming platforms to enjoy series, movies, and documentaries in the best quality.
- just watch: To find out on which platform you can watch each movie or series.
- TiViFy: To watch live TV and DTT channels without registration.
Other recommended multimedia and creation apps:
- Snapseed: Advanced photo editor, completely free, ideal for quick and professional retouching.
- Polarr 24fps: Simple video editing with a large repertoire of filters and creative tools.
- Wombo, FacePlay and ToonMe: To create animated deep fakes, cartoons, and fun videos with your own photos.
- Stack: Scan, digitize and classify documents with AI.
- Canva: Graphic design tool accessible to all levels, thousands of templates and resources.
Explorers and file management
Keeping your storage organized is vital on any device:
- Google FilesManage files, folders, photos, and videos with an intuitive interface. Includes space-saving features, duplicate file detection, and fast transfer between devices.
- UnLim: Use Telegram as your unlimited personal cloud to store backup copies of photos, videos, and documents.
- Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon Photos: Cloud storage and synchronization alternatives.
- APK Mirror Installer: Essential for installing APK files safely and easily.
- snapdrop: 'AirDrop' for Android: Share files between devices on the same network wirelessly.
Keyboards and customization
The writing experience makes a difference in everyday life. These are the apps experts and users love:
- GboardThe Google Keyboard is versatile, fast, and customizable. It offers search, stickers, GIFs, emojis, voice typing, and support for dozens of languages. It includes features like clipboard, shortcuts, and smart suggestions.
- Openboard: Open source keyboard, no ads and no reliance on Google services.
- EmojiMix: Create unique combinations of emojis and stickers, perfect for personalizing your chats.
In terms of customization, the following also stand out:
- Nova Launcher: Radically change the look and feel of your Android phone with hundreds of customization options.
- Niagara Launcher: Extreme minimalism for those looking for speed and simplicity in an app launcher.
- dynamic Spot: Bring iPhone’s dynamic island to Android to display animated notifications.
- Ultra Volume and Volume Styles: Customize volume controls and other interface elements to suit your needs.
Advanced weather and meteorology applications
Knowing the weather forecast is vital, both for planning your day and for your trips:
- AccuWeather: One of the most accurate and comprehensive weather apps. It provides real-time information, customizable widgets, weather alarms, and a detailed forecast.
- Carrot Weather: With ultra-accurate notifications, customization, radar, and a fun, original interface.
- Shadow Weather and Meteoblue: Alternatives with hyperlocal information, hourly forecasts, air quality, and radar data.
Utilities, security and privacy
- Wifi analyzer: Analyzes and optimizes Wi-Fi networks, detects congested channels, and helps improve your home connection. It's open source, free, and ad-free.
- Authenticator (Google/Microsoft): Essential for two-factor authentication (2FA) across all your online services, providing an extra layer of security.
- privacy dashboard: Monitor in real time which apps are accessing your camera, microphone, and location, even on older phones.
- DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser: Privacy-focused browser, blocks trackers and protects your personal data.
- NordVPN: For safe browsing and access to region-restricted content.
Other recommended utilities:
- Net Speed Indicator: Monitor the speed and consumption of your mobile connection at all times.
- Gasoline and Diesel Spain o GasAll: Easily locate the cheapest gas stations near you and save on every fill-up.
- GoalAlert: Receive automatic alerts and real-time football results from all leagues and competitions.
Health, well-being and sport
- hevy: Control and record your gym workouts in a simple and intuitive way.
- Komoot: Ideal for hikers and cyclists, it provides accurate GPS routes, off-road trails, and offline maps.
- Fantasy Hike: Turn your daily walks into an epic journey by tracking your progress on routes inspired by The Lord of the Rings.
- Wateria: Keep track of your plants' watering and receive reminders to take care of your green space.
- MyRealFood: Analyze food products by scanning the barcode and access recipes and healthy routines.
For mobile phone care, experts recommend:
- AccuBattery and Electron: To measure charge cycles, health and battery level, prolonging the life of your device.
Mobility and public administration
- Google Maps and Waze: Vital for GPS navigation, real-time traffic information, offline maps, and collaborative features.
- myDGT: Carry your driver's license and vehicle documents legally on your phone, check points, fines, and complete paperwork.
- Cl@ve and My Citizen Folder: Easy access to public administration procedures and consultation of official services.
- Renfe: Essential for managing and viewing train tickets, loyalty programs, and schedules.
Leisure, games and entertainment
- Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now, Luna: Enjoy streaming games on your mobile without the need for heavy installations.
- Moonlight Game Streaming: Play PC titles on your mobile device via local streaming, with outstanding quality.
- Citra: Nintendo 3DS emulator for lovers of classic video games.
- S: Keep a catalog of your pending games and movies and see which platforms they're available on.
Travel, mobility and advanced maps
- MarineTraffic: Monitor ships in real time around the world, ideal if you frequently travel by sea.
- PeakFinder: Identify mountains and peaks in your surroundings using your phone's camera and precise topographic data.
- worldmate: Plan and organize your trips from start to finish, from booking to itinerary management.
- Zonely: Keep track of time zones when you travel and maintain a time zone reference anywhere in the world.
Other must-have apps and hidden gems recommended by experts
- Bandcamp: Perfect for discovering, following, and supporting independent artists outside the mainstream.
- discogs: Essential for music lovers and record and vinyl collectors, organize your collections and buy/sell physical music.
- Deepl: The machine translator with the highest fidelity and quality, especially good for complex expressions.
- Komoot, Fantasy Hike: Transform walks and routes into gamified and personalized experiences.
- EZVIZ: Manager for home video surveillance cameras with biometric authentication.
- GoalAlert and GasAll: Real-time information on football and fuel prices.
The universe of essential applications for Android mobile It covers all areas of digital and daily life. From productivity and entertainment to security, health, leisure, and communication, this guide provides a complete overview of the options recommended by experts and advanced users in the Android community. The key is to choose those that best fit your habits, needs, and priorities, without fear of trying new tools that can revolutionize your daily life. Installing these apps will allow you to optimally use your new phone and be prepared for any situation, whether it's for work, communication, travel, self-care, or simply enjoying your free time.