My 6 favorite open-source Android apps from the Google Play store – and why that matters

Android and open source are closely intertwined. In fact, most open-source fans I know also use Android. Coincidence? I think not.

One nice thing about Android is that the Google Play Store has lots of open-source software. That’s not to say every single open-source title is worth your time and effort, but there are plenty of FOSS apps that are not only worth your time but also some of the best in class.

Also: I upgraded to Android 16 – here’s what I love and what’s still missing

I want to introduce you to a few of my favorite Android open-source apps, all of which are available on the Google Play Store. Being on this store is important as I’m not a big fan of side-loading apps. 

I know there are plenty of apps available outside of the Google Play Store, but knowing if those apps can be trusted places a bit of a shadow over them. Because of that issue, I recommend apps that are available from the official location.

Also: 7 ways to get more out of your Bitwarden password manager

With that said, let me introduce you to the open-source Android apps I regularly use.

1. Bitwarden

Of all the password managers on the market, Bitwarden is (by far) the best. Not only is the app open source, but it also includes every feature you could ever need from a password manager, uses industry-leading encryption, allows you to share vault entries safely with others, includes two-factor authentication (so you don’t have to depend on yet another app to generate the time-based code), has a great user interface, is easy to use, and the team behind the app listens to users. 

The Android version of Bitwarden can also be used for auto-fill, so you tap a login field and Bitwarden populates the password for you. Bitwarden also has one of the best random password generators I’ve ever used, with many customizations and the option to use a passphrase instead. Bitwarden can be used for free, or you can upgrade to a paid account for more features. 

Find out more via the Bitwarden price/feature matrix.

2. Brave

Brave is almost always listed as one of the most secure browsers on the market. This Chromium-based browser is like Chrome, but with more security and privacy. Brave has a built-in AI tool (called Leo) which you can quickly access from the Brave three-dot menu in the bottom-right corner. Leo allows you to chat like a regular AI tool and can even summarize websites for you. 

Also: 5 Android browsers that are better than Chrome (and why I prefer them)

Brave includes a built-in VPN that you can enable or disable from the same menu you access Leo. However, Brave includes some crypto bits that I always disable. I also disable the Brave Wallet and Rewards. 

One additional feature I appreciate in Brave is the privacy stats widget on the Start page that keeps you up to date on how many trackers and ads are blocked. Brave is a great (and free) browser that improves on Chrome but looks and behaves very similarly.

3. Wavelet

If you use wireless earbuds with your Android device, you owe it to yourself to use Wavelet. This free, open-source app includes several preset sound profiles for thousands of earbuds. These profiles mean you don’t have to tweak the EQ to get the best sound from your earbuds. 

Also: How to use a VPN on Linux – and why you should

Wavelet includes AutoEQ, a graphic equalizer, a limiter, and channel balance. Essentially, you start listening to music through your earbuds, open Wavelet, enable AutoEQ, tap AutoEQ, type the headphone model, tap the matching entry, and enjoy music exactly how it was meant to be heard through those particular headphones. 

You can also boost the EQ by enabling the graphic equalizer and then selecting a curve that matches your taste. If you want to get the most out of your wireless earbuds, consider this free, open-source app a must. 

4. Tor Browser

If you want serious privacy, you need to use Tor Browser. Tor Browser is, hands down, the most secure and private browser on the market. Although Tor isn’t the easiest browser on the market to use, the security and privacy features are worth it. 

However, it’s also important to note that all this privacy and security comes at a cost — speed. The security layers used by Tor Browser mean pages might not load as quickly. That issue means you might only use Tor Browser for sites that require you to submit or view sensitive information. Either way, this free and open-source browser should be on your Android device.

5. KDE Connect

KDE Connect allows you to connect to Linux devices on your network and share clipboard content, files, URLs, and even notifications. If your desktop of choice is KDE Plasma, the app is pre-installed, which makes it very easy to connect the app on your phone with the app on your desktop or laptop. 

Also: How to connect Android to the Linux desktop with KDE Connect

With this mobile app, you can even run commands on your Linux devices. If you don’t use KDE Plasma as your desktop, you can use the GNOME GSConnect (a desktop app) to make the connection between your desktop and Android device (using KDE Connect). KDE Connect is free to install and use.

6. ProtonVPN

If you need a system-wide VPN (as opposed to one limited to a web browser), try ProtonVPN. This VPN service offers tracker blocking, highly secure servers, was created by the same CERN scientists who developed Proton Mail, offers secure, private, encrypted, and unlimited access, and even unblocks access to popular websites and platforms. 

You can connect to servers in over 110 countries, which can be very convenient when you need to switch to another location (should the one you’re using not work properly). ProtonVPN does offer a free account, but it’s limited to one device at a time, medium VPN speed, and can only connect to servers in five countries (which are randomly selected). 

Also: The best VPN services (and how to choose the right one for you)

If you want more bang from the app, you can pay $2.99/month to get the highest VPN speeds, a choice of over 13,000 servers, ad/tracker/malware blocking, and more.

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