[#]: author: "Ankush Das https://itsfoss.com/author/ankush/"
[#]: collector: "lkxed"
[#]: translator: " "
[#]: reviewer: " "
[#]: publisher: " "
[#]: url: " "
40+ Best Open Source Android Apps
======
Whether we talk about smartphones, desktops, or IoT devices, open-source software is omnipresent in some form.
While Android is already an open-source project, you can find proprietary and open-source applications.
And **open-source Android apps can act as better replacements that respect your privacy** than popular proprietary Android apps that you may already use.
Here, I have curated a list of the best open-source Android apps you can use as daily drivers.
I hope this list comes in handy for anyone you share it with!
> 📋 The open-source applications listed can be found on the **Google Play Store, F-Droid store, or the developer's official website**/platform. You should always use the officially recommended source to download and install APKs.
![logo for simplekeyboard, openboard, and anysoft keyboard apps][1]
The keyboard app is what you interact with the most when texting or searching for something.
Sure, options like [SwiftKey][2] may have been good in the past, but they are not so impressive anymore. Moreover, it only makes sense to opt for an open-source keyboard app that respects your privacy and works as one would expect (without any fancy features). Some of the best options include:
#### 1. Simple Keyboard
As the name suggests, Simple Keyboard is a **minimal option for users** who want a straightforward keyboard app with no frills. It is an excellent alternative to [Gboard][3], the default keyboard app by Google.
This may disappoint you if you want theme customizations and a few extra controls.
AnySoftKeyboard is my favorite, as it comes with all the essential features I need, including **theme customization, quick text, and gesture support.**
It can be a simple keyboard experience if you want or act as a tool you can do more with.
Every smartphone manufacturer loads up their native-branded file manager. Depending on your smartphone, you may already have a '**Samsung My Files**' or 'F**ile Manager by Mi**'.
Unfortunately, the default file manager applications (including **Files by Google**) may not work the best. Moreover, they collect some usage data you may not want to share.
Some of the best open-source file manager options are:
#### 1. Amaze File Manager
Amaze File Manager is a nice open-source alternative to options like **Solid Explorer** and **EX File manager**.
You get a material design user interface and the essential features to cut, copy, delete, compress, extract, and more. Also, you get to tweak the theme.
Just want **a small app to explore and access files**? Little File Manager should be a good pick that lets you do the fundamentals like copy-pasting files.
**📥 [GitHub][20] | [F-Droid][21]**
### Web Browsers
![logo for mozilla duckduckgo bromite and tor browsers][22]
Want to browse the web using a privacy-friendly and an open-source mobile browser? These options should suit well:
#### 1. Firefox
Mozilla Firefox is probably the **favorite open-source browser for desktop and mobile users.**
With Android, they have stepped up the game well, making it a pleasing, fast, and private experience. You can also try variants of Firefox, like '**Firefox Focus**' which is a simple app that deletes your history once you exit.
**📥 [GitHub][23] | [Play Store][24]**
#### 2. DuckDuckGo Private Browser
DuckDuckGo private browser is an exciting option developed by the [privacy-friendly search engine][25] giant.
You get a minimal user experience sprinkled with special DuckDuckGo features like **App Tracking Protection and Email Protection**.
Bromite is a Chromium fork for Android that comes with **privacy enhancements and ad-blocking capabilities.**
You can download the APK from its official website or the GitHub page. Additionally, you can add its repository to F-Droid to install and manage updates.
Tor Browser is based on Firefox but has **enhanced security and privacy protections.**
It may not provide you with the best user experience, but if you want maximum privacy during browsing sessions, the Tor browser can be a good choice.
**📥 [GitLab][34] | [Play Store][35]**
### Multi-Platform Sync or File-Sharing Apps
![][36]
Whether you want to sync your notifications, control music, or share files/clipboard content, you may not want to use file-sharing apps with intrusive ads and poor privacy practices.
These apps can help you better:
#### 1. KDE Connect
KDE Connect is a popular open-source application that lets you connect across devices like your Linux PC and Android mobile to share clipboard content, files, URLs, and notifications.
If you use [KDE-based distributions][37], it comes built-in with the desktop experience.
LocalSend helps you send files to nearby devices (cross-platform). It is **a simple, ad-free open-source alternative** to several clones of Shareit on the Play Store.
Interestingly, along with iOS and Android, it also supports macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Linux. For many users, this can be a one-stop solution to share files safely across devices.
Voice is a straightforward player that lets you play/manage audiobooks with ease. The **user experience is minimal** but effective in letting you focus on listening to the audiobook instead of other functions.
It can be tough to keep up with all the information online or have a list of it organized. However, RSS readers always help with the task gracefully.
If you are tired of paying for options like Feedly or Inoreader, you can simply add/import your RSS feeds to these apps:
#### 1. Feeder
Feeder is my favorite RSS reader app for Android that provides a **good user experience and a few customization options** to filter/organize your feeds.
It does support a dark mode, so you can easily keep up with information without straining your eyes.
You will have to trust the company or service to protect your privacy for most VPN services.
However, if you use open-source VPN applications, you get a good amount of transparency of how the client-side of it works. So, open-source VPN apps may prove to be a better option than proprietary ones.
#### 1. ProtonVPN
[ProtonVPN][68] is a **popular option among privacy-focused VPN services**. It offers valuable features like tracker blocking, secure core servers, and more to enhance privacy compared to other VPN apps.
Unlike some others, Proton's entire offering is open-source, which makes it a good choice to pick.
[Mullvad][74] is a **unique VPN offering** that does not need much personal information. It generates a unique random number to assign you an account that you use. You only have to use your payment information to subscribe.
Mullvad's app is open-source and can be a good alternative for users who do not prefer ProtonVPN.
Tachiyomi is an **immensely popular free and open-source manga reader** for Android.
You can browse content from various source or read download manga while being able to organize the library using categories. The reading viewer can be tweaked to adjust your experience and it also supports light/dark themes.
Kotatsu is yet another open source manga reader for Android. You can explore online catalogues, organize manga you read, and get an optimized reader with offline support.
It **features the modern Material You** user interface which could provide a better experience.
**📥 [GitHub][85] | [Website][86]**
#### 3. Seeneva
Need a smart comic book reader? Seeneva is a solid choice that may not be popular enough.
It supports various comic book archive formats like CBZ, CBR, CB7, and more.
Technically, the default music player should do fine if you only want to play music. However, if you want the ability to organize a library and also have a minimal music playback experience, these applications should suit well:
#### 1. Simple Music Player
Simple Music Player is another utility developed by the same team behind the Simple File Manager app.
While it offers a simple experience, it features an **intuitive user interface** with options to group files, customize color schemes, and enjoy music.
Notes can be personal or random scribbles. However, using a note-taking app that takes privacy seriously and gives you better security is essential. You might write something sensitive and should not share such information in a note-taking app with poor privacy practices.
#### 1. Joplin
Joplin is a fantastic open-source note-taking app also available for desktop platforms.
You can store your notes locally, encrypt them, sync them, and do lots more to organize things. The user experience may not be the most intuitive thing, but if you want an open-source, feature-rich note app, Joplin will not disappoint.
Simplenote is an easy-to-use note-taking app developed by **Automattic** (the company behind WordPress).
If you do not want fancy features or overwhelming options, this is the best open-source app to sync notes across multiple devices.
**📥 [GitHub][105] | [Play Store][106]**
### 2FA and Password Apps
![2fa and password manager app icons][107]
Managing passwords and two-factor authentication codes are crucial. Especially when we see proprietary password managers like LastPass getting regular security breaches, how can you even trust them?
So, you can try going with open-source options that give you better privacy and transparency for peace of mind:
#### 1. KeePassDX
KeePassDX is a simple and powerful password manager for users who do not want to sync their data with the cloud.
You can create a database, export/import them, and manage your passwords wherever you go. It is compatible with [KeePassXC][108], one of the [best password managers on Linux][109].
Bitwarden is the **most popular open-source password manager** that syncs across devices and browsers (with extensions). You can also store 2FA tokens here.
Unlike the above, it syncs to the cloud. However, it does provide industry-standard protections and more advanced features to protect your data. In addition, the premium for Bitwarden is affordable compared to other proprietary password managers.
If you are looking for enhanced privacy and security, open-source email applications are a must. Our recommendations include the following:
#### 1. K-9 Mail (or Thunderbird)
K-9 mail is a popular open-source email client on Android with all the essential features.
In 2022, the K-9 mail's project maintainer joined Thunderbird to use Mozilla's resources and expertise to improve the K-9 experience. So, K-9 mail will eventually turn into **Thunderbird's mobile app**.
If you are experimental, technically competent and love the DIY stuff, you may even opt for other Android ROMs to take complete control of your smartphone.
It will be an endless list if we add open-source alternatives for all kinds of things like cameras, SMS, and more.
🚀 To find more open-source applications, you can head to the [F-Droid store][142] or check out a list of [foss applications on this GitHub page][143] to get more suggestions.
💬_What is your favorite on the list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments down below._
