Open-source apps aren’t just free—they’re safer, private, and made by communities who care. Here’s a list of 20 apps you should try this year.
1. F-Droid – Open-Source App Store
The main place for free and open-source Android apps.
Key Features:
- Automatic app updates
- Warnings for tracking or ads
- Share apps offline via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
2. Ente – Photo Storage & Backup
Keep your photos private with end-to-end encryption.
Key Features:
- Automatic backup
- Shared albums for friends
- Face recognition on your device
- Built-in 2FA
3. OBS Studio – Streaming & Recording
Record or live stream anything on your computer.
Key Features:
- Mix multiple video and audio sources
- Unlimited scenes
- Audio filters like noise suppression
- Works with all major streaming sites
4. Audacity – Audio Editor
Edit and record audio tracks easily.
Key Features:
- Record live audio
- Non-destructive editing
- Noise reduction
- Supports plugins
5. PipePipe – Media Player
Watch videos from YouTube and other platforms without ads.
Key Features:
- Background playback
- Blocks sponsors and ads
- Restore YouTube dislikes
6. Bitwarden – Password Manager
Keep all your passwords safe in one place.
Key Features:
- Sync on all devices
- Generate strong passwords
- Share encrypted text or files
- Check for weak passwords
7. Windhawk – Windows Tweaks
Make Windows work the way you like.
Key Features:
- Change taskbar features
- Scroll volume with mouse
- UI tweaks
- Open-source mods
8. NotallyX – Notes
Simple, fast notes app for Android.
Key Features:
- Rich text formatting
- Color-coded notes
- Auto-backup locally
- Tiny app size (<2MB)
9. FUTO Keyboard – Privacy Keyboard
Type safely without your data leaving your phone.
Key Features:
- Offline voice-to-text
- Swipe typing
- Smart autocorrect
- Custom themes
10. LocalSend – File Sharing
Send files to nearby devices without the internet.
Key Features:
- Works over local Wi-Fi
- End-to-end encryption
- Send files, folders, or text
11. LibreOffice Viewer – Document Viewer
Open and read office documents on your phone.
Key Features:
- Supports .odt, .ods files
- Experimental editing
- High-quality display
12. ONLYOFFICE – Office Suite
Full office tools that work like Microsoft Office.
Key Features:
- Compatible with DOCX/XLSX/PPTX
- Real-time collaboration
- Built-in assistant for writing
13. Breezy Weather – Weather App
Get accurate forecasts with no tracking.
Key Features:
- Hourly and daily weather
- Multiple data sources
- Custom widgets
14. Screenbox – Media Player
Play videos smoothly on Windows or Xbox.
Key Features:
- Supports most video formats
- Powered by LibVLC
- Fluent design
- High performance
15. Notesnook – Private Notes
Secure note-taking with encryption.
Key Features:
- End-to-end encryption
- Lock specific notes
- Markdown support
- Cross-device sync
16. OpenRGB – RGB Lighting Control
Control all your RGB lights from one app.
Key Features:
- Works with ASUS, MSI, Razer, and more
- Sync with hardware temps
- Lightweight app
17. Flameshot – Screenshot Tool
Take and edit screenshots quickly.
Key Features:
- Add arrows, text, blur
- Command-line support
- Upload to Imgur easily
18. Fossify Apps – Android Utilities
A set of basic apps that respect privacy.
Key Features:
- No ads or trackers
- Material You design
- Gallery, Calendar, File Manager, SMS
19. Aegis Authenticator – 2FA Manager
Keep your two-factor codes safe.
Key Features:
- Encrypted backups
- Biometric unlock
- Custom icons
- Import from Google Authenticator
20. Anki – Flashcards & Learning
Learn and memorize anything efficiently.
Key Features:
- Sync across devices
- Add images, audio, LaTeX
- Thousands of shared decks
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