In the mobile world, most of the applications available on Google Play are proprietary software, often filled with advertisements, invasive tracking and hidden features behind expensive subscriptions. Fortunately, there is an alternative: FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) apps.
FOSS apps offer many advantages, including greater transparency, respect for privacy, no invasive advertisements, and an active community that keeps them up-to-date without ulterior commercial motives. In addition, many of these apps can be downloaded from F-Droid, an open source alternative to the Play Store that offers only free software.
In this article I want to share the 10 FOSS apps for Android that I can no longer do without, briefly describing each one and explaining why I find them so useful.
Droid-ify
Droid-ify is an alternative client for F-Droid, the popular open source app store for Android. It offers a modern and smooth interface, support for custom repositories, and quick app updates. Compared to the official client, Droid-ify features improved usability and a more intuitive design (Material UI).
SD Maid 2/SE
SD Maid 2/SE is a powerful app for cleaning and managing files on Android. It allows you to remove junk files, check storage, delete residual data left behind by uninstalled apps, and analyze used space. The SE (Storage Edition) version has been rewritten to support the latest changes in the Android filesystem.
Proton Pass
Proton Pass is a secure, open source password manager developed by the same company behind Proton Mail and Proton VPN. It offers end-to-end encryption for saved credentials, synchronization between devices, and a focus on privacy with no advertising or tracking.
It also offers built-in email alias function and secure note creation.
personalDNSfilter
personalDNSfilter is a local DNS filter that blocks tracking and advertising on the entire device. It works as a DNS proxy, preventing connection to unwanted servers and improving privacy and security while browsing. It can also be used to implement your own set of custom rules.
LocalSend
LocalSend is an app for transferring files locally, without the need for the Internet or external servers. It uses Wi-Fi to send files between Android, Windows, macOS and Linux devices securely and quickly, without the need for an account or cloud.
Tubular
Tubular is an open source YouTube client that allows users to watch videos without ads, access content without logging in, and even download it for offline viewing. It respects user privacy by avoiding Google tracking.
It is a fork of NewPipe that implements SponsorBlock and ReturnYouTubeDislike.
Seal
Seal is an open source downloader for video and audio from various online platforms. It supports downloading content in various formats and resolutions, includes advanced options such as audio/video conversion and YouTube-DLP integration.
It offers a clean and modern interface in Material Design 3 with dynamic color theme.
Amaze
Amaze is a lightweight, open source file manager with a clean, modern interface. It allows intuitive file management, supports FTP, SMB and root access, and is completely free with no ads or in-app purchases.
An important feature and the ability to browse even folders normally inhibited from access (Android\OBB and Android\Data) thanks to SAF (Storage Access Framework) support.
K-9 Mail
K-9 Mail is an open source email client that supports IMAP, POP3 and Exchange. It is one of the best alternatives to proprietary email apps because of its advanced customization, support for PGP, and focus on privacy.
VLC
VLC is an open source media player that can play almost all video and audio formats without the need for additional codecs. It supports network streaming, subtitles, multiple audio tracks, and offers excellent compatibility with Android TV.
These apps are a great alternative to proprietary software, enhancing privacy, security, and freedom in the daily use of your Android device!
