Android apps you won't find in the Play Store

The vast majority of Android users only install applications that Google Play has to offer. However, the potential of Android isn’t restricted to the Play Store and to Google services. As some already know, there’s a plethora of APKs that Google doesn’t offer. Today I’ve prepared a list of the best Android apps you can't find in the Play Store.

Adobe Flash Player 11.1

Devices running Android 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.3 or 4.4.4 can install Flash Player despite it not officially being supported by Google. There are still many websites out there making use of flash, and if you want to view certain videos you’re going to need this. Download the latest version here, and you can read how to install it here.

Kodi (formerly known as XBMC)

Originally known as Xbox Media Center (XBMC), Kodi is a media player and entertainment hub which looks more like Netflix or Hulu than the usual crowd of Android media player apps. You can access videos, music, pictures, and podcasts from your local storage or from the internet. It’s also compatible with your PC or Laptop and you can use your Android handset as a remote control. You can download Kodi for Android here, and find out how to install it here.

WhatsApp+

WhatsApp+ is one of the biggest hits in the universe of APKs. This is a modified version of WhatsApp, which offers some interesting extras, like the ability to change the size of files that you want to share, send pictures with full resolution or hide your connection status. Keep in mind that there are many versions of the app, but you should only install the original.

Other interesting aspects of WhatsApp+ are that you are able to send music, use a wider range of emoticons and setup themes and icons to personalize your application, plus an widget with direct access to the profile picture, username, status and settings. To download the WhatsApp+, visit the official website.

TubeMate

This application, which many people already know, basically allows one to download videos from YouTube. The functioning of the app is simple: it locates the YouTube video, which you can view and download in various formats, even in 1080p. Once downloaded, you can find them in the video section of your gallery. TubeMate can be downloaded from the Amazon Appstore. Videoder is another app that has similar functionality.

CyanogenMod Installer

The CyanogenMod Installer had a brief stay in the Google Play Store (only two weeks), and has not lost popularity even while outside of the Google Play Store. It seems that the reason for the withdrawal was because the app didn’t following Google guidelines for developers because it ''encourages users to void their warranty''. This APK is actually just software that guides users to activate an "ADB", i.e. a debugging tool to install the CyanogenMod ROM. This app complements a program that transmits this data to the smartphone. 

Gravity Box

In the universe of APKs, there is one genre that has an ever-increasing fanbase: apps that allow users to customize their device much more than usual. However, such options always require you to have a rooted device. In addition, you must also have installed the INSTALLER Xposed on your smartphone.

The Gravity Box allows one to modify the status bar, the lock screen and the notifications. Despite being a more appropriate tool for advanced users, as it requires root, its use is extremely simple and intuitive. If you would like to download GravityBox v3.1.1, you can do so on the XDA Developers website.

LMT Launcher

Here’s yet another APK which is very interesting, but doesn’t require root. The app offers a detachable menu, which opens into a fan shape and offers shortcuts. To open this menu, simply swipe from any edge of the screen toward the center. It is a customizable menu where you can add your preferred options. You can also get the APK from the XDA Developers Forum.

Bonus: APK Downloader

We conclude our list of the best APKs with an application that, although it is available in the Google Play Store, it allows one to download APK files for Play Store applications without having to install the app. It is much safer to download apps in APK format, which offers greater protection against malware.

You can download the APK Downloader app for free.