My top open-source Android Apps (Updated 2024)
I present a compilation of remarkable open source apps for Android, which I use every day. It's a growing list and I will add here and there new content.
Are you a fan of open-source software and want to harness its potential on your Android device? Look no further! In this article, I present a compilation of remarkable open source apps for Android, which I use every day. These open source gems often offer an alternative to proprietary software, allowing you to use more transparent apps on your Phone.
App Management
To keep your apps always up-to-date, it's useful to use a managing app, which can update your open-source apps whenever there is an update available.
F-Droid
To start the open-source journey on Android people mostly install F-Droid. It's the classic "store"-like app for open source software. It uses repositories, so the large default library can even get extended. The apps are sorted in categories. F-Droid will notify you, if an update of an app is available.
Web: https://f-droid.org
Download: https://f-droid.org/F-Droid.apk
Obtainium
Obtainium works a bit different. With this app you are able to directly add github projects, to download the apps right after the developer has made a new release build. It also has a search function for different ressources, like github and the default F-Droid repository. I wrote an extra article about Obtainium here.
Project: https://github.com/ImranR98/Obtainium
Download: https://github.com/ImranR98/Obtainium/releases/
Browser
Cromite
Cromite is a fork of the deprecated Bromite project. The browser is based on chromium and offers advanced features for ad-/tracking blocking and device fingerprinting.
Project: https://github.com/uazo/cromite
Download: https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases
Customization
ColorBlendr (root)
ColorBlendr allows you to manipulate Android's Material You colors. It works best on a rooted phone, although some customizations are also available via Shizuku on an unrooted device. The standout feature of ColorBlendr is that you have full control over every color nuance. This enables you to create your own color palettes and easily theme your Android and compatible apps.
Project: https://github.com/Mahmud0808/ColorBlendr
Download: https://github.com/Mahmud0808/ColorBlendr/releases
Iconify (root)
At the moment, Iconify is the most comprehensive customization tool for AOSP-based ROMs and Pixel ROMs. It requires root access to function, and it also utilizes the Xposed API for various tweaks. With Iconify, you can select from different icon sets for your system, customize the status bar icons, adjust the quicksettings layout, and explore numerous other customization options available in this powerful tool.
Project: https://github.com/Mahmud0808/Iconify
Download: https://github.com/Mahmud0808/Iconify/releases
K-9 Mail (soon Thunderbird)
My favorite E-Mail client since ages. It's developed since 2008. Big News: Since 2022 Thunderbird hired the lead-developer and wants to merge K-9 Mail into the Thunderbird family. Great news, if you ask me. The client also supports PGP in combination with OpenKeyChain.
Web: https://k9mail.app/
Download: https://k9mail.app/download
Password Manager
KeepassDX
I was searching for an offline password manager, because I never want to be involved in a breach situation with all my passwords and important data. Then I discovered KeepassDX which stores the vault in the keepass format just on my device (offline). I'm just using Syncthing to sync the vault to my other devices and also backup it on my NAS. Easy :)
Web: https://www.keepassdx.com/
Download: https://github.com/Kunzisoft/KeePassDX/releases
Social Media
Megalodon
Megalodon is a Mastodon client and a fork of the official Mastodon client, but adds in some nice features and visuals. To be honest, I downloaded it first only because of the pink megalodon icon, but I'm using is since then ;)
Project: https://github.com/sk22/megalodon
Download: https://github.com/sk22/megalodon/releases/
Molly
Molly is a fork of the original Signal app. It adds a few security features, like database encryption. Otherwise it's pretty similar to the original Signal app. You can install Molly in different flavors, like Molly-FOSS or Molly-UP. It's definetely worth to check'em out.
Project: https://github.com/mollyim/mollyim-android
Download: https://github.com/mollyim/mollyim-android/releases
Tools
Image Toolbox
Image Toolbox is the ultimate multitool, which I use everytime to edit and convert imagefiles (e.g. png to webp). It offers neat presets to optimize your workflow. So handy!!!
Project: https://github.com/T8RIN/ImageToolbox
Download: https://github.com/T8RIN/ImageToolbox/releases
Syncthing
With Syncthing I sync different folders to different devices and they sync them back, if changes happening. For example, I use it to make backups on my NAS or sync the Keepass vault directly to my Laptop and vise versa. It's one of my essentials! Syncthing is available for all platforms.
Project: https://github.com/syncthing/syncthing-android
Download: https://github.com/syncthing/syncthing-android/releases
Weather
Rain
Rain is a cute open-source weather app. It has many features like hourly forecast, display many measurements, daily forecast and a 12days forecast. You can also set up multiple locations if you want to. And the design is cute, modern and makes also use of Android's dynamic color features.
Project: https://github.com/darkmoonight/Rain
Download: https://github.com/darkmoonight/Rain/releases
So there you have it – my top picks for open-source Android apps. Supporting open-source projects not only benefits you but also helps the community grow. Maybe you give them a try.
Also you may want to check back, because as soon as I discover something new, I will add it here.