When it comes to platforms with the most applications, almost none comes close to Alphabet’s Google Play Store. It currently has almost 3 million apps and while not all of them should be on your phone (obviously), it is still a very impressive feat.
Today’s article will basically introduce you to Android applications that you should definitely consider having on your phone. From fitness and health enthusiasts, to music lovers, there is something for everyone.
While these apps are chosen based on factors like design, User Interface (UI) and functions, they are in NO particular order.
Just think of this as us broadening your horizon and opening you up to more options.
Well with no further ado, let’s get down to it!
Evernote
Developed by the Evernote Corporation; the Evernote android app is designed for task management, taking notes (literally), archiving and organizing.
With Evernote your notes can be anything from images, audios, texts, or a combination of all three (3) and subsequently organized into notebooks.
Evernote also comes with what it calls optical character recognition which essentially makes it possible to search up the texts in images. Cool right?
It sports a cloud storage option that helps to organize part of a note or note book into a finished draft.
Evernote is Free.
Khan Academy
Tired of purchasing textbooks? Especially because sometimes they can be too expensive? Khan Academy might be just for you. It provides users with numerous videos and lessons on Mathematics, Arts and Humanities, Economics and Finance, Technology, and other fields and topics.
The Khan Academy android application is super easy to use, straightforward and Free.
When it comes to photo and video oriented social media applications, almost none comes close to Facebook owned Instagram. With its over a billion users, Instagram is easily the most popular on the planet.
It has advanced photo editing tools, Direct Messaging more popularly referred to as DMs, and of course the extremely popular Instagram Stories or InstaStories feature that allows users to add GIFs and music from the application directly, by just carrying out a super easy search.
Instagram, is Free.
PicsArt Photo Studio
Social network, image editing, drawing and collage application; PicsArt Photo Studio, is another one for the books. With PicsArt, users can draw through the use of layers, take and edit pictures, and share their images with the PicsArt community as well as other networks like Instagram and Facebook.
Its ability to create collages, provide users with numerous effects, drawing tools and great control over layers, makes it a top tier photo application.
PicsArt Photo Studio, is Free.
Snapseed
The Google owned application that is Snapseed, is a hybrid that shuffles between being a filter app and a full-blown photo editing app.
Its User Interface (UI) has a design that instantly has you curious and gives users a lot more control with regards to how effects and filters are applied to each photo.
Edits can also be carried out on raw camera files as well as adjustments to detail and exposure levels.
Snapseed is Free.
Flipboard is among one of the best android applications for reading news stories and articles. It allows users access to videos, news stories and articles, podcasts, videos, as well as other media forms.
Its sleek User Interface which mimics a magazine layout, makes it super convenient and easy for users to take in the daily headlines.
Flipboard’s daily edition option, brings subject stories alongside the main news for each day of the week, to users.
It is Free.
Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus
The Android version of Kaspersky Mobile comes with a very active web protection and malware scans whenever they are needed.
Users also get anti-theft functionalities which include lock and wipe, an alarm, and remote locate. In case your android device gets stolen, you can lock all your apps with a PIN as an added security measure.
Kaspersky has a free tier version and a premium subscription option that costs 39.99 dollars (4,326 Kenyan Shillings).
Microsoft Launcher
The Microsoft Launcher for android, comes with a useful feed that allows users to customize their events, frequently contacted individuals, as well as applications for a much easier and enjoyable experience.
Performance wise, it runs as smoothly as Android’s default launcher and also supports a scrollbar that is alphabetical for helping users access their installed applications easily.
Microsoft Launcher, is Free.
Google Translate
Developed by Google (as the name not so subtlety shows) Google Translate, is multilingual neural machine translation platform that helps users text and sometimes entire websites from one particular language to another. As at the time of compiling this article, Google Translate has over 500 million users, support for 109 languages globally and a total of 100 billion words translated daily.
With the Google Translate app, users can also input texts via their cameras, aside the classic typing feature. It can also talk in a different language or the needed language for users.
Google Translate, is Free.
IFTTT
If This Then That more popularly known as IFTTT, helps users set up customized automations between their android devices and numerous online services. To make it even better, users do not need to have any coding knowledge at all to be able to use that feature.
The IFTTT android application ensures that it is super easy for you to layout Applets (formerly known as recipes) by yourself. You can also make use of the various Applets created by the community.
If This Then That, can also be used to control smart home devices.
IFTTT is Free.
Otter Voice Notes
This is a really ahead of the curve transcription and automatic recording application that carries out its functions instantly. All users need to do, is hit the record button during a meeting or conversation and Otter will help you transform the recording into a transcript in a matter of minutes. This especially useful for journalist, bloggers and even students.
Its User Interface, is fast and very well designed and really good for working on mobile devices.
Otter Voice Notes comes with great search tools, the ability to edit transcripts within the app, cross-conversation speaker identification and is Free.
Brave Browser
Brave Browser is an open-source web browser that offers a variety of really useful functionalities. These functionalities put the protection of your privacy and security when using the internet, the main priorities.
The application which was developed by Brave Software, Inc. and based on the Chromium web browser, makes use of the HTTPS Everywhere extension that ensures all your connections to websites are always secure. It also comes with a built-in pop-up blocker, ad blocker, third party cookies blocker, as well as a scripts blocker.
Its overall design and User Interface (UI) are really easy on the eyes. What’s more Brave browser, is lightweight and completely Free.
If you are looking for a mobile browser alternative, this might just be what you need.
Flickr
Lovers of mobile phone photography the world over, have great things to say about Flickr. If Instagram has evolved into mainly being about selfies and memes, Flickr has somehow been able to maintain and keep things for the most part, about the art that is photography.
Flickr apart from being a great photo and video editing application, has a User Interface (UI) that is very well designed and puts it up there as one of the photo editing app greats on android.
Flickr lets users back up photographs on their phones and also gives them access to a very active and engaged community of photographers.
With its free version, users can upload up to 1,000 photos. With its 50 dollars (5,421 Kenyan Shillings) per year subscription plan, users gain access to an unlimited photo storage that is online.
Firefox Browser
Developed by the Mozilla Foundation and its subsidiary; the Mozilla Corporation Firefox browser is one of the fastest web browsers on the android operating system. It comes with the security options of setting a private browsing mode, and also protecting your information from advertisers. What this means is that Mozilla will not collect your data if you do not want it to. It will also prevent other third parties from collecting your data.
Just like its Personal Computer (PC) sibling the Firefox mobile android browser, also comes with a unique start page for bookmarks which also comes with the latest news headlines, a fantastic tab management functionality, and an impressive variety of plug-ins.
Its super clean and easy to use design, allows users to effortlessly sync their tabs, settings and browsing history from the Personal Computer (PC) or desktop version of the browser, with their downloaded android browser version.
Firefox is also free.
TurboTax Tax Return App
The TurboTax Tax Return App by Intuit, comes with support for all major tax forms, a fantastic UI (User Interface), really standout help options, as well as support for all the major kinds of tax in today’s world.
Users can connect to a tax expert through a video chat on SmartLook. There is also a Virtual Assistant feature.
Filing taxes is something very many of us do every year. Having an app that makes the entire process easier, is almost a must have.
TurboTax Tax Return App is not free however, and costs from between 40 dollars (4,337 Kenyan Shillings) to 59.99 dollars (6,504 Kenyan Shillings).
Libby By Overdrive
Overdrive’s Libby brings a much more modern and digitized twist to the public resource that is Libraries. Frankly it is a much-needed change as libraries in today’s world, are beginning to be overlooked more and more. Sometimes, even forgotten.
With Libby and its support from more than 30,000 libraries all over the world, users get access to a variety of audiobooks and ebooks. Users can decide to either decide to borrow said books, or join the queue for books that are not yet available.
For students, tutors, researchers and lovers of books, this is one paradise you should check out.
Libby By OverDrive is Free. All you need is either a digital version of a library card, or an actual one.
Duolingo
Duolingo, is a language learning platform first launched on the 30th of November 2011. Users of Duolingo learn new languages in a much easier way via its straightforward User Interface and lessons that start from simple vocabulary.
As of the time of compiling this article, Duolingo supports Irish, French, Swedish, Italian, Danish, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Danish, and other languages.
Duolingo is Free.
Microsoft Edge
Yes, you read that right. The browser offering by technology giant; Microsoft, also has an android mobile version.
Microsoft’s Edge browser, comes with a content blocker courtesy of Adblock Plus, a reading view that is integrated, and news ratings controlled by browser extension; NewsGuard. It also allows users to sync their bookmarks, browsing history and web pages between the Personal Computer (PC) or desktop version of Microsoft Edge, with their downloaded android browser version.
It comes with light and dark themes that are easy to use and also easy on the eyes.
With Microsoft Edge, users can earn points in the Microsoft Rewards program which can be used to carry out purchases on the Microsoft Store. It also has the added feature of search via Bing by selecting a picture or using your voice.
Microsoft Edge for Android, is Free.
Network Analyzer
With this application, users can easily access information regarding all nearby Wi-Fi connections that are available including their signal strengths, Gateway Ips, MAC Addresses and IPv4 addresses.
Users can also ping Domain or IP names, run network queries straight from the application and check DNS Server settings.
Network Analyzer, is Free.
Chances are you already know what LinkedIn is. But in case you don’t or know the name but never really understood what it is, LinkedIn is the world’s number one business and employment-oriented online platform. It is used by millions all over the world for job postings, professional networking, job searches and CV (Curriculum Vitae) posting.
LinkedIn mobile Android application, is designed to work hand in hand with the platform’s online version.
Apart from its very useful networking tools, it also has a newsfeed that makes it feel more like a social media platform and comes with visitor metrics.
LinkedIn is Free.
Tor Browser
If you are a privacy fan then this might just be the one for you. Tor browser which is part of the much wider Tor Project, is one of the best browser apps on Google’s Android operating system. Its selling point is that it provides secure private access to the web.
Although Tor browser is sometimes not as fast as the other browsers available today, its pace is considered a small price to pay considering its fantastic protection against various privacy threats.
Tor Browser is also Free.
Airbnb
If you are looking to travel especially after the ongoing pandemic is resolved, then Airbnb must be on your phone. Popularly called the online vacation rental marketplace Airbnb, helps users discover unique apartments, rooms, and other short-term or longer accommodation options including offers while travelling or in transit.
Airbnb is Free.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app developed by Snap Inc., formerly known as Snapchat Inc.
Apart from its amazing photo and video filters, one standout feature is that all messages, videos and photos are usually only available to recipients for a short period of time before they disappear. It also supports video calls and voice calls.
If you are a heavy social media user, you might have fun with this one.
Snapchat is Free.
Ookla Speedtest
If you have ever been curious about the speed of your internet connection, The Ookla Speedtes application will help you satisfy that curiousity.
Users can also test the download and upload speeds of their internet conections as well as their latency.
You can also compare performances overtime via the log of tests that the application keeps and gives you the option of exporting said logs.
Ookla Speedtest, is Free.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service provider. It has a wide variety of Virtual Private Network (VPN) servers all over the world that are specialized and enhanced for video streaming, Tor and peer-to-peer downloads, a useful tool for server selection, and a great User Interface.
It also supports manual setup for NAS devices, wireless routers, as well as other platforms.
NordVPN costs a monthly subscription of 11.95 dollars (1,296 Kenyan Shillings).
Facebook Messenger
Very few mobile messaging apps need almost no introduction and Facebook Messenger is one of them. It being on a list of best apps might not come as a surprise for you.
The Facebook Messenger app is neat, easy to use and does a fantastic job of handling video calls and voice calls alongside other great features including the ability to receive and send money through the application and also set up encrypted secret conversations.
Facebook Messenger is Free.
Zocdoc
The Zocdoc android application acts as an online medical care appointment booking service, as well as giving end users access to a medical care search facility that is free of charge. What this means, is that the app makes it much easier for you to book medical appointments. It incorporates data about individual schedules of doctors within a particular location, as well as medical practices.
First time users are given the option of inputting their insurance data via a scan or manually. It also stores your appointment history while suggesting a few recommendations for future appointments.
Its modern, easy to use design ensures that users will always be constantly updated with regards to their health history.
Zocdoc is completely Free.
Dashlane
Dashlane is a digital wallet and password manager application, that helps users save and generate passwords and other login information for use anytime. We have
With Dashlane, users will never have to worry about losing or forgetting their payment details, passwords, or login details.
If you have trouble remembering passwords and all, this might just be for you.
It currently has a free tier version and a premium subscription option that costs 59.99 dollars (6,504 Kenyan Shillings).
Textra
If you are looking for a great alternative to the default Messages app on Android then Textra might just be the one for you.
Textra, comes with a wide variety of customization options for visuals that do not usually come with the stock android messaging application. Among these customization options are notification icons, custom colours for contacts, and text bubble styles.
It also gives users the ability to rename various group conversations, the option of blacklisting contacts of their choice, and interesting features like text scheduling, in addition to amazing dark modes and light modes.
Textra has a free version and premium version that costs $3.99 (432 Kenyan Shillings).
Bitfender Mobile Security And Antivirus
When it comes to mobile antivirus and security applications, Bitfender is right up there with the best of them. It comes with fantastic protection against phishing, scans your android device in seconds, has great tools against antitheft and also gives users integration with Android Wear.
Bitdefender costs 14.99 dollars (1,626 Kenyan Shillings).
WhatsApp Messenger
Of all the messaging applications available in today’s world, WhatsApp Messenger reigns supreme. The Facebook owned freeware, cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP service allows its users to send voice messages and text messages, make video calls and voice calls, share their locations, images, and other media including documents.
Its fully integrated web version also makes it super easy for its 2 billion users to also access their chats via Personal Computers (PC).
Its encrypted messaging feature has made it the biggest secure messaging platform available in today’s world.
WhatsApp Messenger, is Free to download and use.
MyFitnessPal
The MyFitnessPal android app helps users track diet and also exercise. With this application, you can lose weight the old school way which is using more calories than you consume.
Its impressive array of foods, intuitive design and built in barcode scanner, means that you can log the calories you consume in a way that is easy and convenient.
Users can also use MyFitnessPal in combination with other fitness apps.
If you are looking for a fitness app that can help you be more aware of your eating habits, this might just be The One.
My FitnessPal, is Free.
Google Photos
If you have an android smartphone, chances are that you already have the Google Photos app.
Google Photos comes with Google’s very own image ‘identifier’. What this does is essentially help users identify places, animals, objects, and faces. The interesting thing is even if the faces age over the years, it can still identify them.
Google Photos also gives users the ability to search for images from particular locations or dates, and comes with a variety of photo editing tools.
In addition, there is unlimited cloud storage available (it reduces the quality of images during upload so keep that in mind) and a very effective Assistant built in, that can help you create animations, collages and also help you identify image clutters.
Other features, are its Google Lens which gives users information regarding their images by scanning them, and its built in Photo Scan which helps users print photos or even create a photobook that is custom.
Google Photos, is Free.
Grammarly Keyboard
Grammarly Keyboard helps users correct spelling and grammatic errors while typing. This a tool that would come in handy during everything from texting, to social media captions, creating documents, and even sending emails.
It is with customization options like dark themes and light themes.
Grammarly’s Keyboard app has a free tier, as well as a subscription option that costs 29.95 dollars (3,242 Kenyan Shillings).
Signal Private Messenger
Developed by Open Whisper Systems Signal Private Messenger, is an instant messaging app built with a major focus on privacy and security. Users can communicate without having the usual privacy and or security worries.
Although it is a great autonomous application it is also an amazing phone and SMS client alternative for receiving and sending encrypted messages and calls.
Signal Private Messenger, is Free.
Clue
Clue, is a menstrual health app developed by BioWink Gmbh, a technology company based in Berlin Germany. Its simple yet beautiful design helps users track their period cycles and predict when the next cycle will start. It uses data that users input about their cycles, and provides useful calendar tools and reminders. If you are looking for a menstrual health application that is gender neutral (it does not have the expected pink colours), you should consider this.
Its 8 million users in over 180 countries, shows that it must be doing something right.
Clue is Free.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom is in the elite class of mobile photo editing applications that are very powerful and also manage to retain many of the great features found on their Personal Computer (PC) versions; the Adobe Lightroom Classic, and Adobe Lightroom.
Among Adobe Lightroom’s great features, are the noise reduction feature, advanced lighting and colour sliders, raw camera file profiles, and lens corrections based on profiles.
With Adobe Lightroom, users can also sync all their edits between the mobile applications and Personal Computer (PC) versions.
It is Free and also has a subscription plan option that costs 9.99 dollars (1,084 Kenyan Shillings).
Weather Underground
Weather Underground provides users with very useful weather information regarding weather situations in their areas and beyond. It also lets you compare weather conditions, with conditions from the previous day, as well as access various widgets that are quite useful.
Todoist
With Todoist users can keep track of various tasks and set different levels of priorities for said tasks.
Although it has a free version, users who are really into well organized tasks, might have to upgrade to the 3 dollars (326 Kenyan Shillings) per month plan, or the 28.99 dollars (3,143 Kenyan Shillings) per year premium plan that allow for file uploads, productivity charts, as well as reminders.
If you are on the hunt for an application that helps you with your productivity and task needs, you should definitely try this out.
BlackPlayer
If you are interested in a music player that lets you play music stored or saved directly on your android device, then BlackPlayer might just be for You.
BlackPlayer, has a built in Discover feature that essentially allows users to shuffle songs via a ten (10) second preview of the least played saved songs on your android device’s music collection, until you find something that you would like to listen to.
It also comes with a tag editor for each song, as well as a vast variety of options for customization of the application’s fonts, buttons (even down to their styles), the notifications for ‘Now Playing’ and numerous themes available.
BlackPlayer is Free.
Google Maps
Google Maps, is a platform developed by Google to offer aerial photography, street maps, satellite imagery, a panoramic 360° view of streets, update on traffic conditions that are in real-time. On android devices, this is one of the very first applications you find already installed on your device.
It helps users plan their routes and figure where exactly they are or are headed during car trips, flights, train rides, bicycling trips or by foot, making it one of the best map applications available today.
The Google Maps application, is Free.
Qustodio
Qustodio is a Family Parental Control & Screen Time app that helps parents better monitor their children’s online activities.
With Qustodio, you can block and or monitor apps like Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, set up screen times daily that block the devices automatically once the allocated time elapses, set up filters against adult content, and set up Family Locator Link GPS Trackers that help track your child or children’s GPS location at any given time.
It also comes with a panic button, as well as SMS and Call logging.
Qustodio costs 54.95 dollars (5,958 Kenyan Shillings) per year.
Your Phone Companion
Your Phone Companion by Microsoft, allows users to links their Android devices and texts with their Windows 10 Personal Computers (PCs).
Users can also manage device notifications, and also access photos from their cameras.
Setting up the Your Phone Companion Android application is super easy to setup and is Free.
Feedly
With Feedly, users can stay updated on all their favorite news sources. Feedly also gives users the options of either reading their news in a categorized format, reading everything at once, or using the app’s Today tab feature which shows all the top stories from every category.
It comes with other useful features that are easy integrate with Feedly and sports a text-only layout that is minimalistic and not intrusive.
If you like to stay informed then this is for You. Think of it as the new and very much improved RSS feed.
Feedly is Free.
Google Pay
Formerly known as Google Wallet, the android application for Google Pay makes online payments, store and in-app purchases really easy and convenient. It also lets users split bill costs, send money to family and friends, and utilize rewards without necessarily using a physical wallet. All you need to do is add your PayPal account or your debit or credit card straight to the Google Pay app.
Google Pay is Free.
With the android app for social media platform Pinterest, users can share images, videos and animated GIFs in the form of pinboards, while also discovering and saving content on the platform. It can be used to garner inspiration for décor or other creative activities. If you just love to see and admire creativity, you will have a field day on here.
Pinterest is Free.
Cookpad
For foodies, Cookpad might just be The One. It is a recipe sharing platform that allows users to manage shopping lists, connects users to a wide variety of recipes, add their favourite recipes, while also letting them find new recipes based on previous recipes they liked.
The Cookpad application is completely free.
Fitbit
Although Fitbit is more popular for its fitness tracker devices, its standalone application is also really quite impressive and not one to be overlooked.
If your android smartphone meets the Fitbit fitness app’s compatibility requirements, it helps you count your steps, while also taking note of your activities with regards to helping you reach your set goals.
It also comes with built in social features, so you can stay fit with friends and family and maybe even compete with them.
If you are looking to be much more active fitness wise, you should definitely check this out.
The Fitbit app is Free.
Kindle
With Amazon’s kindle android app, all your ebooks purchased from or via Amazon, are available through the app. It syncs all your bookmarks, and notes, while making sure that it is always easy for you to continue from where you stopped and also comes with Kindle’s very own ebook store.
The Kindle android app, is Free.
Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator application, is a multifactor app that helps users generate codes that are based on time and used during the Two-Step Verification process. With this app, users can add account through a QR or numeric code and then log in to their services.
It also comes with cloud backup.
Microsoft Authenticator is Free.
Developed by the Mozilla Corporation; Pocket formerly known as Read It Later, is an application that helps users manage their reading lists of videos, articles and even images from the web.
Pocket gives users the ability to adjust the format of articles into one that easy to read on an android device and also sync your online account with your android devices.
Pocket is Free.
Anchor
The Anchor android application is one of the easiest ways to record podcasts in today’s world. It lets users record podcasts either with friends or on their own, from the comfort of their android mobile phones.
Anchor also comes in built with entry level audio editing tools for making sure every audio clip is up to industry standards.
Anchor also launched a new monetization option for all of its users. One more reason to check out the application.
The application is Free.
Amazon
Amazon is easily the world’s number one online marketplace. It is no secret that you can almost buy anything on Amazon. The android app comes with a photo search feature and Alexa Voice commands already integrated.
There really is not anything bad to be said about this application. Especially from a consumer’s perspective.
Amazon is Free.
SwiftKey Keyboard
With SwiftKey, you can speed up the speed of your typing by simply putting in entire words with a tap. It comes with over 80 themes and supports more than 100 languages.
SwiftKey Keyboard, is Free.
ComiXology
To fully understand the depth of ComiXology, you might need to look at it as the iTunes of Digital Comics. The Amazon owned platform, offers a great blend of Comic book reading and store experience.
With the ComiXology application, you can sync your comic book purchases over various devices.
ComiXology comes with a free option and a 5.99 dollars (650 Kenyan Shillings) per month option as well.
Calibre Companion
With Calibre Companion, users can add ebooks from their Personal Computers, straight to their android devices via WIFI or USB connections.
eBooks can also be uploaded to the cloud, to be easily accessed no matter where in the world the user is.
If you are an ardent reader of ebooks, this might just be worth your time.
Calibre Companion costs 3.99 dollars (433 Kenyan Shillings).
TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear VPN makes using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) super easy and also offers top notch functionalities like split tunneling.
While it has a monthly subscription tier for 9.99 dollars (1,084 Kenyan Shillings), it also has a free tier. Keep in mind however, that the free version is traffic limited.
Uber
Uber is easily the most popular taxi hailing app in the world and does much more than helping order and get rides. With Uber, you can order food, carry out package deliveries and even couriers.
The Uber app is Free and does not require a subscription fee.
Groupon
The Groupon app is a global e-commerce marketplace that connects its users with various merchants that offer a variety of services ranging from goods, travel, among other services all over the world sometimes at discounted prices or rates.
Groupon is Free.
Eve by Glow
Eve by Glow is more than just an app for tracing your period. It helps users track their emotional and physical states. For those who take the time to understand that data, it could prove to be really useful.
It also comes with built in information on sexual health.
Eve by Glow, is Free.
ESPN
One thing that makes the ESPN android app standout, is the fact that it covers a vast number of sports.
With the ESPN android app users can follow specific matches, set alerts or notifications and also stay connected to news headlines and videos.
The ESPN android application, is Free.
Transit
Let’s say you travel to Australia, Europe, or any of the 23 countires in North America, or actually live there and you don’t really feel like using any of the taxi hailing services available, Transit fills that gap nicely.
With Transit, you get to see firsthand all of the public transport options available where you are.
It is completely Free.
Uber is easily the most popular taxi hailing app in the world and does much more than helping order and get rides. With Uber, you can order food, carry out package deliveries and even couriers.
The Uber app is Free and does not require a subscription fee.
Pocket Casts
For Podcast consumers and listeners, Pocket Casts is beyond amazing. It is very fluid with regards to customization, letting users enjoy their favorite podcasts from the comfort of their android smartphones, while also allowing them to sync said podcasts between different devices ensuring that they can always continue from where they stopped listening.
Pocket Casts is however, not free. It costs 3.99 dollars (433 Kenyan Shillings).
Citymapper
Citymapper helps its users plan their trips and comes with information on major cities in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States.
One of its standout functions, is its alarm system which uses various languages to help explain cancellations and service delays.
Citymapper is Free.
Bitwarden
Bitwarden is an open-source password management service that stores sensitive information like passwords including website credentials in an encrypted vault. It also allows secure password sharing and two-factor authentication.
Bitwarden comes with a password generator and helps users import their passwords from other services.
If you are in the market for a password manager, you should definitely check this out.
Bitwarden is Free.
Adidas Running by Runtastic
Formerly referred to as Runtastic PRO, the Adidas Running fitness application tracks a wide array of useful data, while up to date maps that help users plan their future runs.
Adidas Running by Runtastic is more than just a fitness app for running. Users can also use the app for walking, cycling and even hiking.
It is Free.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a ticketing and event management platform, that allows its users to promote, browse, and create events. Users can also handle RSVPs, set reminders and send invites directly from the Eventbrite app.
It can also generate QR codes.
The Eventbrite is Free.
LiveXLive
When it comes to streaming radio, LiveXLive brings a whole new definition to the space. With LiveXLive, users get access to both playlists and channels created by humans and AI assisted playlists and channels that try to figure out how your preferences.
It also comes with really specific playlists that are tailored to certain moods and tastes.
LiveXLive has a subscription plan for 9.99 dollars (1,083 Kenyan Shillings). There is however, a free version available too.
LastPass
Users of LastPass, can secure notes, filled forms on your Android device in addition to saved passwords.
LastPass, also comes with a browser built-in.
It has a free tier version and a premium subscription option that costs 36 dollars (3,903 Kenyan Shillings).
Bandcamp
If you are a music creative (seasoned or upcoming) the marketplace that is Bandcamp is one of the most intriguing music platforms available in today’s world.
Although Bandcamp was initially created solely for the purpose of streaming music purchased on the platform, it has since evolved to also include physical and digital merchandise for music bands.
Bandcamp is Free to use.
Reddit Is Fun (RIF)
Among the variety of Reddit apps available of Google’s Android Play Store, is the Reddit Is Fun (RIF) app. It comes with a layout that is text focused alongside many options for customizing of the layout for contents, and a dark theme and light theme.
Although there is a paid version of Reddit Is Fun (RIF), the Free version is also as good and does not come with ads (a relief because ads can sometimes be annoying).
Spotify
Swedish music streaming and media services provider; Spotify, is one of the most popular platforms for streaming music legally. With its over fifty (50) million songs, it is easy to see why.
With Spotify, users can use very many playlists available on the platform, look for albums they like, or listen to songs on AI assisted shuffle.
Although Spotify costs 9.99 dollars (1,083 Kenyan Shillings) or below depending on your location, it also offers a free version.
Venmo
Venmo is a mobile payment service by PayPal that gives users the ability to transfer money to each other via the app. It is easy to use, and has a straightforward design.
Keep in mind however, that both the receiver and the sender must live in the United States.
Venmo is Free.
Mint
Mint is a financial tracker and money manager that quite frankly, does it all. With Mint users can have their credit cards, bank accounts, investments and bills all in one application. You will never miss a bill payment.
It also comes with really great widgets and helps users keep track of their credit scores.
If you are looking for a great application to help you keep track of your entire finances, you should definitely check this out.
Mint is Free.
Songkick Concerts
With Songkick, you can scan the songs on your android device and find out which of your most listened too artists have concerts or will be performing in venues around you. Once you find shows or concerts that you would like to go to, you can purchase tickets through the app directly.
It is completely Free.
Stitcher
Stitcher is a podcast app that lets you gain access to a wide variety of podcasts available today and organizes them down to subjects.
Users can also organize their podcasts into playlists and get recommendations of other podcasts they might be interested in courtesy of the app.
Stitcher is Free.
Slice
Slice helps users automatically identify shipping details directly from their emails and help them track delivery packages.
Slice users also receive warning notifications whenever their orders get recalled or the prices reduce.
It is completely Free.
ProtonMail
For those of us who prefer super secure emails, this might be of interest. ProtonMail is an encrypted emailing platform that pretty much works exactly like other email apps. The only difference is, it comes added privacy and security features.
ProtonMail is Free.
Overdrop
Overdrop predicts weather forecasts, giving users temperature graphs, including predicions for rains and even winds.
It is Free.
Slack
The Slack app has a Do Not Disturb, alerts that can be customized, as well as the ability to execute VolP calls.
It has a free version as well as a monthly based subscription tier.
Netflix
Netflix is easily the biggest streaming platform for visual content, in the world. Besides licensing TV shows, movies, documentaries and other content from all over the globe, Netflix also creates its very own content. Many of which have gone on to bag nominations and awards. What this means for users is that they will almost always get the best value for their money with Netflix.
Netflix also allows users to download its content via the app, to be able to watch on the go or on the road.
Although Netflix is not free, its subscription costs vary depending on the part of the world that you are at.
Dropbox
Dropbox; the file hosting platform operated by company Dropbox, Inc., offers users cloud storage, file synchronization, and was one of the very first platforms in the personal cloud service space.
With the Dropbox android application, you can upload your songs, files and photos effectively backing them up, and even edit photos through the app.
The Dropbox app, is Free.
Tasker
This is basically, an automation application. With Tasker, users can make their android devices do anything from automatically putting off your WI-FI when your Bluetooth comes on, or putting your flash on when particular notification come on.
Tasker costs 2.99 dollars (325 Kenyan Shillings).
Nine – Email & Calendar
Nine – Email & Calendar helps you manage your emails across all accounts, as well as calendars, notes, contacts and everything related to productivity, from the comfort of your android device.
It also allows you customize your notification actions.
Nine Email & Calendar costs a onetime fee of 14.99 dollars (1,626 Kenyan Shillings).
fuboTV
fuboTV, allows users sports Live, as well as entertainment content. Everything from the Champions League, World Cup qualifiers, English Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga, and even on-demand shows and movies, in addition to DVR functionalities.
Its description on Google Playstore puts its subscription cost at 59.99 dollars (6,503 Kenyan Shillings) per month, with a seven (7) day free period.
Microsoft OneDrive
When it comes to cloud storage platforms, Microsoft’s OneDrive is right up there with the best. It has fantastic tools for organization, a super cool User Interface that is great to look at, and of course makes it really easy to access your files no matter where you are.
OneDrive lets users on its Free plan gain access to 5GB of storage. If you subscribe to Microsoft’s Office 365, you get up to 1TB.
OneDrive also comes with Microsoft’s very own Personal Vault. This ensures that all of your information will be getting much more in terms of security.
Twitch
Twitch, has everything from individuals cooking, to playing games, to making or performing and much much more. Users whenever they really enjoy whatever content they are consuming on Twitch, can also decide to support the particular content creator (the gamer, chef, etc) directly through the platform.
Twitch is Free.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is easily on almost every computer, and is definitely a must have on your android device.
If you are familiar with it on PC, you will feel right at home with the android version. If you are a student, working class individual or just someone who types or edits a lot of documents, you should definitely consider getting this app.
Microsoft Word, is Free.
Hulu
When it comes to the world on demand streaming, the name Hulu, can never be overlooked and with its wide and extensive array of popular shows and content in general, it is easy to see why.
One of Hulu’s standout features is how it combines live TV content with its on demand content.
Hulu subscription costs range from 5.99 dollars (650 Kenyan Shillings) per month to 54.99 dollars (5,960 Kenyan Shillings) per month.
Asana
Asana, takes task management to a whole other level and allows users (entire teams) manage, monitor and organize their work. Users can also sync their progress, assigning specific tasks to specific individuals.
It has a great User Interface (UI) as well.
Asana costs 9.99 dollars (1,082 Kenyan Shillings) per member per month.
Microsoft Office Lens
With Microsoft’s Office Lens, users can convert their physical documents into digital versions just by using their android devices. Anything from random notes, to scribbles on a board, can be scanned and turned into a document.
If you deal with documents a lot, you might want to check this out.
Office Lens, is Free.
Doodle
With Doodle, users can find the best time to schedule events or meetings. It is a must have tool for planning.
Doodle, is Free.
YouTube TV
Youtube TV gives users the ability to stream everything from sports, to news, to live channels, other kinds of entertainment, as well as a great DVR feature.
YouTube TV, has a subscription fee of 49.99 dollars (5,419 Kenyan Shillings) per month.
FAX.PLUS
FAX.PLUS is an online fax solution, that allows users receive and send fax from all over the world seamlessly and conveniently.
It has an amazing User Interface (UI) that also comes with a contact manager, and a digital signature tool.
FAX.PLUS is Free.
And that is all for Mpesa Pay’s Best Android applications In 2020 so far! And in no particular order.
Feel free to comment with any Android apps you think we left out, or should have included.
Are there any other topics, news or categories that you would like us to write on? Feel free to reach out to Mpesa Pay in the comment section.
