Top 10 essential Android apps (September 2019 edition)
Got a new Android smartphone, or want suggestions for some new apps to check out? I've got you covered! Here is a selection of some of the best apps available for Android smartphones.
Must read: The 2019 iPhone 11 will be annoying, boring, and expensive
Solid Explorer File Manager
Solid Explorer File Manager
Download it from the Google Play Store
Some people get by for years without ever needing a file manager, while others find themselves needing one from day one. If you happen to be one of those people who need one, this is one that is packed with features, such as support for compressed files and password protection.
On top of being a local file manager, this is also a great cloud storage manager, with support for Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive.
LastPass
LastPass
Download it from the Google Play Store
Probably the best password manager, whether you choose the free or premium version. This is a fantastic tool that not only keeps your passwords safe but also makes it super convenient to use them.
The free version is particularly useful in that it allows you to sync your data between different devices.
WiFiAnalyzer
WiFiAnalyzer
Download it from the Google Play Store
A super-handy app that allows you to analyze Wi-Fi networks directly from your Android device. Particularly handy for measuring signal strength or identifying crowded channels.
Manual Camera
Manual Camera
Download it from the Google Play Store
The best, most fully-featured camera app you can get for Android. If you want to be able to tweak a whole bunch of settings before pressing the capture button, this is the app for you. It's the closest you get to having a DSLR to play with while only having to carry your smartphone.
#5: F-Secure Freedome
F-Secure Freedome
Download it from the Google Play Store
A totally anonymous VPN that keeps you safe on the internet, whether you are surfing over a cellular network or a free café Wi-Fi. Great speed, and unlimited bandwidth, along with robust privacy makes this a far better choice than a free VPN app (which can be dubious).
Battery Widget Reborn 2019
Battery Widget Reborn 2019
Download it from the Google Play Store
Everything you needed to know about your Android smartphone's battery, plus a whole lot more! I find the widget particularly useful, and it lives on my home screen.
Chronus
Chronus
Download it from the Google Play Store
A fully-featured app that offers a wide range of lock and home screen widgets that can display the current time, time in different locations, weather, tasks, calendar, and much more.
Office Lens
Office Lens
Download it from the Google Play Store
Turn your smartphone into a whiteboard and document scanner. Save the output as images, PDFs, or Word documents. A super useful app for those who take snapshots of documents for future reference.
Super useful once you get used to firing it up instead of your camera!
Brave
Brave
Download it from the Google Play Store
A fast, free and safe web browser with a built-in third-party ad and pop-up blocker. I find that this browser is also good if you are looking for the best possible battery life.
Waze
Waze
Download it from the Google Play Store
A nice, well-featured in-car navigation app. I like the simplicity of this app, and find that the way it presents my journey to be nice and easy on the mind. It also works with Android Auto, so it's a suitable replacement for Google Maps.
A great co-pilot app.
Bonus: Speedtest
Speedtest
Download it from the Google Play Store
Who doesn't want to know the speed of their connection? It can be a handy way to build up a map of the connection speeds in your home, office, or area.
What are your favorite Android – or iOS – apps? Let me know below!