Best Alternative App Stores for Android and iOS Devices

Most smartphones today come with pre-installed app stores. Android has its Play Store while Apple has App Store for their users. These two app stores are the most popular. They are very secure to use and has a range of apps to choose from. So, most users do not find it necessary to explore other third-party app stores. However, alternative app stores can come in handy for some situations.

For example, developers can use a third-party app store to go around the strict rules and regulations generally imposed in major app stores. While the main benefit of alternative app stores is freedom, these are also known for providing faster downloads and unlimited access to open-source software. You can also use these app stores to download free versions (or “hacked versions”) of paid apps.

But, as a rule, you need to be extremely careful when downloading and using apps through third-party app stores. When downloading apps from some alternative app stores, you will need to jailbreak your device making you more vulnerable to potential malware attacks. The best way to avoid trouble is to choose a trustworthy alternative app store to download apps. Here are the 10 best alternative app stores for Android and iOS as of the present.

1. APKPure

Available for : Android, iOS

APKPure is an open-source service that allows users to download a range of applications. With APKPure, you can download popular apps such as TikTok, PUBG mobile, WhatsApp, and even some Google applications like Gmail. Users are also allowed to download region-specific apps that are usually not present in in-built app stores.

This app is one of the best alternative app stores available. It has a clear and intuitive interface and is easy to navigate. APKPure also has a large number of categories when compared to the Apple app store and Play store. While some include only a few apps, it is definitely nice to have more options. This app is free to download.

2. APKMirror

Available for : Android, iOS

APKMirror can technically be stated as an app repository rather than an app store. It can store different versions of the same app. So, you can use it to get older versions of any app. Downloading an old version is a great solution if you've encountered a bug in a new version of an app but want to keep using the app until the developers fix the issue. And, if the older version is simply more preferable, you can ignore the new updates and keep using your favorite version of the app.

It is also possible to download both beta and alpha versions of an app using APKMirror. This app is free to use and gives users access to a range of different apps. So, you can download any app you want, including region-specific apps through APKMirror. There is no dedicated app for this app store. To download apps, visit the official APKMirror web page.

3. APKUpdater

Available for : Android

This is a great alternative app store that specializes in app updates. APKUpdater gives its users access to the latest updates before the updates get reviewed and released on the Google Play Store. So, if you want to get your hands on the latest app updates as soon as they are out, APKUpdater is a good option.

If you have apps that you don’t want to update, add those to the ignore list of the APKUpdater. This would stop those apps from updating. APKUpdater is a great way to keep your favorite apps up to date while not having to deal with the series of updates that come with a native app store.

4. AppValley

Available for : Android, iOS

AppValley has faced some major app revocations in the past. However, this app store is still going strong and can be used to download a range of free applications. Moreover, AppValley sports a clean and intuitive user interface. So, navigating through this app store is a piece of cake for anyone. Overall, this is still one of the best alternative app stores to download hacked apps faster and more efficiently.

5. Panda Helper

Available for : Android, iOS

Panda Helper is a great app to download tweaked apps and hacked games. The app store has a collection of 1000+ apps including free versions of YouTube++, Snapchat++, Minecraft, and so on. There is no need to jailbreak your device to download apps from Panda Helper. So, it is completely secure for you to download apps from this app store. Panda Helper is a great way to save money if you want to get paid apps at no cost.

6. CokernutX

Available for : Android, iOS

CokernutX is relatively new in the alternative app store world. However, it is an integrated platform that eliminates the need for jailbreak. So, with CokernutX, you can keep your device safe while downloading your favorite apps. This app store has a large library of more than 5K apps and games in a range of categories. You can also get tweaked apps and hacked games completely for free on this app. The application also has a PC version for sideloading apps to your devices through your PC.

7. Aptoide

Available for : Android

Aptoide has been around for a long time and has an extensive list of apps including more modern apps like Facebook. This app allows users to get updates faster than they would through other app stores. You can also get access to geo-restricted apps that wouldn’t be available on the Google Play store. While the app store has a great collection of apps, it does not have strict regulations. So, it is good to be prepared with an anti-virus application when downloading apps from this alternative app store.

8. TweakBox

Available for : iOS

TweakBox is a great alternative app store for iOS users. This app store is a place for a range of tweaked apps and games. The best thing about TweakBox is that they have a big focus on security. TweakBox follows a strict review process for every app they put out. So, it is highly unlikely to come across malware on TweakBox. And, it’s not necessary to jailbreak your device to download apps from this app store. The app has a highly accessible and simple UI as well. All in all, this is a great alternative app store with impressive functionalities.

9. TuTuApp

Available for : Android, iOS

TuTuApp is an unofficial alternative app store that can be used to download popular games, eBooks, and other mobile applications easily to your smartphone. The app also enables you to download free versions of popular paid apps. TuTuApp has an intuitive, easy-to-use interface. The impressive user experience is the main reason why this is one of the best alternative app stores.

TuTuApp is available in 44 languages and is completely free to download worldwide. The app store is known for its dedicated customer service. And, unlike most alternative app stores, this has seen only a few app revocations in its lifetime. So, TuTuApp is a reliable way to download your favorite apps conveniently.

10. F-Droid

Available for : Android

F-Droid is a clean and simple app store with a large collection of free and open-source apps. The apps downloaded from this app store will not have in-app purchases or annoying ads. Best of all, F-Droid does not track your activity on the app store. So, this is a trustworthy source if you are worried about your privacy.

This app store gives users access to a range of apps that are usually not offered by the Play store. It’s easy to browse for apps, install, and keep track of future updates on this app store. With all these features combined, F-Droid is a pretty good alternative app store for Android devices.

11. Uptodown

Available for : Android

This app has been designed for Android and it allows users to download apps directly as APK files. Uptodown has a collection of APKs for older versions of apps. Users can download any version according to their preference. This app store is capable of automatically updating every app you download through it. So, you won’t have to manually update any app.

When browsing through Uptodown, you get to see information such as screenshots and reviews of apps. So, you can actually know what to expect out of each app. The app store is safe to use and is compliant with Google Play Store’s content policies. As there are no geo-restrictions, you can download any app from anywhere in the world using this app store.

12. Cydia

Available for : iOS

Cydia is a unique alternative app store that has specifically been developed for iOS devices that have been jailbroken. When you jailbreak a device, that device cannot access the Apple app store. So, Cydia is a handy alternative app store for users who already own jailbroken devices.

Cydia app store has a collection of tweaked apps. It can be used to add additional functionalities to your existing apps, download modifications, updates, and so on. Technically, Cydia is referred to as a distribution platform for unofficial iOS software. This app store is not available to download on the Apple app store. So, you will need to download it directly from the website.

13. Humble Bundle

Available for : Android

This is a unique app store that specializes in providing gaming apps for users. Through Humble Bundle, anyone can download bundles of games for a cheaper price than they would normally have to pay. This store does not have a dedicated app like Google Play. You can download the bundles run by Humble Bundle through their website. They offer cheap bundles every month. Humble Bundle is not a free app store. So, you will have to spend some money to get games from here. However, the low prices and high security make this alternative app store worthwhile, especially for gamers.

14. GetJar

Available for : Android, iOS

While GetJar is mainly known as an alternative app store for Android, this can be used to download apps to iOS devices as well. GetJar facilitates a wide range of smartphone users including Java ME, BlackBerry, Symbian, and Windows Mobile users. This app gives access to a wide range of apps that are conveniently divided into categories and subcategories. Because all the apps are classified, it is easy to find any app you are looking for in this alternative app store.

GetJar can be used to launch/ download apps developed by you or a trusted source. However, if you are downloading apps from an unknown source, you will need to be careful. GetJar is convenient but is far from being the safest alternative app store. The main advantage of this app is that it offers virtual currency to users whenever they download an app from GetJar. You can get premium apps for free from the Play Store or Amazon store using GetJar coins.

15. 1Mobile

Available for : Android

1Mobile is an alternative to Play Store that has been around for several years now. This app store is known for mobile gaming apps and other entertainment apps. 1Mobile has a decent collection of a variety of other apps as well. Here, you can download beta versions and free versions of paid apps. 1Mobile has a good recommendation system that suggests new apps to users as soon as they hit the marketplace. So, users will always have a list of new apps to choose from.

16. Mobilism

Available for : Android, iOS

Mobilism is a unique app store that depends on a community of developers and app enthusiasts. It works similar to a discussion board. Mobilism users post links to websites where other users can download pirated apps. Downloading is completely free. All you have to do is register with the Mobilism community. This app store also has a collection of more than 80,000 eBooks to choose from. It is relatively safe to use and is well-governed unlike most other alternative app stores out there.

17. AppBrain

Available for : Android

AppBrain is a great alternative app store for Google Play Store with more than 70,000 apps on it. This app has an easy-to-use interface and has integrated categories. So, AppBrain users can find exactly what they are looking for through the search function. This is safe to use and is a popular platform among app developers for this reason. Many new apps are being launched on this app store every day. So, you’ll always find something interesting here.

18. SlideME

Available for : Android

This is another alternative Android app store that stands in competition with the Google Play Store. SlideME does not have a safe-looking website. But, despite the appearance, all apps in the SlideME app store are reviewed and scanned for viruses. So, downloading apps from this app store is safe for users. SlideME contains a relatively good collection of free and paid apps including the WPS Office and similar apps. However, there are not a lot of game apps to choose from. Overall, this is a good alternative app store.

19. Appland

Available for : iOS

This app store is a great alternative for the Apple app store. You can use it to download a range of apps. The main specialty of Appland is that it works as a space for other app store launches while also offering app downloads for users. Developers can easily launch app stores on this platform.

20. QooApp

Available for : Android, iOS

This app has its main focus on anime games. However, most games are only in Japanese or Korean. It might be a little hard to find English games here. QooApp is completely safe because it links to apps on the Google Play Store instead of hosting. You can use this app store to skip the geo-restrictions imposed by Google Play. QooApp allows users to download any gaming app from Japan or Korea that won’t usually show up on the Play Store app if you are a user outside the two countries.

On a final note,

Alternative app stores are the best solution if you want to get access to apps that are not available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. But, sideloading apps through some third-party app stores may become unsafe for your smartphone, especially if the app requires jailbreak. So, don’t forget to install an anti-virus app and be careful of what you download every time.

Did we miss your favorite alternative app store? Let us know in the comments below!