Android remains the leading mobile operating system with iOS in second place. Each day witnesses the emergence of top Android applications globally and in the United States. This turns it a tough competition for app programming companies to excel in the market during 2023.

It is important to note that a major trend is leaning toward games. Nevertheless, boosting positivity in your lifestyle and increasing productivity in your professional life is the goal of many. Android application development remains a topic of vast interest and revenue for many entrepreneurs and companies across the globe.

We are in an era where higher productivity, sound health, and more fun are the way to go. It is all about pushing harder to have more output, better well-being, and splendid leisure time. After all, these are the aspects that users around the world value and focus on.

Key takeaways of top Android applications

Here are some key giveaways that top Android applications provide in 2023.

Leading groupings of Android applications for users

Gaming is the most in-demand Android app category with a 13.80% share in 2022. Education is the second most popular category in Google Play with a 10.47% share. The business category is the third most famous Android category with a 7.11% share.

Android app categoryPercentage share of available apps
Games13.80
Education10.47
Business7.11
Tools6.46
Entertainment5.50
Music & Audio5.04
Food & Drink4.83
Shopping4.74
Lifestyle4.53
Productivity4.16

Tools (6.46%), Entertainment (5.50%), and Music & Audio (5.04%) categories come next in Android user approval. Food & Drink (4.83%), shopping (4.74%), and Lifestyle (4.53) closely follow. Productivity (4.16%) rounds up the top 10 most popular Android app categories in Google Play for 2022.

Gaming apps remain the biggest revenue generator for Android app makers universally. They went on to generate $313 billion (74% of app revenue) through Google Play.

Category wise top Android applications for users

Now, we look at the top Android applications of 2023. To make it more special, we are distributing the Android apps in different categories. So that it’s easier to identify the areas where Android apps are impacting the users.

Productivity

For many of us, productivity is the number one area that we all want to focus on. Ever since the pandemic, people are realizing that it’s not about spending X number of hours on something. Rather it is about a laser focus to deliver a specific output.

You want to work smart, and not just hard. That’s why productivity apps have become a must-have item. Nonetheless, productivity is not specific to just CEOs and entrepreneurs only. We are now listing general productivity apps that are of great use to all people.

Now we briefly discuss how you can utilize these apps for higher productivity and more output.

1Password

This is the first app on your list because account security has become a primary concern. When you have multiple accounts, and apps to log in to. It becomes excessively difficult to remember your distinct passwords.

While keeping a simple password that is used by all apps and accounts is a serious concern. Because if you get hacked in one place, you are likely to get hacked everywhere. This is where 1Password comes in handy for keeping your account information.

It maintains your passwords and all important data about credit cards, banks, passports, licenses, etc. There is a single master password that uses encryption to help you keep all your information safe. Although it costs $3.99 a month, the first month is free. So, you can check out the app’s potential and decide whether you want it for the long run or not.

Automate

Let’s face it: we are living in a digital age where all of us have become content creators. Whether you do it for a personal audience, or commercially, it is not possible to live without visualizing your creations. That’s where Automate comes in handy that has a flowchart-based interface for making your custom-designed scripts.

It’s a pretty awesome app with 320 different task building blocks including actions, event triggers, loops, etc, to automate creations. The basic version of Automate is freeware. Also, you can unlock the premium version at $2.99 for creating scripts that require more than 30 blocks.

Solid Explorer

In the event, you are always capturing pictures, and footage while having a plethora of apps. There is always a chance to run out of storage. In such a case, it’s best to install a file explorer app on your Android device.

The majority of such free apps are quite handy. However, some of these have a lot of in-app ads with a few features. Just explore their features to their full potential, and choose the best option.

That’s where we recommend Solid Explorer file manager. It comes at a meager $1.99 a month with drag-and-drop controls. Also, it presents a multi-tab and multi-pane interface, support for network and cloud storage with compressed archives.

Flud

This one is freeware and allows you to torrent freely without speed limits for uploads or downloads. Flud has some great features such as selective file downloading and prioritization. Whereas, magnet link support, sequential downloading support, and a Wi-Fi-only mode make it more powerful. Flud is a very useful app especially if you are always looking to download new stuff on your phone.

Vurforia Chalk

The last productivity app we are mentioning is Vurforia Chalk which is free. It is pretty cool as it helps you in incorporating AR for mobile apps. This app sets up a video call between the two devices.

Persons getting advice point their rear camera at whatever they need an explanation for. The other person can draw on their screen to explain it. This is a great way to see doodles live, appearing on their screen, falling on specific buttons, etc.

Other apps

Strava Cycling

Strava cycling app
Strava cycling app

If you are an athlete who needs motivation to peddle a bit faster or you have been training for a long bike ride, then consider Strava as your coach. This application keeps track of your performance by using your phone’s GPS. You can find out your location and also your bike riding speed through Strava Cycling. But beware! Long bike rides mean your battery goes low very quickly. You can also map your route against pre-determined segments ranging anywhere been a half mile to 150 miles. To keep the competition going, a leaderboard helps you see where you stand amongst other Strava users. The application is available both in premium and free versions; with the former version offering detailed statistics.

Price: $6.13 a month (premium version). Free (Basic version)

Evernote Food

Evernote Food application
Evernote Food application

The Evernote Food application was specifically designed for foodies to help them take notes of recipes that can be easily searched through the software. Most of all, it allows you to keep a watch on the calories you consume. If you have a chef hidden somewhere inside you, then try this app as it allows you to build a cookbook on your tab or phone. Find local restaurants and know what’s really cooking by checking all local listings and ratings. You can also integrate the application with Instagram through the “my meals” function that allows you to take a snap, and tag the location and cuisine.

Note: Ceased operations on 30th September 2015

Weather Signal

We all have been a victim of bad weather reports which is why Weather Signal is a Godsend as it uses your phone’s environmental sensors to deliver in-depth weather reports. Cool isn’t it? The main screen has a fun weather graphic with tiles that display temperate, pressure, light levels and even magnetic flux.  These sensors continue to increase in number depending on the number of sensors your phone has. Most of all, you can customize the settings according to your preferences.

Price: Free

Temple Run

Temple Run
Temple Run

Temple Run is recently out for Android phones. This has got to be one of the most addictive games for this year. After stealing the cursed idol from the temple, you now have to run for your life to escape from the Evil Demon Monkeys. This game is all about testing your reflexes as you race down the temple walls and sheer cliffs. Swipe to turn, jump and slide to avoid obstacles and collect coins to buy power-ups, unlock new characters, and see how far you can really run.

Price: Free

Fixya

Fixya
Fixya

We have all gone through moments in our lives when something in the house is broken or needs to be repaired. If you feel you can be a handyman around the house then Fixya is the app just made for you as it collects home-made videos of all types of household appliances and game consoles. All of these videos are extremely elaborate, with full comments and a voting system to let the best video rank on top. Apart from this, you can also upload your own repair tutorials and gather users to get involved in a list of unsolved problems.

Price: Free

Light Flow

Light Flow
Light Flow

If you have an RGB notification lights system in your device then you might have a taste for Light Flow. You can get notifications for text messages, missed calls, new emails, and even calendar reminders. Customize different colors for each alert and also rank notifications in order of their importance. This helps in only viewing the important notifications especially if your mobile phone’s battery is running low.

Price: $2.28 (full version) — Free (Basic version)

 

DoggCatcher

DoggCatcher app
DoggCatcher app

If you are a podcast junkie then DogCatcher is the app for you. DogCatcher comes with a very easy interface with a few menus that help you customize the look and feel of the application. You can decide how many episodes of podcasts you want to keep, change when podcasts are downloaded, and even store your podcasts in the cloud so that they can be accessed from other devices as well.

Price: $5.08

 

TuneIn Radio Pro

TuneIn Radio Pro
TuneIn Radio Pro

If you like to listen to the radio on the move, then try TuneIn Radio Pro which comes both in free and paid versions. The paid version allows you to pause and record live radio and even create wake-up alarms to the sound of your favorite stations. This application will help you in finding all the stations broadcasting in your area making it a handy way to be introduced to new radio stations and music. On the other hand, you also search for music by genre making it an ideal way to get hooked to music that appeals to you.

Price: $ 5.08 (Full version). Free (Basic version)

Adobe Photoshop Touch for phones

Photoshop Touch for phone
Photoshop Touch for phone

This application by Adobe is one of a kind as it is the most complete mobile photo editing app to hit the market. It consists of a wide range of filters and effects, control levels, curves, layers, and even selection tools. So instead of using a laptop to add some cool effects to a picture or a drawing, you can use this app to create an image and upload it instantly to social media. Adobe Photoshop Touch for phones is an ideal application for users who like to treat their pictures and drawings on the go.

Price: $4.55

 

Candy Crush Saga

Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush Saga

They say that it is the sweetest game ever and they are definitely right about that. Who would have thought that making adding three or more candies together could be so much fun? This game has over 100 levels with puzzles for crushing candies that can be also mixed together. Each level has a certain requirement that you need to fulfill in a given number of moves.  The game also provides several tools or add-ons that are unveiled as you progress in the levels.  Although this game is free for extra lives or moves, you are required to pay.

Price: Free

µTorrent

µTorrent
µTorrent

The most popular peer-to-peer application uTorrent has released its first Android app. It has all the features that exist in the regular program except a main window for switching between downloading and completed torrents. Now you can download videos and audio of your liking on your mobile and tablet devices. Worth a try!

Price: Free

TweakDeck

TweakDeck
TweakDeck

TweakDeck has been purchased by Twitter which makes it compatible with a host of picture-hosting services. It supports more devices and options and provides improved stability; making it a favorite Android Twitter client.

Price: Free

Famigo Sandbox

Famigo Sandbox
Famigo Sandbox

Nowadays, kids like using a mobile phone or tablet as much as adults. You want to make sure that they only access the content that they are allowed to whereas the rest of the data and apps that are not appropriate for them should remain hidden. Famigo Sandbox is an app specifically made for Android devices that childproofs the phone. With the app, you can set up a list of approved apps that your child is able to run from within the Sandbox while the rest of the content is hidden automatically.

Price: $4.81

Draw Something

Draw Something
Draw Something

We all have an artist hidden somewhere inside us. Draw Something is a simple, interactive, and friendly app that lets you compete with real-life opponents and guess what is being drawn on the board. The game brings out the talents that you never really knew you had.

Price: Free

Amazon Cloud Player

Amazon Cloud Player
Amazon Cloud Player

It is difficult transferring your music into a smartphone which is why Amazon Cloud Player gives you the option of storing your favorite music in a cloud. This way you can listen to your music from anywhere, on any device.  This amazing application provides you unlimited storage for music bought through Amazon’s MP3 store. You can also store 250 of your own songs for free and up to 250,000 for an annual fee of $33.45.

Price: Free

 

Google Play Music

Google Play Music
Google Play Music

Google Play Music is a direct take on the Amazon Cloud Player. This offering by Google has all the features that are available in Amazon’s app. The only difference is that Google is providing all the facilities for free.

Price: free

Zeebox

Zeebox
Zeebox

If you are the kind of person who likes to multitask with multiple apps from TV and social networking integrated and running in parallel; then try Zeebox. The app allows you a second screen viewing which may not appeal to everyone. However, the application provides an extensive friendly interface and usability that encourages users to give it a try.

Price: Free

Prey

Prey
Prey

Keep your mobile phone or tablet protected even in the event of theft. Prey runs on a camouflage mode so that it remains hidden from savvy thieves while it quietly works to provide a precise location of your phone through GPS. You can also get a notification when your SIM card is replaced by the thief. If you are carrying around an expensive gadget then installing Prey will provide you the necessary protection for safeguarding the valuable.

Price:  Pro accounts $5-$399 — Basic: Free

Instapaper

Instapaper
Instapaper

If you are the kind of a person who browses articles or news during office hours but then gets busy at work and doesn’t find time to read the content, then install Instapaper. This app lets you save the article for reading later in offline mode. The feature list for the app is growing as now it even provides support for all major Twitter clients and social news apps.

Price: $2.94

Evernote

Evernote
Evernote

This app has been there for quite a while but it makes it into our list because it provides a mix of features including note-taking, reminders, to-do lists, and recordings that are all synced across any device and platform for mobile and desktop.

Price: $6.08 (Premium Version) — Basic Version: Free