- Google has given out awards for the 10 best Android apps of the year
- Both popular apps and lesser-known newcomers were honored
- The choices were judged in a number of different categories
As 2025 draws to a close (yes, really), Google has started handing out awards for the best Android apps available on the Google Play Store. The gongs honor the best efforts of developers around the globe and highlight the best experiences you can have on some of the best Android phones.
Here, we’ve reviewed every app that was honored by Google, complete with the categories each winner was awarded in. If you’ve been looking for something new to try on your Android device, this is a great place to start.
1. Best Overall App: Focus Friend by Hank Green
Is distraction a way of life for you, where concentration remains frustratingly out of reach? If so, try Focus Friend by Hank Green. This handy app has a variety of ways to help keep you on track, and Google describes it as one that “helped us all disconnect to reconnect.”
In addition to the Best Overall App award, it also won in the Best for Personal Growth category, making it a double win for the app’s creator.
2. Best Multi-Device App: Luminar: Photo Editor
Who needs a computer to perfect your photos? Android phones are more than powerful enough to handle your photo editing needs these days, and one app that helps make that a reality is Luminar: Photo Editor.
With pro-level tools, artificial intelligence (AI) smarts and an intuitive interface, it makes easy work of anything you throw at it.
3. Best for fun: Edits, an Instagram app
Getting your videos ready for social media is a breeze with Edits, which promises to give you everything you need to produce share-worthy clips right on your phone.
It’s also free to get started, and with over 10 million downloads and an average review score of 4.5 stars, it’s clearly a popular option for Instagram lovers.
4. Best Everyday Essentials: Wiser – 15 Minute Audiobooks
What will you listen to today? With Wiser, there’s a world of audiobooks available to you, with everything from much-loved classics to newly released titles.
If you’re not sure where to start, Wiser provides 15-minute summaries that break down all the key themes in a book, while its personalization algorithm ensures there’s always something close at hand to pique your interest.
5. Best Hidden Gem: Pingo AI Language Learning
AI has a wide range of uses when it comes to Android apps, and this is aptly demonstrated by Pingo.
This app integrates AI into the world of language learning, allowing you to chat with an AI bot that responds to your input and adapts the conversation to your pace and skill level. The result is an app that learns with you while guiding you toward confidence and fluency.
6. Best for Families: ABCmouse 2: Kids Learning Game
Want to help your child learn outside the classroom? ABCmouse may be just what you’re looking for.
Its collection of free games, books, videos, and songs are all carefully curated for kids ages 2-8, helping them explore topics including math, science, art, music, and more. It is loved by parents and children alike, making learning fun for everyone involved.
7. Best for watches: SleepisolBio: sleep, alarm
Getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important to all aspects of life, yet so many of us struggle to ensure we sleep well on a regular basis. SleepisolBio is designed to fix that, and it does so through a combination of AI analysis and sound therapy that can help you relax and drift off at the end of the day.
Put it to good use on your smartwatch and you might be able to put your sleep problems behind you once and for all.
8. Best for big screens: Goodnotes: Notes, Documents, PDF
Goodnotes has been a reputable app for years, so it’s no surprise to see it honored by Google. Whether you’re taking notes, organizing your documents or looking to increase your productivity, it’s an excellent option.
It’s doubly so on a big screen, where its well-crafted interface and powerful tools really come into their own. From students to professionals, it is appreciated by a wide range of people.
9. Best for Cars: SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a great place to discover new tunes, where groups of music lovers listen, interact and spread the word.
When it comes to Android Auto, SoundCloud is a real winner with a clear interface and easy controls that ensure your focus remains on the road while you enjoy your favorite tracks. Its rival apps could learn a thing or two.
10. Best for XR Headset: Calm – Sleep, Meditate, Relax
Mixed-reality headsets have been big news in recent years, and if you’ve taken the plunge into the world of virtual reality and augmented reality, there are plenty of excellent Android apps at your disposal.
Google’s pick of the bunch is Calm, and it takes advantage of the immersive nature of XR devices to envelop you in a stress-busting environment that can help you focus, sleep and relax like never before.
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