Are you tired of crowded app stores like Play Store or App Store? Are you looking for an alternative marketplace that’d make apps more visible? You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’ve compiled a mobile app stores list unlike any other. We’ll discuss everything related to online marketplaces for apps, including reasons you may opt for them and the benefits of each store. So, read on and take your pick.
Why Should You Use A Different Online Marketplace For Apps?
Before we get into any details, it’s worth understanding why you’d need an alternative online marketplace for apps.
For starters, people usually choose third-party app stores for specific reasons. They might have a niche or approach in mind that can’t be accomplished by mainstream stores like App Store or Play Store. Besides that, if you’re a small app owner, you might be glad to know that third-party app stores would also pay you more per download. As a result, they can have more economic benefits than more sizeable sites.
Alternative app stores tend to be less restrictive in their approval and review process. So, if you couldn’t get your app in any major markets, you wouldn’t have to worry. These stores will have you covered! With that being said, let’s dive into our list of mobile app stores!
1. F-Droid
Starting off the mobile app store list, F-Droid is an online marketplace for apps that has been around for some time now. It has a library of Android apps, most of which aren’t even available on the Google Play Store, not yet anyway. Many people go to F-Droid because they trust the store for all their app needs while getting acceptable offerings.
If you need, you can always also get a regular app here. So, despite F-Droid being most common among power user circles, it isn’t exclusive to them. In fact, this app store its apps are open source. And, unlike other marketplaces on popular mobile app store lists, you can even find alternatives to F-Droid on the app store itself.
2. SlideMe
SlideMe is an alternative marketplace on this mobile app store list founded in 2008. It aims to distribute new-age apps that wouldn’t be found on your typical list of mobile app stores. And over time, it has even developed a global reach on android apps, ranking second only to Google Playstore!
In particular, if your device happens not to have Google Playstore, chances are you’d have SlideMe instead. This is a consequence of the app store’s ‘on-device’ strategy that has them partnered with vendors and curating lists for Android applications.
As with any marketplace on this mobile app store list, SlideMe works for users with particular niches. And it bases these niche markets on device configuration and geographical location. This would help the store adapt to the user’s preferences early on.
3. 1Mobile Market
A little different from prior stores on this mobile app store list, 1Mobile Market is a place for free Android apps. This means that none of the apps cost anything to upload or download. And its primary focus is on entertainment and games.
This app is among the list of mobile app stores that allow developers to test betas and free versions of paid apps. And, in many ways, this is all the app store is used for. With a standard 70/30 split, it’s not bad of a profit either. However, if you’re a user, it’s worth knowing that 1Mobile Market uses a unique software development kit (SDK). This would be needed for in-app billing.
4. Samsung Galaxy Apps
Most device manufacturers have realized it’s more beneficial to offer customers their brands while providing their marketplaces for apps. Though not all corporate mobile app store lists put a lot of thought into these stores, Samsung might be one of the few exceptions.
Since Samsung Galaxy Apps comes preinstalled on all Android devices, users can already have all the apps they want at their fingertips. It doesn’t have as much traffic as Google Play, so it’s easier on newer apps looking to increase discoverability.
5. APKMirror
Unlike other stores on this mobile app store list, APKMirror doesn’t have a dedicated native app. This means that it doesn’t technically count as an app store. Instead, you can think of it as an app repository. You’d usually find multiple variants of the same app. And the store lets you store apps in the form of APKs.
As APKS, these files would have to be downloaded from their website. The app would even adapt to your views by providing daily updated lists for apps aligning with your interests. Compared to other lists of mobile app stores, APKMirror is by far the best-known app repository online. So, it is a great way to find numerous apps that aren’t on the Play Store, or you could even use it to download previous versions of a now-buggy app.
6. Amazon Appstore
Like Samsung Galaxy Apps, Amazon Appstore is another online marketplace for apps run by a large-scale corporation.
However, Amazon Appstore is unique amongst our mobile app store list because it comes with an analytics service. This makes it a lot easier for developers to navigate through the market. The store is even cross-platform adaptable. And, to add to it, Amazon would pay almost 70% of the profit from an app’s listed price and in-app purchases to the developers. So, it’s not a bad deal.
Furthermore, to stand out amongst mobile app store lists, Amazon Appstore offers a compatibility test to detect errors for developers automatically. They also have a reward program that offers free ad boosts and impressions, helping customer acquisition with Amazon coins. You even get a free game or app every day.
7. Aurora Store
In recent times, Aurora Store has soared in popularity. Compared to other apps on our mobile app store list, it has a more user-friendly design. Coupled with its open-source platform, it is no wonder why the store is so well-known and has a rich library of apps.
We love its UI most because it categorizes apps for you to check out. You would get your content in either the ‘Top Charts, ‘Editor’s Choice,’ or ‘For You’ categories. It comes in a simple yet elegant design that makes for enjoyable use. The app even adapts to your phone’s system to allow dark and light themes.
Final Note
At the end of it all, if you didn’t find what you’re looking for on this mobile app store list, you don’t have to worry. There are so many more apps to choose from that we didn’t get a chance to mention in this list of mobile app stores, such as Aptoide, CodeNGO, or GetJar. So, if you’re willing to go through the effort, you can continue searching to find an online marketplace for apps that works for you.
On the other hand, you don’t have to look any further. At Arturo Digital, we offer premium digital marketing services. Whether it’s mobile app development, website design, social media management, or digital design, we cover it all. So, if you’re looking for a place to market your app, why look any further? Contact us today and visit our website to learn more.
