- Google awarded awards to the 10 best Android apps of the year
- Popular apps and little-known newcomers in the spotlight
- The choices were judged in different categories
As 2025 draws to a close (yes, really), Google has started giving out awards to the best Android apps available on its Google Play Store. The gongs honor the best efforts of developers around the world and highlight the best experiences you can have on some of the best Android phones.
Here, we’ve reviewed all the apps awarded by Google, as well as the categories in which each winner received an award. If you’re 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, with concentration remaining frustratingly out of reach? If so, try Focus Friend by Hank Green. This handy app has plenty of ways to help you stay on track, and Google describes it as an app that “helped us all disconnect in order to reconnect.”
In addition to the Best Overall App award, it also won in the Best Personal Growth category, making it a double win for the app creator.
2. Best Cross-Device App: Luminar: Photo Editor
Who needs a computer to perfect their photos? Android phones are more than powerful enough to handle your image editing needs these days, and Luminar: Photo Editor is an app that helps make that a reality.
With professional-level tools, smart artificial intelligence (AI), and an intuitive interface, it simplifies everything you throw at it.
3. Best for fun: Edits, an Instagram app
Preparing your videos for social media is an easy task 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 rating of 4.5 stars, it’s clearly a popular option among Instagram aficionados.
4. Best Everyday Essentials: Wiser – 15 Minute Audiobooks
What do you want to listen to today? With Wiser, a world of audiobooks is available to you, from much-loved classics to newly released titles.
If you’re not sure where to start, Wiser offers 15-minute summaries that detail all the key themes of a book, while its personalization algorithm ensures there’s always something at your fingertips that piques your interest.
5. Best Hidden Gem: Pingo AI Language Learning
AI has a wide range of uses when it comes to Android apps, and Pingo demonstrates this well.
This app brings AI into the world of language learning, allowing you to chat with an AI bot that responds to your comments 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 mastery.
6. Best for Families: ABCmouse 2: Learning Game for Kids
Do you want to help your child learn outside of the classroom? ABCmouse might be just what you’re looking for.
Its collection of free games, books, videos and songs is carefully curated for kids ages 2 to 8, helping them explore topics like 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 extremely important for all aspects of life, yet many of us struggle to secure regular, restorative sleep. SleepisolBio is designed to remedy this, and it does so through a combination of AI analysis and audio therapy that can help you relax and fall asleep at the end of the day.
Use it wisely 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 popular 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, this is a great option.
This is doubly true on a big screen, where its well-designed interface and powerful tools come into their own. From students to professionals, it is enjoyed by a wide variety of people.
9. Best for Cars: SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a great place to discover new music, with communities of music lovers who listen, interact, and spread the word.
When it comes to Android Auto, SoundCloud is a real winner, with a clean interface and simple controls that ensure you stay focused on the road while you enjoy your favorite tunes. Its rival apps could learn a thing or two.
10. Best for XR Headsets: Calm – Sleep, Meditate, Relax
Mixed reality headsets have been a big thing in recent years, and if you’ve delved into the world of virtual reality and augmented reality, there are plenty of great Android apps available to you.
Google’s pick is Calm, and it takes advantage of the immersive nature of XR devices to wrap you in a stress-relieving environment that could help you focus, sleep, and relax like never before.
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