Before the emergence of Google Play Store in October 2008, most people download apps through third-party sites that are regarded as an ‘apk download sites’. However, the Google Play Store landed, and it is now considered as a home for all the android apps you could think of.
For one reason or another, it is very much understandable why downloading an app from the Google Play Store might not be your preference. The reasons could be because:
- You rooted your android device, and an apk app file (abbreviation for Android Package) is your best choice.
- The app you want to download is not available on the Google Play Store.
- You want to row back to the previous version of an app.
- You don’t want to have anything to do with the Google play store and its bothersome settings.
- Or you are in a geographical location where certain apps are blocked for users.
Choosing to download an app from one of these sites, you are expected to know if the site is genuine, virus or malware-free or authentic and again observe certain regulations and terms of Google’s app store. Though, enabling installation from an ‘unknown source’ option on your Android phone is not a ‘dangerous’ step when installing an apk file.
To save you the hustle of finding the best apk download sites online, we have compiled the best list of apk download site for 2020 to make your choice. However, before we proceed to list them, we want to remind you how using a virtual private network (VPN) for your online browsing and downloads should not be omitted.
It is because using a VPN service, you unblock websites which are preventing you from accessing it and protect yourself from online monitoring or hacker. And the best VPN which can offer you these benefits and others is the RitaVPN. It has been around for years and has other major services and offers.
Best APK Download Sites for 2020
1. APKPure
This site is by far, one of the best apk download sites online, and it has been around for quite some years since 2014. What makes APKPure stand out is that it verifies the authenticity and validity of all apps that are uploaded before publishing. The site also uses SHA1 to guarantee the certificate is safe. They also ensure that the cryptographic initials for new versions of apps are always matched with it formerly published ones and also any whole new apps are corresponding against other software that is from the same developer. APKPure also has an Android app available for users to download; this app can act as a replacement for Google Play.
2. APKMirror
APKMirror is another big site that is similar to APKPure. The truth is, both of them are more like a significant competitor in the market. It has the same policy as that of APKPure of verifying every app submitted for upload before publishing. This helps them to fish out apps that can be harmful to user’s phones or has any virus or so. APKMirror also encourages it many users to report any issue of bugs or virus of any apps, and they match new apps against other apps that are from the same developer to authenticate their legitimacy. Their website is also easy to navigate, do ensure you use a VPN like RitaVPN when downloading your files.
3. Aptoide
Aptoide is an APK download site where users can freely download apps for free. In Aptoide, users can also download the Aptoide app, and from it, download other apps directly from their phone without visiting their website; just like Google Play Store. One thing you will like about Aptoide as a developer is their digital currency, ‘AppCoins’. With their cryptocurrency AppCoins, developers can earn from their apps, increase their earnings and share it with other users. Just like the first two sites listed up, the site has millions of users visiting it daily to download their favorite apps.
4. APK Store
Since this list is all about listing the best APK download sites, we can’t avoid mentioning the APK Store which was formerly called APK Downloader. We are not sure why this site changed its name, but APK Store is another good apk download site that you should consider checking out. If you are skeptical of where the apps are coming from, you should know that APK Store pulls out all their apps directly from Google Play Store, so authenticity is maintained. So with it, you don’t need to visit the play store for any downloads.
5. F-Droid
F-Droid is another FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) for apps and games download that has an alternative option to be downloaded as an app too just like the play store. The site has been around since 2010, and its interface is fundamental and straightforward, so if you don’t like the uncluttered site, you can check it out. The site also has a forum where users can come together to interact with one another or tender any bugging issues. If you happen to download the F-Droid app on your android, you can instantly update your apps from the app without the need of reinstalling or making use of the Google play store.
Safeguards you should take before installing an apk file in your mobile device
In as much as we have given you the best sites to download apk files and encourage the use of a reliable VPN such as RitaVPN before downloading.
You may also like:
How to download Geo-restricted Android & iOS Apps
Security Tips For your Android
Quitting Google: Best Alternatives For All Google Services and Apps
Ultimate List of Dangerous Apps you must never download
The 5 worst apps for privacy in 2020
How to detect and remove spyware from your Android & iOS device
How to Update your Apps Safely?
Why root Android phones? The pros and cons of Rooting
Also, you should:
- Scan any apk file you download to be extra confident that there are no malware or virus
- And also, read the review of other downloaders of that file from the apk download sites.
