FundMECFS

New To Android? What Apps to Choose?

https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/22605218

New To Android? What Apps to Choose? - Blåhaj Lemmy

I’m new to android. (Default android 13, not looking to install custom ROMs because I need this to be very functional and dont have time to deal with bugs). Anyways, I’ve installed F-Droid, Helix Keyboard and my go to VPN app. What next? What browser, third party YT player, torrent client, jellyfin client (I’m deaf so need one with opensubtitle integration) etc should I install? I’m paralysed by choice. Anyways, I’ll be happy to try out suggestions.

Mar 2, 2025 at 12:41pmWeb
Show threadBlastboom StriceMar 2, 2025

What I do is I have droidify (fdroid client) with fdroid, izzyonandroid and few more repos enabled and I browse the list frequently. If I find something cool I might keep it. I try to avoid anything from google play in general.

If I want something specific (apart from searchijg online), I mighr just search the term I want on droidify, install a few apps, try them and keep the one I like.

Show threadFundMECFSMar 2, 2025
So there’s a bunch of useful stuff FOSS stuff not on fdroid repo?
Show threadBlastboom StriceMar 2, 2025

Yeah, I think fdroid is more strict about the apps they include and I think they might do some extra tests (hence why fdroid apps have different signature from git repos of the apps).

Please search it yourself, I don’t remember much to help you.

Here’s izzy’s site: apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/info

PS. You might see Izzy in various github app repos talking with developers asking to import their apps to the izzy repo

Information on IzzyOnDroid's F-Droid compatible repo

how to use this site and its repo, how to get your app listed here, and more.

IzzyOnDroid App Repo
Show threadnotanappleMar 2, 2025
Izzy takes apks directly from devs repos iirc Fdroid builds everything themselves so its kinda like the debian repos on linux
Show threadDahGangalangMar 29, 2025

Was using F-droid for the longest time as primary app store (where I could).

This comment inspired me to swap to droidify though. A month-ish in and I’m super pleased with everything since I swapped.

Just wanted to tag in with my own personal support for this recommendation.

Show threadBlastboom StriceMar 29, 2025

Yeah, I too was using fdroid for a long time, but I think there was a bug (possibly fixed now) that didnt seem to delete installed apks and I had to manually delete the app cache or data I think.

I found droidify and looks much better (unless you like fdroid’s ui), so I stayed with it. I have it as ~my main app store too:)

Show threadBlaze (he/him)Mar 2, 2025
Feel free to crosspost to [email protected] for wider reach
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Show threadERROR: Earth.exe has crashedMar 4, 2025
lemdroid’s main community doesn’t allow personal questions AFIAK
Show threadcoleMar 4, 2025

It didn’t, but since there is less activity than reddit’s r/android the rule was designed for, the mods decided to relax that rule.

In the long-term if the community gets huge and it becomes problematic the rule will go back into effect

Show threadMicrowavedTeaMar 2, 2025

Some apps I’d consider essential:

  • URLCheck for better control when clicking on links
  • Termux for a terminal emulator
  • Tasker for automations (it’s a one time payment)

If your phone only has Google’s gallery and files apps do yourself a favor and get some third party apps for these things. I use Fossify Gallery and Material Files but there are many alternatives.

And here’s a good list for everything else: github.com/Psyhackological/AAA

GitHub - TrianguloY/URLCheck: Android app by TrianguloY: URLCheck

Android app by TrianguloY: URLCheck. Contribute to TrianguloY/URLCheck development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHub
Show threadDruidMar 2, 2025
+1 for URL Check. Trimming down on baked-in trackers and stuff in links you click on is awesome
Show threadofficermikeMar 2, 2025
I’d say Firefox for your browser. It supports extensions like ad blockers.
Show threadFundMECFSMar 2, 2025
I use librewolf on my computer. I’m assuming librewolf doesn’t have an android version so firefox sounds pretty good.
Show threadtatannMar 2, 2025

Firefox isn’t on f-droid, but Fennec and Ironfox are

Also Firefox TOS current controversy

Show threadthebigslimeMar 2, 2025
Fennec is dead in the water. Use IronFox.
Show threadDahGangalangMar 2, 2025
Which repo is ironfox in?
Show threadtatannMar 2, 2025
Ironfox repo is on their gitlab page (readme) : gitlab.com/ironfox-oss/IronFox/
IronFox OSS / IronFox · GitLab

Private, secure, user first web browser for Android. https://ironfoxoss.org/

GitLab
Show threadDrSteveBruleMar 2, 2025
Why is fennec dead in the water?
Show threadthebigslimeMar 4, 2025
Sorry, I was mistaken. I thought development halted. That was Mull.
Show threadlimerodMar 4, 2025

Fennec is dead in the water. Use IronFox.

On what basis do you say Fennec is dead in the water? Please elaborate further.

Show threadorizeMar 2, 2025
Waterfox is the sweet spot between Firefox and LibreWolf
Show threadFundMECFSMar 2, 2025
What repo is it in?
Show threadtatannMar 2, 2025

If you have f-droid:

  • AntennaPod (for podcasts)
  • VLC (always good to have)
  • Ironfox/Fennec
  • SpamBlocker (to block call centers using regex, etc…)
  • Newsblur (for RSS)
  • Transistor (online radio / any stream)
  • Voyager for Lemmy
  • Bitwarden (password manager)
Show threadKanishk AgrawalMar 2, 2025
@tatann @FundMECFSResearch how's sync for lemmy? I just only saw it and it looks gorgeous in material ui.
Show threadsbvMar 2, 2025
+1 for AntennaPod. I haven’t found a great podcast player, but AntennaPod is the best I’ve seen.
Show threadtautalasDec 13
Tried Podcast Addict?
Show threadsbvDec 14
Yes. I prefer AntennaPod. I can’t remember why. I switched a few years ago.
Show threadCheradenineMar 2, 2025

Browser, Ironfox or Cromite (if you want chromium)

YouTube, either Newpipe, or Tubular (if you want sponsor block)

You might like Droid-ify better than F-Droid, I find the UI better.

For getting apps there is also Obtanium, which pulls directly from the source. Github, Gitlab, etc.

Welcome to the dark better side

Show threadKanishk AgrawalMar 2, 2025
@Cheradenine @FundMECFSResearch Attaboy bro, I am with you.👍🏻
Show threadtrashcanMar 2, 2025
Not torrent, but if you’re looking for music I really recommend the Soulseek client Seeker. It’s on fdroid.
Show threadshiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitMar 2, 2025
Tasker - for automating anything, everything.
Show threadburgersc12Mar 3, 2025
Aegis for 2fa Bitwarden for password management Pipepipe for youtube Thunderbird for email
Show threadOwlMar 3, 2025
Newpipe for youtube <— best app in existence
Show threadlimerodMar 4, 2025

I would recommend an adblocker. If your VPN supports proxy or you can make do without it. I recommend PersonalDNSFilter.

For launcher depending on personal preference I recommend Niagara Launcher or Smart Launcher 6.

For RSS feeds I recommend Feeder

For YT apart from Newpips, there’s Libretube and Tubular( a newpipe fork with sponsorblock and youtubedislike support).

For torrent Libretorrent or the basic but simple PikaTorrent. For games there’s Endless Sky, Shattered Pixel Dungeon.

For image editors there Image Toolbox

For note taking app I use Orgzly(revived), but you can try the ones like Open Note which are simpler.

For Lemmy clients there’s Voyager, Jerboa Both are fantastic, smooth and functional.

If you need recommendations for more categories of apps feel free to ask. The community will answer where it can.

personalDNSfilter | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

DNS request based Host Blocker over local VPN using a Blocklist