Sometimes, an Android app you want to install may not be available on the Play Store for different reasons. In such cases, you can sideload it from APK download sites, which can be a security risk if you’re not careful. So, here are some safe sites to download Android APKs.
1APKMirror
APKMirror is probably the best Android APK download site and one of the best Google Play Store alternatives. It’s owned and operated by the same team that created the widely-read Android news site, Android Police, which should reassure you that you’re in safe hands.
From a security standpoint, APKMirror has some robust policies in place. Staff verify all APKs uploaded to the site before publishing, and the site matches cryptographic signatures for new versions of apps with previous versions (to ensure the true developers signed them). Brand-new apps are matched against other apps from the same developer to verify their legitimacy, and as such, you won’t find pirated or modified apps.
You can grab older versions of each app, see information pulled from the Play Store, and access a list of related apps. If an app you installed from APKMirror receives an update from the Play Store later on, you can update to the latest version conveniently.
2APKPure
Like APKMirror, this APK site abides by rigorous security practices to ensure all the APKs you save are safe and virus-free. So, how is APKPure safe? The site verifies the legitimacy of all apps before publishing by using SHA1 to ensure the certificate is safe. Cryptographic signatures for new versions of apps must match previously published versions, and entirely new apps are matched against other software from the same developer.
If APKPure doubts an app’s security or origins, it won’t be listed on the site. As such, there are no modded APKs on APKPure. Regarding site usability, APKPure pulls screenshots, app descriptions, and general metadata directly from the Google Play Store.
There’s also a list of previous app releases in case you want to roll back to an older version due to features or bugs. APKPure also has an Android app available. You can manually install the app like you would sideload any Android app, but once it’s up and running, it can act as a Play Store replacement.
3F-Droid
F-Droid is a third-party APK download site specializing in free and open-source (FOSS) apps for Android. You can find some of the best open-source alternatives to Android apps on F-Droid. This makes it a great choice for anyone concerned about privacy. F-Droid is transparent about what you’re getting when you download. It lists what it calls “anti-features” for each app, which can include ads, tracking, and even potential security concerns.
There are also fewer apps here than on the other sites on our list, although they still number in the thousands. And for various reasons, you won’t find some in the Play Store either. You can download APKs directly from the site, but it also comes with its client, which simplifies finding, installing, and updating apps.
4Uptodown
Uptodown is another reliable and safe site to get Android APKs. It has been around long enough and prioritizes the safety of the uploaded APKs. All APKs uploaded to the site are scanned for viruses, and on top of that, it matches cryptographic signatures for new versions of apps with previous versions for security.
It lists different app versions, and you can pick the version you wish to download. Uptodown is not a Google Play Store mirror; it includes personalized app descriptions, user reviews, and original screenshots for listed apps.
As with the other sites on this list, there’s plenty of metadata, meaning you can avoid the Play Store entirely. Additionally, the site has an Android app that you can download to quickly search, install, and update apps on your device. In addition to Android apps, the site also lists Windows and macOS apps.
5Aptoide
Aptoide is another giant of the APK downloading world; it has more than 300 million users and has been responsible for over seven billion downloads. Like APKPure and Uptodown, the site offers an Android app that lets you conveniently access the store and download APK files from your Android device. Besides popular Android apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, you can use it to find apps that aren’t on the Play Store.
Aptoide takes security seriously by scanning all APKs listed for safety. However, Aptoide is not close to the top of our list because it allows users to manage their stores and thus lets modded APKs onto the platform. They are well-signaled, but you could end up downloading one accidentally if you’re not paying attention.
These sites are the best and safest places to download Android APKs. Despite their safety, you should always take extra precautions when downloading APKs. One way to stay safe is only to download official APKs. And don’t be tempted to download paid apps for free—not only is it wrong, but it’s also one of the most common ways to infect your phone with malware.