[General Topics] TheMystic:
The list presented here is a collection of excellent apps (at the time of writing this) that excel in what they do (and supposed to do). They may or may not fit into the requirements of everyone perfectly. So choose whatever works best for you.

For the categories covered, these are the best apps you would find among hundreds of apps that currently exist for each category on Google Play Store. This curated list is hand picked by me after trying out several apps in each category in the last 10 years or so.

Points to Note:

1. I use the PRO version, in most cases or wherever available. Buying the PRO version or making in-app purchase supports development and is an appreciation for the developer for his/ her efforts and good work done.

The Pro version runs lighter on the system as it usually stops connecting to the internet to show you ads, and probably disables tracking and other background activities. This means the Pro version uses less system resources than the free version, and so would consume less battery too.

2. I use ad-blocker, so have no idea about ads on free versions. This is not to block revenue to developers, but only to safeguard my own privacy and security online.

3. I disable internet access to all apps that should not require it for core functionality.

4. I DENY all unnecessary permissions to apps.

5. I have been using most of these apps for a long time and my device has always performed excellently. So I guess none of these apps do malicious/ unwanted stuff.

6.

DISCLAIMER

: The apps listed below are currently the best apps as at the time of writing. Apps may stop being developed actively, developer can sell the app to a new buyer (who may not be as skilled or who may have malicious intent), developer himself can go rogue, etc. I take no responsibility for what any app may do on your device. You're free to accept or reject the recommendations in this post, and so you're on your own.

7. Over time, new and better apps may come up, apps that aren't great as at the time of writing can make a turnaround and become great apps, etc. This is a very dynamic process.

8. I haven't done a detailed analysis of trackers built into these apps. You can check them here:

https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/

Simply copy the Google Play Store link into the box on that site to see how many trackers are built into an app.

Q. How I choose my apps?

A. I look forward to the following features:

1. Cross platform support - This helps me stay away from platform dependency (iOS/ Android). I can easily switch platforms because the app would be available.

2. Sync support - I prefer signing in with an account so the information can sync across devices, across platforms.

3. The app is under active development.

4. Simple and minimalistic, but fully functional.

5. Small size (compared to similar apps) - small app size indicates efficient coding and less possibility of unwanted bundling inside the app.

6. Least amount of ads/ trackers.

7. If an app is excellent, I try to see what other apps are available from the same developer.

8. Any app I download from outside Google Play Store, I always upload them to Virustotal to scan for malware. I usually download apps only from the following sites:

1. Apkmirror https://www.apkmirror.com/

2. F-Droid https://www.f-droid.org/

3. XDA

4. GitHub

I will usually not sideload an app even if one antivirus engine on Virustotal flags it as malware, with very very rare exceptions. It is a strict NO if multiple antivirus engines flag them.

The links I have included are all for the apps I own (paid) and use. You will almost always find a free version of the same app from the same developer.

Click on each category below to see the best apps in that category:

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What are your best apps that you use? No social media apps please, unless something is very unique, such as a Facebook client that strips out all forms of tracking.