Google Announces the Best Android Apps to Use in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, Google has revealed the winners of its annual Google Play Best of 2025 Awards, celebrating the most innovative, useful, and entertaining Android apps of the year. The awards spotlight creators from around the world whose products delivered exceptional user experiences, advanced productivity, boosted creativity, and added meaningful value to everyday life on Android.

This year’s lineup spans ten major categories, each highlighting an app that pushed boundaries and set new standards for quality on the Play Store.

Best Overall App

Google’s top honor for 2025 goes to Focus Friend, a distraction-management tool designed to help users regain control of their daily routines. Google praised the app for encouraging users to “disconnect to reconnect,” helping people step away from digital noise and build healthier habits. The app also secured a second win, earning the title of Best for Personal Growth, marking a standout year for its creator, Hank Green.

Best Multi-Device App

Luminar: Photo Editor takes the award for delivering a full suite of professional-grade editing tools to Android users. Powered by AI and built with an intuitive design, Luminar enables complex photo editing without requiring a desktop setup. Its seamless multi-device support ensures that projects can easily move between phones, tablets, and other screens.

Best for Fun

The entertainment category goes to Edits, a lightweight yet powerful video-creation app built for social media. Offering fast and simple tools, Edits makes it easy to turn raw clips into polished, shareable content. With over 10 million downloads and a 4.5-star rating, the app’s popularity shows no signs of slowing.

Best Everyday Essential

For day-to-day value, Google recognises Wiser, an audiobook service featuring a wide range of titles—from timeless classics to the latest releases. One of its standout features is its collection of concise, 15-minute summaries, giving users quick insights into core themes. Personalized recommendations help users discover new books effortlessly.

Best Hidden Gem

The Hidden Gem award goes to Pingo, an AI-powered language-learning app designed to build confidence through natural conversation. By adapting to each learner’s pace, Pingo provides a gentle, personalised pathway toward fluency, making it a rising star for new language learners.

 

Best for Families

ABCmouse continues to shine as one of the most beloved learning platforms for young children. Designed for ages 2 to 8, it includes free games, books, songs, and videos that cover subjects like math, science, art, and music. Its kid-friendly design and educational content keep it a favorite for families.

Best for Watches

In the wearables category, SleepisolBio takes the top spot for its focus on sleep improvement. Using AI-driven analysis and audio therapy, the app helps users understand their sleep patterns and develop healthier routines. When paired with a smartwatch, SleepisolBio provides an even deeper look into sleep quality, rest cycles, and relaxation methods.

Best for Large Screens

For tablets and large-screen devices, Goodnotes earns Google’s praise for its polished interface and powerful note-taking features. Its combination of handwriting tools, document management, and layout flexibility makes it an ideal companion for students, professionals, and anyone who relies on digital organisation.

Best for Cars

This year’s top Android Auto experience belongs to SoundCloud. With its clean interface and extensive music library, it allows drivers to explore tracks safely while staying focused on the road. Simple navigation and voice-friendly design make it an excellent in-car companion.

Best for XR Headsets

Rounding out the list, Calm wins the Best for XR award. The app leverages mixed-reality environments to deliver immersive relaxation experiences. From meditation sessions to focus modes and sleep routines, Calm’s XR edition transforms everyday wellness into a deeply engaging experience.