Android Nogapps - *OpenSource Alternative apps*

lixxus

lixxus

lixxus

Soldato
Joined
20 Oct 2006
Posts
2,595
Location
London
Hi all,

So i've recently moved away from gapps and using cyanogemod and wanted to stop using google proprietary software, including google play services. Mainly because its a battery drain/security and prefer to support libre software where possible.

I have been using https://microg.org/ which replicates google play services, for apps like whatapps etc which need it as a dependencies to run.

here are a list of my apps(exported using https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=de.onyxbits.listmyapps)

I am using fdroid and aptoide as a replacement for playstore to get my apps

AdAway - Adblocker - fdroid

AFWall+ firewall - fdroid

Amplify - xposed module

AntennaPod - a podcast player - fdroid

Aptoide - app store alternative to playstore

Barcode Scanner - fdroid

Cerberus - phone tracking -aptoide

ChatSecure - xmpp secure chat encryption - fdroid

cSploit - penetration tool - fdroid

Document Viewer - a pdf and ebook reader- fdroid

DriveDroid - emulated iso to boot from phone to pc - aptoide

F-Droid - opensource app marketplace

Firefox Beta - browser - fdroid

Flud - torrent downloader - aptoide

FreeOTP - 2 factor authetication by redhat - fdroid

Tomahawk - opensource multi stream music app- aptoide

GPS Status - gps tool - aptoide

Greenify - hibernation - aptoide

I2P - like tor - fdroid

ImapNotes2 - alternative to google keep. syncs notes to imap server - fdroid

Instagram - available from aptoide

K-9 Mail - email client- fdroid

KDE Connect - similar to pushbullet and airdroid

KeePassDroid - password manager - fdroid

LeafPic - great ultra fast gallery - fdroid

LibreOffice Viewer - office suite viewer- fdroid

MiXplorer - file explorer from xda forums

Moovit - transport app - aptoide

Open Camera - opensource camera - fdroid

OpenVPN for Android - vpn client - fdroid

Orbot - tor client - fdroid

OS Monitor - good tool for monitoring process and active tcp connections -fdroid

OsmAnd - maps/nav - fdroid

SD Maid - system cleaner - Aptoide

Slide - reddit client - fdroid

Snapseed - image editor - aptoide

Termux - linux shell terminal - fdroid

Transistor - radio app alternative to tuneinradio - fdroid

VLC - video player - fdroid

WhatsApp - messaging - aptoide

WiFi Analyzer - wifi scanner - fdroid

Xposed Installer - xda forum
Click to expand...

Would be cool if others could share a list of their opensource/libre apps they have come across and their experiences using android without gapps.
 
Last edited:
This AdAway is unofficial but is far more updated and based on more recent source code compared to f-droid: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2190753

MX Player is an alternative to VLC, can be found on Aptoide.

The default Snap camera on recent CM based ROMs is actually pretty good (based on Qualcomm's camera), is it not to your liking?

EDIT: Personally, Amazon app store is my second choice if I don't want to use Google's Play store.
 
Last edited:
Looks interesting but one point, I find it strange you won't use gapps due to security concerns but you'll quite happily download apps from marketplaces like aptoide which are full of dodgy apks.
 
Indeed... better the devil you know and all that.
Personally cannot see the point in actively trying to avoid google apps on an android phone but I guess some people like to try and be different.
 
tom_e said:
Looks interesting but one point, I find it strange you won't use gapps due to security concerns but you'll quite happily download apps from marketplaces like aptoide which are full of dodgy apks.
Click to expand...

I guess you havent used aptoide. Well they have their own official repository called "apps" all signed and trusted.

I only download apps i need from their like whatsapp etc

My phone runs a lot more faster and less battery drain. those wakelocks from google were crazy. ive seen like a 25% increase in battery life
 
Last edited:
Rimsy said:
Indeed... better the devil you know and all that.
Personally cannot see the point in actively trying to avoid google apps on an android phone but I guess some people like to try and be different.
Click to expand...

its not the case of trying to be different. Its a matter that some people value their privacy more than others. I dont see how one company should have access to so much of my information just so i can use a phone's operating system.

also its a performance sacrifice with all these wakelocks popping off in the background communicating with google servers.
 
Last edited:
I use android without gapps, and what i have installed is similar to yours with a few changes.

I replaced whatsapp with signal and then libresignal from fdroid market for end to end encryption. I also use xposed with xprivacy installed.

If i need an app for my phone, i will either grab it from apkmirror or find an alternative.
 
What do people have to hide man. I have a friend that is really security/privacy conscious and wont use gapps/whatsapp etc. Always asking me to install some random 'encrypted' messaging service which i invariably say 'no' to. I have nothing to hide, cant help but think that those would be the sort of apps used by criminal rings/terrorists lol.
 
I only came across this because of google play services and battery drain. Otherwise I was obvious to the issues. I had greenify and amplify installed and was still experiencing battery drain.

I then installed an app called wakelock detector and battery gsam and found google was causing the issues.

The privacy/security was only I guess a additional issues i read about.

Also I like the idea of supporting opensource libre software.
 
jubei said:
What do people have to hide man. I have a friend that is really security/privacy conscious and wont use gapps/whatsapp etc. Always asking me to install some random 'encrypted' messaging service which i invariably say 'no' to. I have nothing to hide, cant help but think that those would be the sort of apps used by criminal rings/terrorists lol.
Click to expand...

You have nothing to hide?

You wear clothes, use passwords, close doors, use envelopes, sometimes speak softly, use curtains, or lock your car then the chances are you do have something to hide.

Freedom fighters, journalists and those oppressed have things they need to hide, but you assume everyone who does is a terrorist/criminal.

Maybe read this and open your mind that people really do need secure communication from prying eyes and yes everyone has something to hide.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom