Introduction

As a app developer, it’s crucial to ensure that your app has the maximum reach and visibility to attract as many users as possible. While Google Play is the default app store for Android devices, there are many alternative Android app stores that you can consider for app distribution. These app stores offer a diverse range of features, user bases, and monetization options that can greatly benefit both app developers and users.

Expanding your app’s distribution beyond Google Play allows you to reach a wider audience and potentially increase your app’s revenue. By using alternative app stores, you can access unique user bases, offer different monetization options, and retain more of your earnings. It’s important to carefully research and consider which app store is the best fit for your app and its target audience.

In this article, we’ll be exploring several popular alternative Android app stores and their key features, user bases, and monetization options. By understanding the pros and cons of each app store, you can make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for your app and its distribution strategy.

SlideMe

SlideMe is an alternative Android app store that has been around since 2010. It features a clean, user-friendly interface and offers a variety of apps in categories such as social, entertainment, and tools. SlideMe has a strong focus on indie developers and offers them the option to sell their apps for a one-time fee or on a subscription basis.

One of the main advantages of using SlideMe is the low competition compared to Google Play. This can make it easier for your app to get noticed and downloaded. However, SlideMe’s user base is smaller than Google Play, so it may not be the best option for app developers looking to reach a mass audience.

Amazon Appstore

Amazon Appstore is a popular alternative Android app store that is available in nearly 200 countries. It offers a wide range of apps in categories such as gaming, productivity, and lifestyle, and has a massive customer base. One of the main benefits of using Amazon Appstore is the ability to leverage the company’s customer base and reach a large audience.

In terms of monetization, Amazon Appstore allows developers to sell their apps for a one-time fee or on a subscription basis. It also offers in-app purchasing options and the ability to offer paid and free versions of your app. However, it’s worth noting that Amazon takes a 30% cut of app sales, which is higher than Google Play’s 15% fee. However, Amazon has recently announced that developers with less than $1 million in Appstore revenue in a calendar year will only be charged 20% of app sales and receive 10% of their revenue as promotional credit for AWS services.

1Mobile Market

1Mobile Market is a Chinese alternative Android app store that has a global user base. It offers a wide range of apps in categories such as games, social, and tools, and has a user-friendly interface. One of the main advantages of using 1Mobile Market is the ability to reach a large and growing user base in Asia, particularly in China.

In terms of monetization, 1Mobile Market allows developers to sell their apps for a one-time fee or on a subscription basis. It also offers in-app purchasing options and the ability to offer paid and free versions of your app.

Samsung Galaxy Apps

Samsung Galaxy Apps is the official app store for Samsung devices and is pre-installed on all Galaxy smartphones. It offers a wide range of apps in categories such as games, social, and tools, and has a user-friendly interface. One of the main advantages of using Samsung Galaxy Apps is the ability to reach a large and dedicated user base of Samsung device owners.

In terms of monetization, Samsung Galaxy Apps allows developers to sell their apps for a one-time fee or on a subscription basis. It also offers in-app purchasing options and the ability to offer paid and free versions of your app.

Mobile9

Mobile9 is an alternative Android app store that offers a wide range of apps in categories such as games, social, and tools. It has a user-friendly interface and is available in over 200 countries. One of the main advantages of using Mobile9 is the ability to reach a diverse and global user base.

In terms of monetization, Mobile9 allows developers to sell their apps for a one-time fee or on a subscription basis. It also offers in-app purchasing options and the ability to offer paid and free versions of your app.

Opera Mobile Store

Opera Mobile Store is an alternative Android app store that is available in over 200 countries. It offers a wide range of apps in categories such as games, social, and tools, and has a user-friendly interface. One of the main advantages of using Opera Mobile Store is the ability to reach a large and global user base, as it is pre-installed on millions of Opera browsers.

In terms of monetization, Opera Mobile Store allows developers to sell their apps for a one-time fee or on a subscription basis. It also offers in-app purchasing options and the ability to offer paid and free versions of your app. It is worth noting that Opera Mobile Store takes a 30% cut of app sales.

Mobango

Mobango is an alternative Android app store that offers a wide range of apps in categories such as games, social, and tools. It has a user-friendly interface and is available in over 200 countries. One of the main advantages of using Mobango is the ability to reach a diverse and global user base.

In terms of monetization, Mobango allows developers to sell their apps for a one-time fee or on a subscription basis. It also offers in-app purchasing options and the ability to offer paid and free versions of your app.

F-droid

F-droid is an alternative Android app store that specializes in open-source and free apps. It offers a wide range of apps in categories such as games, social, and tools, and has a user-friendly interface. One of the main advantages of using F-droid is the ability to reach a dedicated user base of open-source enthusiasts.

F-droid is a completely open source platform which only allows free apps. This app store also refuses to publish apps featuring ads and in-app purchases. So there are no options to monetizse your app on this store. However, this is still a useful store for developers who want to test out an app idea to a very large community.

GetJar

GetJar is an alternative Android app store that offers a wide range of apps in categories such as games, social, and tools. It has a user-friendly interface and is available in over 200 countries. One of the main advantages of using GetJar is the ability to reach a diverse and global user base of over 30 million users. GetJar also has a strong recommendation service that allows for quick discovery of new apps.

In terms of monetization, GetJar encourages developers to use their freemium model, which includes adverts and the use of in-app currency, such as GetJar Gold. GetJar Gold is one of the largest virtual currencies in use and is available to millions of users.

Huawei App Gallery

Huawei App Gallery is an alternative Android app store that is the official app store for Huawei devices. It offers a wide range of apps in categories such as games, social, and tools, and has a user-friendly interface. One of the main advantages of using Huawei App Gallery is the ability to reach a large and dedicated user base of Huawei device owners.

In terms of monetization, Huawei App Gallery allows developers to sell their apps for a one-time fee or on a subscription basis. It also offers in-app purchasing options and the ability to offer paid and free versions of your app. Huawei App Gallery has a revenue share which does vary depending on the kind of app that you develop, so it is important to double check what the terms are for your category. Huawei’s revenue share is better than the Play Store in some categories, but is worse in others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, alternative Android app stores can be an excellent choice for app developers looking to broaden the reach of their apps beyond Google Play. These app stores offer a variety of unique features and user bases that can potentially benefit both app developers and users. By using alternative app stores, you have the opportunity to reach a larger audience, offer a range of monetization options, and retain a greater portion of your earnings.

It’s important to carefully research and evaluate each app store to determine which one is the best fit for your app and its target audience. Each store has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s worth considering which one aligns best with your app distribution goals. As you plan your app distribution strategy, be sure to consider the use of alternative Android app stores as a viable option for expanding your app’s reach and revenue.