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FiiO's New M23 Digital Audio Player Lets You Listen On The Move Without Compromise
The FiiO M23 can be used with Bluetooth earphones or wired headphones with 3.5mm and 4.4mm jack ... [+] plugs.
FiiODigital audio players are something of an outlier in this age of advanced smartphones incorporating technology like Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound platform. Is there still a need for a dedicated music player when smartphones can do much the same thing? Is the concept of the iPod dead?
From serious music lovers and audiophiles, there is still a demand for digital audio players incorporating the best digital-to-analog converters that money can buy alongside a great amplifier technology and connections for high-end wired earphones and headphones.
The FiiO M23 is a new Android-based digital music player that offers a high-end DAC and superb THX AAA-78+ amplification. Like an Android phone, the FiiO M23 has a touchscreen and uses the latest AK4191EQ and AK4499EX chipsets from AKM for decoding digital files and turning them into beautiful analog music.
The FiiO M23 is available in Titanium Blue or Stainless-Steel finishes.
FiiOThe digital and analog circuitry inside the FiiO M23 are entirely separate so they can produce the best possible sound. The M23 can decode most digital audio files ranging from a humble MP3 to 384kHz 32-bit PCM. There's also support for DSD256 and MQA files and the player can even handle a higher resolution digital source up to 768kHz-32bit and DSD512 when using the M23's USB output.
To ensure the FiiO M23 produces the best possible sound, all the circuitry is shielded to reduce the possibility of interference and to ensure less build-up of heat. The FiiO M23 is a serious piece of electronic engineering and it's been built to satisfy even the fussiest of ears.
The signals from digital audio files are decoded by the FiiO M23 into an analog waveform using twin AKM DACs. The analog signal is channeled through two THX AAA-78+ amplifiers, resulting in a strong and muscular sound that has plenty of nuance. THX has made great strides in portable amplification and the amps used on this player are among the best available.
The M23 digital audio player is FiiO
Although the FiiO M23 is a portable player, many people will probably use it at home or while at their desk, listening to hi-res music streaming services like Tidal or Qobuz that require a good broadband connection if you don't want to gobble up all your data allowance by using your smartphone as a hotspot.
FiiO anticipated this usage scenario and has included a Desktop Mode to the M23 which digitally disconnects the battery charging circuitry and boosts the power supply so that the player can drive the kinds of earphones and headphones that are difficult to drive, especially the ones that use planar-magnetic drivers. FiiO's Desktop Mode also ensures that M23's built-in battery doesn't get damaged by overcharging.
The FiiO M23 is an Android device and has an 8-core Snapdragon 660 chipset that's backed up with 4GB of RAM. The M23's color touchscreen measures 5.5 inches and offers a resolution of 1,440 x 720. The player can be used in exclusive music-only mode if that's what you want or else it can work a little like an Android smartphone but without the phone.
Because it is
On the base of the M23 there are USB-C power and data ports as well as a microSD card tray or slot. ... [+] On the top, there are 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs for balanced and single-ended headphones.
FiiOThe build quality of the M23 is superb and FiiO has supplied a clear plastic case to protect the player's textured finish. The controls are logically laid out with a power switch on the left side and a sliding volume control beneath it. Below the volume control there's a handy button that summons a list of useful shortcuts so you don't have to rifle through the settings menu.
On the right side of the player there are three music control buttons for playing, pausing, skipping and repeating tracks. There's also a dedicated switch for putting the M23 into Desktop Mode and a handy Hold button which disables the buttons and stops them from being triggered accidentally.
On the base of the M23 there's a slot for a microSD card and a USB-C port for charging and powering the player. A second USB-C port functions as a digital output for connecting the FiiO M23 with external devices. The power port is colored red so it can easily be differentiated from the USB data port.
It's possible to connect the M23 to your smartphone for streaming.
FiiOFinally, on the top of the M23 are two output jacks. One is for earphones with a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced connector and the other is for 3.5mm unbalanced earphones that also doubles as a digital coax output. The balanced output offers more volume but the gain level can be set using the Settings menu. Both outputs sound excellent and can handle a range of headphones and IEMs.
For those who want to use the FiiO M23 in battery mode, there is a 5,500mAh rechargeable battery on board. The charging mode is smart enough to vary the speed of the charging process when the battery becomes close to being fully charged. This process helps to prolong the overall life of the battery and works like a smartphone's smart-charging function.
The M23's battery can be fully charged in around an hour when using a 30W charger but there is no charger included but your phone or tablet charger should work fine. A full charge of the battery will provide up to eight hours of playback and a little bit more if you are using the 3.5mm output instead of the 4.4mm balanced connection.
The FiiO M23 has a great build quality and a modern styling.
FiiOLike any digital audio player, the FiiO M23 has Wi-Fi built in for connecting to the Internet and that works across 2.4 and 5GHz bands. There are six operating modes for the player which are Android, Pure Music mode, AirPlay, USB DAC, Bluetooth Receiver and Roon Ready. Which one you use will be down to personal choice.
FiiO preloads its dedicated music app on the M23 or you can download the Android versions of Roon and stream music from network-attached storage using uPNP, WebDAV and SMB. I downloaded the Android Tidal app and it worked brilliantly. The screen is super sharp and the touchscreen is very responsive. With ApplePlay, you can stream your music from the M23 to any AirPlay-enabled device or group of devices.
The FiiO M23 has a Parametric Equalizer with 10 bands for shaping the tone of the sound. Other parameters can be adjusted for a bespoke sound. This is one area where I had a few problems. I tried a variety of EQ settings and fiddled around with things but noticed a certain amount of distortion. At first, I thought my earphones had been blown but as soon as I turned the EQ off, the distortion went away. I'm not sure what the problem was but I felt the sound was better without EQ.
For a little extra, you can get the FiiO M23 in a classy stainless-steel finish.
FiiOSo how does this deluxe portable player sound? It's awesome. FiiO has done a superb job by specifying the excellent AKM DACs and using them in tandem with THX amplification. The result is a sound that's not only precise but musical. Unlike a lot of digital audio players, there's nothing metallic or stilted about the M23's sound. This is a digital audio player outputting great analog sound thanks to innovative DACs and advanced amplification.
I tested the M23 with a pair of Campfire Audio Ara IEMS, my benchmark earphones. The level of detail the Ara's seven-drivers produced was incredible. The detail was forensic but the M23 never sounded labored or overly digital. I listened to some Diana Krall and used the balanced 4.4mm output with a pair of Sennheiser HD660 S2 headphones and the results were sublime. The distortion levels are so low on this player and the music sounds so relaxed and has a beguiling musicality with great timing. Music on the move doesn't get much better than this.
Verdict: The FiiO M23 digital audio player is as good a player as you're likely to find. If you spent three or four times the price for one of Astel&Kern's flagship players, I'm not sure you'd get proportionally better results. The M23 has most of the features you need, plus it used the latest technology and has the most up-to-date specifications. This is a fabulous little powerhouse of audio brilliance that will suit anyone who doesn't want to compromise when listening at their desk or on the move. If you love your music, you'll love the FiiO M23.
Pricing & Availability: The FiiO M23 digital audio player is available now and costs $700 / £649 / €700 for the Blue Titanium model and $899 / £799 / €849 for the Stainless Steel version.
More info: fiio.Com
Tech Specs:
YouTube To MP3 Converter: A Variety Of Choices For You
While YouTube is ideal for discovering and streaming audio and video content online, sometimes it's preferable to listen offline. YouTube to MP3 Converters empowers users to extract just the audio from videos into a portable MP3 format for listening anywhere.
12 Best Downloader Websites and Apps 5smp3 Best for: Converting YouTube videos to MP3 format directly from any device's web browser. 5smp3 is a straightforward online YouTube to MP3 converter. Simply copy and paste the YouTube URL and the site handles ripping the audio and converting it to MP3 in just a few clicks. It supports high quality conversion of any YouTube video without needing to download additional software or apps. Features: Simple one-click conversion Ability to queue multiple URLs Customizable MP3 tag editing Download in both MP3 and MP4 formats Verdict: 5smp3 is great for users who need a quick and basic YouTube to MP3 conversion process without fuss. The lightweight web interface works on any device. Price: Free to use Detailed Steps: Open the 5smp3 website Paste the YouTube URL Select desired output format/quality Click "Download MP3" to save file VidMate Best for: Converting YouTube videos and downloading audio/video seamlessly on Android devices. VidMate is a powerful all-in-one Android app that lets users download videos from YouTube, Facebook and over 2000 sites. It also offers high quality YouTube to MP3 conversion for listening offline. Batch conversion makes it easy to queue multiple links at once. Features: Background downloading capability Customizable video/audio format options Built-in video/audio player Automatically saves files to device storage Verdict: For Android owners, VidMate is a must have thanks to its full-featured downloading and efficient YouTube to MP3 functions. Price: Free app Detailed Steps: Open VidMate and paste URL Select "Convert to MP3" Click download icon when ready Find MP3 file in "My Videos" MP3Skull Best for: Large batch YouTube to MP3 conversions with advanced customization options. MP3Skull allows high volume conversion of YouTube playlists, channels and individual videos all at once. You can customize output formats, bitrates, tags and more across bulk extractions. The queue system makes managing multiple conversion jobs seamless. Features: Convert YouTube playlists and channels Advanced tagging and metadata editing Queue and schedule multiple tasks Output to MP3, M4A, FLAC formats Integrates with Dropbox for backups Verdict: Ideal for power users looking to extract large collections of content from YouTube without limits. Price: Free up to 50 conversions, $10 lifetime membership removes limits Detailed Steps: Log in and paste YouTube URLs/playlists Adjust settings and save to queue Click "Fetch" to begin downloading MP3s YT1s Best for: Simple yet capable YouTube to MP3 functionality directly on Android devices. YT1s is a lightweight YouTube downloader focused exclusively on mobile. It smoothly handles converting any video link to a high quality MP3. Files are neatly organized on your device for quick access any time. Features: Hassle-free one-tap downloading Supports background playback Set favorite channels for subscriptions Customizable save locations No login or account needed Verdict: Ideal free YouTube audio extractor for Android users seeking an ad-free experience. Price: Free Detailed Steps: Open app and paste URL Tap download icon Play or share new MP3s FLVTO Best for: Fast, online bulk conversion of YouTube playlists, channels and video batches to MP3 format. FLVTO is a lightening-quick online YouTube to MP3 converter. Simply paste multiple links or embed codes and it will rapidly extract high quality audio in the background. All MP3s are automatically downloaded to your device in a zip folder for effortless access later. Features: Batch convert playlists and channels Background queue for passive processing Configure format, quality and tags Share or keep converted files private Easy playlist importing from YouTube Verdict: The best free option for individuals or businesses needing to transform large amounts of YouTube audio with zero downloads or signup. Price: Free Detailed Steps: Visit website and paste YouTube URLs Adjust settings and add to queue Get download link when ready TubeMate Best for: One-stop YouTube content extraction on Android with direct video downloading. In addition to seamless YouTube to MP3 functionality, TubeMate allows saving videos in MP4 format for offline viewing on mobile. Intuitive playlists make it easy to queue or schedule downloads across WiFi for watching later. Features: Download YouTube videos as MP4 files Create custom playlists for content Batch converter for YouTube channels Scheduled/timed downloading Supports thousands of video sites Verdict: Unmatched all-in-one YouTube manager for versatile Android extraction and consumption needs. Price: Free Detailed Steps: Open app and paste URL Select "Video" or "Audio" download Save file and play offline 4K YouTube to MP3 Best for: High quality YouTube to MP3 conversion on Windows/Mac computers with tagging options. 4K YouTube to MP3 allows downloading clean, lossless audio from videos on desktop. Users can customize ID3 tags, metadata and output formats. It also supports batch conversion for effortlessly extracting multiple songs in one go. Features: Tag songs with artist, album, genre etc Save to all major formats like MP3, M4A, FLAC Trim or split audio from specific points Batch queue for playlists and channels Lightweight UI for simple use Verdict: Ideal free YouTube to MP3 software for Windows/Mac users focused on pristine quality rips. Price: Free Detailed Steps: Paste URLs into converter Adjust tags and formats Select destination folder Click convert YTbAudiobot Best for: Fast, web-based YouTube to MP3 conversion directly in any browser. YTbAudiobot handles converting audio from YouTube videos with a single click for instant MP3 downloads. Supported formats include MP3, M4A, OGG and more for all personal listening needs. It processes links rapidly even on slower machines. Features: One-tap conversion Customizable quality, tags and metadata Download MP3 or stream audio online Bookmark favorites for quick access Simple to use from any device Verdict: A barebones yet reliable tool optimized for quick YouTube to MP3 ripping via web. Price: Free Detailed Steps: Visit website and paste URL Select settings and click convert Save MP3 file Ontiva Best for: Powerful all-in-one multimedia converter and downloader for Windows/Mac. Ontiva handles ripping video and audio from YouTube along with over 1000 websites. It can convert to MP3, M4A, WAV and numerous formats while editing ID3 tags. Playlists are automatically downloaded for seamless offline viewing. Features: Download YouTube videos as MP4 files Batch convert playlists and channels Trim, resize and merge multimedia Edit captions and metadata Schedule downloads across WiFi Verdict: The premium option for serious digital media hobbyists needing unlimited extraction tools. Price: Free version available or $30/year subscription Detailed Steps: Paste URLs and add to queue Select file formats and locations Start download and save files YouTubetoMP3music Best for: Extracting complete YouTube playlists and channels as high quality MP3 albums. YouTubetoMP3music specializes in bulk converting whole collections via webhook import or pasted URLs. It can seamlessly process requests to download entire discographies as categorized albums tagged with artwork – ideal for building personal music libraries. Features: Convert playlists as individual albums Download channel uploads as compilations Auto tag names, track numbers, album art Schedule/batch process long requests Send to cloud services like GDrive Verdict: Indispensable for archiving whole artist playlists and channels as personalized MP3 albums. Price: Free conversion of up to 20 playlists/month Detailed Steps: Paste request or import playlist/channel Select conversion options Download finished album files Comparison of the 10 YouTube to MP3 Converters Software Platform Websites Supported Ratings 5smp3 Web-based YouTube ★★★★★ VidMate Android YouTube, Facebook etc. ★★★☆☆ MP3Skull Web-based YouTube ★★★★☆ YT1s Android YouTube ★★★★☆ FLVTO Web-based YouTube ★★★☆☆ TubeMate Android YouTube etc. ★★★★☆ 4K YouTube to MP3 Windows, Mac YouTube ★★★☆☆ YTbAudiobot Web-based YouTube ★★★☆☆ Ontiva Windows, Mac YouTube etc. ★★★☆☆ YouTubetoMP3music Web-based YouTube ★★★☆☆ Limitations and Risks about Converting Videos from Youtube While YouTube to MP3 conversion is convenient for personal use, there are important limitations and risks to be aware of: Copyright Protection: Redistributing copyrighted content without permission, such as full albums, movies or commercial monetized content, would infringe copyright law. Audio Quality: MP3 is a lossy compressed format, so repetitive conversions can degrade sound quality over time compared to the source video. Dependence on Third Parties: Free converter apps and websites can disappear due to policy changes on YouTube's part, breaking function overnight. Device Compatibility: Not all extracted MP3 files will playback seamlessly across different hardware generations due to encoding variances. File Storage: Large MP3 libraries consume significant device storage and cloud backup fees over the long run if not managed properly. Privacy Risks: Malicious converters could potentially collect users' private YouTube watch history or device data without consent. Format Handling: MP3 is not a video format, so crucial elements like chapters may be lost permanently during extraction from YouTube. Technological Limits: Converting to MP3 fails to preserve the full quality contained within high resolution digital video and compression formats. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) How can I trim MP3 files extracted from YouTube videos? Use free audio editing software like Audacity to cut unwanted intro/outro sections from MP3 files. Precisely select regions to remove and export a trimmed version. Is YouTube to MP3 conversion legal for personal use? Converting public videos owned by YouTube and creators for your own listening is legal under fair use. However, redistributing copyrighted works commercially without permission violates copyright. What is the best audio format to extract from YouTube? MP3 is the most universal format supported by all devices. But WAV or FLAC preserve higher quality than MP3 without compression. Consider your end use and storage limits. How do I download just the audio from a private video? Private videos can't be directly downloaded, but screen recording software can record the audio playing in your browser. You may risk copyright claims however. Can I batch convert many YouTube playlists at once? Yes, several YouTube to MP3 converters support processing entire playlists or channels in bulk for efficient large-scale audio extraction over time. Will the metadata like artist and title carry over? Most good converters transfer automatically embedded tags like the title, artist, album, and year. But they can't correct missing or incorrect info added by YouTube uploaders. Is there a way to speed up large YouTube to MP3 processes? Using a paid premium converter service typically allows faster speeds by utilizing more powerful server-side processing resources than free tools limited by bandwidth. Ending Paragraph In summary, whether listening on the go or trimming songs for your playlists, YouTube to MP3 conversion opens up new possibilities. By considering your needs along with the pros and cons of different apps and websites, you can choose the best YouTube to MP3 converter and learn to use it with ease. Start enjoying all your favorite YouTube audio anytime, anywhere by transforming those videos into MP3 files today. Email your news TIPS to Editor@kahawatungu.Com or WhatsApp +254707482874The Best Android Apps Available Right Now
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
There are a ton of amazing must-have Android apps out there. However, there are a few that stand out above the rest. Many users will have personal preferences, but some apps better juggle functionality, ease of use, and power user appeal than others. Without further delay, here are the best Android apps for phones and tablets currently available.
The best Android apps for 2024Most people should be familiar with most of these apps. They are the best, and the best usually aren't anonymous. That is, after all, what makes them the best. You can also check out our picks for the best new Android apps of the recent month.
1WeatherAn excellent weather app for pluviophiles and casuals alike.
1Weather is arguably the best weather app out there, and that's something considering just how competitive this segment is. It features a simple, paginated design that shows you the current weather, forecast for up to 12 weeks, a radar, and other fun stats. You'll also get a fairly decent set of lightly customizable widgets and the standard stuff like severe weather notifications and a radar so you can see the storms approaching. There is also a video element with two or three-minute weather updates for your region. The UI is logical and reasonably easy to navigate as well. The radar occasionally hangs while loading, but it's usually not too big of a deal.
Regarding good premium Android apps, 1Weather isn't a bad choice either. The free version has every feature with some mild, inoffensive advertising, but a single $1.99 in-app purchase removes advertising. When you open the app, most will also enjoy the range of weather fun facts.
BitwardenA free, secure password manager that's full of features.
It isn't easy jumping around password managers to find one that works for you. We can put a solid word in for Bitwarden. This platform offers unlimited password storage — on your storage bank or their servers — with two-factor authentication and keyphrase generation support. Bitwarden Send is also a feature worth mentioning. It allows the secure sending of essential details to another user.
Bitwarden, at its core, is free to use. However, you can add to its functionality by opting for premium tiers. One caters to families of up to six users.
ChatGPTOpenAI's powerful generative AI service is a must-have digital multitool.
Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority
Plenty of AI apps are currently available, including Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. But one tool that's leading the pack is ChatGPT. The app allows easy, direct access to OpenAI's tool and offers a clean UI, a voice mode, and relatively swift responses. You can accomplish various tasks with ChatGPT, from drafting emails and generating recipes or a workout regime framework to designing timetables and beyond. It's a powerful tool if you master its prompts. Its base form is free, and the new GPT-4o model adds plenty of additional smarts to an already impressive offering.
Google DriveStore all your phone's valuables in Google's cloud storage service.
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Google Drive is a cloud storage solution available on Android. Upon signing up, new users get 15GB for free permanently, easily making it one of the best free Android apps around. You can, of course, buy more if needed. What makes Google Drive so special is the suite of Android apps attached to it. They include Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Photos, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Keep. It covers so many bases and is so cheap that it's impossible not to recommend it to just about anybody.
Some of the features of these apps include live collaboration, deep sharing features, and compatibility with Microsoft Office documents. It's easy to use, you get 15GB of free storage for your documents, and the cross-platform support is pretty good. You can find more cloud storage and office apps if you want something different.
Google KeepA quick-fire note-taking app that works across platforms.
Google Keep doesn't get enough credit in the Android world. The note-taking, list-making, and audio-memo app is all you need to keep your thoughts in line and accessible. Taking inspiration from sticky notes, Keep lets you create multiple notes you can organize and access from multiple platforms. Own a smartwatch? Create a keep of groceries you need and access them from your wrist while shopping.
There are more feature-packed noting and ideation apps out there, with Notion and Evernote coming to mind. However, you can't beat Keep's convenience on Android.
Google Maps and WazeThe best mapping apps for Android, bar none.
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Google Maps virtually owns the navigation apps scene and remains one of the best Android apps ever. It gets frequent, almost weekly updates that only add to its incredibly generous list of existing features. Aside from the basics, Google Maps gives you access to places of interest, traffic data, directions to things like rest stops or gas stations, and you can download maps for offline use.
If you add to that the Waze experience, which includes tons of its own features, you won't need another navigation app. Ever. Google also owns and operates Waze, so we list them together. Both navigation apps work on Android Auto and usually work better than car navigation systems. Of course, we have more GPS and navigation apps if you need them.
Google and Google AssistantGoogle's two gateways to the content that's important to you.
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
This is one seriously powerful app. It also works on most Android devices. You download the app and then enable it. From there, you can ask whatever you want. It also supports a variety of commands. You can control smart home products, ask just about any question, and it can even do simple math problems for you. It's included with various products, such as Google Home speakers.
There is also a second Google Assistant app for those who want a quick launch icon on the home screen. The hardware stuff costs money, but Google Assistant is free. There are other decent personal assistant apps, like Amazon Alexa, if you want to go beyond Google.
Google VoiceGet a second phone number from Google (if you're in the US).
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Google Voice is a must-have app for separating personal and professional phone lines. It's essentially Google's VoIP service that offers users a second number that can be used without the need for an additional SIM card or eSIM profile. Google Voice can be used via the Android app but can also be accessed through a web browser.
Google Voice's main flaw is its lack of widespread availability. It's accessible across 14 countries, including the US and Canada, but it might not be the universal solution you want. Thankfully, there are plenty of free call apps if you live elsewhere. Google Voice is also free in the States, but businesses must pay a monthly sum.
Microsoft SwiftKeyMicrosoft's excellent Android keyboard gets even better with Bing Chat integration.
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard is among the most powerful and customizable third-party keyboards available. It hit the market several years ago with a predictive engine unlike any other keyboard, and the app has grown a lot over the years. It's a free download with free themes, so you don't have to pay a dime. More importantly, it gained Copilot integration, allowing for automatic message composition, an emoji generator, and the usual smart GPT-4 powered fare.
Other features include a dedicated number row, SwiftKey Flow, which allows for gesture typing, multiple language support, cross-device syncing of your library, and much more. It's about as good as it gets in the keyboard space.
Mozilla FirefoxThe best mobile browser for Android with extensive add-on support.
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Firefox is my choice of desktop browser, and it has become one of the best Android browsers in recent years, too. It wasn't always as polished as it is now, with Google Chrome largely trumping it on performance and integration with Android. However, recent versions of Mozilla Firefox have added more value to the browser, including a swathe of extensions, customizations, and zippy performance.
Of course, there's no reason to use one browser on your phone or tablet, and I still use Google Chrome for specific tasks. Even Firefox Focus, a companion browser made with privacy and quick search in mind, is worth including in your kit. However, Firefox is the best option as a primary browser for day-to-day tasks and beyond.
Nova LauncherThe long-running king of Android launchers.
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
Initially, we weren't going to put any launchers on this list, but Nova Launcher extends beyond what normal launchers are. It's been around for years and consistently updated; thus, it's always been an excellent launcher replacement option. It has many features, including the ability to back up and restore your home screen set-ups, icon theming for all your Android apps, tons of customization elements for the home screen and app drawer, and more. An analytics company purchased it, but no bad changes have been made.
You can even make it look like the Pixel Launcher if you want to. If you go premium, you can tack on gesture controls, unread count badges for apps, and icon swipe actions. Those looking for something simpler may want to try Lawnchair Launcher or Hyperion Launcher. Of course, we have a list of the best Android launchers with even more options. We also have a tutorial for Nova Launcher if you want to learn more.
Pocket CastsA great podcast management app for keen listeners.
Pocket Casts is one of the most popular podcast apps. It received some ire years ago for moving to a subscription model. However, changes since then have made the app more or less usable by anyone, even without a subscription. The app houses a ton of podcasts, good sharing options, and you can set things like auto download and playback speed. The UI is clean, easy to read, and easy to navigate. There isn't much Pocket Casts does wrong.
The subscription is mostly optional and includes cross-platform support, more themes, 10GB of cloud storage to store podcasts, and more. We used to be quite against subscriptions, but since most podcast players now do it, I can use this without the subscription without much issue. Podcast Addict and CastBox are other excellent options in this space, and we have a list of even more great podcast apps.
PowerampAn offline music player for Android with a dizzying array of options.
Poweramp is one of Android's most popular and functional local music players. It has all of the features, including Hi-Res audio support, Android Auto, an equalizer, gapless smoothing, and support for virtually any audio codec you can find. The UI has a bit of a learning curve, but it's also one of the better-looking music players, with optional themes in the Google Play Store.
Solid ExplorerAn Android file manager that thrives on clean design and customization.
File browsing is something everyone inevitably has (or wants) to do, so you might as well do it with a capable, fantastic file browser. Solid Explorer is as good as it gets in the file explorer apps realm. It features Material Design, archiving support, support for the most popular cloud services, and even some more power-user stuff like FTP, SFPT, WebDAV, and SMB/CIFS support.
It looks great, is incredibly stable, and works well. There is a 14-day free trial with a $2.99 price tag. Other file browsers have more features, but few blend together looks, ease of use, and features like Solid Explorer does. If this doesn't work for you, there are other outstanding file browsers.
Tasker and IFTTTAutomate your entire digital life with these two powerful services.
Tasker and IFTTT are two of the most powerful Android apps. They are automation apps where you can create various triggers to perform actions when specific things happen. For instance, you can use IFTTT or Tasker to turn on your Philips Hue lights automatically at night and off in the morning. Generally speaking, Tasker is the power-user option and has a much steeper learning curve than IFTTT. IFTTT is not only easier to use, but there is a boatload of fun things you can do with it.
Tasker is free on Google Play Pass. IFTT is free for most stuff, but there is a subscription if you want a few extras. There are some other great Android tools and utility apps, but none of them can step up to Tasker and IFTTT.
TextraThe colorful Google Messages alternative for multi-device messaging sync.
Textra is arguably the best and most stable texting app for Android. It comes with various themes, most of which you can edit. It does everything you need an SMS app to do without much hassle. It even has a built-in tutorial that makes it work better with Android Auto than most other texting apps. We like it for its simplicity. It's better than most OEM SMS apps, and we'd recommend it over most of them.
Messages by Google (Google Play) is another great option; it can even stream your texts to your computer (via web browser). We also have a full list of excellent SMS apps if these don't work for you.
TickTickEfficiently juggle your tasks, reminders, and calendar events within one smart app.
Google Play Store
TickTick isn't as popular as other to-do list apps. However, it may be the best one. It covers the basics like recurring tasks, reminders, push notifications, various organizational features, and categories. The app also lets you share tasks and entire categories with other people. This makes it great for family use, small teams at work, or other such groups. It's also great for grocery lists, honey-do lists, or others.
You get all of the features for free, albeit in a somewhat limited capacity, such as two reminders per task (premium makes that infinite). Our only major gripe is the lack of Wear OS support, which we hope the developers will eventually add. Some other excellent options in the space include Todoist and Microsoft To-Do.
YouTube and YouTube MusicAccess hours of video and music with Google's premier content apps.
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
We don't typically recommend streaming services to people. After all, everybody has their own preferences, and plenty of great options exist. However, we really like the combination of YouTube Music and YouTube, especially for those on large-screen devices like Android tablets. For one price, you get unlimited music from YouTube Music with more than enough tracks to compete with Spotify and Apple Music. However, you also get ad-free YouTube, background video play, and offline downloads.
Other music streaming services are usually better, but ad-free YouTube without the need for sideloading is excellent. Audiophiles may want to check out Hi-Fi options like TIDAL or Deezer.
ZedgeFind oodles of content and customizations to spruce up your smartphone.
Last but certainly not least on our list is Zedge. This is a wallpaper, ringtones, notification tones, and alarm tones app that gives you an unbelievable number of options to customize the most basic parts of your device. On top of having an exhaustive collection of things, Zedge also promotes various items during holiday seasons, making it easy to theme your phone up for Christmas, Halloween, and other holidays.
It's not 100% perfect. It does have the occasional bug and some of the worst advertising practices of any mobile app. Zedge Premium is a new initiative to provide premium content at a reasonable price. You watch ads or fill out surveys to earn Zedge credits as well. There are other great ringtone apps and great wallpaper apps. However, Zedge is the only one that reliably does both well, and its library is massive.
If you're not into the idea of wallpaper apps, we understand. We've compiled an extensive collection of the best Android wallpapers around, so be sure to check it out.
ExpressVPN (Sponsored)ExpressVPN is one of the most trusted, secure brands in the virtual private network industry, and that's for good reason. It's super fast and extremely safe, boasting an SSL-secured network with 256-bit encryption and, get this, unlimited bandwidth and speed. ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries (including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and others) in over 145 locations around the world, so there will always be a location near you to give you the best experience possible. What's more, the service even has stealth servers in Hong Kong. They are to evade the GFW specifically. It doesn't even look like you're using a VPN!
If we missed any of the best Android apps, tell us about them in the comments below.
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