This article highlights Android app store alternatives to Google Play, which both serve the apps and recruit developers. While some “app stores” may be just an alternative browser for the Android Market, the app stores on this list are their own business. App stores, like the ACMarket App, are their own business, and they provide their web interface to users in order to allow them to browse and download apps from their servers.You will pay the app store directly, and you won’t need to use Google Checkout. These app stores encourage developers and allow them to publish apps. They cater to all types of apps, from web apps type sites to full-featured retail apps.
Opera Mobile App Store
It has a striking Opera “Esque” black-and-red theme. It reminds me a lot about the design of the touch Facebook app. The Opera Mobile App Store also offers both paid and unpaid apps at competitive prices. App stores don’t all sell the same app at the same price. This makes the alternative store an exciting addition to the market to encourage more competition.
QuickOffice Connect, for example, was available at a four-dollar discount on the Android Marketplace, March 21st, 2011, selling for $5.99 instead of $9.99. The third feature is the Opera Mobile App Store, which allows you to register multiple devices and track your downloads. PocketGear.com manages the entire app catalog and delivery system.
SlideME
SlideME also offers an official app, Q-Rcode. It is simple with basic categories and a scroll wheel for featured apps at the top. App descriptions include screenshots, compatibility lists, and links to video demonstrations. You can also access additional categories such as “Top Apps” or “Latest” Android apps by clicking the menu button. You can also set the number of apps you want to see on each page and limit how many screenshots per app.
GetJar
GetJar is an established, trusted, and cross-platform app store. It used to be able to offer Android apps via its platform. Instead, it uses Google Play links. There is, however, a fun twist. You can download apps that carry GetJar Gold, a currency that can be used in hundreds of apps and themes instead of real money.
This is not a comprehensive list of all alternative app stores. App stores that do business in English only were included. They had full-functional web apps interfaces and client-based user experiences. There are many other app stores, especially those that cater to China and other Asian countries.
