Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority
While sideloading might be a bit harder in 2026 than in the past, it still remains one of the most distinctive features of Android compared to more locked-down platforms like iOS. This not only lets you sideload your work-in-progress app ideas, but also run unofficial apps or even third-party app stores.
For those who want the widest selection and prefer to go straight through an official source, Google Play remains the very best storefront, but there are a few others worth looking at for specialty apps, older apps, or privacy-conscious users who want to free themselves from their Google accounts.
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