Something worth noting is that F-Droid is both an app to download other apps but they also maintains a repository of apps. You can use alternative store apps (like Droid-ify) with the F-Droid repository OR you could use the F-Droid app with a different repository (like IzzyOnDroid). You can mix and match to meet your needs.

I use the Droid-ify app with the F-Droid, IzzyOnDroid, microG, NewPipe, and Collabora repositories.

Once you start down this rabbit hole, give Obtanium a look.

Been using Fdroid to the point where my first boot into a new phone is:

Open chrome > download fdroid > open settings > uninstall/disable every single application I can > open fdroid > install all the relevant apps I require for making my phone useful

I'm just waiting for a small life upgrade in order to be able to support some app developers; it will be money better spent than using the standard google apps.

Droid-ify is the best way to use f-droid imo

I know this thread is already a little old, but here is the list of my favorite apps from F-Droid/Izzy. I use a lot of these almost daily and just thought I would share these in case someone might find a new app they find useful

• Eternity (Infinity for Lemmy)
• Buckwheat (Budgeting)
• Aegis (Authentication)
• Lawnchair (Pixel-like launcher)
• Quillnotes (Markdown notes app)
• Forkyz (Crosswords)
• Geometric Weather
• Imagepipe (Removes exif data and reduces pics)
• AntennaPod (Podcast app)
• Olauncher (Beautiful and minimal text based launcher)

Fdroid basic allows automatic updates!

The guadian project repos are also preset, albeit not enabled by default.

What kinda good stuff is on F Droid they the average User might want?

Are they planning on modernizing the app for Material You? It feels out of place in my phone in 2023.

edit: all the people who suggested Droid-ify know what's up. Thanks, guys!

Even better obtanium installs direct from the Devs host. You could use fdroid to find the homepage/where they host and add it to obtanium

Try Neostore too...

Love F-Droid but be aware of the risks and always try to use a developer repo when possible..

https://privsec.dev/posts/android/f-droid-security-issues/

Don't forget to add the New pipe repo!

I've always had a niggling worry that downloading apps from 3rd party app stores came with a higher risk of getting apps with viruses and spyware.

any truth to this?

I have never found anything useful in it. And god I have tried. I end up uninstalling it every time.

I made a website to help finding well-maintained F-Droid apps through Github/Gitlab metrics here: https://dbeley.github.io/fdroid-insights/

Neo store is a nice layout for f-Droid if you want a more modern look

I can't use F-Droid without the Play Store but I tend to check there first to see if there is something available there before installing something from the Play Store.

I use iOS now though had f-droid installed on my old android phones :)

F droid is EXCELLENT