Generating revenue from an app is the ultimate goal of every developer. Nevertheless, they often encounter a challenging situation before initiating an application development project - Which App store will generate more revenue for their app? Although there are dozens of app store alternatives available, most developers will still opt for the obvious two ‘main’ stores.

While they think Apple’s App Store and Google’s Pay Store will provide better exposure to their app, this is not the case every time. It is no secret that both these online store holds a significant market share, but they may not offer that level of exposure to new apps as other app store alternatives may provide. 

Some alternative stores offer a more selective but higher quality of apps, catering to a specific age group or a specific goal. Therefore, if you have an app that is tailored for certain countries, selecting an app store alternative might be a suitable option for you.

It is also important to note that these third-party app stores often offer better deals to developers and pay them a higher interest than the App Store and Google Play Store. So, are you interested to know more about app store alternatives? 

In this guide, we will look at some of the top app store alternatives, alongside discussing their benefits and risks. We will also demonstrate the process of publishing an app on third-party app stores. So, let’s get started!

Why Go for App Store Alternatives?

We know how profitable revenue-sharing models Google Play Store and Apple App Store offer to developers. However, third-party app stores often offer more lucrative app deals than these two most popular ones. 

Advantages of Opting for App Store Alternatives

Before getting your app published on these third-party app stores, it is essential to consider their potential benefits including - 

• These App store alternatives often charge low or even no fees for listing apps. Additionally, they provide better app promotion by featuring it as the ‘App of the Day’ and offering advertising discounts to developers. 
• The chances of your app listing in the recommended apps list are relatively higher than in Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. 
• The app store alternatives let you download app without Apple ID and Google account. 
• App store alternatives are relatively more lucrative than Google and Apple app stores as they offer localized apps for specific countries. 

Now that you may have a better understanding of the potential opportunities and benefits of app store alternatives, let’s move forward to discuss some of the top-rated alternatives to app stores, including Play Store, App Store, and Manufacturer-specific App Stores. But before that, don’t forget to take a look at some potential risk factors you should consider before listing your app on alternative app stores. 

Top Risk Factors to Consider Before Listing Apps on App Store Alternatives

App store alternatives are fantastic platforms that developers to publish their apps without following the strict guidelines of Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. Alternatively, it offers users an option to download and install apps on their devices without using the official app stores. 

There are several reasons why listing apps on app store alternatives has become a new normal for developers: They can easily reach a wider audience, get more exposure, avoid fees and restrictions, and offer more personalized and niche experiences to the users. 

While there are countless advantages of opting for app store alternatives, we should not forget the potential risks that come along. So, let’s discuss the top risk factors you should consider listing apps on app store alternatives:

Malware and Security

The most significant risk in listing apps on alternative app stores is the threat of malware and security violations. Unlike the official app stores, which have rigorous policies and procedures to check and verify apps for malware and other security risks, many alternative app stores lack such practices. 

Therefore, downloading apps from alternative app stores can expose users to malicious software, such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, or phishing. This can jeopardize the users’ personal data, device performance, and online security. 

Furthermore, listing apps on alternative app stores can also expose developers to the risk of piracy and intellectual property infringement, as their apps can be easily duplicated, altered, or distributed without their permission or knowledge.

User Experience and Trust

Another risk factor of listing apps on alternative app stores is the possible effect on the user experience and trust. Users who download apps from alternative app stores may face a lower quality of apps, as these stores offer a smaller but greater choice of apps, or target a specific age group or goal. 

This can lead to a lack of diversity, innovation, and functionality in the apps available. Moreover, users who download apps from alternative app stores may also encounter a lack of trust and dependability, as they may not be certain about the genuineness, legitimacy, and security of the apps they are downloading. This can influence the users’ satisfaction, loyalty, and retention rates.

Payment and Distribution

Payment and distribution remains the most significant factor behind the low trust in third-party app stores. Developers who list their apps on these third-party app stores have to deal with different payment methods, currencies, and tax regulations, depending on the country and user preference. 

This can result in a complicated and expensive process for developers, as they have to deal with multiple payment platforms, adhere to various legal and financial obligations, and manage refunds and disputes. 

Moreover, developers who list their apps on alternative app stores also have to cope with the challenge of distribution and marketing, as they have to compete with a larger number of apps, connect with a fragmented and diverse audience, and keep a consistent and updated presence across multiple app stores.

Top 7 Free App Store Alternatives for Android

Consider our list of some top-rated alternatives to the Android Play Store. 

Aptoide

Aptoide is one of the popular third-party app store alternatives to Play Store, where you can find tons of free and paid apps and APKs. You can also find some apps that are either removed or are not available on the Play Store. Additionally, you can download the latest as well as the old version of the app and there are no geo-restrictions. 

Aptoide has relatively cheaper app alternatives to the Google Play Store. The best part is that you can find every app here, whether it is free or paid. After creating an account on Aptoide, you can even design your own app store, create an app collection, and share it with your friends and family. For developers, it offers a minimum of 75% payout rate on in-app purchases. 

Features

• No sign-in required 
• Malware detection systems 
• Access to all versions of an app
• Free-to-use
• Availability of all third-party apps.

Tweakvalley.com

Tweakvalley.com offers access to more than thousands of free and open-source apps. The platform is available as a website that runs on mobile devices only. It is a one-stop solution for users who want the upgraded or downgraded version of an Android app. 

Additionally, it allows developers to create their own repository and list their apps. It only allows the listing of free Android apps. 

Features

• No Registration
• Access to only free apps
• Free-to-download
• Availability of all third-party Android apps.

GetJar

GetJar is one of the oldest and most trusted app store store alternatives to date. It has a million apps listed that can be downloaded via mobile versions and from the corporate client. 

However, too much advertisement on the platform may irritate users. Still, it offers almost all apps for Android and iOS devices, even those that are currently not available on the official Play Store and App Store. The revenue-sharing policy of the platform is quite great for developers. 

Features

• Easy to use
• Fast and secure app downloads
• Millions of Android and iOS apps are available
• Supportive revenue-sharing policy for developers

SlideMe

SlideMe is a US-based app store alternative, launched in 2008. The platform quickly rose in popularity as the second-best alternative to the Google Play Store due to the level of security it offers. The app store scans for viruses and exploits on all apps before listing. 

On top of that, it has a robust community of app developers who regularly share ideas on code snippets, bug fixes, etc. It even has an app listed on it - an APK installer for iOS that allows the download of Android apps on iOS devices. 

Features

• No sign-in required 
• Strict Security
• Free-to-use
• Access to all versions of an app
• Availability of all third-party apps.

Uptodown

Uptodown is a complete package platform for downloading mobile apps for Android and software for Windows and Mac. The website allows users to download open-source games and other utility apps. 

It features thousands of free versions of paid apps. Users have a wide selection of apps to choose from. Downloading any APK from Uptodown is as easy and convenient as the Google Play Store. 

Features

• Access to thousands of APK files
• Free versions of apps are available
• Open-source games available for download
• Software for Windows and Mac available for download

APKPure

APKPure is a website and an app that allows users to download APK files, apps, and games for Android devices.  It offers a large collection of open-source and free apps and games that may not be available on the official app stores.

It updates the apps and games regularly and makes the latest versions available as soon as possible. The platform allows users to download previous versions of apps and games in case they want to revert to an older version or avoid bugs.

Features

• Multiple languages and regions supported
• User-friendly interface 
• Fast and secure download process.
• Offer a dedicated app to download apps directly on the smartphone.

Mobango Ltd.

Mobango is an alternative app store for downloading free Android mobile apps. It is free to download and use and does not require rooting on Android devices.

It also has an online app store and an Android app available, which can be used to access and download apps and games directly from the device. It is a mobile community that enables users to publish, create, convert, store, share, download, and play various types of mobile content, such as videos, photos, ringtones, and more

Features

• Large collection of open-source and free apps and games.
• The latest and older versions of the app are available
• Supports multiple languages and regions.
• Fast and secure download process. 

Top Free App Store Alternatives for iOS

As above we have discussed some of the top alternatives to the Google Play Store, let now discuss the best app store alternatives for iOS. 

Altstore 

Altstore is the best and top-rated third-party tweaked app store for iOS. Unlike TutuApp and Tweakbox, it doesn’t rely on developer’s certificates. It allows users to download .ipa files that may not be available on the official App Store. 

However, the platform requires ALTServer download, advanced firewall, and WIFI settings for installing and updating the apps. Additionally, you can download the Altstore iOS 16 version for a better user interface and a fast download process.  

Features

• Free in-app purchases 
• No jailbreak ios 10 version
• Doesn’t rely on developer’s certificates
• Thousands of Altstore apps are available
• Installation of open-code and third-party apps. 

Appstore++ 

AppStore++ is not an alternative app store but a free tweak to add to your official App Store. It allows you to upgrade or download any app’s version installed on your smartphone. Additionally, it can force stop the unwanted updates on the App Store. You will need jailbreak for Appstore++ download.  It is the biggest disadvantage of this tweak, the rest of everything is according to the user’s preference. 

Features

• Upgrade or Downgrade any App
• Jailbreak required
• Works with the official App Store. 

Buildstore iOS

Buildstore is probably the most used tweaked iOS app store with an active user base of 15K every day. The platform was launched in 2013 and since then, it has been one of the best apps to sideload iOS games and apps without jailbreak. 

Today, the store features more than 300 apps and games, with 20-30 apps keep adding to the list regularly. The platform rigorously tests the app for malware and viruses before listing them. 

Features

• More than 300+ tweaks & apps
• Seamless account restoring
• 24×7 online customer support

Cydia

Cydia is one of the most popular alternative app stores for iOS. However, it works on jailbreak devices only. The app is compatible for download on all iOS devices, versions, and most jailbreak devices. 

The app is quite easy to use and offers much easier installation to even first-time users. Therefore, you may not find any Cydia alternative in the market that offers this level of satisfaction and services. 

Features

• Compatible with jailbreak devices
• Supports all iOS versions
• User-friendly interface. 

Yulustore iOS

Yulustore is a dedicated iOS third-party app store with over 100+ tweaked iOS apps available to download for iPhone and iPad users. You can either download your favorite app with its one-click download function or scan the QR code. 

Some of the best and most famous tweaked apps available on Yulustore iOS include Snapchat++, Instagram++, and Tiktok++. Apart from apps, you can download the best paid iOS games from Yulustore. 

Features

• 100+ Tweaked apps.
• Ads-Free
• Free to Download iOS apps.
• Great user Interface.

Tweakbox

Tweakbox is an alternative app store iOS that lets you download and install modified apps on your iOS devices. You don’t need the Apple app store to use Tweakbox, which has a simple and attractive design. 

The platform has a huge collection of apps & games that are not available on the official Apple app store. It is secure and free, and it works with all iPhones and iPads. The best part is that you can find many Tweakbox alternatives on the internet. 

Features 

• User-friendly interface 
• A large variety of games & apps
• Compatible with all iPads and iPhones 
• Easy to use.

Tweak Store.me

Tweak Store.me is a website that offers a variety of apps and games for iOS devices that are not available on the official Apple app store. 

You can download and install modified or customized apps without jailbreaking your device. Tweak Store.me is free and secure, and it has a simple and attractive design.

Features

• Web-based interface that can be accessed from any browser.
• Thousands of apps and games are in different categories.
• Fast and easy injection process to install the apps on your device.
• Supports all iOS versions from 10 to 14, and all iPhone and iPad models.

App Valley

App Valley is another alternative app store that allows users to download and install apps and games for iOS devices without using the official app store such as Apple App Store. 

It is free to download and use and does not require jailbreaking of iOS devices. It offers a large selection of unofficial apps, games, emulators, screen recorders, and more that may not be available on the official app store. There are many App Valley alternatives available, including Yulustore, Tweakbox, etc. 

Features

• Easy-to-install app
• Access to thousands of apps and games. 
• Doesn’t require jailbreaking

Tutubox

Tutubox is a popular third-party app store that offers a wide range of emulators, tweaked apps, hacked iOS games, and jailbreak tools for iOS devices. Additionally, it is one of the best TutuApp alternatives.

The platform is free to use and is compatible with all devices running on iOS 13 or later. You can download tweaked apps like Instagram++, Twitter++, YouTubeMusic++, and top emulators like Delta, Happy Click, Provenance, and game hack GTA iSpoofer, Sniper 3D, Minecraft, Last Day on Earth, and Shadow Fight 3.

You can also install tools like Electra, Phoenix, Odyssey, H3lix, and unc0ver from Tutubox without using a PC.

Features

• Allow users to download hack iOS apps
• Safe and reliable
• Free-to-use
• Allow users to download apps without Apple ID. 

Top 5 Manufacturer-specific App Store Alternatives

Apart from third-party app store alternatives, there are some manufacturer-specific app stores that offer better exposure to your app than official and third-party app stores. 

Xiaomi GetApps

Xiaomi GetApps is the official app store from Xiaomi that offers personalized recommendations based on your preferences. It uses security tools from Avast, Kingsoft, and Tencent to ensure safe and secure app downloads. GetApps is compatible with Redmi, Poco, or Mi smartphones.

Huawei AppGallery

Huawei AppGallery is an official marketplace for Huawei users to download and install various apps. You can find apps from different categories, such as games. 

You can also access official Huawei Cloud Storage to store your data online. But be aware that Huawei AppGallery is mainly designed for the Chinese market. So, you might see many app names and descriptions in Chinese.

LG SmartWorld

LG SmartWorld is an official app store that comes with LG devices. You can use it to download and run Android apps on your LG mobile device or smart TV. The store also lets you know when there is an update available for any app. And if you want to change the look of your LG smartphone, you can choose from various themes on LG SmartWorld.

OPPO App Store

If you have an OPPO smartphone, you can use the OPPO App Store to find and download various apps, games, and themes. These are created by OPPO developers and are of high quality. They also work well with OPPO devices and are free from malware and bugs. OPPO App Store is an official store for OPPO users.

Samsung Galaxy Store

It is an official app store that comes with pre-installed apps on the Samsung devices. Among the most manufacturer-specific app stores, the Samsung Galaxy store has a larger user base. 

The store attracts app developers by offering better revenue sharing and offering customized fonts and multiple themes to Samsung users. 

Conclusion

After reading all about the app store alternatives, you may wonder, “How can I pick one app store from this long list?” The truth is, you don’t have to. These free app markets are not meant to replace Google Play and App Store. 

They are more like an extra option to get more downloads. But sometimes, Google Play and App Store may not be enough for users who have more advanced technical needs. For them, these alternative app stores can offer a platform that suits their preferences. 

Also, the main two stores have a lot of competition. Some developers may not be ready to face that challenge. In that case, alternative stores can give them more opportunities to promote their app. But remember, you should always check the security risks and do your research before using an alternative app store.

FAQs

Is Altstore Safe?

Yes, Altstoe is totally safe and comes from trusted servers. However, you should read all the user terms and policies before downloading it. 

How to Trust Apps on iOS 10?

• Go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management. You will see a section called “Enterprise App” that has a profile for the developer.
• Tap on the developer profile under the “Enterprise App” section. This will allow you to trust this developer.
• You will get a prompt to confirm your decision. Tap on Trust to proceed.

Which is the Best Zinitevi Alternative iOS?

MovieBox is the best alternative to Zinitevi. The app allows you to live stream your favorite movies and web series and also allows you to download apps for your Android and iOS devices. 

How to Download Apps without Apple ID?

To download apps without Apple ID, you can install them from third-party app stores.