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)

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

Fdroid basic allows automatic updates!

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

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.

F droid is EXCELLENT

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

I thought fdroid was out of maintenance and they recommend droidify