In 2017, Chromebooks gained the ability to access Android apps from the Google Play Store. This increased the usability of Chromebooks and gave owners the change to access almost any app that Android smartphones and tablets can access. We reviewed dozens of apps to find these best Android apps for Chromebook that cover a little bit of everything.

Before You Can Use Chrome OS Android Apps

In order to download Android apps from the Google Play Store, your Chromebook should be running Chrome OS Version 53 or later. If you’re not sure what version your Chromebook is, go to Settings > About Chrome OS to find out what version you have.

If you’re running anything older than Chrome OS Version 53, you’ll need to update your Chromebook before you can download any of the apps mentioned in this article.

After the computer updates and reboots, go to Settings > Google Play Store and enable the Google Play Store. Then you should be ready to download any of these apps that look interesting.

File Manager by Astro

The file manager built into Chrome will do a passable job of helping you mange and access the files you have stored on your Chromebook, but there are apps like the File Manager by Astro that will make that so much easier. File Manager gives you a single place to store and manage your files. You can sort and manage, and even backup your files however it’s convenient for you.

  • Cloud manager to keep all your cloud-based storage clean and easy to access.

  • Backup Assistant to help backup all the data you don’t want to lose.

  • Sort and categorize files in a way that’s convenient for you.

  • App collects usage data that doesn’t need to be collected.

  • Can be buggy immediately after updates.

TickTick To-Do List

The TickTick To-Do List is an improvement over the Google Tasks list that’s standard on Chromebooks. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with Google Tasks, TickTick gives users more and more robust features, including the ability to tag tasks and it includes a Pomodoro timer as well as a habit tracker designed to help you build new habits using daily task reminders.

  • Easy to add to-do list items with deadlines and reminders.

  • Syncs across devices.

  • Can add subtasks.

  • Some features hidden behind paywall.

  • Custom notifications may not alert you to a deadlined task.

  • Status function can be a little laggy.

Aqua Mail Email App

The default email app on a Chromebook is fine. It does most of what most users need. But if you’re one of those users that needs a little more for your email, Aqua Mail provides. From the ability to connect multiple email accounts from multiple services to the integration with cloud storage and robust security features, Aqua Mail has a solid set of useful features.

  • Access multiple email accounts from different email services in a single app.

  • Includes an OAUTH2 authorization feature for some mail providers.

  • Integrates with cloud storage for backups and restores.

  • Allows access to POP and IMAP email accounts.

  • Free version is ad heavy.

  • Forces you to use “sent with Aqua Mail” signature line.

Firefox Focus

The Google Chrome browser is well-suited for the Chrome OS, but if you’re not a fan of Chrome for whatever reason, Firefox Focus is a good, secure alternative.

  • Blocks website trackers.

  • Completely erases browsing history.

  • Faster page load times.

  • Can be buggy.

  • Can cause computer battery to drain faster.

The security is the best feature of the browser, as it hides your browsing history and prevents websites from tracking your movements while you’re online. But an added feature is the speed with which pages load on the Firefox Focus browser.

Photo Editor Pro - Polish

Polish is a full featured photo editor offering tons of filters and great features. Users can adjust the lighting and color of images, add one of dozens of filters, and add text or create collages. There are some limits to the editing capabilities, though, and some (like skin alterations or healing brushes) are noticeably missing. Still, if you need a free photo editor, this one features fewer adds that some programs, and does a good job of editing photos in the process.

  • More than 60 photo filters.

  • Collage maker included.

  • Body editor for slimming faces and bodies.

  • Limited facial editing features.

  • Some features hidden behind a paywall.

Squid - Take Notes & Markup PDFs

If you have a Chromebook with an active pen or stylus, being able to take handwritten notes can be useful in all kinds of situations. Squid is a great little program for taking handwritten notes that lets you use your stylus or active pen. There are numerous templates included, and users can combine gestures with the inking capabilities to create and move through documents faster.

  • Ability to capture handwritten notes.

  • Combines gestures with stylus or active pen for more control.

  • Lots of page templates to choose from.

  • Can open and edit PDFs.

  • Some features hidden behind paywall.

  • Limited text formatting capabilities.

  • No ability to convert handwriting to text.

Another great feature is the sharing capabilities included with Squid. Share your notes or store them in the cloud. Because Squid keeps notes in vector format, there’s no worry about not having enough resolution to zoom in on even the smallest handwriting.

GoPro Quik

GoPro is well know for action cameras. In fact, GoPro is one of the most popular names in personal video recorders, so it’s no surprise that GoPro offers a free, easy to use video creating and editing application for Chromebook. Users can choose to edit existing videos or create videos from up to 75 still images.

  • 23 themes to choose from.

  • Edit GoPro videos or create videos from still photos.

  • Easily add music, save & share videos.

  • Limited audio editing capabilities.

  • App can be buggy after updates.

During the creating process, users can also choose what theme they want to use for the video and select a soundtrack, and it’s all easy to do, and easy to understand. The only drawback our researchers were able to find was a bit of bugginess after the application has been updated, but those issues usually resolved within five to seven days of the release. Still, if you need something that works all the time, you may want to consider finding a different video editing application for Chromebooks.

TuneIn - NFL Radio, Free Music, Sports & Podcasts

If you’re looking for an app to stream music, sports, or audiobooks while using your computer, TuneIn is one of the top-rated apps to get all three of those things and breaking news. There’s just one problem: while this app does have a free trial, once it’s over, you’ll have to pay for the subscription, and it’s usually billed annually rather than monthly.

  • Includes access to live, streaming sportscasts.

  • Stream radio and podcasts.

  • Commercial Free.

  • Requires a subscription after free trial ends.

  • Ad heavy, even with paid subscriptions.

Still, the subscription service is reasonably priced, especially when you consider you can stream NFL football broadcasts for free, and you’ll have access to plenty of music and audiobooks.

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