The Google Play Store adds hundreds of new apps to its store daily, with a total number of available apps on the marketplace now in the millions. And while there are undoubtedly too many new entries for the average person to check out themselves, Google has gone through all of this year’s new apps to bring you a list of the best of the year via its official blog, The Keyword.
Winning this year’s big award as the Best Overall App and Game is Focus Friend by author and YouTube personality Hank Green. This app is best described as a Tamogatchi-style virtual pet that users can customize and take care of after successfully completing focus tasks and challenges that include putting your phone down for a certain time and keeping off of specific time-wasting apps. Google describes this award-winning app as “a simple yet effective tool that helps you stay present. It’s the essential, helpful (and cute!) app we all needed this year.”
- Developer
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Honey B Games
- Subscription cost
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$2/month
- Ads
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No
Google also named Pokémon TCG Pocket as the Best Game on the Play Store released in 2025. Developed by The Pokémon Company, this gatcha-style game recreates the iconic trading card game for the mobile age. Google says, “From tearing open booster packs to fawning over beautifully designed cards, there’s a tactile element to everything. These thoughtful touches bring the card game into a new era, earning it the coveted award of Best Game of 2025.”
Rounding out the top list for multi-device apps is Luminar, which is an AI image-enhancing tool, and for multi-device games, Gameloft’s Disney Speedstorm, which is a kart-style game that allows players to race as their favorite Disney characters.
Best apps for families, cars and more
Focus Friend wins again in the Personal Growth category
In addition to their big winners, Google has announced several other winners in key categories, including Family, Cars, and even a Hidden Gem category. You can check out the full list below:
- Best for Fun: Edits, an Instagram app
- Best for Personal Growth: Focus Friend by Hank Green
- Best Everyday Essential: Wiser – 15 Minute Audio Books
- Best Hidden Gem: Pingo AI Language Learning
- Best for Families: ABCmouse 2: Kids Learning Game
- Best for Watches: SleepisolBio: sleep, alarm
- Best for Large Screens: Goodnotes: Notes, docs, PDF
- Best for Cars: SoundCloud: The Music You Love
- Best for XR Headsets: Calm – Sleep, Meditate, Relax
In addition to the above, Google has broken down awards for individual game genres and also has a list of favorite Google Play reads from 2025, all available on its official blog The Keyword.
