It feels like every utility — from basic file managers to simple note-taking apps — now demands a recurring monthly fee just to unlock the features that make them usable.
I convinced myself that premium features required a premium price tag. Then, I took a deep dive into the world of FOSS (Free and Open Source Software).
I started hunting for high-quality open source alternatives that could actually go toe-to-toe with the big names.
I found a collection of FOSS gems that offer better privacy, no tracking, and more customization than the premium apps I used to pay for. Let’s go over them.
10 apps and services I’m absolutely happy to pay for
You get what you pay for
Nextcloud
For years, Google Drive was the invisible backbone of my mobile life. It was convenient, but the constant nudge to ‘upgrade storage’ started to wear on me.
I finally moved everything to Nextcloud hosted on my own NAS. It was the best digital move I have ever made.
The first thing that struck me about Nextcloud Android app is just how far open source design has come. It’s not just functional; it’s beautifully designed.
It supports Material You aesthetic, which means it feels like a native part of my Pixel rather than a clunky third-party add-on. The animations are fluid, and the dedicated Media tab is a standout feature that rivals the Google Photos experience.
The list of features continues with automatic media update so that every shot I take is instantly synced to my NAS, offline access and favorites for easy access, and real-time collaboration.
Overall, Nextcloud for Android does the job with a level of polish and privacy that Google Drive simply can’t match.
Now I use Google Drive for WhatsApp backups and Gmail inbox.
Fossify File Manager
I have spent years jumping between different ‘Pro’ file managers on the Play Store. Most of them are bloated and even require subscription prompts just to access basic network features.
I finally got fed up and switched to Fossify File Manager, and I’m never going back. It doesn’t just try to look like Android; it feels like it was designed by the original Google design team.
It is lightweight, fast, and the animations are buttery smooth. When I’m looking for a specific screenshot or a downloaded Docker config file, the search is near-instant.
The app only asks for access to my files. There is no location tracking, contact access, or other permissions.
Fossify File Manager is the definition of ‘less is more.’
If you are tired of your file manager acting like a bloatware-filled hub, this is the first gem you should install.
Cashew
I have tried many finance apps on Android — the ones that link to your bank, the ones with the flashy AI insights, and the ones that charge you $10 a month just to see a pie chart of your spending.
I wanted a tool that I could control. That’s when I found Cashew, and it’s been a crucial part of my Android setup.
Cashew supports Material You, and it looks and feels like a native part of my phone.
It’s high on customization as well, so that I can rearrange sections like Goals, Budgets, and Net Worth, and see the info I care about front and center.
Cashew is jam-packed with features like subscription tracking, scheduled transactions, custom categories, goals, budgets, and detailed analysis.
Cashew proved to me that you don’t need a monthly bill to manage your bills. It’s fast, private, and does the job without breaking a sweat.
Since Cashew is open source, I don’t have to worry about some corporate board selling my spending habits to advertisers.
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Super Productivity
I have been using Super Productivity on my desktop for a while now, but after I integrated the Android app into my daily routine, it changed how I track my time and tasks.
It’s not just another to-do list; it’s a full-blown productivity suite that stays out of the way until I need it.
I hopped between Todoist, TickTick, and Toggl. They are all great, but Super Productivity gives me all of that for free, and because it’s open source, I don’t have to worry about my data being harvested.
What I love about the Android app is how it balances complexity with a clean UI. It doesn’t feel like a scaled-down version of the desktop app.
I can start a timer on a task the moment I start writing a blog post. At the end of the day, I can see exactly what I accomplished.
The list of features continues with sub-tasks, attachments, deep time-tracking, and more.
Anytype
After using Notion and Obsidian for a while, the biggest shock when switching to the Anytype Android app was the speed. Because it follows a local-first philosophy, the app just flies on my Google Pixel 8.
Anytype doesn’t just give you pages; it gives you Objects. This was a major plus point for how I organize my blog drafts.
I have to talk about UI. The icons are crisp, the typography is spot-on, and the dark mode is one of the best I have seen on Android.
It’s one of those rare apps that I want to open because the experience of using it is so smooth.
Before you try Anytype, let me warn you. There is a bit of a learning curve here. It takes a while to get comfortable with workspaces, objects, and a modern editor that supports a slash command.
Thunderbird
I have tried several free and premium email apps on Android. But when Thunderbird landed on Android, I didn’t just switch — I uninstalled my other mail apps for good.
If you have used Thunderbird on the desktop, you know it’s the gold standard for customization. The Android app brings the same no-nonsense energy to my Pixel.
It offers a unified inbox, supports Material Design, and does the job just fine without any AI add-ons.
Thunderbird for Android is the app that finally brought desktop-class emailing to my pocket.
Stop paying monthly
Overall, making the switch to open source isn’t just a win for your wallet; it’s a win for the longevity of your digital workflow.
When you move your life to apps like Anytype or Thunderbird, you no longer need to worry about the company hiking prices or shuttering a service overnight.
If you have been on the fence, I encourage you to swap just one paid app this week for an open source equivalent.
Also, these are just my personal recommendations; the Play Store is packed with dozens of such open source apps. You can always try more options to customize your workflow.
