I dumped 11 popular Google apps on my Android phone for these open-source alternatives

Before I get accused of Google-bashing, let me make one thing clear: Google makes some of Android’s best apps. Google Keep? Maps? The Play Store!? I’d find it difficult to ax all of these from my life in one fell swoop. This quality assortment should be expected of the platform’s custodian; however, these apps have one problem: if you’re trying to break free from Google’s binds, using its suite of apps is certainly the worst way to go about it. Thankfully, there is a plethora of open-source Google app alternatives ready and waiting for you.

I’ve been on a lifelong mission to install as many open-source apps on my Android phones. Supporting smaller developers is only one part of my motivation; the open-source model favors those who prefer to understand exactly where and how their data is used, how the app is built, and the actual human beings behind it. In some cases, the alternative app may even offer additional functionality beyond what Google provides.

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