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How to get paid apps for free on Android

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We love apps. We love free apps. And we love paid apps being given away for free most of all. But we don't like pirates and we don't like stealing. There are plenty of legal ways to get paid apps for free on Android – including in the Play Store – and we're going to share a few with you.

Before we continue, it's worth pointing out that free apps may cost in other ways: as one study discovered, ad-funded apps can use an average of 79 percent more mobile data than the ad-free equivalents. If you're on a limited monthly mobile data plan, choosing the "free" version of an app may be a false economy.

Free app of the day

Freapp is one of my favorite apps because every morning I'm greeted by another new app for free. It's not always one I want but saves me having to look through a ton of lists that other sales apps have.

freapp
Naturally, you don't get anything for free on an app without looking at ads. / © NextPit

As with any deals program, the offers vary: some apps won't be eligible for updates, and some of the free apps probably don't cost anything to start with. Nevertheless, the deals just keep coming and there are often some real gems in there.

${app-com.digitaltbd.freapp}

AppHoarder - paid apps gone free

This app will delight the thrifty. Most developers make their premium apps free temporarily for promotional reasons or during sales, and once you download an app, it's yours. Rather than always be looking on the Play Store for deals, this app collects the paid apps that are currently available for free and displays them in a list. You'd be surprised just how many on any given day, but of course, most aren't so great. Thankfully you can use advanced search and filter options to sort for what you're most interested in.

App Hoarder
Browse or bargain hunt, you can grab some great deals this way. / © NextPit (screenshot)
  • Get it on the Play Store

Ask the Internet hive mind

On the Internet, no power is more remarkable than swarm intelligence. A good place to look when researching for exciting deals is Reddit. In particular, the subreddits googleplaydeals and AndroidGameDeals. Follow the link below to check them out together:

The games posted there are sorted by popularity and discussed on site. Quite often the app developers themselves will answer your questions.

Google Play surveys

We've written about Google's free Play Store credit in exchange for answering surveys before. If you're not aware of it yet, Google offers its very own rewards program because, well, it wants even more information about you and your habits.

Simply install the Google Opinion Rewards app, fill in a short survey and collect your coinage. You're limited to one survey a week (so you won't exactly be able to retire early), and you don't always get paid for every survey, but you can earn up to a dollar per survey. Not bad for a few minutes of your time.

AndroidPIT Paid Apps For Free Google Opinion Rewards
Google likes to know things about you, and it is willing to pay you for it. / © ANDROIDPIT
${app-com.google.android.apps.paidtasks}

Discounted apps and sales

Some apps, such as AppSales, enable you to add apps you're interested in to a watch list, so you can be notified when they go on sale. It isn't exactly free, but it's still better than full price. Plus, AppSales does occasionally post free apps.

appsales
Appsales tracks both discounts and freebies. / © NextPit

How do you score paid apps for free (no illegal methods, please)? What's the best deal you've ever found for a paid app? Make yourself heard in the comments. 

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Nicholas Montegriffo

Nicholas Montegriffo
Editor

A cyberpunk and actual punk, Nicholas is the Androidpit team's hardcore gamer, writing with a focus on future tech, VR/AR, AI & robotics. Out of office, he can be found hanging around in goth clubs, eating too many chillies, or at home telling an unlucky nerd that their 8th level wizard died from a poisoned spike trap.

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53 comments
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  • 1
    DJBABY1980 Feb 18, 2019 Link to comment

    Google Opinion Rewards works great... I've been using it for a few years now and have purchased a couple apps and made numerous in-app purchases.


  • 27
    Sorin Feb 9, 2019 Link to comment

    I've subscribed to https://sharewareonsale.com and https://www.giveawayoftheday.com, and I find useful and interesting programs for both PC and Android.


    • 25
      Deactivated Account Feb 9, 2019 Link to comment

      Thank you Sorin 😀


  • Albin Foro 30
    Albin Foro Feb 9, 2019 Link to comment

    Not long ago the Play Store itself had a section for "On Sale" apps, many free. Now terminated, probably because it was being "gamed" as a shortcut to undeserved status for a lot of crummy junk discounted from faked "regular" prices. (For apps in the article, see if the shoe fits.) With all the junkware, it was a one-stop service worth checking now and then and I got several very good products free. Hope Google will fix and bring it back.

    Deactivated AccountSorin


  • Zafeer 4
    Zafeer Mar 17, 2018 Link to comment

    A nice piece of information and looking fabulous, Honest work and please update some more.

    Sorin


  • 2
    Vinay kumar Mourya Jan 20, 2018 Link to comment

    yes these are the true methods to use i have used google surveys and a app which gives gives you notifications of ongoing sales of free apps using the apps provided by apk apps sites are not the best way because you can get a virus or file you dont want and also it is not good to get someones work for free, i only like the google syrveys vecause its secure and google already knows about you so no metter if they ask anything.. But a great post.

    Sorin


  • D. L. 8
    D. L. Dec 18, 2017 Link to comment

    Sorry to toot the competition's horn, but Android Police runs a feature a couple times a week, usually on Wednesday, listing free and on sale apps & games. I've seen big named apps there on sale, like popular launchers, Nova, and others. They feature new and notable apps that are only weeks old. So if you like trying out new stuff, you should definitely visit AP.

    Mike


  • Dan Bod 2
    Dan Bod Dec 10, 2017 Link to comment

    You've missed, "Paid Apps Gone Free" (or "PAGF").

    Kevin love


  • 20
    Reg Joo Dec 10, 2017 Link to comment

    The apps that you get from other app stores most of the time, won’t be updated through the play store, even if that same app is on it, especially paid apps. If the other AppStore doesn’t have a updater,you won’t be able to update, unless apkmirror has a newer version.


  • 2
    Jay W Dec 10, 2017 Link to comment

    Amazon underground app! This app has an entire section of 100% free apps, and it's not cheesy apps either, I'm taking about good quality apps like plex ($4.99 on Google play) In addition to this, the Amazon app store gives away a free app every day. Just sign in an look for the free app of the day. I have a rediculous amount of good free apps from Amazon, apps like Where's my water, Tetris and Cut the Rope. Amazon is all you'll ever need.

    Kevin love


  • Jawad Ahmed 2
    Jawad Ahmed Jan 3, 2016 Link to comment

    I had also written about apps which are free available fro people i think you will enjoy that to get apps in your pocket with your smart phone here is it on geeksjar.com

    Kevin love


  • Shafiq Ur Rahman 2
    Shafiq Ur Rahman Dec 21, 2015 Link to comment

    almost all paid app are available free in Google play but then you can play some of the mission there and then you should pay for other mission.


  • Mark G. 28
    Mark G. Dec 20, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi,
    I can't seem to find the Google play store "free app of the week" has it ended or moved?


  • 3
    Karen J. Dec 19, 2015 Link to comment

    Google Play Rewards were constantly giving me surveys.....I earned a bit here & there & loved it but now I hardly here from them . My tablet is set to alerts & nothing.....I've reinstalled the app a few times but still having issues...
    Same with the App of the Day,same as above but if I want to check it out I have to press on the widget......

    All settings are correct...Just in case you were wondering...I formerly had an Acer tablet which I loved...I now have a Samsung Galaxy s4 16G. ...

    Enigmo


  • 16
    Viktor jovanović v. Sep 26, 2015 Link to comment

    On Amazon you can also get free apps


  • 16
    Viktor jovanović v. Aug 29, 2015 Link to comment

    You can also go to Google Play - Get paid apps for free. good luck!


  • GrimJimCrowley 14
    GrimJimCrowley Aug 19, 2015 Link to comment

    Google Play Rewards is great! Able to get premium version of Nova Launcher without spending my own hard-earned $$$

    Kevin loveSaleh Jamali


  • 3
    William Kane Aug 7, 2015 Link to comment

    Nice idea, but m not sure its 100% legit.

    Saleh Jamali


  • Junaid Q. 17
    Junaid Q. Aug 4, 2015 Link to comment

    I use Blackmart app to get paid apps for free ;-)


    • sinkster 23
      sinkster Aug 4, 2015 Link to comment

      I'd be wary about blackmart, Aptoide or any other app pirating app/site. Any of their pirated apps (i.e. any paid apps for 'free') have the ability to compromise your phones security at root level and install undetectable or unremovable trojans. If you don't pay a developer for his work, you pay in other ways ;)

      Dan BodJunaid Q.


      • Junaid Q. 17
        Junaid Q. Aug 5, 2015 Link to comment

        Ya I know and blackmart app always ask for root access but i denies that, I use android fire wall to break internet collection of certain apps and also xprivacy Xpose module so that i have permission controls over those apps

        Kevin love


      • Junaid Q. 17
        Junaid Q. Aug 5, 2015 Link to comment

        I am more sacred after using app called "king Root" which give you root access in just 1 click without doing anything
        What if that apps source codes r mixed with a malware,virus or torjan apps to get them root access that will make them more worse ,user will never get to know about it
        This is a that a serious problem
        u should post about it in AndroidPit informing people not to install apps from untrusted source


      • sinkster 23
        sinkster Aug 6, 2015 Link to comment

        That won't really help, it stops the simpler hacks like malware and phishing but won't detect certain intents that seem legitimately coded into an app. Obviously it's your choice; most of the apps from these sources aren't decompiled/recompiled by pros so the damage can be and will be limited, but similarly this is where some coders introduce new hacks. Plus you're depriving someone their income, but that's for other threads.


  • 2
    Jack Andrews Jun 18, 2015 Link to comment

    The Amazon Appstore for Android also gives away a bunch of paid apps for free about once a month. There's typically between 25 and 35 apps, normally costing around $100, available for free for two or three days.

    Kevin love


  • 4
    Charlie Adkins Jun 16, 2015 Link to comment

    This tip is what we are looking fort as there are paid apps that are worth downloading but sometimes we don't have the money to avail it.

    Kevin love


  • Phil 3
    Phil Jun 15, 2015 Link to comment

    ya get nothing for nothing in this world -- THEIR IS ALWAYS A CATCH SOMEWHERE


  • 1
    Albert Hond May 26, 2015 Link to comment

    Hey guys! I've just tried Gums Up! It's pretty cool and works fast. You can redeem your credits almost instantly! Give it a try!


  • Alfa M Jalo 3
    Alfa M Jalo May 19, 2015 Link to comment

    Or... you could just have 'Aptoide'! :D


  • 2
    Lisa Gierszewski Apr 30, 2015 Link to comment

    I have been doing Google Play Rewards since November 2013, so far I have earned $73.46. Plenty of paid apps for free.


    • dave_227 1
      dave_227 Aug 19, 2015 Link to comment

      How come mine never works? I never get a survey.


  • 2
    Yvie Apr 30, 2015 Link to comment

    The Google Play Refund tip is a little confusing – says 2 hours in the copy, but 48 hours on the image caption. Which is correct please?


  • 6
    Xochitl Shatt Apr 29, 2015 Link to comment

    Through your free apps i like Appgratis and also well written content so.


  • 2
    Roel Riddersma Apr 29, 2015 Link to comment

    You also can download Aptoide from the internet.

    sh[OG]un


  • 1
    Sagar Joshi Jan 4, 2015 Link to comment

    Download featurepoints from playstore and use code 6NY678.


  • Gayle C. 2
    Gayle C. Dec 17, 2014 Link to comment

    About your free apps..I have to use Amazon Apps, my phone doesn't support Google Play. The very best deal I got was Merriam Websters Unabridged Dictionary. Shortly after I got it for free, I saw it selling for $49.99. It has since dropped to $24.99.


  • Bojan M. 23
    Bojan M. Dec 10, 2014 Link to comment

    If you want notification of Amazon app of the day, you can install Pushbullet (an amazing app on its own) and just subscribe to Amazon channel.

    Daniel Christiansen


  • My1 37
    My1 Dec 10, 2014 Link to comment

    can we stop microwaving? it is annoying enough in the German Section.


  • 1
    Ramesh Nimmana Oct 24, 2014 Link to comment

    here go....
    ***Admin edit: links are forbidden***


  • 1
    Mohammed Akib Oct 22, 2014 Link to comment

    Great Content.


  • My1 37
    My1 Sep 11, 2014 Link to comment

    Surveys available in Germany sinc some weeks...
    EPIC

    ramnik mehta


  • 9
    Deactivated Account Aug 11, 2014 Link to comment

    I used to get the Google Surveys about once or twice a week. Now I am lucky if I get one a month.


  • 35
    Lalit
    • Admin
    Aug 11, 2014 Link to comment

    Well, I am not aware about the Google Opinion rewards looks like I should try that one out ! Oops incompatible for my device. :(


  • 1
    Shahin Ullah Aug 5, 2014 Link to comment

    Use This Apps For Download Paid Apps,Games,Widgets,Livewallpapers,,,,

    Mod Edit: No external links allowed


  • Raindance Rob 6
    Raindance Rob Jul 30, 2014 Link to comment

    Google Play Surveys is a waste of time, i had it installed for a good few months & didnt even get one survey. in the end i uninstalled it


  • 5
    Nishant gauns Jul 24, 2014 Link to comment

    Well admin is that a android l developer addition or a L theme??? And one thing of i buyed the app and under 15 min i backed it up using titanium backup and than i returned it to Google under 15 min!!! What will be the result?


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Jul 26, 2014 Link to comment

      It's the Android L theme via CyanogenMod's Theme Showcase app.

      I have no idea what your suggestion would do but we don't support piracy anyway so I won't be looking into it.

      Timothy KistMohammad Ab.


    • My1 37
      My1 Dec 17, 2014 Link to comment

      I havvent tested but well, I would say that most of the better of a license check so sooner or later the app will be useless and you wont get any updates, obviously


  • tekf33k3n 7
    tekf33k3n Jul 22, 2014 Link to comment

    Even in the US, the Survey app is hardly what you would call available. I'm not sure where the author gets his info about it offering a survey once a week. It's never been that frequent. It's more along the lines of once a month and the credit for the last few surveys have been ten cents or nothing at all.

    Raindance Rob


    • 2
      Doug Rowan Jul 22, 2014 Link to comment

      Hmm I actually get surveys every other day or so. Maybe has to do with the questions toy answered at the beginning. I've probably earned about $15-20 in the last 6 months with it


      • 2
        illmatic270 Oct 19, 2014 Link to comment

        Wow, lucky you. I forget I have the app. That's how often I get surveys.

        Chaotic Mess


  • My1 37
    My1 Jul 22, 2014 Link to comment

    too bad that the most official way to get free credit, the oppinion surveys are not available here...


  • 12
    Paco Inurreta Jul 22, 2014 Link to comment

    If you speak any other language other than english you can also try to contact the developer and help him translate the app, most of them give you the pro/premium version "for free" for helping them.

    Alja SterenborgGT OhhMonty SiladhielKris CarlonMoni Mihailov


    • 19
      Moni Mihailov Jul 22, 2014 Link to comment

      Nice ;)

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