Best Paid Android Apps or Subscriptions?

BlazinPast on 03/11/2016 - 13:51
Last edited 09/11/2016 - 12:19

Hey guys,

I am wondering what you guys think the best paid apps on Android are. I have around $20 in Google Rewards credit and another $25 in Telstra prepaid credit so need to start using them on something.

I'm looking for apps that would improve the user experience on the phone or general productivity. Maybe even a subscription based app would be ok too. Or a free app that requires in-app purchases.

Right now I have:
* Poweramp Full Version
* Nova Launcher Prime
* Moon+ Reader Pro
* Twilight Pro
* ES File Explorer
* Unified Remote Full
* Enhanced SMS & Caller ID+
* Alarm Clock Xterme & Timer
* Lapse It • Time Lapse • Pro
* CamScanner
* Tasker
* Swype Keyboard
* Tripview Sydney
Edit: new apps
* Weather Zone Plus
* Package Disabler Pro
* Pocket Casts
* Web Video Cast

Good idea to get real money back if you have credit that you don't know how to use: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/4141908/redir

Mobile

Comments

  • currentfad on 03/11/2016 - 13:58
    +7

    ES File Explorer

    Not sure if serious

    • BlazinPast on 03/11/2016 - 13:59
      -1

      This was before they recently sold out, so not sure if you're serious.

      • currentfad on 03/11/2016 - 14:01
        -4

        Can't even take you seriously any more lol

        I also use tripview (paid), reddit is fun (paid) and swiftkey (paid).

        • scrimshaw on 03/11/2016 - 14:03
          +4

          the paid version of Es Explorer is fine… but too bloated for my liking. I also gave them money before they went to the dark side and ruined what was considered an 'essential app' back in the day.

          I switched to Solid Explorer a while back and it's good. It's all you need out of a file explorer with no tricky tricks and consuming no more ram than it's supposed to.

        • BlazinPast on 03/11/2016 - 14:04
          +3

          You do realise it came out like over 5 years ago, right? It was one of the best file explorer apps for years. How would I have had the foresight to know they were going to add bloatware down the road?

        • currentfad on 03/11/2016 - 14:08
          +1

          @BlazinPast: Yeah I'm just saying and making a point for those looking for a paid file explorer app. Given that your list is current, that's one that I would not recommend. Alternatives:

          Solid Explorer
          Cabinet
          Total Commander
          File Manager by ASUS
          MiXplorer
          FX File Explorer
          Amaze File Manager
          X-plore File Manager
          MK Explorer

        • BlazinPast on 03/11/2016 - 14:12

          @spaghettiman: Yeah, I've read before that Solid Explorer is the best one out right now. I don't really use file explorers that much anyway to warrant buying another one. Once you get rid of all the crappy bloatware that ES piled on, it's still pretty functional.

        • currentfad on 03/11/2016 - 14:15

          @BlazinPast: True, or just use an old apk of it :P

        • greatlamp on 03/11/2016 - 23:07

          @BlazinPast: I think the paid version has less bloatware? ( paid $ 0.20 for it )

        • BlazinPast on 03/11/2016 - 23:09
          +1

          @rememberme: Yeah, I think it does. It did have this terrible download manager that took me a while to figure out it was because of ES. But other than that, it does the job. I might try out Solid Explorer considering it's free (actually I think it's a trial) and have read countless positive reviews for it.

        • greatlamp on 03/11/2016 - 23:45
          +1

          @BlazinPast: try advanced download manager. It lets you resume and download in streams.

          It has ads but not too intrusive

        • RocketSwitch on 04/11/2016 - 09:41
          +2

          @BlazinPast:

          I tried them all out and I always went back to ES.

          I have the purchased version and I still think it's the best. Not sure what they did to the free version.

          But the app speaks for itself, because the others will be missing features or frustrate you.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2016 - 14:57
          +1

          @justmiike: I agree

  • scrimshaw on 03/11/2016 - 14:06
    +5

    My other recommendations would be

    AutomateIt (like tasker, but easier to use)
    Chronus (time and weather widget
    Reddit Sync Pro
    Lastpass

    Pocket Weather (this is developed by Australians and the data it scrapes is from BoM, the most accurate weather source for Aussies) If you bought an American made app, it most likely uses AccuWeather or Yahoo weather, which is frankly crap.

    and Youtube / Music subscription $11.99 monthly

  • foxmulder on 03/11/2016 - 14:16

    Last pass $12 a year.. Not sure it charges your credit card or Google play account though.

  • Baebs on 03/11/2016 - 14:44
    +8

    Tripview is amazing

    • mskeggs on 03/11/2016 - 16:06
      +4

      First ever app I paid for, and first app I bought when I moved to android. Great, simple app.

    • BlazinPast on 03/11/2016 - 16:28

      anyone tried any of the other alternatives listen on transportnsw? Buses are pretty crap on Tripview and isn't perfect when it comes to multi-train trips.

      • battler on 03/11/2016 - 16:40
        +2

        I reckon Arrivo is better if you are a bus user.
        Tripview is OK though.

        • BlazinPast on 03/11/2016 - 17:47

          I downloaded Transit and might play around with it. Works with trains as well.

  • BlazinPast on 03/11/2016 - 15:39

    Was rummaging around and found this pretty cool scientific calculator to replace the default one. Let's you visualise the fraction and root symbols. It's free though, but there is a paid version that has some more features on top.

  • Diji1 on 03/11/2016 - 17:38

    Do have any fart apps?

  • nomoneynoproblems on 03/11/2016 - 17:43
    +6

    Textra is free to use but you can pay to perma remove the ads.

    • BlazinPast on 03/11/2016 - 17:45
      +1

      I've been using Textra forever and I don't find the ads annoying at all. Never gotten in the way.

  • iridiumstem on 03/11/2016 - 18:11
    +1

    I kinda spent too much Google survey money on the icons which in my opinions do add to the experience.

    If your phone supports NFC, I think NFC Tasks Pro is kinda nice (though I am not sure whether there are free and/or better alternatives).

    I do keep another music app just in case the validation process messes up when I can't readily access internet on my phone.

  • BlazinPast on 03/11/2016 - 22:53

    Found another great paid app for Samsung phone owners (there could be similar apps for other manufacturers). Package Disabler Pro. Allows you to permanently disable and prevent updates of individual Samsung bloatware, or any other kinds of bloat you don't want. Disabled 100+ services. Freed a lot of ram. Here's the list I used. Probably disabled about 95% of the ones mentioned in the list plus a few others. Plus there's a 5 day refund if you're not happy with it.

    • iridiumstem on 04/11/2016 - 05:01
      +1

      I do recommend not using its "disable all bloatware" function. That function can cause issues even after you re-enable all the services (had to reset). Other than that, Debloater is a PC program that allow you to disable apps as well. You do need to connect the phone to the PC and it's less intuitive but Debloater is free so there is that.

  • D6C1 on 04/11/2016 - 00:58

    Any apps to download youtube and watch offline later? Like to use WiFi to download and watch when im out and not use any data

    • iridiumstem on 04/11/2016 - 01:09
      +3

      If you have Youtube Red account, Youtube app supports that feature.

    • BlazinPast on 04/11/2016 - 01:16

      https://www.videoder.net/
      You can't find one on play store since it bans any app that downloads YouTube videos so you have to use a 3rd party source. I saw this app in a list of the best youtube downloader and works for other sites that have videos too. The layout looks very nice. + it can also download audio

    • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2016 - 07:13
      +1

      Tubemate is the way to go. Not in the play store though

  • Ambush on 04/11/2016 - 00:58
    +3

    Listen Audiobook Player
    Pocket Casts (podcast player)

  • mosquito on 04/11/2016 - 07:46
    +6

    Pocket Weather AU $1.99

  • 4agte on 04/11/2016 - 08:37
    +2

    It is quite expensive but I find Anymote awesome.

    While I'm currently not using it Nova launcher is pretty good too

  • Cozza38 on 04/11/2016 - 10:15
    +1

    Relay for Reddit
    Nova Launcher Prime
    Solid Explorer
    Tasker
    Swipe for Facebook Pro
    Pocket Casts

    I'd also suggest Lastpass but they just allowed multi device on free accounts so there's less reasons to purchase a subscription now.

    • BlazinPast on 04/11/2016 - 10:24

      What's the advantage of relay pro over the free one?
      How useful is swipe for Facebook, I've heard it's the best app for Facebook. One criticism I heard which I'm not sure they fixed is that if you go back from reading a post it'll take you to the top of the news feed instead of where you just were. + it looked really similar to the regular Facebook app. Right now I find that the mobile Facebook site is good enough

      • Cozza38 on 04/11/2016 - 10:31
        +1

        Relay Pro just removes Ads. I'm a fan of supporting good developers and hate ads, it's goes on special sometimes so I think it's worth it.

        The Facebook apps (Not including official) are simply just wrappers of the mobile site. They add extra functionality like night mode, quiet hours etc. I use wrappers because I don't like the permissions the official app asks for. The difference between the wrappers really comes down to how quick the developer can respond when facebook breaks them.

        I received Swipe Pro for free from the developer via reddit. It works well and replaced Tinfoil for me.

  • Autonomic on 04/11/2016 - 12:46
    +4

    Just chuck it into rebatr and get half back in real money.

    • Polde on 04/11/2016 - 21:28
      +1

      Wait so this is a thing?. As I recharge Telstra Prepaid $30 each month, I can get back $15 if I use this app?.

      • Autonomic on 05/11/2016 - 01:49
        +1

        If it gives google play credit then yes

    • BlazinPast on 05/11/2016 - 13:22

      Interesting concept. I think I paid $10 for $30 of Telstra Google credit so I would make money off this if I get 55% back. + It is expiring in a few months so this is definitely a good backup in case I need to do this. I might even just do it anyway considering I'd be making $6.50 by doing this. I'l test it out with the Telstra credit to see if it works. EDIT: Dammit I didn't realise it only lasted 6 months, I thought the credit was valid for a year. Can't check now.

    • INFIDEL on 10/12/2016 - 09:03

      REBATR is now dead - App removed from Play Store, does not work

  • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2016 - 14:58
    +1

    N7 music player had the best interface. I know you have one but have a look.

  • Powershopz on 04/11/2016 - 15:06
    +1

    If you use reddit - Baconreader is fantastic.

    • BlazinPast on 04/11/2016 - 18:00

      I like the layout of Relay. I've heard there's a few others like Sync and Slide that I'm curious to try out to see which one's the best.

  • jonathonsunshine on 04/11/2016 - 19:15
    +1

    Sleep as Android. Alarm clock, uses gyro in your phone to tell if you are starting to roll about and will wake you up early if it thinks you're close anyway.

    • BlazinPast on 04/11/2016 - 21:22
      +1

      I've heard that one a few times. Isn't it weird sleeping with your phone?

      • jonathonsunshine on 05/11/2016 - 05:05
        +2

        Eh. It's only weird if you make it weird. And as long as my laptop doesn't find out.

        But seriously, no. I got a queen size, plenty of space unless the missus is staying over and then she wakes up way before me anyhow.

  • Joxer on 05/11/2016 - 01:21
    +1

    Jorte calendar. Does basic stuff other calendars don't, like copy entries, legible month view.

    Catan. Good game, bought for 20c, faithful to board game with good AI.

    Internet speed meter. Simple meter in notification bar.

    Bowser watch. Fuel watch prices in WA.

    Archos video player. Only media player that plays videos with AC3 codec without issues.

  • vetopower on 05/11/2016 - 09:24

    Tinder

  • baybaboy on 05/11/2016 - 13:24
    +1

    the latest psiphon (with subscription)
    for free internet lol

  • miicah on 08/11/2016 - 12:57
    +1

    I sub to Google Play Music, UFC Fight pass, F1 App. Have about $250 play credit banked up though, so I think I'm gonna start renting movies.

  • BlazinPast on 09/11/2016 - 12:18

    Web Video Cast is a great app for streaming non-youtube videos onto your chromecast. Paying for the premium version within the app makes a much better experience too. Works great when watching documentaries from this deal

  • iridiumstem on 11/11/2016 - 03:58

    Apperently Samsung is going to block any "disabler" type app that uses KNOX API starting from today. It apparently is on the basis of cases of devices crashing and bugging out from those apps. I am not sure what that would mean for existing owners of the app. That said, I think they'd stop allowing people from getting the app and using it after this week at least (from the gist of what I've read).

    Though that info was from a Korean website, so it may not apply to Samsung phones in Australia… though I'd be wary if any of you are considering buying the app.

    • jonathonsunshine on 13/11/2016 - 05:22

      Because people need a reason to be wary buying a Samsung phone lately lol

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