Tired of using productivity apps that require account registration, access to infinite permissions, and have questionable privacy policies? While it’s ideal to use your Android device to take notes, record audio, manage your passwords, and other productivity tasks, it’s hard to find the perfect app among the millions on the Google Play Store.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of cool productivity apps for Android, all of which are open source. This means that their code is publicly visible; this transparency undoubtedly leads to greater security, and it allows you to wallet your own version if you have the knowledge.
Without further ado, here are the best open source Android apps that can help you get organized and find more time in your day.
Why should you use open source productivity apps?
It cannot be denied that smartphone apps have become increasingly intrusive, as apps require unnecessary access to location, microphone, camera, contacts and storage, thus challenging privacy. The fear of allowing tech companies access to such private data is amplified when you realize that the software is proprietary (closed source).
Open source apps solve a major concern for users because they allow transparency. The code that the apps run on is public, allowing unbiased third-party reviews. However, this does not mean that open source apps do not require access to permissions. But the majority of them are sincere about it and only ask for access to necessary permissions.
In fact, four of the five open source productivity apps we’ve rounded up below don’t even require you to create an account to access them. Let’s go through them.
1. Loop Habit Tracker
Good habits are the foundation of productivity. The behavior needs to be repeated regularly and subconsciously to form a habit. This makes it important that you can effectively track your habits to understand your behavior.
Loop Habit Tracker offers an ad-free experience. While you’re busy tracking your habits and building habits, the app generates colorful and detailed statistics for you to analyze.
The app has a modern and uncluttered interface that is easy to use. The app’s home screen shows all your active habits. You can also add widgets of your habits to your phone’s home screen.
You do not need to create an account to use the app. In fact, you don’t need an internet connection at all.
You can keep track of your habits and get detailed statistics that help you improve over time. For in-depth analysis, you can export your charts and statistics as well.
2. Bitwarden Password Manager
Every online service or app you own requires you to have a password to access your account. Remembering all these important passwords is a tricky business and can eat up your crucial time.
Bitwarden is an open source password manager app that remembers and even generates passwords for you. Besides being a secure and easy-to-use app, Bitwarden also gives you transparency by making its code open source and available on GitHub so that anyone can easily monitor or audit its activity.
3. Simple Notes Pro
Quick and easy note-taking is an important part of productivity. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, jotting down notes on the go will keep your creativity flowing.
Simple Notes Pro is an ad-free note-taking app. You can add its colorful widget directly to your home screen to quickly take notes and refer to them later. Whether you want to take notes or create a to-do list, you can do it all in the app.
4. Simple Calendar Pro
Everyone needs a reliable and feature-rich calendar to schedule their time and life events. However, most people are not comfortable giving access to personal information to large companies.
Simple Calendar Pro is an offline and ad-free calendar app that makes it easy to see your schedule. The app can also integrate and sync with other calendars like Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook and more.
The entire interface of Simple Calendar Pro is highly customizable. You can also add widgets to the home screen that show important upcoming events. The app also offers support for over 30 languages.
5. Audio recorder
Not everyone likes to actively jot down their thoughts or ideas on paper or note-taking apps. Some prefer fast audio recordings instead. Again, many users refrain from doing so because popular apps require access to your personal information.
Audio Recorder is an app that allows you to record and save audio directly on your phone. The excellent user interface of the app experience is modern, ad-free and highly customizable.