The Apple App Store and Google Play Store may have global recognition, but they aren’t the only app stores with the best free apps that farewell. For any app owner looking to launch their app, the Apple-Google hegemony forces them to pit their app against 2.1 million Android apps and 1.8 million iOS apps.
‘But, what’s the solution?’, you may ask. That’s why we've curated a list of best alternative app stores for iOS and Android apps where app owners can launch their apps.
It also supports third-party apps such as Bitly and Paper, and showcases a streamlined interface that pairs perfectly with the latest MacOS look. VLC Media Player. Best third party apps free download - Third Eye Intruder Selfie Detector, Pajama Party, Run Party, and many more programs.
Why go for an Alternative App Store?
Multiple month mac app free. We’d be lying if we said, every app store alternative can offer as profitable of a revenue share model as Google Play Store or the App Store. But third-party app stores do pay for downloads and often have more lucrative app deals than the two popular app stores.
Advantages of choosing an alternative to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store:
Having explained the potential opportunities and benefits of third party apps stores in this list of app stores for app owners, we’ll take you through the best alternatives for iOS app stores, Android app stores, Chinese app stores, and many more different app stores.
Best iOS App Store Alternatives
Apple may have you fooled that its App Store is a one-stop destination for iOS apps, but iOS app owners have more options than they might think. These alternative iOS app stores not only charge lesser app store submission fees but also invest more in advertising your app than the Apple app store.
1. GetJar: App Stores for iphones
Founded in the year 2004 by Ilja Laurs, GetJar is an independent app store created by app developers for app developers as an app beta testing platform. The iOS app store alternative has over 0.85M apps available on the platform and bags investor backing from Accel Partners and Tiger Global Management.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
2. Appland: App Store for iOS DevicesBest Mac Third Party Apps Download
Appland is the perfect iOS app store alternative if you’re trying to target end-users in international markets including Indonesia, Mexico, Oman, USA, Iran, El Salvador, Malaysia, Iraq, Bangladesh, Panama, Myanmar, Cambodia, Egypt, etc.
Appland lags a little with conceptual clarity in terms of distribution and revenue model but the app store support is extremely responsive, making it worthy of your consideration.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
3. TutuApp: iOS App Store Alternative
Who says App Stores can’t be an app? The alternative app store TutuApp boasts of over 300+ million users and multiple language support. The iOS app store alternative includes the cooperated SDK, easy app submission process, and support for different payment methods.
Looks interesting, right? Well, you can always check out our short guide on how you can install TutuApp on your device.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
4. AppValley: Best Alternative to Playstore
Just like TutuApp, we have AppValley next on our list of best iOS app store alternatives. AppValley provides its users with one of the largest selection of free content along with modified and unofficial content for iOS devices like iPhone and iPad. You can also go ahead and explore what else AppValley has to offer to its users.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
Best Android App Store Alternatives
Google Play store alone hosts millions of apps, which means app owners submitting an app on the Play Store have to compete with hundreds and thousands of competitor mobile apps released on an annual basis. Even then, not all Android apps are approved upon their first app submission.
But since Google follows the approach of an open app marketplace, Android app owners can use the policy to their benefit by submitting their app to the next best alternatives of Android app stores, as mentioned in the list below.
1. Amazon App Store: Android App Store Alternative
Everyone reeling from the industry buzz knows of Amazon’s e-commerce disruptions, including the latest expansion of its famous Cashierless AmazonGo stores. But what most (including app owners) forget is that this e-commerce giant also has an App Store that’s just as good as Google Play Store.
Released on March 22, 2011, the Amazon app store offers plenty of free and paid apps and exclusive gaming apps with a clean and easy to navigate interface. In fact, the Amazon app store even offers its own currency system to buy games and in-app purchases, making it a perfect alternative to the Google Play Store.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
2. SlideMe: An App Store for Android
SlideMe, a US-based Android mobile app store alternative, first made its debut in the year 2008 as a marketplace catering to different types of audience preferences. As SlideMe rightly puts it, 'one app store alone can't reach everyone and everywhere with the apps they want'.
It quickly rose to fame as the 2nd best app store alternative to the Google Play Store. The Android app store alternative also makes app security a priority as all applications on SlideME are scanned for viruses and exploits, including the Master-Key exploit before they are reviewed and approved by their editors.
To top it all, SlideMe has a robust community of app developers and advisors that help developers with code snippets, bug fixes, etc. and app owners with how to target, price and sell your application.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
3. 1Mobile: Alternative Android App Stores
Besides hosting a free marketplace of multiple mobile games, web apps, and even videos, 1Mobile makes app search for end users extremely simple. Meanwhile, developers can test out betas and free versions of paid apps on this Play Store alternative.
Once they meet the security criteria, they can publish their apps. And app owners need not worry about app promotions, 1Mobile has a built-in recommendation system that helps apps attract an audience as soon as they hit the marketplace.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
4. Aptoide: Google Play Alternate
Aptoide is one of those earliest Android app store alternatives that hosts 4-star and 5-star rated apps. Being an independent and open-source platform, Aptoide, an alternative to Play Store allows its users to discover a variety of Android apps with categories such as Local Top Downloads, Aptoide recommends, utility-based apps with separate categories such as Candy Day, Emoji Day, etc.
This makes it easier for end-users to search for category-based apps and offers app owners a more customized recommendation platform.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
5. AppBrain: Free App Stores for Android
Founded in the year 2009 by Mathijs Vogelzang in collaboration with a Zürich-based company called AppTornado, AppBrain is one of the most reliable Android app store alternatives for app owners. It has over 100 million monthly active users and 2 million daily installs. Its end-user demographic sprawls across 236 countries with over 70,000+ apps in their SDK.
The Google Play Store alternative adopts a very transparent app promotion model, offering Cost per install (CPI) pricing, non-incentivized user traffic, fraud detection algorithms, limits per app promotion campaign and per day, and user targeting by increasing or decreasing your CPI bid for maximum conversion.
Apart from this, app users are also offered the option to use various filters to find the specific apps they are looking for in AppBrain.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
Best Chinese App Store Alternatives
Ever since Google Play Store was banned in China, Chinese tech giants Tencent and Xiaomi, came up with their own Chinese app stores. This led to the rise of a third big app marketplace that caters to the world's biggest population and fastest-growing economy.
For app owners, this presents a whole new audience that’s yet untapped. The list below includes some of the top Chinese app stores that app owners can utilize.
1. MyApp: Chinese Android Apps Store
Holding about a quarter of the entire Chinese Android apps market, MyApp by Tencent is currently one of the biggest online app stores. The Chinese app store hosts a variety of certified apps and offers a unique customized experience to app developers, making it a booming platform for app owners.
Unlike other Western mobile app stores where the developers may not receive certifications, apps on MyApp are reviewed by the Copyright Protection Center of China after the app owners and app developers submit a Software Copyright Certificate.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
2. Baidu: Popular Chinese App Store
Baidu is China’s primary and the world's second-largest search engine right after Google. And just like Google, Baidu also has an app store along with various app development tools. One such great tool includes advertising the available apps in search engine results. The company has also launched an English version to draw English speaking app users.
How to choose which display apps open on mac os. To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
3. 360 Market: Top Chinese App Stores
360 Market has over 270 million mobile users, 455 million desktop users, 600 APK app files and more than 30 billion app downloads. And if that wasn’t enough, the Chinese app store has its own development program that offers anti-piracy protection to its developers. This way 360 Market isn’t just offering a huge app user audience to app owners/developers but also a robust firewall against app piracy.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
4. Oppo Software Store: Chinese App Stores Alternative
The Oppo Software Store, designed and developed by BBK Electronics, offers both mobile hardware as well as software to its users. The Chinese app store even has a dedicated OPPO Game Center that offers secure game downloads and massive game benefits.
The basic mobile app submission procedure in the Oppo app store signifies the submission process done via Software Copyright Certification.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
5. 91 Market: Alternative App Store
You may know Oppo as the selfie camera smartphone giant, but did you know they have a thriving app store marketplace too? As per the recent stats, 91 Market has over 50M+ app downloads, indicating its robust community of end-users. The Chinese app store hosts both iOS as well as Android applications, making it a stronger contender against Apple and Google app stores.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
Best Cross-Platform App Stores
A cross-platform alternative app store is a wholesome app ecosystem where app users can find applications for various operating systems such as Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, etc.
Considering that app stores for Windows and Amazon cover a significant portion of the market (400,000 and 340,000 mobile apps), this list of alternative app stores can help app owners tap on that unexplored user base.
1. Opera Mobile Store: Cross-platform App Store Alternative
It’s been over two decades since Opera Mobile was launched and following its huge success, the company launched the Opera Mobile Store in 2011. Ever since the cross-platform app store alternative has hosted, more than 170,000 mobile apps supported by both Android and iOS devices. Watch espn mac app live. With over 105,000,000 visitors per month and 7500 devices supported, the Opera Mobile Store is a great choice for app developers to branch out to a broader user base.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
2. NexVa: Mobile App Store
NexVa is yet another applause-worthy multi-platform application store that provides various white label products and services for mobile operators, OEMs, and organizations from different business verticals. this is the perfect mobile app store.
Many users favor this third-party app store working with affiliates to drive traffic through CPI and advertising practices. Every mobile application mentioned in this online store provides information like ratings, screenshots, app descriptions, reviews, and supported platforms.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
3. Appszoom: Top Cross-platform App store
Appszoom, another app store that is almost decade-old and is known to test thousands of apps on a yearly basis and deliver an improved UX (User Experience) while making sure the apps are protected from different types of malware. As for the statistics, the cross-platform app store alternative has over 4M+ monthly users active on its platform, a community of over 25K iOS and Android app developers, and thousands of app reviews.
To know more about this alternative app store click HERE
Which App Store is Best Among All?
If you’re developing regional apps, country-specific app stores such as Airtel Sri Lanka, TIM Store (Italy), Turkcell T-Market (Turkey), MTN Play (South Africa), T-Store (South Korea), etc. go a long way harnessing organic user base.
It’s no surprise that Apple App Store and Google Play Store are the most popular in the world but developers and app owners can often benefit more (especially in the case of regional solution) by also considering alternate app stores. Exploring other app stores also gives you lucrative options for app promotion and building a wider audience.
Speaking of options, a great way to promote your app is to get a leading mobile app review platform to review your iOS or Android application. With app reviews and lucrative deals sprawled across the above mentioned alternate app store, your app is a sure hit.
Vikram is an experienced wunderkind, who embraced technology at a very early age, and today he is at the helm of it. Mobile apps are something that excites him the most, and now he is up to give this vertical the best shot. He routinely catches up with the new apps and comes up with the top apps that can excite you to the core.
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In this article, I compare the 6 best patch management software solutions for Windows and 3rd party applications.
Continuous vulnerability assessment and patching is the most effective method for protecting against vulnerabilities. The Center for Internet Security has continuous patching as a Top 5 CIS control for protecting organizations against cyber attack vectors.
It starts with having the right tools.
I’ve been a System Administrator for a long time and I’ve managed and tested several different patching solutions. The list below is the best solutions on the market.
Best Patch Management Software for 20201. SolarWinds Patch ManagerBest Mac Third Party Apps List
Simplify software patching and reporting for both Microsoft and third-party applications across all your servers, workstations and virtual machines. SolarWinds Patch Manager simplifies many steps during the patching process, from research, scheduling, deployment, reporting, and more.
Bottom line: As a user of SolarWinds products their software is easy to install, setup and use. The interface is very easy to navigate and provides a central web based dashboard for all patch related tasks. SolarWinds is a popular choice for patching 3rd party applications, it is affordable and has good support. This is a good solution for small to large size environments.
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2. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
Patch Manager Plus is a simple patch management tool that makes it easy to keep your network patched and secure. It is an endpoint patch management software that provides enterprises a single interface for automating all patch management tasks from detecting missing patches to deploying patches. Whether you have one computer or a thousand, they can all be patched at the same time from a single point of console.
Bottom line: Great all around solution that works well in small environments and large. Has a fully automated patching process from testing to production systems. Includes a very large library of 3rd party apps and pre built packages. One of my favorite features of this product is a software ban list, just add the software to the ban list and it will remove it from any detected computer.
3. GFI LanGuard
GFI LanGuard enables complete patch management of security and non-security patches to Microsoft operating systems, Mac OS X, major Linux distributions and third-party applications. It can also automate patching for all major web browsers too. Security audits check for over 60,000 vulnerability assessments using an extensive, industrial strength vulnerabilities database incorporating OVAL (11,500+ checks) and SANS Top 20 standards.
Bottom line: This is a robust system with lots of configuration options and scanning capabilities. This product can be a complete vulnerability assessment tools with all of its scanning options. If you are looking for a simple solution to patch Windows and 3rd party apps then this might be overkill. If you want a complete vulnerability assessment tool then this is worth checking out. It also comes with a big price tag and annual subscription.
4. Microsoft SCCM
Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager is a Windows product that enables administrators to manage the deployment and security of devices and applications across an enterprise. SCCM is part of the Microsoft System Center systems management suite. SCCM has been around for a long time, it’s grown into a complete end point management system.
Bottom line: Good solid solution once you get it installed and configured. This is a popular choice for very large environments. The only problem with SCCM is that it can be a beast to setup and comes with a big price tag. I recently setup a demo of this product and Microsoft has made many improvements to the installation process.
Best Free Apps For Mac5. PDQ Deploy
PDQ Deploy is a software deployment tool that allows system administrators to silently install almost any application or patch to multiple Windows computers simultaneously.
PDQ Deploy saves time and effort by enabling administrators to easily install, uninstall, update, repair, or make many other types of changes across the network without remote logins or physically walking to each computer.
Bottom line: PDQ deploy is known for its ease of use and simple setup. Has a large library of pre built 3rd party applications. Good choice for small to medium size environments that need a quick and simple solution.
6. Ninite Pro
Ninite is a browser based patch management system it lets users automatically install popular applications for their Windows operating system. It allows users to make a selection from a list of applications and bundles the selection into a single installer package. The new Ninite Pro lets you manage your software in a live web interface. Each machine is a row and each app is a column. You can select an individual cell to update, install, or uninstall an app on a machine. Or select many cells (or whole rows or columns or everything) to perform bulk actions. You can even watch the agents work in real-time.
Bottom line: With its simplicity and easy deployment this is a popular choice for many admins. For what you get it is expensive and it seems to lack many features offered by other products. Maybe a good fit for small environments.
Finding the Right Patch Management Software
Patch management is a process that must be done on a regular basis, all end points need to be scanned and patched. In computer networks, it takes just one machine to get compromised to open the door to a large scale breach. This is why its so important to have the right patch management solution in place.
Risk based Security’s latest vulnerability report shows a 38% increase in the number of vulnerabilities over the previous year.
When searching for a patch management software it can be overwhelming and be challenging with all the different products on the market. If you talk to a sales person they always say their software is the best or it’s the only one on the market that has these amazing features. The right solution is going to depend on your requirements and your policy.
Must have Features for Successful Patch Management
Keeping servers, workstations and all those applications up to date on patches is no easy task. Factor in mobile users, different operating systems, and trying to not disrupt users just make the task much more challenging.
The patch management software you choose must have the right set of features in order to keep all those systems patched. Here are the features you should look for (the top 6 list I provided above all have these features).
1. 3rd Party Patching
Patching 3rd party applications is a must and most products do have this feature. To effectively patch 3rd party apps the product should, detect, report and patch most commonly used apps such as adobe, java, browsers, zip programs and office. Most products will provide a list of what applications they will patch, pay attention to this and make sure it covers the apps you need. The number of apps various between each product.
2. Automatic patch deployment
You need to get patches deployed as quickly as possible but you also need to test them before deploying them enterprise wide. Some of the best tools have the ability to auto deploy to a test group and after x amount of days with no issues it will auto approve to all computers. Not all will have this ability but you they should have the option to auto deploy when new patches are available.
3. Create custom deployments
You may need to deploy a patch or update to a specific group of computers. The tool should have the ability to create custom groups, such as by operating system, by department, by java version or however you want. You may need to apply an emergency patch to Windows 10 computers or computers on a specific version of java, being able to deploy to custom groups makes this easier.
4. Pre Built Packages
Most patching systems now provide pre built packages such as, adobe reader, java, flash, browser updates. The packages is usual tested and configured to silently install. This is a huge time saver. This eliminates the need to download, create a custom package and run it through some testing.
5. Detailed Reports
To stay on top of your systems you need detailed reports. Some helpful reports include: top vulnerable systems, top missing patches, systems that need rebooted to complete, and being able to report on specific patches. Pay attention to this one as not all products provide great reporting.
6. Patch Status
It’s helpful to quickly see how many systems are unpatched, missing updates and systems that have failed. Some systems provide a compliance report that shows your most vulnerable systems.
7. Email notificationsApps For Mac
You need a product that can provide you email notifications on things like, status report, new patches, emergency patches, highly vulnerable systems.
8. Retry to offline machines
Never buy a product that doesn’t offer this feature, it will be impossible to keep machines up to date without it. Your going to have machines that are offline such as vpn/mobile users that miss a patch deployment. A good patching tool should auto retry once that machine is online. Macos app icon template sketch. It would take a lot of manual labor to sit and wait for those machines to come online then try to push them out.
9. Custom groups
You may not be able to patch every system at the same time, you could have special environments that need a custom schedule. If that’s the case make sure the product can create custom schedules to specific computers or groups. In my case we have a 24/7 department, so we can’t just install updates in the middle of the day. I created a custom schedule that deployed to this group of computers in a specific window that was separate from other computers.
How did I determine the best 6? I have personally used or evaluated several tools over the years, from my experience these are the 6 best I’ve come across. I also looked at reviews from various websites, read system admin forums and asked other IT pros what they used for patch management. These products got good reviews, where the most recommended and talked about in the online community.
Why is Microsoft WSUS not in the top 6? Although it is still a popular choice, it’s often used in combination with another product for patching 3rd party apps.
In my experience it worked well in small environments, once you get up to 1500+ computers it would have problems. It also lacked a lot of features and customization needed for larger deployments, the lack of 3rd party app support is was a show stopper for me.
So what’s the best Patching Management Software?
You have plenty of good options to choose from. Any of the top 6 I listed will get the job done but to find the best solution you will need to review your requirements and try them out for yourself. You also need to know what your budget is? There is no point in looking at tools your company can’t afford.
The most important factor when finding the best patch management software is to DEMO IT. Setup a test server and run it through a real world test. Some tools look great on paper but once you get hands on experience with it they may not work for you.
Hopefully, you found this article helpful, if you have any questions leave a comment below.
Recommended Tool: SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor
This utility was designed to Monitor Active Directory and other critical services like DNS & DHCP. It will quickly spot domain controller issues, prevent replication failures, track failed logon attempts and much more.
Best Third Party Mac Apps
What I like best about SAM is it’s easy to use dashboard and alerting features. It also has the ability to monitor virtual machines and storage.
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