There are many solid reasons for using some app managers for Android; the biggest one is to gain total control over the apps. Another good reason is not related to keeping the apps in order but getting rid of them with ease. I find the 5 best app managers for Android extremely useful in both work and play. I make and test Android apps for a living and go through hundreds of them in a month. Some of them I keep and some of them have to go. The app managers for Android help me in keeping the apps in check and avoiding memory shortages in times of need. I’m sure you will appreciate what these apps have to offer once you settle down in the Android ecosystem. Note: The 5 best App Managers for Android were tested on a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone. Some of the apps require root access for full functionality.
Best App Managers for Android
The following are the 5 best app managers for android that we recommend;
1. Titanium Backup – Free and $5.99
1.A Free Version
Normally I never put an app which requires root access as number one, but Titanium Backup is no ordinary app. This is hands down one of the best apps ever to grace the Android platform. If I make a top 10 apps of all-time list, the app will still be number one on it. As the name suggests, Titanium Backup allows you to do backups of your apps. This includes important data and everything else which comes with the app. For example, you are playing an awesome RPG from our list and you need to factory reset your device, you will simply make a backup, copy it in a safe place and restore when you are done. That’s not all though, you can simply stop apps from interfering with your daily life. You can stop pesky hard-coded apps from bothering you by push notifications easily. Features:
A simple and clean interface.Backups are compressed well.App freezer is awesome.
Notable Feature: You can even backup stock apps like messenger, contact book or call logs. This app is highly recommended to those who have a rooted Android device. Also if you are into changing ROMs on a weekly basis, you can definitely use a reliable app manager for Android.
1.B Paid Version
The paid version of Titanium Backup brings a ton of advanced and useful features to the table. There are many amazing features integrated into the paid version and to be honest some of them are essential for hardcore Android users. You can transfer system data across different ROMs, there is a “Destroy all Market Links” feature and then there is backup deletion protection. I wholeheartedly recommend the paid version if you are planning to use your phone to its full potential.
2. AppMgr III – Free and $1.99
2.A Free Version
AppMgr III, which was previously known as Apps 2 SD, is a great app which helps you keep your internal storage clean. The app basically moves apps which reside in your internal memory to the memory card to keep them functioning well. This is a great app for those who have small internal storage options on their smartphones and tablets. Sure, some system apps and widgets cannot be moved to the external storage options, but many large games will easily run from SD cards. Features:
A serviceable interface.Tells you which apps can be moved.Hide system apps easily.
Notable Feature: The app features bulk uninstalling. This feature was a surprise to me as the app’s main focus was moving apps from internal to external storage. However the feature is a great time saver for those who test apps in batches and need to clean their phones afterwards. Going on an app killing spree is always satisfying; just remember not to get carried away.
2.B Paid Version
The paid version of AppMgr III removes ads from the app. It also allows you to install apps from the exported apps list. There is nothing more added in terms of features though.
3. SuperSU – Free and $3.75
3.A Free Version
This is yet another app which requires a root, but boy oh boy it really hits the ball out of the park. If you are worried about your rooted device’s security, this is the app you absolutely need on your Android. Some apps want deeper access to your Android device functions and SuperSU is the gateway which guards against unwarranted breaches. Sure the pop-up will annoy some, but it is well worth the hassle. This is one of the most basic and strongest app managers for Android, especially if combined with one of the best security apps around. Features:
Manages apps which need root access well.Keeps you safe against malicious apps.Records all the apps which accessed root in a log.
Notable Feature: The app is relatively invisible and never bothers you unless it is needed. It always runs in ghost mode and you will never know it is even there until it’s time for it to guard your device. Although it is not a traditional app manager, it does a great job of managing apps which need a root.
3.B Paid Version
The paid version is only recommended for advanced users who know what they are doing. The app adds OTA (Over the Air) survival mode, advanced logging configuration and PIN protection.
4. Smart App Manager – Free
Smart App Manager is one of those apps that puts utility over aesthetics. The app is fairly bland to look at but does provide some great app management tools. Many smartphones do come with a standard app manager, but that never goes as deep as this app manager. Smart App Manager comes with a great sorting feature; it can sort apps according to name, size or install date. So finding that storage hogging app is just a matter of seconds. Features:
Looks great on tablets.Can clear cache data.Records app usage in detail.
Notable Feature: The app has a great backup and restore feature which is easy to use and reliable. The backups can be stored on external memory to save precious space on your device. Batch backup and re-install support is also available.
5. App Manager – Free and $0.99
5.A Free Version
This is one of the best app managers for Android around as it provides some very diverse features. The main aim of the app is to move apps from internal storage to SD cards, which is exactly the same as what the number 2 app on the list does. But sometimes when one app fails, another one can do the job. Not everyone has expensive Android devices but everyone loves to install new app, this is where a good app manager can lend a hand. Feature:
The list view is intuitive and easy to digest.Uninstall multiple apps easily.Sorting and storing is surprisingly fast.
Notable Feature: The one click export all feature is a time saver in my books. This feature allows you to export all apps which are exportable to external storage. No more selecting apps and moving them to the SD card. You can get an ample sized SD card for cheap these days and there is no point in spending more on a bigger storage phone.
5.B Paid Version
This version only removes ads from the app. If you can’t stand ads, this is the way to go otherwise the free app comes with full functionality.
Final thoughts on best app app managers for android :
This concludes the 5 best app managers for Android list. The apps are different and provide critical app management functions. If you only want to delete apps, there is an app manager for that. If you only need to backup, there is an app for that too. I know two of the app managers for android that require a root to function, but the advanced nature of the apps demands proper access to system functions. If you have never deleted apps from your device, even the ones you never used, this is a great time to jump the gun. Remember a less cluttered phone is a fast phone. Some apps also leech precious battery even when not in use. Combine a good battery saver app with the app managers for Android and you will have a healthy device in no time. If you have any questions about rooting or how to use the apps, feel free to sound off in the comments below.
