Top 20 Google Play Store apps for Chromebook

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Chromebooks have come a long way from what they started. They have undergone a paradigm shift from being mere web-centric browser-based machines to sporting a feature-rich operating system that’s loaded to the brim with functionality. It wasn’t until as late as 2016 that the Google Play Store was swiftly integrated with Chromebooks, and their capacity increased tenfold. Soon after that, the sub OS of Linux followed suit and made Chrome OS the absolute machine that it is today.

To cast a lens on the Google Play Store, this platform is teeming with applications that you can download and enjoy, but it’s worth mentioning that out of all the 2.79 million apps that the Play Store has to offer to its users, not all of them are worth the time and effort. Granted that some genuinely useful and entertaining applications are housed on this gigantic platform, but the issue still stands that you have to cherry-pick them with care.

We at Chrome Ready have done all the hard work for you and have gathered 20 of the best Google Play Store applications that work like a charm on Chrome OS and let you relish the realm of Android apps. So, without delving into any further chit-chat, let’s get right into this article.

• Before you continue reading, it’s worth noting that not all Chromebooks made before 2018 have been endowed with the functionality of the Google Play Store. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check out this descriptive guide to confirm whether your Chrome OS laptop is one of the supported ones or not.

Top 20 Google Play Store applications enlisted

1. Spotify

We will start strong with one of the best applications currently present on the Google Play Store. Spotify is the undisputed king of music streaming applications all across the spectrum. Given its enormous library of audio tracks and a highly refined interface, it’s pretty effortless to see why. In addition, it has a vast number of features and a vast community that makes sure that Spotify remains at the top of the food chain with constant additions.

According to the official website, the company claims that more than 70 million tracks are currently up for listening on Spotify, with more than 60,000 entries daily. In addition to that, Spotify has a broad range of podcasts on it as well, so if you’re the type of person who’s into seeking verbal wisdom, this platform is the place for you.

The best part is that Spotify comes fully optimized for Chromebooks, so that means no weird inputs, no performance lags, and none of that glitchy stuff whatsoever while operating it. Apart from installing the app from the Google Play Store, Spotify can be played on a Chromebook in other ways. We highly recommend checking out our complete tutorial on installing Spotify to equip yourself with all the knowledge related to this well-established music streaming app and Chromebooks.

2. Netflix

The second Play Store application that we genuinely think you should give a try is Netflix. No disrespect, but one has to be living under a rock for not knowing about this gargantuan streaming platform of movies and television shows. Nevertheless, Netflix is one of the most popular applications out in the world today, with more than 1 billion downloads from the Google Play Store singlehandedly, not to mention other marketplaces. This far-flung fame is not without a bevy of persuading reasons, one of them being a catchy, simple-to-operate interface with loads of options to cater to your mood and preferences.

The Netflix application is free to download from the Google Play Store but access and view the encompassed content. You’ll have to subscribe to one of its monthly plans. To accommodate different types of use-cases, the company has three subscription services: Basic, Standard, and Premium. The differences between the three are the video quality, resolution, and how many people can stream Netflix at a single given time.

If you’d like to know everything about installing Netlfix on Chromebook, including some of its other prominent features, don’t forget to read this tutorial of ours.

3. KineMaster

Professional video editors and all those who are into the craft of video editing, this magisterial Google Play Store app is for you. KineMaster, similar to PowerDirector—which, by the way, is another excellent video editor that you should check out—has over 50 million downloads on the Google Play Store and is the go-to tool for students and teachers alike. It is also an Editor’s Choice app on the platform with a bevy of 5-star ratings and reviews. It’s chock-full of features and has a nicely designed interface that puts KineMaster way ahead of its competitors.

It affords a free-to-use version and a paid subscription as well that’s referred to as KineMaster Pro. Even if you don’t feel the need to upgrade to the latter, the basic version of this app grants you access to high-grade functionality like speed calibration for time lapsing, rendering your video to slow motion, 4K resolution support, an entire multi-layered timeline, and much more. However, it’s worth mentioning that KineMaster is packing all the bells and whistles for all those who want nothing but the best video editing experience.

A KineMaster Pro subscription takes away the KineMaster watermark just like that, removes advertisements, and unlocks high-quality assets on the KineMaster Asset Store. Additionally, it lets you use all of the tools’ presets, including those locked before. As for its working, this video editor makes short work of any complications and streamlines the whole editing process for you. Basic features like cropping and trimming videos, enhancing colors, using special effects to level up the video quality, and adding stickers to humorize your videos require little to no effort.

This video editor has seamlessly made its way onto our top 15 helpful video tools for Chromebook, and we’ve even done a review article on it that goes through the app meticulously and talks about all its significant strengths and weaknesses, so do check that out, too while you’re at it.

4. Microsoft Office

Another top-ranking application that you can easily download from the Google Play Store is Microsoft Office – a whole suite of productivity applications that enable one to work directly from a Chrome OS laptop, contrary to popular belief. The benefits of Office 365 aren’t limited to desktops like Windows 10 or macOS, and you can access all of Microsoft’s well-established apps on a Chromebook, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Powerpoint, and Microsoft Excel.

Those are a few of Microsoft Office’s offerings as there is a multitude of other productivity applications included. We’ve covered an entire guide on ways to work with Microsoft Office files on Chromebook, so if you’re more interested in this regard, do check that article out. At the time of writing, Microsoft Office had more than 100 million downloads with an excellent 4.7/5.0 overall rating. People have talked highly of this program in the review section of the app page, and all for the right reasons.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

5. Amazon Kindle

Reading books paves the way to seeking more and more knowledge, but sometimes, handling a physical copy of your favorite book might become an arduous task, especially when you live on the fly. That’s where e-books come in, or otherwise known as electronic books that don’t manifest physically but rather exist as digital editions on our devices. Amazon Kindle is a fan favorite to talk about one such platform that hosts an extensive catalog of e-books, audiobooks, and podcasts. It comes from the well-grounded company of Amazon that we’re all familiar with in one way or the other and provides a terrific reading experience.

At the time of writing, Amazon Kindle had over 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store with unrivaled popularity of many 5-star reviews. It’s also rated superbly with a 4.6/5.0 overall score. It’s optimized quite nicely for Chrome OS, so you’ll have no trouble in setting the application up and taking it for a spin regularly. One of Kindle’s well-liked features is its built-in dictionary that instantly looks up words for you when you command it. When reading a book from a quality author, it’s common to run into a slew of words that we haven’t even heard before, but this is where Kindle’s dictionary comes in to help us explore the definitions.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

6. Avast Antivirus

When it boils down to a Chromebook’s security and how safe they are from viruses, it’s pretty much common knowledge that Chrome OS is one rigid firm that makes short work of any malware coming its way without breaking a sweat. People frequently ask whether Chromebooks are secure from viruses or not. Still, as they research and find out more about this slick operating system, it becomes crystal clear that Chromebooks are almost 100% exempt from contracting a virus. You can also confide in the fact that Chrome OS has never been hit with ransomware, ever.

However, suppose you want to secure your Chromebook to the maximum possible extent and not leave a single microscopic room for error. In that case, we highly recommend installing Avast Antivirus on your Chromebook, which happens to be one of the top Google Play Store apps and also one of the best antivirus software out there. It’s free to download from the Play Store, but there’s a premium-end version of Avast as well that you can purchase for an affordable cost.

Features like sandboxing, browser cleanup, automatic software updater, app lock, cyber capture, and ransomware shield all create a formidable user experience for Chromebook users while using this antivirus. It’s just a full-fledged program that doesn’t compromise the device’s security in any way whatsoever. We recommend checking out our step-by-step tutorial on installing Avast Antivirus on Chrome OS, so definitely give it a read and equip yourself with the proper knowledge.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

7. Brave Browser

Apart from the efficacy of the Google Chrome browser, it pays to have a handy side-option available at your disposal. In that case, Brave Browser is a stellar option that has us reasonably impressed with its working. It boasts a refined user interface with several features that aren’t found on any other browser, not even Google Chrome. For instance, its unmatched browsing speeds are 3-6 times faster than the latter, as claimed by the developer.

In addition to that, Brave incorporates what it calls Shields to help you have a browsing experience like no other. Shields bring ad-blocking functionality, prevention of fingerprinting, cookie control, HTTPS upgrade, and script blocking. If you’d like to know how to install Brave on your Chromebook, check out this article for an in-depth tutorial.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

8. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is the world’s most popular anime streaming platform, with more than 50 million downloads on the Google Play Store only, not to mention its enormous user base on other platforms. With a library of more than 1,200 anime titles for you to relish and a wide variety of other features to keep you hooked to your favorite Japanese anime, this application is one of the bests of the bunch that you can easily download on your Chrome OS laptop.

Just like Netflix, Crunchyroll has its line-up of original shows that you can watch, and there’s also a premium service that lets you go ad-free and unlocks offline viewing as well. Due to its sheer high quality, this platform isn’t the one to sleep on, especially if you love anime. We covered a whole article on installing Crunchyroll on a Chromebook a while back, so do give that a read for more information.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

9. UberEats

Uber Eats is another first-rate Google Play Store application that lets you order your favorite food from the comfort of your residence for a small applicable delivery free. It operates in more than 6,000 cities when writing across 45 countries and is still expanding its horizons. This means that there’s a good chance that Uber Eats operates in your locality, so fire up the Google Play Store, install the application, and find out right away.

In our list of the top food for delivery apps for Chrome OS, Uber Eats comes in at number one simply because of how balanced and effective it truly is. You can get food from all the restaurants in the vicinity that have signed up with Uber Eats. Your search options in this regard extend to not only the restaurant, therefore, but to the cuisine, dish, and meal as well. There’s a comprehensive array of food delivery options available at your disposal, and some of them include Chinese burgers, pizzas, sushi, tacos, and burritos.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

10. Amazon Prime Video

Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video has constantly remained a hot topic in the television streaming industry as both of these entities are giants in this field. However, the latter is right up there at the top with more than 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store and a bevy of features that make watching movies and television shows seamlessly awesome.

Since Prime Video is a top-rated platform, we couldn’t help covering a detailed article on the installation of the app on Chrome OS, so if you want to know how you can do the same, don’t forget to check that article out.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

11. LastPass

As the name depicts, LastPass will be the last password manager you’ll ever be needed, among other top options. It secures your data with AES 256-bit encryption and boasts a zero-knowledge policy, meaning that it cannot track or trace your passwords and other data stored on your LastPass account. The methodology used here is identical to the one used in the military, corporate businesses, and banks.

We’ve also written a how-to article on the installation of LastPass if you want to get it on your Chromebook. It’s one of the best applications out there with features like diverse two-factor authentication, autofill, password generation, and a lot more, so if you’ve needed a password manager for your accounts, LastPass is your best bet.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

12. Google Drive

Google Drive is one of the few applications that come pre-installed on Chromebooks. The usual scenario is that people get 100 GBs of free Google Drive storage upon purchasing a Chrome OS laptop, allowing them to secure their private documents, files, photos, and videos in the cloud and not have to worry about storage ever again.

Google Drive has more than 5 billion downloads on the Google Play Store, which is massive. It’s the go-to cloud-based storage solution for billions of people all around the spectrum.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

13. Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is one of the best photo editing applications for devices that run Android and other mobile operating systems. It’s packed with functionality and intuitive tools to help you become a professional-grade photo editor on the fly. After all, this app comes from the well-established company of Adobe, so there’s something to vouch for here.

Lightroom is currently #3 on the “Top Grossing in Photography” list, with more than 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store. It’s one of the best applications that you can use on your Chromebook.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

14. Skype

Skype lets you jive in your circle and talk to friends, family, and loved ones for free using video calls, text messages, and voice calls. The app boasts a highly polished and easy-going interface that’s fast and lightweight to use. There’s a premium subscription service as well that lets you send SMS messages to mobiles worldwide.

With more than 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store, Skype is a dominant entry in the “Communication” space. It also has a 4.3/5.0 overall rating on the platform with tons of fantastic reviews.

Check out our complete guide on installing Skype on Chrome OS using this link.

15. Opera

Now touted as the world’s first alternative browser for Chromebooks with through-and-through optimization, Opera is one of the best applications that you can download from the Google Play Store. It’s fast and sports an interactive user interface that you’ll grow to like and love.

If you’d like to know how to install the famous Opera browser on your Chromebook, read our descriptive guide to start experiencing the story from the other side. More information is displayed on the Opera app page that you can visit by clicking on this link.

16. Gmail

Gmail is another must-have application on Chrome OS for handling all your email-related requirements. It is a free email service developed by Google and has more than 1.5 billion active users from all across the world. The Gmail application works fluidly on Chromebooks, so don’t worry a thing about optimization.

Gmail has more than five whopping billion downloads on the Google Play Store with 10 million reviews and a 4.3/5.0 overall rating when writing this article. With smooth controls and an easy-to-operate interface, this application holds the potential to be your first and last email-centric platform.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

17. VLC for Android

VLC for Android is another Google Play Store application that deserves a spot on your device. It’s one of the most mature media players in the industry, with a comprehensive array of features that make it worth everyone’s while. It comes with included codecs, so you don’t have to search them online yourself.

With more than 100 million downloads on the Android-oriented platform and a 4.3/5.0 overall rating, VLC for Android is arguably the best open-source video and music player that’s free of cost, works like a charm, and is exceedingly lightweight. There’s a dedicated widget as well within the interface of VLC for audio control, not to mention headset support, and a whole library to browse your media from and play.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

18. SoundCloud

Like Spotify, SoundCloud is a top-of-the-line music streaming service that doesn’t necessitate purchasing a subscription service for free listening. Compared to its competitors, this application lets you sift through a library of more than 200 million songs, with more than 100,000 artists.

Being the phenomenon that it is, SoundCloud has amassed more than 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store with an excellent 4.7/5.0 overall rating. Unfortunately, the app was recently listed again on the Play Store of Chromebooks, so you probably won’t see those stats appearing on your device.

Learn how to get SoundCloud on your Chromebook using this definitive guide.

19. Podcast Addict

If you’re into the essence of listening to podcasts and have made it a daily habit of yours, there’s no better application to install and use than Podcast Addict for this purpose. This is seemingly the #1 platform for surrounding yourself with the best podcasts and audiobooks for Android, so you truly shouldn’t be missing out on this giant.

At the time of writing, Podcast Addict has more than 10 million downloads on the Play Store with a 4.7/5.0 overall rating. In addition, it boasts a vast library of more than 5 million available podcasts and 100 million+ episodes.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

20. Reddit

Apart from the buzz of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, Reddit is where the OG social media users hang out. This is one of the best Play Store applications you can download on your Chromebook and dive into your interests using its wide variety of communities.

At the time of writing this article, Reddit had more than 50 million downloads and a 4.4/5.0 overall rating on the platform on the Google Play Store. There is a subreddit for every type of person out there, so it’s easy to find like-minded users and delve into making new friendships.

Please find out more on the app page by visiting it through this link.

Conclusion

One of the most convincing selling points of Chrome OS is its ability to work with Android applications. We genuinely believe that this enhancement has skyrocketed the overall efficacy of Chromebooks. However, people who aren’t well-versed with the best Android applications around could use their fair share of recommendations, and this article serves just that purpose.

We have rounded up the top 20 Google Play Store applications that come optimized for Chromebooks and pave the way for us to experience Chrome OS to its core. So be sure to give them each a go to find out how they operate and how your life can be improved with these applications by your side. Chrome Ready wishes you good luck!