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We'll enter 2026 in a month's time, and it appears that tech giants have started their annual wrap-ups. One of the earliest names is Google, which has published the list of winners for Google Play's Best of 2025 awards.
These are the best Android apps and games available on Google Play in 2025 across various categories, such as personal growth, large screens, hidden gems, cars, best story, best indie, and more.
Here are the names of the winners Google published for the best apps available in the US:
| Category | App |
|---|---|
| Best App |
Focus Friend by Hank Green |
| Best Multi-device App | Luminar: Photo Editor |
| Best for Fun | Edits, an Instagram app |
| Best for Personal Growth | Focus Friend by Hank Green |
| Best for Everyday Essentials | Wiser - 15 Minute Audio Books |
| Best Hidden Gem | Pingo AI Language Learning |
| Best for Families | ABCmouse 2: Kids Learning Game |
| Best for Watches |
SleepisolBio: sleep, alarm |
| Best for Large Screens | Goodnotes: Notes, docs, PDF |
| Best for Cars | SoundCloud: The Music You Love |
| Best for XR Headsets | Calm - Sleep, Meditate, Relax |
Here are the names of the winners Google published for the best games available in the US:
| Category | Game |
|---|---|
| Best Game | Pokémon TCG Pocket |
| Best Multi-device Game | Disney Speedstorm |
| Best Multiplayer | Dunk City Dynasty |
| Best Pick Up & Play | Candy Crush Solitaire |
| Best Indie | Chants of Sennaar |
| Best Story | Disco Elysium |
| Best Ongoing | Wuthering Waves |
| Best of Play Pass | DREDGE |
| Best for Google Play Games on PC | Odin: Valhalla Rising |
Google said it has also published localized lists of the Google Play Awards 2025 for India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The Android app store has had several updates this year, including personalization features, Games on PC, and a new gift card store.
The search has also made developer verification compulsory for all Android apps, including those distributed outside of Google Play. However, it gave some relaxation to power users after facing criticism for the move.
Hope you enjoyed this news post. Feedback welcome.
Posted Wednesday 19 November 2025 at 4:35 pm AEST (my time).
News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ | 2025 (till end of October): 5,009
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