Google has unveiled its selections for the best apps and games on the Play Store for 2025, celebrating the creativity and innovation of developers while guiding users toward noteworthy downloads. This year, the accolade for the best overall app goes to Focus Friend, a unique creation by Hank Green. This app transforms productivity into a game, featuring a charming “Bean Friend” avatar that rewards users with virtual items for completing focus sessions, allowing them to personalize their avatar’s space.
In the gaming realm, Pokemon TCG Pocket has claimed the title of best overall game. Launched in October 2024, this digital adaptation of the beloved Pokémon card game has quickly captured the hearts of players.
Among the other distinguished winners, Google recognized Luminar as the best multi-device app, highlighting its impressive suite of AI-driven editing tools that function seamlessly across various platforms. In the gaming category, Disney Speedstorm was celebrated as the best multi-device game, compatible with Android devices and Windows PCs alike.
Best apps of 2025
- Best for Fun: Edits, an Instagram app
- Best for Personal Growth: Focus Friend by Hank Green
- Best Everyday Essential: Wiser — 15 Minute Audio Books
- Best Hidden Gem: Pingo AI Language Learning
- Best for Families: ABCmouse 2: Kids Learning Game
- Best for Watches: SleepisolBio
- Best for Large Screens: Goodnotes
- Best for Cars: Soundcloud
- Best for XR Headsets: Calm
Best games of 2025
- Best Multiplayer: Dunk City Dynasty
- Best Pick up and Play: Candy Crush Solitaire
- Best Indie: Chants of Sennaar
- Best Story: Disco Elysium
- Best Ongoing: Wuthering Waves
- Best on Play Pass: DREDGE
- Best for Google Play Games on PC: Odin: Valhalla Rising
Reflecting on the previous year, 2024’s standout winners included Partiful as the best overall app and AFK Journey as the best overall game, alongside Max as the best multi-device app. In a similar vein, Google has also curated a list of the best books of the year, inviting users to explore these literary gems on their platform.
