Amazon Appstore for Android

What this marketplace is

Amazon Appstore is a free app marketplace for Android devices created by Amazon. It serves as an alternate storefront to Google Play and is the default store on Amazon’s Fire OS products, including Fire Tablets and Fire TV hardware. On Amazon devices it often comes preinstalled and bundled with purchases; non-Amazon Android users can install it manually.

Catalog size and notable omissions

Compared with Google Play, Amazon’s catalog is substantially smaller. Where Google Play offers millions of apps, the Amazon Appstore’s selection is measured in the hundreds of thousands. Many mainstream applications are available, but several Google-produced services are missing.

• Netflix
• Spotify
• VLC media player
• Messenger
• Facebook

Unavailable or limited items include most Google apps (for example, YouTube) and other services that rely on Google Play services. Some media titles are accessible through Amazon Video links, but full access sometimes requires an Amazon Prime or other paid membership, which can be a drawback for users seeking a single, integrated media storefront.

Where it shines — deals and free content

One of Amazon’s biggest draws is the value it gives away through promotions and curated free offers. Over time the store has provided thousands of dollars’ worth of paid apps, in-app items, and games at no cost to users.

• Monument Valley
• Office Suite Pro 8
• DuckTales

Free app promotions are easy to spot: qualifying titles display an “Actually Free” banner on their thumbnails, and the storefront highlights daily free apps prominently on the home page. For some titles that are normally free, Amazon even covers in-app purchases for promotional periods.

Installing and using the store

Because the Amazon Appstore does not appear on other app marketplaces, Android users who want it must sideload the appropriate installer.

1. Download the Amazon installer (sometimes called the Underground installer) from Amazon’s website or request it be emailed to your device.
2. Allow installations from “unknown sources” in your device’s security or app settings.
3. Install the downloaded package and then launch the Amazon Appstore to browse and download apps.

Once installed, the app itself is straightforward and polished. The interface is organized, with sections for featured items, categories, and a search bar at the top for direct lookups.

Final assessment

Google Play remains the largest and most comprehensive Android app source, but the Amazon Appstore is a worthwhile alternative for users who want curated offerings, frequent promotional deals, and an option that’s tightly integrated with Amazon hardware. If you value savings and a cleaner, more selective catalog over absolute breadth, Amazon’s store is a good choice.