The global mobile app marketplace hit $228.98 billion in 2023. It’s also projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.3% between now and 2030, with this rate of growth being driven by verticals such as gaming, health and fitness, entertainment and sports betting.
Given the diversity of apps available online, it can be hard to determine the key criteria when identifying the best platforms. After all, you’ll have different priorities whether you want an app to manage your finances or register at 1xbitwhile on the move, and this is without factoring in your own unique tastes and preferences.
However, there may be some ways in which you can effectively select one mobile app over another, regardless of your preferred category. We’ll address these below, while exploring each one in a little more detail!
#1. Start with the So-called “Top Lists”
Whether you have an iOS or Android device, when you go to search for or download a particular type of app, you’ll be able to access so-called “top lists”.
These are charts that rank the best apps in real-time, according to the main categories and genres available online. On the iOS store, you can search for the top 25 in specific categories, highlighting the best-selling and most popular tools.
When analysing the results, drill deeper into the best apps, checking out their average score across all reviews. You can also introduce a number of different search filters when navigating the Google Play Store, refining your hunt even further!
#2. User Reviews
If you’re able to create a shortlist of the top iOS and Android apps, the next step is to review each one in more detail. While you may be able to find published reviews online, these may have been sponsored, so it’s better to instead explore the first hand experiences of users.
User reviews can prove invaluable when searching for a specific app. Broadly speaking, if an app has an average score of four stars or higher it can be considered to be a good and well-received app, although it’s better if this value can be sustained across a larger number of reviews.
Next, drill down a little deeper into specific reviews and see what users have to say. This may enable you to identify recurring strengths and weaknesses, some of which may prove to be a deal-breaker.
This process may take some time, but it’s worth it to flesh out market leading and high scoring apps and determine whether or not they’re right for you.
#3. Check Out Featured Sites – And Seek the Opinions of Others
You may be ready to make a decision at this stage, especially if your app is free-to-use or offers a free trial period prior to subscription. However, if you require further guidance, consider checking the ‘Features’ listed on iOS and Android platforms.
Remember, neither Apple or Android receive payment or a financial incentive for featuring apps, with this recommendation earned by way of virtue and popularity. So, you can largely trust the information being offered here.
Last, but not least, you could also adopt the old-school method of speaking to your friends and gaining first-person recommendations. Or, if you’re looking for an app in a specific niche, you could also target focused online communities who are likely to have knowledge and competency in the field.
By combining each of these techniques, you can refine your search for the best mobile apps across multiple categories, before choosing the one that best suits your needs!
