Google Play’s Best of 2025 list highlights top apps and games that improved focus, creativity, play and cross-device experiences for millions of users.
MOUNTAIN VIEW: Every year, Google Play rounds up the apps and games that made a real impact — the ones that helped us stay focused, laugh a little, get creative, and just have fun. And in 2025, the list is a great reminder that the best apps aren’t just flashy — they’re useful, playful, and built for how we actually live today.
Here’s a look at this year’s standouts — from friendly productivity tools to games that totally hooked users in.
Focus Friend: Best Overall App & Best for Personal Growth
This year’s big winner was Focus Friend, an app that helps you concentrate by growing a cute “Bean Friend” every time you complete a focus session. It’s part productivity timer, part digital pet — and somehow makes getting stuff done feel fun. No pressure, just progress. It also won Best for Personal Growth because it helps people build better habits in a gentle, low-stress way.
Pokémon TCG Pocket: Best Overall Game
If you ever loved opening Pokémon cards as a kid, Pokémon TCG Pocket is going to feel like magic. You get to rip open digital packs, collect cards, and build decks — all from your phone. It mixes nostalgia with sleek design and totally deserved the Best Overall Game title this year.
Luminar: Best Multi-Device App
Ever started editing a photo on your phone and wished you could finish it on your laptop? Luminar nailed it with its cross-device design. Whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or desktop, the tools feel the same and just work. No learning curve, just results. That’s why it took home Best Multi-Device App.
Disney Speedstorm: Best Multi-Device Game
For gamers on the go (or couch), Disney Speedstorm delivers the same fast, fun racing experience on whatever screen you’re using. Whether you’re on PC or phone, it plays great — and that’s why it won Best Multi-Device Game.
Best apps of 2025
Edits by Instagram: Best for Fun
Edits, a new tool from Instagram, lets you get creative with photos and videos without needing to be a pro. It’s quick, fun, and made for playful expression. No tutorials needed. Just swipe, style and share.
Wiser: Best Everyday Essential
Wiser is for busy brains who still want to read. You get short audiobooks (think 15 minutes or less) that pack in the good stuff. Perfect for lunch breaks or a quick listen on the way to work — and that’s why it was picked as Best Everyday Essential.
Pingo AI: Best Hidden Gem
Learning a language can be scary, but Pingo makes it chill. With a mix of casual conversations and smart structure, it’s one of the friendliest ways to pick up a new language — and it’s no wonder it won Best Hidden Gem.
ABCmouse 2: Best for Families
The new version of ABCmouse is packed with games, books and learning tools for kids — and it’s super easy for parents to manage. It’s bright, engaging, and makes learning fun for the whole family, which earned it Best for Families.
SleepisolBio: Best for Watches
Sleep tracking doesn’t have to be complicated. SleepisolBio keeps it simple with short, helpful data and gentle alarms to help you sleep better. It’s a smart little app for your smartwatch, and won Best for Watches.
Goodnotes: Best for Large Screens
Goodnotes keeps getting better on tablets. Whether you’re taking notes, sketching or marking up a PDF, it feels smooth and natural — like writing on paper, but better. No wonder it’s the winner for Best for Large Screens.
SoundCloud: Best for Cars
Driving just got easier with SoundCloud’s new car mode. Big buttons, easy swiping, and less tapping around means more music and less distraction. It’s made for the road, and took home Best for Cars.
Calm: Best for XR Headsets
Calm stepped into virtual reality this year, and it’s kind of amazing. Meditate, relax, and unwind in beautiful, immersive environments that feel like a mini-vacation for your mind. It’s why it earned Best for XR Headsets.
Best games of 2025
Dunk City Dynasty: Best Multiplayer Game
This game brings fast-paced basketball action to your screen with smooth online play and customisable teams. If you’re into competitive sports games, Dunk City Dynasty is a slam dunk and won Best Multiplayer Game.
Candy Crush Solitaire: Best Pick-Up-and-Play Game
Short on time? Candy Crush Solitaire is perfect for quick rounds and casual fun. It blends two classic games into something super satisfying and easy to jump into.
Chants of Sennaar: Best Indie Game
This one’s for the puzzle lovers. Chants of Sennaar is all about deciphering a mysterious language in a beautifully drawn world. It’s clever, creative, and earned Best Indie Game for good reason.
Disco Elysium: Best Story Game
Disco Elysium is an award-winning story game that somehow made it to mobile without losing any of its depth. If you love character-driven mysteries and complex choices, this one’s worth diving into.
Wuthering Waves: Best Ongoing Game
This action-RPG keeps the content coming. With regular updates and new story arcs, Wuthering Waves keeps players coming back long after launch. That’s why it earned Best Ongoing Game.
DREDGE: Best on Play Pass
Creepy fishing meets slow-burn storytelling in DREDGE. It’s atmospheric, weirdly peaceful, and perfect for players who like their games a little moody. It stood out on Google Play Pass this year.
Odin: Valhalla Rising: Best for Google Play Games on PC
This fantasy MMO is huge in every sense — graphics, gameplay and world-building. Odin: Valhalla Rising made a big splash with its cross-platform performance and picked up Best for Google Play Games on PC.
