I saved money by replacing 6 paid subscription Android apps with open source alternatives

Subscriber apps often demand a monthly fee for their premium features, but author decided to explore the world of free and open source software (FOSS). They discovered a range of FOSS alternatives that offer superior privacy, no tracking, and greater customization than the paid apps they previously used.

First on the list was Google Drive, which served as the foundation of author's mobile life. However, the constant reminders to upgrade storage space became tiresome. They opted for Nextcloud on their NAS, and the experience was markedly better. Nextcloud's Android app is not only functional but also beautifully designed, featuring smooth animations and a Material You aesthetic that blends seamlessly with Google Pixel devices.

It offers automatic media updates, offline access, favorites, and real-time collaboration, providing a level of privacy and polish that Google Drive cannot match.

Next was file management. Author had tried various premium file managers on the Play Store, but they were often bloated and required subscription prompts for basic network features. Fossify File Manager proved to be a revelation. It looks and feels like a native Android app, is lightweight and fast, and the animations are buttery smooth. The app only asks for access to files, does not track location or contacts, and is a testament to the principle "less is more."

For managing finances, author turned to Cashew. This app offers Material You support and is highly customizable. It includes features such as goals, budgets, net worth tracking, scheduled transactions, custom categories, and detailed analysis. Cashew proved that one does not need a monthly subscription to effectively manage personal finances.

Super Productivity replaced Todoist, TickTick, and Toggl as author's go-to productivity app. It balances complexity with a clean UI, does not feel like a scaled-down version of the desktop app, and offers features such as timers, attachments, deep time-tracking, sub-tasks, and more. It is a free alternative that does not harvest user data.

Notion and Obsidian were replaced by Anytype, which follows a local-first philosophy and offers a fast experience on the Pixel 8. It provides objects rather than just pages, which author found beneficial for organizing blog drafts. The UI is crisp, typography is spot-on, and the dark mode is among the best on Android. However, there is a learning curve involved, as Anytype offers a modern editor with slash commands, workspaces, and objects.

Lastly, Thunderbird replaced various email apps on Android. Thunderbird, with its desktop counterpart being the gold standard for customization, now brings the same no-nonsense energy to the mobile platform. It offers a unified inbox, supports Material Design, and does not require AI add-ons.

Author concludes by encouraging those on the fence about switching to open source to try one paid app this week with an open source alternative. They also note that the Play Store is packed with dozens of open source apps, offering a variety of options to customize one's workflow.