A practical Android toolkit for everyday tasks usually goes beyond the apps that came with the phone. The eight utilities in this list cover common jobs: opening archives, moving files between devices, backing up to the cloud, protecting your connection, browsing, navigating, getting help from an AI assistant and reaching hidden system settings. Few people need all of them, but each solves a real problem.
Each app is described by the task it handles, how much access to your data it needs, whether core features cost nothing, and who develops it. Some apps come from large companies like Google, Xiaomi and OpenAI, others from smaller developers. Limits are listed too, such as storage use, paid tiers or features aimed at more experienced users, so you can install only what you need.
Eight utilities and the job each one does
- ZArchiver — Best for opening ZIP, RAR and 7z archives
- ShareMe — Best for fast offline file transfers between phones
- TeraBox — Best for large cloud storage for photos and files
- ProtonVPN — Best for a privacy-focused VPN with a free plan
- Google Chrome — Best for browsing synced with your Google account
- Google Maps — Best for navigation, transit and local search
- ChatGPT — Best for quick answers, writing help and brainstorming
- Activity Launcher — Best for opening hidden settings and app screens
ZArchiver
Best for opening ZIP, RAR and 7z archives
ZArchiver handles compressed files, a job the built-in Android file tools often cover only partially. It opens to a folder list rather than a screen of shortcuts, and the path at the top tells you exactly where you are on the phone, which makes it easier to unpack a downloaded archive into the folder you want. It supports common formats such as ZIP, RAR and 7z.
It can also create archives, which helps when sending many files as one. The interface is plain and functional rather than polished, so it suits people who value a tool over modern design. Unlike TeraBox or ShareMe, it does not move files anywhere; it only works on files already stored on the device. Take care with archives from unknown sources, as they can hide unwanted apps.
ShareMe
Best for fast offline file transfers between phones
ShareMe is a file transfer app from Xiaomi that sends photos, videos, apps and documents directly between nearby phones without using mobile data. Unlike TeraBox, nothing is uploaded to the cloud, so transfers stay local and are usually quicker for large files. It works on Android phones from many brands, not only Xiaomi devices, and is useful when moving to a new phone.
The limit is that both devices need the app and must be near each other, so it is not a way to share files with someone far away. Quick Share from Google offers a similar built-in option on many phones, which may be enough for occasional transfers. ShareMe asks for permissions such as storage and location to find nearby devices, which is normal for this type of app.
TeraBox
Best for large cloud storage for photos and files
TeraBox is a cloud storage app from Flextech that backs up photos, videos and documents and lets you open them from other devices. Its main appeal is a free storage allowance that is generous compared with many rivals, and that is what the app is best known for. Unlike ShareMe, files leave the phone and live on remote servers, so they stay available even if the device is lost.
There are trade-offs to weigh. Free users see ads and some features are limited, with a paid plan to remove those limits. The app itself is a large download, so it takes noticeable space on the phone. As with any cloud service, think about what you upload, review the privacy settings, and keep a second backup of important files rather than relying on a single provider.
ProtonVPN
Best for a privacy-focused VPN with a free plan
ProtonVPN comes from Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail, and it is the only app in this list focused on securing your internet connection. It encrypts traffic between your phone and its servers, which is useful on public Wi-Fi, and it offers a free plan without data caps, something many VPN services do not provide.
The free plan limits server choice, while paid plans add more locations and features. The apps are open source and have been independently audited, which supports its no-logs policy. A VPN does not make you anonymous, and it cannot stop tracking by accounts you sign in to. Also check local rules, since VPN use is restricted in some countries.
Google Chrome
Best for browsing synced with your Google account
Chrome is preinstalled on most Android phones, so the real question is less whether to install it than how to set it up. Its main advantage is syncing bookmarks, passwords, history and open tabs with a Google account, so moving between phone and computer is seamless. It receives frequent updates focused on stability and security, which matters for the app you use to open links.
A few built-in settings make everyday browsing safer and tidier, such as Safe Browsing, the password checkup, site permission controls and regularly clearing browsing data. The main limit is privacy, since Chrome is closely tied to Google services and your account. Unlike ProtonVPN, Chrome does not encrypt your whole connection; it relies on individual sites using HTTPS.
Google Maps
Best for navigation, transit and local search
Google Maps covers driving, walking, cycling and public transit directions, plus live traffic, local business information and reviews. Among the apps in this list, it is the one many people use daily without thinking about it. Offline maps let you download an area before a trip, so basic navigation still works when mobile data is weak or unavailable.
Maps is a large download that updates often, and some personal features, such as saved places and Timeline, rely on location data and your account. Reviewing location settings lets you decide what is stored and for how long. The detail of transit and business information varies by country, so in some regions a local map app may offer more complete coverage.
ChatGPT
Best for quick answers, writing help and brainstorming
The official ChatGPT app from OpenAI bundles text chat, voice conversations, photo uploads and image generation, with history that syncs across devices. It is the most general-purpose tool in this list: you can ask it to summarize text, draft a message, explain a photo of a document or plan a trip, and then continue the same conversation later on a computer.
The limits are important. Answers can be wrong or out of date, so check facts that matter, especially health, legal or financial information. A free tier is available, while paid plans unlock more capacity and features. Be careful with personal or confidential data, and review the data controls in settings. Install only the official app from OpenAI, since many look-alike apps exist.
Activity Launcher
Best for opening hidden settings and app screens
Activity Launcher is the most specialized app in this roundup. It lists the individual screens, called activities, inside installed apps and lets you open them directly or create home screen shortcuts to them. That can reveal settings that some phone makers hide from the regular menus, or give you a one-tap path to a screen you use often.
The app is small and lightweight, but it is aimed at curious or experienced users rather than everyone. Some activities are not meant to be opened directly and may crash or do nothing, and changing hidden system settings can have side effects. Compared with the other utilities here, it solves a narrow problem, so install it only if you already know what you are looking for.
Full Activity Launcher review →
How to choose useful Android apps
Begin with the tasks you actually do. If you download archives, ZArchiver is worth having; if you often move large files between phones, ShareMe saves time; if you want cloud backup, compare TeraBox with the storage your phone maker or Google already provides, for example through Google Photos backup. Chrome and Google Maps are often preinstalled, so tuning their settings can matter more than replacing them.
Then check permissions and trust. Utilities often request access to files, location or network traffic, so prefer apps from known developers and install them from Google Play or the official site. Look at what the free version includes before relying on it, and avoid installing several apps that do the same job. A smaller, well-chosen set is easier to keep updated and secure.
Archives, free VPNs and AI privacy
Do I need a separate archive app on Android?
Many phones open ZIP files in the built-in file manager, but support for RAR and 7z is less consistent. ZArchiver handles these formats and can also create your own archives.
Can I trust a free VPN like ProtonVPN?
It depends on who runs it. ProtonVPN’s free plan comes from a company with a public privacy focus, open source apps and independent audits. Unknown free VPNs deserve more caution, since they may rely on ads or data collection.
Should I share personal information with ChatGPT?
Better not to share sensitive personal, financial or work data. Check the data controls in the app settings, and remember that answers can contain mistakes, so verify anything important.
