Google Play selected the best apps and games of 2025

Google announced the winners of its traditional annual selection on the Google Play Store, an award that every November highlights the most influential apps and video games of the year. The 2025 edition once again focused on digital well-being, cross-platform innovation, and gaming experiences.

This year, the awards covered not only mobile apps, but also those for tablets, PC, cars, and smartwatches.

What was the best app of 2025

The app chosen as the best of the year was Focus Friend, created by educator Hank Green. The concept works as a "gamified focus timer," designed to reduce phone usage and promote healthier habits.

Its system is based on focus cycles where users accumulate rewards to decorate the virtual room of a small animated bean. The combination of a friendly aesthetic, Tamagotchi-like mechanics, and measurable progress turned Focus Friend into an effective tool for those seeking to disconnect from the screen for a while.

The best video game of the year

Pokémon TCG Pocket was chosen as the best game of 2025. This title adapted the famous card universe into a simple, fast, and fully cross-platform experience.

Released in November 2024, it captivated millions of players with its ease of use, free card packs, and the ability to compete with friends from any device.

Cross-platform apps also received recognition

In the multi-device segment, the best app was Luminar: Photo Editor, a photo editor powered by artificial intelligence. The tool stood out for its ability to optimize images with professional results on both mobile devices and computers.

Disney won the award for best cross-platform game

The winner was Disney Speedstorm, a kart-style racing game that brings together classic company characters. It stood out for its smooth performance and integration across different platforms, a key goal for Google Play in 2025.

The most outstanding winners by category

The awarded apps and games include:

• Best app for fun: Edits (Instagram)
• Best app for personal growth: Focus Friend
• Best essential app: Wiser
• Best hidden gem: Pingo
• Best family app: ABCmouse 2
• Best for watches: SleepisolBio
• Best for large screens: Goodnotes
• Best for cars: SoundCloud
• Best for XR glasses: Calm
• Best multiplayer game: Dunk City Dynasty
• Best game for quick sessions: Candy Crush Solitaire
• Best indie: Chants of Sennaar
• Best story: Disco Elysium
• Best in development: Wuthering Waves
• Best on Play Pass: DREDGE
• Best for Google Play Games on PC: Odin: Valhalla Rising