Best App Store’s alternatives in the EU in 2024: a definitive list

Still using App Store descriptions as the only go-to source for finding new iOS apps? Well, no surprise there. For 49% of users, App Store lists are the top option for app discovery.

Source: iOS Market Insights for EU. 

However, the game is changing right now. Since March 2024, Apple has allowed EU developers to distribute apps through alternative iOS app stores. For users, this means getting access to more extraordinary apps on better terms. 

So, where should you search for useful and interactive apps that will solve your needs besides the App Store? 

I've gathered the list of the top-rated alternative stores on the EU market, breaking down their unique features, app selections, and user experiences. Find out what iOS/iPadOS alternative stores offer today, and choose which ones deserve a spot on your device.

Selection criteria

As Apple's allowance for alternative marketplaces to run only launches in the EU in March 2024, there aren't many alternative stores for iOS apps on the market yet. 

In a list, I included only alternative stores, that meet the following requirements: 

• No need to jailbreak a device for installation. Users can install an iOS alternative app store without security risks and other pitfalls. 
• High level of security. An alternative store protects users from malware, data breaches, and other threats. 
• Variety of applications. Availability of a diverse range of apps across different categories (productivity, entertainment, utilities, etc.). Thus, users' chances of finding apps that meet their specific needs increase.
• User-friendly interface. Users can easily install an alternative store, find apps and manage their downloads.

How users benefit from alternative iOS app stores

IOS and iPadOS users in the EU now have more freedom and diversity in their app choices.  Here are key opportunities that arise with alternative marketplaces:

• Unique apps. Third-party app stores in the EU can include apps that are not available on the App Store. Why not try something new and become a tech trendsetter among your friends?
• Early access to new apps. Grab a chance to try out a new game before it goes viral. 
• Curated collections.  Alternative iOS app stores often have their own specialization. No need to test dozens of apps for a specific task –– these stores often do all the legwork for you.
• Financial perks. Completely free or for a nominal cost, you gain access to a ton of features! 

Whether you're looking for new productivity tools, out-of-the-box games, utility apps, or any other, now you have more choices than ever! 

App Store alternatives: a quick overview 

I came up with a list of the four best iOS/iPadOS alternative stores for downloading apps:

iOS alternative store	Focus	Price	Best for
AltStore PAL	Games, emulators, lifestyle, and utilities	Free	Unique apps unavailable in the App Store
Aptoide	Games	Free to download/pay for apps	Popular games with bonuses for in-app purchases
Setapp Mobile	Productivity and utility apps	$9.99/month	Сurated collection of high-quality apps
Buildstore	Games, emulators, tweaks	$19.99/month	Enhanced versions of popular applications

Now, let's take a deeper look at the features of each of them.

Setapp Mobile: Best alternative marketplace with productivity & utility apps

Initially, Setapp was an alternative MacOS marketplace, boasting a collection of over 250 curated apps. In response to the EU's Digital Markets Act, Setapp Mobile was launched in September 2024 as an open beta. Currently, more than 50 developers of productivity, utility, photo, video, music, and books apps have joined this alternative iOS store. 

Setapp Mobile is a fee-based app, but you can start with a seven-day free trial. Depending on the number of Mac and iPhone seats, three plans are available starting at €9.49/month. For this price, you can access all premium apps' features with no ads or in-app purchases. You can easily install Setapp Mobile by following the video instructions. 

Features

• Only handpicked and high-quality apps that passed security review
• Get updates automatically
• No in-app purchases
• No ads
• Apps’ premium features are unlocked
• Diverse app portfolio that includes available on the App Store apps and exclusive ones (such as Downie)
• Exceptional customer support – you get a reply from support engineers in just 3 minutes
• Fair developers’ compensation based on user engagement

Apps included

• CleanMyPhone
• ClearVPN
• Riveo video editor
• Awesome Habits tracker.
• Time Master 
• MonAI
• Ochi focus manager
• Bookshelf: Reading Tracker
• AdLock

AltStore PAL: Open-source app store

In Altstore, you can find games and emulators that are not available in the App Store, as well as tweaked versions of apps. It’s an open-source alternative app store aimed to support independent developers. 

Features

• Patreon integration to support developers who want to distribute beta apps as a reward for crowd-sourced funding
• Hosts exclusive apps and games that are not available on the App Store
• Requires weekly refresh to keep apps functional
• Less restrictive approval process for developers to support them
• Well-designed and intuitive user experience

Apps included

• Delta
• Clip
• PeopleDrop
• UTM
• qBitControl
• Epic game titles like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League 

Aptoide: Third-party app store with games

Since 2009, Aptoide has served as an alternative store for Android users, with over 430 million users and 1 million apps. Now, Apple enthusiasts can also enjoy a variety of games downloaded through this marketplace. 

Aptoide for iOS was launched in June 2024 with six game titles. However, it was mentioned that over 100 developers have already expressed interest in distributing their apps through this alternative store. 

Features

• Free apps with in-app purchases
• Apple-approved in-app purchase system, ensuring security and familiarity for users
• Exclusive discount system – up to 10% bonus for in-app purchases
• Includes users’ reviews and ratings for better decision-making
• Offers $1,000-$2,000 bonus for developers launching games on the platform

Games included

• Word Jungle
• Condor — Leap of Faith
• Solitaire games 
• Mahjong games
• Guess the Word

BuildStore: A long-standing alternative iOS app store 

For more than 10 years Buildstore has been providing access to a wide variety of non-App Store apps for iPhones and iPads. Currently, it offers 800+ exclusive games, emulators, media apps, and more. For the $19.99/month, you get full app library access and the ability to access custom app uploads or new versions. 

Features

• Extended apps functionality and capabilities not found in official versions
• Collaborative curation with indie developer communities to handpick apps
• Safe, secure, and warranty-friendly installation process
• Minimal ads
• Extensive app library with 20-30 new additions monthly

Apps included

• Streamer iOS
• YTMusicUltimate
• Pokemon GO++
• VSCO Pro
• iTorrent for iOS
• TikTok God

Alternative iOS app store: which to choose?

After learning about the four best alternative stores in the EU in 2024, you're probably already eager to test one (or even a few). While each store offers unique benefits, focus on your needs.

If you're looking for an alternative iOS marketplace with a handpicked selection of high-quality apps for time management, productivity, photo/video editing and more, try Setapp Mobile. With more than 55 apps on board, you'll discover powerful tools you never knew existed!