The best apps on Google Play don't have to cost you a dime, or anything for that matter.

Mobile apps have drastically changed our relationship with free software. More often than not, the best mobile apps don't cost you a cent (though you might pay for them in other ways). But there are also plenty halfbaked free apps out there. Our handy list can help you navigate Google Play to make sure you're getting the good stuff.

We've covered everything from budgeting, to note-taking, to music, and security, and more. If you're starting up a new Android device for the first time, or you're on a tight budget, these apps will get you up and running.

The Trouble with Free
While "free" is great, it doesn't always cut the mustard. For instance, the best office suite I've seen for Android costs a hefty $14.99. There's a very worthy free competitor in the office space, but it's got some issues that simply aren't present in paid apps. I love paying nothing, but sometimes it's worth paying a little bit extra for a higher quality product.

So while these are the best free apps, they aren't necessarily always the best apps. If you're looking for that list, check out our 100 best Android Apps article. You'll also note that there aren't any games in this list. Not to worry, we have an entire collection of the 10 best Android games for your perusal.

Haven't I Seen This Before?
You might have seen this list before, but like many round ups on PC Mag we try to update them from time to time to keep them relevant for our readers. Every few weeks new apps will drop in while older ones drop out. This list should live and grow along with the changing Google Play store. In fact, it's sprouting five new apps this time around.

You Missed One!
We can't possibly fit everything into one list, but we've tried out best. What we've listed here is the best, or as close to the best as you can get, and that means some had to be left out. But if you notice that we've overlooked a worthy app be sure to drop us a line in the comments. I promise we'll read them.

Source: www.pcmag.com