6 Underrated Google Apps You Need to Start Using Today

Many Google applications are well-known, such as Search, Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Drive, Photos, and Keep—most people are familiar with these tools. However, Google has developed a variety of other apps that often go unnoticed, mainly because they don’t come pre-installed on devices. Even though these apps might not have widespread recognition, they can be extremely beneficial, with some arguably more efficient than paid alternatives.

If you enjoy video editing on your mobile device, Google’s free video editing app is definitely worth checking out. Surprisingly, it’s not limited to YouTube Shorts; the app includes features for creating Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts alike, providing filters, effects, stickers, transitions, a timeline interface, royalty-free music, and automatic captioning. Plus, there are pre-made templates to help you quickly put together an impressive vertical video.

As of 2026, the app has incorporated several AI features. For example, you can generate images and videos through prompts, and my favorite is the “Edit with AI” feature, which selects the best clips from your video, adds a soundtrack and voiceover automatically. Though the app is still in beta, I’ve tested it on my Galaxy S26, and it performed exceptionally well.

Few photo editing applications for Android are truly excellent and completely free, but Snapseed stands out as a notable exception. It includes an array of advanced features, such as selective edits, masking, perspective adjustments, curves, and more—comparable to those found in paid applications like Adobe Lightroom.

What sets Snapseed apart is its ability to save edits in a stack, allowing users to revisit and modify any step without starting over. Its design is user-friendly, with the editing process divided into three main sections: Styles, Tools, and Export, making it less intimidating than many other photo editors.

Recently, Google launched a significant update with Snapseed 4.0, introducing a camera mode that allows users to take photographs directly within the app, applying custom styles or film looks.

This app is more of a passive income generator than a utility. Google Opinion Rewards allows users to partake in quick surveys in exchange for Play Store credit.

Typically, the surveys are straightforward, asking you to answer a few questions about a location you visited, an advertisement you saw, or your general opinions. Completing them usually takes less than a minute.

You’ll receive notifications when surveys are available, answer them, and earn credit that can accumulate over time. While individual survey rewards are small, they can add up, making it effectively free money for those who frequently purchase apps or games from the Play Store. The only downside is that the frequency of surveys can vary based on your location and the number of Google applications you use.

Action Blocks is an intuitive app that creates customizable buttons on your home screen, allowing you to execute specific actions with a single tap. You could use it for calling, texting, playing videos, starting playlists, or controlling smart home devices. Instead of vocal commands, you can simply tap the button.

Though the available actions are basic, you can create custom actions tailored to your needs. This app is designed primarily for those who might struggle with standard smartphone use, but it can be beneficial for anyone looking for easier access to certain features.

While Google Photos is a powerful tool, it can feel overwhelming at times due to its various prompts and AI features. In contrast, the Google Gallery app offers a user-friendly, streamlined experience focused solely on viewing photos and videos.

With basic editing features for cropping, rotating, and enhancing images, as well as dark mode, a recycle bin, and a favorites folder, this app serves its purpose without excess. It evokes nostalgia for simpler gallery apps of the past.

Though already integrated into Google Photos and the Search bar, Google Lens remains underutilized. It also functions as a standalone app with capabilities beyond merely scanning QR codes. You can use it to identify plant species or dog breeds and even to solve math problems or understand diagrams seamlessly.

Furthermore, Lens is effective for capturing text from written notes and translating text in real time. One of its standout features includes identifying products and facilitating shopping. The Live tab allows users to ask Lens questions about their surroundings, making it like having a knowledgeable assistant at your side.

In summary, these are some of the standout Google applications that deserve more attention. All are free and excel in their respective functionalities. Which app are you eager to try out first? Let us know in the comments!