What is the preferred order of searching for apps across app stores?

Resupply8986

I initially set up GOS using the Naomi Brockwell video, where she suggests f-droid and Aurora. In the discord for GOS though, there was a large amount of controversy. Some people said that you are more likely to get malware from using those, so sandboxed google play is the way to go, assuming it isn’t one of the 15 apps on Accrescent. Others said Accrescent is terrible and doesn’t auto update apps properly, which could cause security vulnerabilities, and that Obtanium is the way to go.

There is a huge amount of conflicting opinions on this. Does GrapheneOS have an official stance?

Blank

Resupply8986 I have to admitted I had the same issue when arriving on GOS. Overall, I don't think there's issue by using f-droid since it's widely known. But the problem is that f-droid takes time to update apps, which can lead to vulnerabilities. But since even Proton have their apps hosted on f-droid, I don't think there's a risk other than apos taking times to be updated.

For the Aurora store, the repository rely on the official Plays store. Aurora is just a front-end of play store. Furthermore, when installing apps on Aurora and then switching to Playstore you can see the apps are recognized. Which confirm they weren't tempered.

But surely Play store is the most secure because (whether or not we like the company) Google knows how to secure their products. Moreover Sandboxed play store is the recommended by GOS developers.

But, with that being said, I don't think you're wrong using one solutions or another. Because some other people on the forum use Obtainium, F-droid, Aurora ect...

DeletedUser528

Resupply8986 I don't have the source but the recommended are

GrapheneOS App store
Accrescent (can be installed from 1.)
Sandboxed Google Play Store (can be installed from 1.)

then probably

Obtainium
Aurora Store

Fdroid is likely somewhere neer the end of the list.