Personal Assistant apps have been around for a while. However, it wasn’t until Siri that they became a really big deal. We now have tons of options in the space, including offerings from Google, Microsoft, and SoundHound, among others. It’s an interesting space to be in right now. You can take advantage as well with the best personal assistant apps for Android! Let’s get started.
Also, if you’re into hardware, check out Google Home and Amazon Alexa as they combine the concept of a personal assistant app with a hardware device for more control. We’ll be perfectly honest here. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa stand alone at the top here with Bixby following up in third. Additionally, we said goodbye to Cortana in late 2019 and that app is no longer available on this list.
The best personal assistant apps for Android
- Amazon Alexa
- Bixby
- DataBot
- Extreme Personal Voice Assistant
- Google Assistant
- Hound
- Robin
- To do list apps
- Calendar apps
- Other OEM Assistant apps
Amazon Alexa
Price: Free
Amazon Alexa is actually a great personal assistant. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get a hold of. It requires an Amazon Fire device or an Amazon Echo device. The app on Android is mostly just a controller for the devices. Alexa can do web searches, integrate with smart home stuff, and even order pizza! Its device restrictions are by far the worst part of it. Otherwise, this is right up there with Google Assistant as the best of the best. We recommend it for sure.
See also:Amazon Alexa: Everything you need to know about the digital assistant
Bixby
Price: Free (Samsung devices only)
Bixby is Samsung’s personal assistant app. It’s only available on Samsung devices. Otherwise, it’s surprisingly decent. It does web searches, downloads apps from Google Play, and has direct support for a variety of available apps. It also supports smart home tech as long as you get Samsung’s proprietary hub. It’s only about a year old. However, it’s still better than most other options. Those with Samsung devices should try this one for sure. We’re not sure if Samsung plans on opening this up to any other devices. It might be nice if they did.
See also:Bixby guide: Features, compatible devices, best commands
DataBot
Price: Free / Up to $4.99
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
DataBot is a slightly above-average personal assistant app. It features cross-platform support. You also get some basic personal assistant stuff, some customization features, and even a chatbot. It doesn’t come close to the functionality of Google Assistant, Siri, or even Cortana or Bixby. However, it’s a simpler, entertaining solution for those who like that. It can even tell jokes, riddles, and other goofy stuff like that. The app isn’t bad, but it’s not mind-blowing either. The app is free with some optional in-app purchases.
Extreme Personal Voice Assistant
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Extreme is a reasonably okay personal assistant app. It can do basic stuff like Google searches, help you take selfies, search for directions, and find news. It also tries to protect your privacy. All of your conversations with Extreme take place on your phone and the data automatically deletes if you uninstall the app. There are some limitations and some commands require some manual input. In short, it’s not as good as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Hopefully, the developers keep working on it.
See also:The best productivity apps for Android
Google Assistant
Price: Free
Google Assistant is pretty much the undisputed champion of personal assistant apps on Android. It comes with a metric ton of features which includes the basics, more advanced stuff like anticipating your needs, activation from anywhere, Google Now on Tap, and a lot more. It even integrates with some smart home stuff like Philips Hue lights. It’s not enough that this app is solid as a brick wall but it’s also updated on an almost constant basis by Google which seems to only add to its stability and range of features. If your device has Google Play Services, you probably already have this installed which means you just have to turn it on. You can also get Google Now Launcher which puts Google Now at the forefront of your device interactions.
See also:Google Assistant: Tips and tricks you might not know about
Hound
Price: Free
Hound is another one of the upcoming personal assistant apps alongside Cortana. SoundHound made this one a couple of years ago. It’s coming along okay. The basics are all covered here and the app includes some advanced stuff like a mortgage calculator, integrated Expedia support for hotel booking, and the SoundHound Now which opens a sing/hum music search. You can even play interactive games like Hangman. It’s only for United States residents right now, but it is out of beta and ready for public consumption. It is still a bit buggy though, so do beware of that.
Robin
Price: Free
Robin was one of the original “Siri challengers” and, as such, has been around for quite some time. Despite that, the developer still proclaims Robin as a beta application which means they definitely want everything to be just right before release. It supports the basic commands such as calling and sending SMS and it can also respond to gestures, find out about parking and traffic alerts, gas prices, and more. It still needs some work but it’s a pretty decent option and should become a lot better over the long term if the developers keep working on it.
To do list apps
Price: Free / Varies
To do list do many of the same things as personal assistant apps. You can remind yourself to do things, schedule things for a later date, add notes, and even access a calendar. One of these along with a weather app and Google Search and you have the same basic experience. You obviously won’t get smart home integration and some of the more complex tasks. However, those who don’t want those things can replicate most of the rest of the experience with other apps. Todoist, TickTick, and Gtasks are good options. We have our best list linked above if you want to see more!
Calendar apps
Price: Free / Varies
Calendar apps are the original personal assistants on mobile. You know how these works. You open the calendar, add your various events, and check back later to see what’s on the agenda. There are some excellent options here, including aCalendar, Calendar Widget by Home Agenda, Simple Calendar Pro, and, of course, the classic Google Calendar. Most calendar apps work the same way with some extras around the edges. It’s also a good route to go if you just need something simple. We have our list of the best calendar apps linked at the button just below.
Other OEM AI assistant apps
Price: Free
Other OEMs are considering or actively developing AI assistants for their smartphones. Some examples include LG, Huawei, and Xiaomi. These are more or less like Bixby. They are personal assistant apps that should come baked into the smartphones these manufacturers make. We don’t know a ton about these apps right now other than their development. Some of them come with some unique features. For instance, Xiaomi’s assistant can find photos of you from a certain time in a certain place. You may have to wait a generation or two, but these should be decent options upon their release.
If we missed any great personal assistant apps for Android, tell us about them in the comments. You can also click here to check out our latest Android app and game lists.
Thank you for reading. Try these out too:
- The best Google Nest Home apps to maximize your experience
- Amazon Echo vs Google Home: Which is better right now?
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FAQs
Does Android have a personal assistant? ›
Many Android devices comes pre-installed with Google Assistant app, as Google believes in providing more accessibility to its users. With Google Assistant you can manage tasks, plan your day, enjoy entertainment, make memories and get answers. Just say 'Hey, Google!
What is the best app for voice assistant? ›- Google Assistant.
- Cortana.
- Amazon Alexa.
- Siri.
- Bixby.
- Extreme Personal Voice Assistant.
- DataBot.
- AIVC (Alice)
Android Auto. Android Auto is a smart virtual assistant that connects with the Google Assistant and enables you to stay focused, connected, and entertained while driving. It offers you to look for directions through Google Maps and real-time navigation and access your music apps.
What is the best intelligent personal assistant? ›Best Intelligent Personal Assistants or Automated Personal Assistants: Google Assistant, Nina, Viv, Jibo, Google now, Hey Athena, Cortana, Mycroft, Braina Virtual Assistant, Siri, SILVIA, Amazon Echo, Bixby, Lucida, Cubic, Dragon Go, Hound, Aido, Ubi Kit, BlackBerry Assistant, Maluuba, Vlingo are some of Top ...
What is the smartest assistant? ›Forty-four percent of those surveyed think Alexa is the brainiest, beating out second-place Google Assistant, which was rated smartest by 33%; Apple's Siri isn't far behind in third. That's a trend we found: Amazon, Google, and Apple's more mature assistants top the results, leaving Microsoft's Cortana in the dust.
What is the name of the personal assistant of an Android? ›Google Assistant evolved from Google Now and comes as a pre-installed part of most Android phones. You can access it by holding the home button or, on some devices, squeezing your phone by its sides. And instead of "Hey Siri" you can launch it by saying "Hey Google" instead.
What is the Android assistant name? ›Bixby is a voice assistant similar to Apple's Siri that's been exclusive to Samsung devices since 2017. You can start Bixby several ways, including by pressing the Bixby key on the side of your device.
What is device assistance app? ›What Is The Default Device Assistant? Voice assistants help you use your device while hands free like helping to send texts, make calls, or get directions. To summon your device's default assistant on an Android phone, you simply press and hold the home button.
Is there a personal assistant app? ›Google Assistant
Google Assistant comes built-in on some mobile devices, and the app can be downloaded on both Android and Apple devices. You can download this application from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
- Step 1: Create a web app.
- Step 2: Create a voice assistant.
- Step 3: Integrate Alan with the app.
- Step 4: Add a voice command.
- Step 5: Specify options and alternatives.
- Step 6: Pick out important data with slots.
- Step 7: Add several items.
- Step 8: Send a command to display items in the cart.
Can I be a virtual assistant using phone only? ›
As long as you don't need specific apps or platforms, you can do a lot on your smartphone. Of course, the one major limitation of a phone is its small display and hard-to-use on-screen keyboard.
What is the most used virtual assistant? ›Although Google Assistant is quickly gaining compatibility with popular home automation and home security services, Alexa is the industry leader when it comes to voice assistant integration.
What's the best assistant in the world? ›Intelligence and accuracy
When it comes to answering questions, Google Assistant takes the crown. During the test of more than 4,000 questions led by Stone Temple, Google Assistant consistently outperformed other industry leaders including Alexa, Siri, and Cortana when recognizing and responding to questions correctly.
A virtual assistant, also called AI assistant or digital assistant, is an application program that understands natural language voice commands and completes tasks for the user.
Who is Google Assistant name? ›Google Assistant launched using the voice of Kiki Baessell for the American female voice, the same actress for the Google Voice voicemail system since 2010. From 2016 until present day, the Assistant's default voice is portrayed by Antonia Flynn.
How do I change my Google Assistant to Jarvis? ›- Open the Settings tab inside your Google Home app.
- Click on Assistant Voice.
- Now you can change it to Jarvis.
Google Assistant is the clear winner here. It integrates well with more devices, supports nearly six times more languages, and offers unparalleled voice search. But Bixby isn't all bad. Bixby offers great functionality for newer Samsung devices and executes offline and phone-based commands quite well.
Can Bixby answer calls? ›Using Bixby
To use Bixby to answer or reject calls, press the Side button to activate Bixby just as you would do normally when you receive a phone call. The assistant will get activated. Say “Answer call” or “Reject call”. Note: You cannot use the Hey Bixby command while your phone is ringing.
Tip: On devices running Android 8.0 and up, you can also talk to the Google Assistant when your device is locked by saying "Hey Google." Learn how to control what information displays on your lock screen.
Can I install Siri on Android? ›There is no Siri for Android, and there probably never will be. But that doesn't mean that Android users can't have virtual assistants a lot like, and sometimes even better than, Siri.
What is my default assist app? ›
The biggest advantage of Android—and, frankly, the reason I switched to the platform over iOS back in 2012—is its tremendous freedom of choice. You typically aren't locked into using specific apps or services.
How do I unlock more assistant features? ›- On your Android phone or tablet, say "Hey Google, open Assistant settings." Or, go to Assistant settings.
- Under "All settings," tap Lock screen.
- Turn Allow Assistant on lock screen on or off.
You can ask Google Assistant for info and for help with everyday tasks. Important: Some queries won't work on all devices and in all languages. For ideas about what Google Assistant can help with, ask "What can you do?"
Is it better to use Bixby or Google Assistant? ›Google Assistant is the clear winner here. It integrates well with more devices, supports nearly six times more languages, and offers unparalleled voice search. But Bixby isn't all bad. Bixby offers great functionality for newer Samsung devices and executes offline and phone-based commands quite well.
What is the name of the personal assistant of an Android? ›Google Assistant evolved from Google Now and comes as a pre-installed part of most Android phones. You can access it by holding the home button or, on some devices, squeezing your phone by its sides. And instead of "Hey Siri" you can launch it by saying "Hey Google" instead.
Which is better Cortana or Google Assistant? ›Google Assistant certainly has the upper hand here as it integrates well some of Google's other services. Moreover, it is superior to Cortana when it comes to predictive abilities and search based queries. However, Cortana is no behind; it packs enough power to compare favorably with its competitors including Google.
Is Bixby always listening? ›Your phone is always listening for you to say, "Hi, Bixby." You can disable this voice recognition feature if you prefer.
What is Siri called on Samsung? ›Bixby is the Samsung intelligence assistant first introduced on the Galaxy S8 and S8+. You can interact with Bixby using your voice, text, or taps.
Can Bixby read text messages? ›For example, you can ask Bixby to “read out the latest messages,” and it will read you your texts or emails, assuming you use native Samsung apps. In short, Bixby allows you to use your voice to easily complete the most basic tasks on your phone.
Is there a personal assistant app? ›Google Assistant
Google Assistant comes built-in on some mobile devices, and the app can be downloaded on both Android and Apple devices. You can download this application from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
What is device assistance app? ›
What Is The Default Device Assistant? Voice assistants help you use your device while hands free like helping to send texts, make calls, or get directions. To summon your device's default assistant on an Android phone, you simply press and hold the home button.
Who is Google Assistant name? ›Google Assistant launched using the voice of Kiki Baessell for the American female voice, the same actress for the Google Voice voicemail system since 2010. From 2016 until present day, the Assistant's default voice is portrayed by Antonia Flynn.
Who is best Siri or? ›Recently, research has been held to test who is superior between Alexa, Siri, and Google and how well they can answer a user's query. Google assistant answers 88% of all the questions correctly, Siri answered 75%, whereas Alexa answered 72.5% of the problems.
Who was first Alexa or Siri? ›Siri made its way onto the market in 2010 when it was released on Apple's App Store. Apple acquired it a couple of months later and started integrating it into phones. Alexa first got its start in the Echo, a smart speaker developed by Amazon.
Who is smarter you or Alexa? ›The report found Google Assistant attempted to answer nearly 70 percent of the questions it was asked and responded correctly nearly 90 percent of the time. Alexa attempted a little over 50 percent of the questions and answered correctly just over 80 percent of the time.
What is the best website to work for as a virtual assistant? ›VaVa Virtual - best US-based VA site
For the best US-based virtual assistants, look to VaVa Virtual. A quick kickoff call determines your needs and then pairs you with the best talent for your tasks.
- Take training courses. You've got to prepare for working as a VA and running your online business. ...
- Determine the work you like and can do. ...
- Figure out the prices to charge. ...
- Create an online presence. ...
- Start applying to jobs. ...
- Learn about yourself and clients.
acting as a first point of contact for callers, dealing with emails and phone calls by responding, passing on messages or highlighting them for their manager's attention. managing diaries and organising meetings and appointments, often controlling access to the manager/executive.