Google Play Best of 2025 India: Zomato’s District app, CookieRun India lead this year’s winner

Google

Google Play has announced its Best of 2025 winners in India, highlighting the apps and games that made the biggest impact on users this year. The list reflects how Indian digital habits are changing, with AI-powered apps, local cultural themes and smart productivity tools dominating the rankings.

The biggest winner of the year is District: Movies Events Dining, which has been named Best App of 2025 in India. District has become extremely popular among urban users by offering personalised suggestions for what to watch, where to eat and which events to attend. The app uses AI to study a user’s taste, local trends and real-time activity to deliver hyper-local recommendations. This strong mix of technology and everyday usefulness made it the top app in India this year.

In gaming, CookieRun India: Running Game took home the title of Best Game of 2025. The game has built a strong connection with Indian players by offering Indian-themed characters, music and outfits that feel familiar and relatable. Its simple controls and fun gameplay helped it also secure the Best Pick Up and Play award, proving its mass appeal across age groups.

AI continued to be a major theme across winning apps. Tools like InVideo AI, which won Best for Personal Growth, allow users to create videos directly from text prompts. Toonsutra, the winner of Best Hidden Gem, uses AI-driven Cinematic Mode to turn Indian comics into immersive digital experiences. Even productivity apps like Goodnotes and Luminar: Photo Editor rely on AI to simplify note-taking and photo editing.

Wellness and everyday organisation also stood out. Daily Planner: To Do List Task, selected as Best Everyday Essential, blends tasks, journaling and mood tracking. SleepisolBio, awarded Best for Watches, helps users improve sleep and reduce stress.

Google also introduced a new Top Trending category. Rising apps like Instamart, Seekho, and Adobe Firefly were featured for their growing popularity and high user engagement.

Gaming remained a strong part of India’s digital story. Along with CookieRun India, titles like Free Fire Max—winner of Best Ongoing Game—and Indian-made hits Kamala – Horror Exorcism Escape and Real Cricket Swipe show how developers are blending cultural moments, regional stories and easy gameplay to appeal to India’s huge gaming audience.

Google says the Play and Android ecosystem supports over 3.5 million jobs in India and contributes more than INR 4 trillion to the economy. The 2025 winners highlight how India’s developer community—now the second largest on Google Play—is shaping the future of apps and games globally.