I was shocked to hear that Marquess Brownlee (MKBHD on YouTube) launched a wallpaper app charging users $50 a year just for wallpapers. I’m a big fan of his, really. But I mean, who even pays for wallpapers these days? What surprised me the most is that some people actually do.
When there are many websites, apps, and even AI generators, it’s hard to believe anyone would drop that kind of money on something so easily accessible and free. In that light, I looked around and found plenty of free apps that offer just as many, if not more, beautiful wallpapers without the hefty price tag. Here are my top choices.
Note: All the apps listed are free to download and come with basic features that are more than enough for most users. But some offer premium plans that unlock additional wallpapers, 3D parallax effects, and other enhanced features if you’re looking for something extra.
AmoledBackgrounds
AmoledBackgrounds is an app that gives you access to wallpapers from the r/AmoledBackgrounds subreddit on Reddit. For newcomers, that’s a specific community or forum within the website Reddit that discusses a specific topic or theme. This particular subreddit has a stash of high-quality wallpapers that users like you upload.
They are optimized for AMOLED and OLED screens. They turn off some screen pixels to create true blacks, save battery life since fewer pixels are active, and are easy on your eyes at night. More importantly, the app makes it easier to find, preview, and set high-quality AMOLED wallpapers for your device instead of navigating to the subreddit.
Tapet
Tapet generates wallpapers directly on your device using patterns and colors. You can let the app randomly create new wallpapers for you or customize them by adjusting gradients and other graphic details.
Once you’re happy with the design, apply it to your home or lock screen. Tapet regularly updates its pattern library, so you’ll get fresh designs frequently. You can also control how often the wallpaper changes automatically. You can set it to “Disabled” for a static wallpaper or choose an interval, such as 15 minutes, 1 hour, or more, for automatic changes.
Resplash
Resplash uses stock images from Unsplash’s massive collection of free-to-use, high-quality photos. In short, it’s the mobile version of the popular Unsplash website. All the pictures are taken by professional photographers worldwide, and you get new images every day.
You simply open the app, search for an image, and set it as your wallpaper—or you can download it for keepsakes. Auto Wallpaper is a feature you want to try if you’re usually indecisive about wallpapers like me. The app works well with Android’s Material Design and supports Android 12 or higher versions, so it’s compatible with many phones and tablets.
Walli
Like most wallpaper apps, Walli has an automatic changer that shuffles the images on your screen. What makes it unique is that you can create playlists and select the images you want to include in them.
You can also browse popular and recent designs the app offers, with a variety of themes and styles, from abstract art to nature and minimalism. If you see anything you like from an artist, follow them and set notifications for when they release new wallpapers. You can also contribute to the app by becoming a Walli artist and sharing your wallpaper creations.
Pinterest is a visual discovery platform where you can find, save, and share images and ideas on various topics. It can be home decor, fashion, or even recipes. You’ll create boards to organize your interests and pin images to them.
Personally, I have a board dedicated to collecting wallpapers. This way, I download only what I need when I need it. Using Pinterest as a wallpaper app gives you endless inspiration as you can search for specific themes or styles to find wallpapers that match your taste. Everything is user-generated, so you can always discover unique designs that might not be available in traditional wallpaper stores.
Threads
Threads isn’t actually a wallpaper app but a social media platform. Still, it’s been my go-to source for clear wallpapers, and I’ve found nice selections from the different accounts I follow. So if you barely use your account and you still have the app, now’s your chance to repurpose it.
Open the app and search for “wallpapers” or specific keywords like “car wallpapers.” In seconds, you’ll have a pool of high-definition selections on your screen — and they’re free.
Zedge
Zedge is another awesome wallpaper app that offers both video and image types. The image wallpapers, in particular, allow you to create a 3D parallax effect, so the wallpaper feels like it’s alive when you move your phone. It has annoying ads, but getting quality wallpapers is worth it.
If you’re feeling creative, there’s an AI generator menu where you’ll make your wallpapers with prompts. Each wallpaper costs a thunderbolt, another type of credit, and you only get three. When you run out, you’ll buy more. Another unique feature is the ringtones. Zedge offers 30-second cuts from popular songs and notification sounds that you can customize your phone with.
WLPPR
WLPPR offers mostly abstract and minimalist themed wallpapers. So you’ll find simple shapes, colors, and patterns, often with a focus on geometric elements and gradients. Still, there are nice selections, especially those themed around the Android logo and Google’s Material You design.
Enjoy unlimited wallpapers for free
Now, you have the top free wallpaper apps at your fingertips. The best part is that you’re not limited to one. You can download multiple apps and switch between different wallpaper choices occasionally. You can also mix and match your favorites from each app for the home and lock screens.
