Earlier this year, I took on a new role leading Google Play. One of the best parts of this job is that I get to see all the different ways Play impacts people around the world — whether it’s users discovering new trending apps, or developers building the game they’ve been dreaming of for years.

To support this entire community, we’ve made lots of improvements to the Play Store this year. For example, we made it even easier to discover all that Play has to offer, including for different device types like wearables, foldables and tablets. We also introduced new ways to redeem Play Points, along with new features and titles on Google Play Games on PC.

And because Play is only successful when our developers are, we continued to make updates to help them grow their businesses. That included launching tools to help them make their apps more discoverable, generate revenue and protect users’ privacy. It’s been amazing to see developers showcase their creativity and build great content people love on Play.

Today, we’re celebrating their success with Google Play’s Best of 2023 Awards, a roundup of the best apps, games and books on Play. To reflect this year’s trends, we introduced new award categories that recognize helpful apps using the latest technology (such as “Best with AI” and “Best Game for Good”), and experiences that work well across a wide range of devices (such as “Best Multi-device App and Game” and “Best for Google Play Games on PC”).

Read on for the full list of award winners in the U.S. To find out the winners in other countries, visit the Best of 2023 page on the Play Store. Congratulations to everyone!

We look forward to seeing what 2024 brings and continuing to help people discover new (and maybe their next favorite) apps, games and books — wherever they are, on whatever device.

Best overall app and game

Best App: Imprint: Learn Visually

As our best app of 2023, Imprint: Learn Visually shares bite-sized lessons that use visual storytelling to bring concepts to life. Explore the worlds of psychology, history, health, technology and more in a brand new way.

Best Game: Honkai: Star Rail

This sci-fi extravaganza takes the title of our best game of the year thanks to its excellent depth of content, stunning visuals and thoughtful design. By sprinkling lore and character backstories throughout the game, Honkai: Star Rail delivers lasting entertainment for role-playing game enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Best multi-device app and game

Best Multi-device App: Spotify

Whether listening to your favorite music in the kitchen, on the commute or out on a hike, Spotify shines when it comes to working smoothly across devices. We love how you can remotely control playback on another device, and download tracks or episodes for offline playback.

Best Multi-device Game: OUTERPLANE – Strategy Anime

While we love its charming characters and captivating story, OUTERPLANE’s ability to easily work across multiple devices sets it apart from other turn-based strategy experiences on Play. From outstanding PC performance to flawless transition between screens on foldables, OUTERPLANE is visually stunning, technically impressive and just plain fun.

Users’ Choice app and game

Users’ Choice App: ChatGPT

Users’ Choice Game: MONOPOLY GO!

Best apps of 2023

Best for Fun: Bumble For Friends: Meet IRL

Best for Personal Growth: Voidpet Garden: Mental Health

Best Everyday Essential: Artifact: Feed Your Curiosity

Best Hidden Gem: Aware: Mindfulness & Wellbeing

Best with AI: Character AI: AI-Powered Chat

Best for Families: Paw Patrol Academy

Best App for Good: AWorld in support of ActNow

Best for Watches: WhatsApp Messenger

Best for Tablets: Concepts: Sketch, Note, Draw

Best for Chromebooks: FlipaClip: Create 2D Animation

Best for Google TV: Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies

Best for Cars: Amazon Prime Video

Best games of 2023

Best Multiplayer: Farlight 84

Best Pick Up & Play: MONOPOLY GO!

Best Indies: Vampire Survivors

Best Story: Honkai: Star Rail

Best Ongoing: Stumble Guys

Best Games for Good: Pokémon Sleep

Best on Play Pass: Magic Rampage

Best for Tablets: Honkai: Star Rail

Best for Chromebooks: Minecraft

Best for Google Play Games on PC: Arknights

Best books of 2023

Our 2023 picks