Because your phone deserves more than stock presets.
Let’s be honest. Wallpapers are still one of the easiest, fastest ways to make your phone feel fresh. But with hundreds of free wallpaper apps (and just as many recycled designs), most people end up settling for whatever looks “good enough” in the moment.
We’re here to fix that.
This is your no-nonsense, actually useful guide to the best wallpaper apps in 2025. We’ve rounded up the ones that are worth your time — whether you’re into high-res photography, AI-generated art, moody gradients, or custom lock screen setups. No endless scrolling, no junky UI, no aggressive ads.
Zedge takes the top spot (no surprise there). But we’ve broken down what the other wallpaper apps bring to the table too — because design is personal, and the right app should match your style.
So if your wallpaper hasn’t changed since last year, this is your sign.
👉 Download Zedge now and skip straight to the good stuff.
1. Zedge
The all-in-one wallpaper app that delivers every time.
Zedge has long been the go-to for mobile personalization, and it continues to lead the pack in 2025. With an endless collection of mobile wallpapers, ringtones, notification sounds, live wallpapers, and more, it is the only app on this list that offers such a deep and broad customization experience.
Features
- Huge catalog of free wallpapers and HD wallpapers
- Live wallpapers for extra personality
- Lock screen and home screen support
- AI background generator for truly custom wallpapers
- Ringtones, notification sounds, and video wallpapers
- Artist content and user uploads
- Daily updates and seasonal drops
- Works on both Android and iOS
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- Easy to use with strong filtering and search
- High-quality backgrounds tailored to your device’s screen resolution
- Includes both trending and classic wallpaper styles
Cons
- Some content behind ads or paywalls
Rating: 4.7/5
Best for: Anyone who wants one app that does it all.
2. Unsplash
Raw, authentic photography straight to your phone.
Unsplash has carved a name for itself as the king of royalty-free, high-quality photography. Its app brings that same energy to your phone’s wallpaper. It is not technically a dedicated wallpaper app, but it works great as one if you love crisp, artistic wallpapers.
Features
- Massive catalog of high-resolution photography
- Categories like nature, cityscapes, people, and more
- One-tap save or apply as wallpaper
- Free for both Android and iOS
Pros
- Beautiful and professional-level images
- Constantly refreshed with new wallpapers
- Great variety without clutter
Cons
- Not specifically optimized for wallpaper sizing
- No custom wallpapers or live wallpapers
Rating: 4.5/5
Best for: Photography lovers and fans of stock wallpapers.
3. Walli
Where artists and wallpapers meet.
Walli stands out for offering original wallpapers made by real artists. It is a unique wallpaper app with a clear artistic vision and a great choice if you are after something different from the typical stock photo look.
Features
- Artist-curated wallpapers
- Editorial-style selections
- User collections and favorites
- Free with premium upgrade
- Available on Android and iOS
Pros
- Strong emphasis on creativity
- A platform that supports artists
- Unique wallpaper options
Cons
- Smaller catalog compared to other apps
- Some of the best wallpapers are locked behind premium
Rating: 4.6/5
Best for: Artistic wallpapers and creative custom wallpapers.
4. Backdrops
Clean, minimal, and perfectly optimized.
Backdrops is a beloved wallpaper app for Android users who want modern, high-quality backgrounds that look fantastic on any screen. The in-house design team keeps things fresh and sleek, perfect for anyone who likes to keep things tidy.
Features
- High-quality original wallpapers
- Categories for abstract, scenery, minimalism, and more
- Wall of the Day
- Save and favorite wallpapers
- Android only
Pros
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Fresh and professional designs
- High-resolution images
Cons
- Only available for Android
- Smaller library compared to Unsplash or Zedge
Rating: 4.4/5
Best for: Android users who like minimal and stylish wallpapers.
5. Vaporwave Wallpapers
For retro-futuristic vibes and bold color.
If you want your phone to scream personality, Vaporwave Wallpapers is a niche but excellent pick. With its bold palettes, glitch art, and surreal visuals, this app focuses entirely on that nostalgic yet futuristic aesthetic.
Features
- Aesthetic vaporwave backgrounds
- HD wallpapers optimized for phones
- Frequent new wallpaper additions
- Available on Android
Pros
- Great for a very specific style
- High-quality wallpapers
- Curated collections with clear aesthetic direction
Cons
- Limited to one visual style
- Android only
Rating: 4.2/5
Best for: Fans of retro, dream wallpapers, and bold, unique wallpaper choices.
6. Vellum Wallpapers
Simple elegance for iPhone users.
Vellum Wallpapers is known for its highly curated wallpaper collections and smooth, polished interface. If you are on iOS and like your wallpaper app to feel like an extension of Apple design, this is the one to try.
Features
- Curated daily wallpaper
- Built-in blur feature for previews
- HD backgrounds for all screen sizes
- Exclusive collections
- iOS only
Pros
- Clean design and smooth user experience
- Handpicked, stylish wallpapers
- Perfect for home screen and lock screen
Cons
- Limited customization features
- Only available for iOS
Rating: 4.5/5
Best for: iPhone users who want high-quality backgrounds with no fuss.
App | Best For | Platform | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
Zedge | All-in-one customization | Android + iOS | Live wallpapers + AI generator |
Unsplash | High-res photography | Android + iOS | Massive catalog of pro-level images |
Walli | Artistic, creative wallpapers | Android + iOS | Supports independent artists |
Backdrops | Minimal, curated designs | Android only | Daily “Wall of the Day” |
Vaporwave Wallpapers | Bold, nostalgic aesthetics | Android only | Glitch art and retro vibes |
Vellum | Elegant, curated photos | iOS only | Beautiful daily wallpapers + blur effect |
The best wallpaper app isn’t just about looks; it’s the one that makes your phone feel like yours. Whether that means switching it up daily, curating a lock screen that matches your mood, or going full maximalist with live visuals, there’s an app on this list that’ll get you there!
Ready to take your phone personalization even further? 📲 Get Zedge Now
FAQs
Which app has the best wallpaper?
It depends on what you are looking for. Zedge offers the most complete experience, with live wallpapers, ringtones, and AI-generated custom wallpapers. If you want curated photography, Unsplash and Vellum are also top picks.
What app should I use to make wallpapers?
Zedge has an AI background generator built in, making it one of the easiest ways to create custom wallpapers that fit your device’s screen resolution. Tapet and Backdrops are also great if you want design-forward generated wallpapers.
What is the best free wallpaper site?
Unsplash and Zedge both offer massive libraries of free wallpapers and high quality backgrounds without needing to pay. Zedge adds extra personalization like ringtones and live wallpapers, which gives it an edge.
How to easily change wallpaper on my phone?
Read our step-by-step guide on How to change wallpaper on iPhone. It covers everything from setting dynamic wallpapers to customizing your lock screen.