If you’re new to MOD APKs or sideloading Android apps, you’ve probably seen terms like APK, XAPK, and APKS. These are different file formats used for installing Android apps outside the Play Store.
In this guide, we’ll compare these file types, explain their purpose, and help you choose the right one for your device.
Quick Comparison Table
| Format | File Extension | Contains | Requires Installer? | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APK | .apk | Main app file only | ❌ No | Standard apps |
| XAPK | .xapk | APK + OBB or assets | ✅ Yes | Games with large data |
| APKS | .apks | Multiple APKs split by device | ✅ Yes | Apps from Google Play Bundles |
1. What Is an APK File?
APK stands for Android Package Kit. It’s the standard file format for Android apps.
- Contains one complete app
- Can be installed directly (tap to install)
- No special tool needed
Limitation: Doesn’t support split configurations (languages, screen sizes, etc.)
2. What Is a XAPK File?
XAPK is a compressed format that includes:
- One or more APKs
- OBB (data) files for big games
You’ll need an installer or manual extraction method:
- Use XAPK Installer app or ZArchiver
- Extract, place OBB in
/Android/obb/, then install APK
If you install only the APK and ignore OBB, the app won’t work.
3. What Is an APKS File?
APKS is a file generated by Google’s BundleTool. It includes:
- A main base APK
- Split APKs for different devices
To install:
- Use SAI (Split APKs Installer)
- Select
.apksfile → it installs all parts correctly
Cannot be opened or installed manually — always needs SAI or similar tool.
Which One Should You Use?
| Use Case | Recommended Format |
|---|---|
| Normal app, single APK | APK |
| Game with OBB data | XAPK |
| App from Google Play Bundle or device-specific | APKS |
Safety Tip
Always download from trusted sources like namoapk.com. Avoid sites with:
- Pop-ups or forced redirects
- Unverified download buttons
- No details about the APK format
Scan all files using VirusTotal before installing.
Final Words
Understanding APK, XAPK, and APKS formats helps you install Android apps safely and successfully. Each format serves a purpose — now you know which one to use!
For more helpful Android tutorials, check out our Guides & Tutorials section.
Still confused? Drop your question below and we’ll help you choose the right APK format!