What you will learn
Compare APK, APKM, APKS, XAPK and AAB files by contents, installation method, use case and the correct extraction or analysis tool.
APK is normally the only format in this comparison that installs directly as one file. APKM and APKS usually contain a base APK plus split APKs, XAPK can contain APK files and OBB data, and AAB is a publishing bundle used to generate device-specific APKs.
APK, APKM, APKS, XAPK and AAB comparison table
| Format | Typical contents | Installs directly? | Primary use | Best tool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APK | App manifest, code, resources, assets and signatures. | Usually yes. | Install or distribute an Android app. | APK Analyzer |
| APKM | Base APK, config splits and APKM metadata. | No; extract and install splits together. | Distribute device-specific split packages. | APKM Extractor |
| APKS | Base APK and configuration or feature splits. | No; use a split-aware installer. | Store APK sets generated from an app bundle. | APKS Extractor |
| XAPK | One or more APKs, optional OBB data and metadata. | Not as a stock Android package. | Bundle an app with large game or media assets. | XAPK Extractor |
| AAB | Compiled app code and resources organized into modules. | No; generate APKs first. | Publish an app through Google Play or build tooling. | AAB Inspector |
What is an APK?
An APK is the standard Android application package. It contains the app manifest, compiled code, resources, assets and signing information needed for installation.
A universal APK can usually install with one tap or with adb install app.apk. Some APK files are only the base component of a split package, however, so a filename such as base.apk does not guarantee that the file can run alone.
Use APK Analyzer to inspect package name, version, SDK requirements, permissions, hashes and package structure.
APK vs APKM
The main difference between APK and APKM is that APK is an Android package, while APKM is a container that can hold several Android packages. An APKM commonly includes base.apk, CPU, language and density splits, plus source-specific metadata.
| Question | APK | APKM |
|---|---|---|
| Number of package files | Normally one APK. | Usually a base APK plus multiple splits. |
| Normal installation | adb install app.apk | adb install-multiple base.apk split… |
| Extraction required | No. | Yes, unless a compatible split installer opens the container. |
| Recommended tool | Analyze APK | Extract APKM |
APK vs APKS
An APK is one Android package. An APKS file is an APK set archive that usually contains a base APK and configuration or feature splits. APKS archives are often produced from an Android App Bundle for particular device configurations.
Extract an APKS file with the APKS Extractor, then install the required files together. Installing only base.apk can cause INSTALL_FAILED_MISSING_SPLIT. The APKS extraction and installation guide provides a complete example.
APKM vs APKS
APKM and APKS are similar from an installation perspective: both can package a base APK with architecture, language, density and feature splits. Their archive metadata and the tools that created them can differ.
| Question | APKM | APKS |
|---|---|---|
| Typical source | Third-party APK distribution workflows. | APK sets generated from Android App Bundles. |
| Core contents | Base APK, config splits and APKM metadata. | Base APK, config or feature splits and set metadata. |
| Installation principle | Install the required APK files together. | Install the required APK files together. |
| Matching tool | APKM Extractor | APKS Extractor |
What is an XAPK?
XAPK is a third-party container commonly used to bundle one or more APK files with OBB expansion data, app icons or package metadata. Android does not recognize .xapk as a native install format.
Inspect the archive before choosing an installation path. A simple XAPK may contain one APK, while a larger package can include split APK files and OBB data that belongs under Android/obb/package.name/.
Use XAPK to APK to extract the package. If it includes expansion data, review it with the OBB Extractor.
What is an AAB?
An Android App Bundle is a publishing artifact used by Google Play and Android build tooling. It organizes compiled app code and resources into modules so optimized APKs can be generated for each device.
An AAB does not install directly. Developers generate APKs or an APKS archive from it with build tools, while users normally receive the optimized APKs through a distribution platform. Use AAB Inspector to review modules and bundle structure.
Which format and tool should you use?
| Your goal | Choose this workflow | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Install or inspect one APK | APK Analyzer | Review manifest, package identity, permissions, SDK targets and hashes. |
| Extract an APKM package | APKM Extractor | Find the base APK and generate split installation guidance. |
| Extract an APKS archive | APKS Extractor | Keep generated base, config and feature splits together. |
| Open an app plus game data bundle | XAPK Extractor | Separate APK files, OBB data and package metadata. |
| Inspect a publishing bundle | AAB Inspector | Review bundle modules before APK generation or publishing. |
How to identify an unknown Android package
- Check the filename extension:
.apk,.apkm,.apks,.xapkor.aab. - Use the matching analyzer or extractor rather than renaming the extension.
- Look for
base.apk,split_configfiles, OBB data and bundle modules. - Verify package name, version, SDK requirements and signatures before installation.
For users, the important question is not only "what format is this?" It is "which files must stay together for Android to install and run the app?"
FAQ
What is the difference between APK and APKM?
APK is an Android application package that usually installs directly. APKM is a container that commonly includes a base APK, configuration split APKs and metadata, so its APK parts normally must be extracted and installed together.
What is the difference between APK and APKS?
An APK is usually one installable package. An APKS file is an archive of APK splits generated for one or more device configurations and normally requires a split-aware installation workflow.
Is APKM the same as APKS?
They serve a similar purpose because both can contain a base APK and configuration splits. Their metadata and source tooling differ, but both generally need extraction and installation of the required APK set.
Is XAPK better than APK?
Neither is universally better. APK is the standard install package, while XAPK is a third-party container that can bundle APK files with OBB expansion data or other assets.
Can I install AAB directly?
No. An AAB is a publishing bundle used to generate optimized APKs or APK sets. It is not installed like a normal APK.
Responsible use note
Use these tools only with apps you own, develop, or have permission to analyze. Avoid modifying, redistributing, or installing packages from sources you do not trust.