While 80% of paid-for apps haven't been downloaded more than 100 times, only 20% of free apps have been downloaded so infrequently, according to analyst firm Distimo.
“Looking at paid applications in the Google Android Market, downloads are significantly lower than they are for free applications,” the report said.
“These figures reveal how challenging it is for Android developers to monetise applications in the Google Android Market using a one-off fee monetisation model," the report added.
"This may be one of the reasons why the majority of the applications are free in Google Android Market, in contrast to the Apple App Store.”
Although the top sellers do raise cash, only a tiny proportion of developers can claim significant success, with only 0.1% of all paid-for apps selling more than 50,000 copies.
By contrast, 6.6% of free Android apps have passed the 50,000 landmark, with 1% attracting more than 500,000 downloads.
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