Facebook and apps from Google are the most popular for Android smartphone users aged 18 or over, according to a study from Nielsen.

Based on its analysis of active reach (use of an app within the last 30 days), the company put Android Market in number one place, followed by Facebook. Across the 18-24, 25-34 and 35-44 age groups, the next most popular apps were Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps and YouTube, although in the older groups Gmail was more popular than search.

Facebook had an active reach of 75 percent or more among Android users across the age ranges. Google’s competing Google+ did not make the top 15 apps for any group, although Nielsen noted that take-up here was highest among people 25 or older.

YouTube saw greater use among younger users than older counterparts, with 64 percent having used it in the past 30 days, compared with 56 percent of 25-34 and 51 percent of 35-44 year olds. The 18-24 set also showed a preference for “media apps with a social dimension,” and music and video apps, compared to older users.

Interestingly, Angry Birds showed the reverse trend, being used by 35 percent of the oldest age group, followed by 29 percent of the mid band and 22 percent of the youngest group.

Aside from the Google and Facebook properties, other popular apps included Pandora Radio, QuickOffice, Angry Birds and utility Advanced Task Killer Free.  While Android Market was the top app overall, Amazon’s competing Appstore was also in the top 15.