The Best Android AlternativesTop Mobile Os & Operating Systems like Android

Android is described as 'Open-source mobile operating system, seamlessly integrating with Google services, enabling extensive app support and hardware compatibility across brands' and is a leading Mobile OS in the os & utilities category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Android for a variety of platforms, including Android, Linux, Android Tablet, Linux Mobile and Self-Hosted apps. The best Android alternative is LineageOS, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Android are Ubuntu Touch, /e/, GrapheneOS and Plasma Mobile.

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Android alternatives are mainly Operating Systems, but if you're looking for Mobile OSs or Android ROMs you can filter on that. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Android.
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Open-source mobile operating system, seamlessly integrating with Google services, enabling extensive app support and hardware compatibility across brands.

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Android alternatives page was last updated Feb 15, 2025
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  1. LineageOS icon
     319 likes
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    Free and open-source Android-based operating system for smartphones and tablets, designed to enable deep customization, enhanced privacy controls, regular security updates, and broad device compatibility without default proprietary Google services.

    46 LineageOS alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Mobile OS
    2.  Custom-ROM
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Sideload apps
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Dark Mode

    LineageOS VS Android

     
    Comments about LineageOS as an Alternative to Android
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Nov 4, 2017
    19

    Lineage is basically stock Android without bloat from Google or device manufacturers. You can usually update to a more modern version of Android than your device natively supports, and you can reinstall any software you still want, so it's a great alternative.

    Most Recent Comment
    Third Opinion
    Positive Nov 7, 2020
    1

    Can be tricky to install on some phones but every single time it's worth it! It is still googly but much, much less!

    Guest
    Positive Mar 3, 2020
    4

    Just the basics. Run it with f-droid and no google apps!

    Show more comments
    3 of 7 comments
    Android Icon
    LineageOS icon
    • Almost everyone thinks LineageOS is a great Android alternative.

    • LineageOS is the most popular Android & Android Tablet alternative to Android.

    • LineageOS is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Android.

    • LineageOS is Free and Open SourceAndroid is also Free and Open Source
    • LineageOS is Customizable, Security-focused and LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu Touch icon
     198 likes
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    Ubuntu Touch is the Ubuntu operating system for mobile phones originally created by Canonical and now developed by the UBports Community.

    42 Ubuntu Touch alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Customizable
    4.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  GNU/linux-libre
    2.  Community-based
    3.  Linux-based
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Based on Ubuntu
    6.  Conference Bridging
    7.  No registration required
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  OpenVPN
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  Support for Gestures
    12.  Lock screen controls

    Ubuntu Touch VS Android

     
    Comments about Ubuntu Touch as an Alternative to Android
    Comment summary: Ubuntu Touch is praised for being a free, open-source, and privacy-focused alternative to Android, with a strong community backing. It avoids tracking and offers a user-friendly interface without commercial pressure. Despite these positives, there are concerns about device compatibility and project sustainability. Some users view it as a niche option with limited future growth, contrasting its advantages in privacy and community involvement.
    Top Positive Comment
    RemovedUser
    Jul 2, 2019
    2

    It's a very good OS! Stable, pretty and fast.

    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive Jun 13, 2020
    0

    Because it is free and and easy to use BUT for the stability I would give sold Two out of Ten; 2/10 for stability.

    Guest
    Negative Mar 4, 2020
    -5

    Limited in devices, there are very few devices availables and they have no plan to make it bigger. It's a dead project with no future.

    Show more comments
    3 of 26 comments
    Android Icon
    Ubuntu Touch icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Ubuntu Touch is a great Android alternative.

    • Ubuntu Touch is the most popular Linux alternative to Android.

    • Ubuntu Touch is Free and Open SourceAndroid is also Free and Open Source
    • Ubuntu Touch is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
  3. /e/ icon
     111 likes
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    /e/ is a fork of LineageOS that aims to be completely free of everything Google. Not only that, but there are a number of goals the developer has in mind for /e/ that more people feel are vital to a mobile operating system.

    44 /e/ alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Lightweight
    4.  Security-focused
    5.  Intuitive Interface

    Features

    1.  Ungoogled
    2.  Mobile OS
    3.  OTA Updates
    4.  Cloud Sync
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Ad-free
    7. Nextcloud icon  Nextcloud integration
    8.  Low CPU usage
    9.  Usability
    10.  Longevity
    11.  No registration required
    12.  Community-based

    /e/ VS Android

     
    Comments about /e/ as an Alternative to Android
    Comment summary: /e/ is praised for its focus on user privacy and being de-Googled while retaining Android's user experience. It supports numerous devices, offers a smooth experience, and allows app installation choice for privacy. However, some users note its limited device compatibility and concern over credit to LineageOS. Overall, /e/ is valued for privacy without sacrificing functionality.
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Dec 30, 2019
    0

    it's focused on security and privacy

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Mar 4, 2020
    8

    It's based on LineageOS and it uses all the work done from LineageOS and didn't give the credits for it. /e/ does not produce anything, but steals other's work.

    Most Recent Comment
    Krys Strug
    Positive Jan 11, 2024
    -1

    It provides freedom to use alternatives that seem to eb quite deeply embeded in Andriod. And while LineageOS does try to do the same thing, /e/ works very well and is easy to use.

    Show more comments
    3 of 28 comments
    Android Icon
    /e/ icon
    • Most users think /e/ is a great Android alternative.

    • /e/ is Free and Open SourceAndroid is also Free and Open Source
    • /e/ is Privacy focused and LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
  4. GrapheneOS icon
     117 likes
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    GrapheneOS is a privacy and security focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility developed as a non-profit open source project. It's focused on the research and development of privacy and security technology including substantial improvements to sandboxing, exploit...

    29 GrapheneOS alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet

    Properties

    1.  Security-focused
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Mobile OS
    2.  OTA Updates
    3.  No Tracking
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Anti Tampering

    GrapheneOS VS Android

     
    Comments about GrapheneOS as an Alternative to Android
    Darlene Sonalder
    Positive Sep 28, 2022
    2

    Probably the best OS out there that care about your privacy and safety

    gunther
    Positive Feb 28, 2023
    2

    Excellent Android fork focused on privacy and security. Only works on Pixel phones. Sandboxed Google Play Services feature allows compatibility with almost all Android apps while limiting Google's telemetry and admin privileges.

    Android Icon
    GrapheneOS icon
    • Almost everyone thinks GrapheneOS is a great Android alternative.

    • GrapheneOS is Free and Open SourceAndroid is also Free and Open Source
    • GrapheneOS is Security-focused, Privacy focused and LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
  5. Plasma Mobile icon
     56 likes
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    Plasma Mobile turns your phone into a fully open hacking device, just like a PC. You can join us to start building new mobile experiences now.

    41 Plasma Mobile alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE
    • Linux Mobile

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  No registration required
    3.  No Tracking
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Linux-based
    6.  Portable Linux

    Plasma Mobile VS Android

     
    Comments about Plasma Mobile as an Alternative to Android
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Oct 19, 2017
    2

    New mobile operating system running full GNU/Linux. Has a similar interface paradigm to Android (widgets etc) making it easy to adjust to.

    Only negative is the current lack of mobile applications. However, it has a large selection of desktop applications. Using this OS with a stylus should circumvent this issue.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Jun 7, 2019
    4

    It's an alternative, though it still very dated on appearance and pretty limited.

    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive Jun 12, 2020
    0

    it's not quite there yet, but i'm sure in a few years it'll be a very viable alternative to android

    Show more comments
    3 of 5 comments
    Android Icon
    Plasma Mobile icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Plasma Mobile is a great Android alternative.

    • Plasma Mobile is Free and Open SourceAndroid is also Free and Open Source
    • Plasma Mobile is Privacy focused and LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
  6. iodéOS icon
     54 likes
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    Mobile operating system based on LineageOS.

    61 iodéOS alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Android

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Intuitive Interface
    3.  User friendly

    Features

    1.  Mobile OS
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  No registration required
    4.  Works Offline
    5.  Dark Mode
    6.  Multiple languages
    7.  Low CPU usage

    iodéOS VS Android

     
    Comments about iodéOS as an Alternative to Android
    Most Recent Comment
    roselyne
    Positive May 29, 2024
    3

    based on latest Android 14, privacy and security in mind

    RemovedUser
    Positive May 7, 2020
    1

    lineage for microG with built-in adblocker

    Guest
    Negative Jun 12, 2020
    -7

    /e/ is more competent and 99% degoogled.

    Android Icon
    iodéOS icon
    • Almost everyone thinks iodéOS is a great Android alternative.

    • iodéOS is Freemium and Open SourceAndroid is Free and Open Source
    • iodéOS is LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
  7. CalyxOS icon
     51 likes
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    Everyone needs a phone. Not everyone wants governments and corporations tracking their every move and spying on their communications. CalyxOS lets you have your cake and eat it too, with "Privacy by Design".

    40 CalyxOS alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Android

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Ungoogled
    2.  Mobile OS
    3.  Custom-ROM
    4.  OTA Updates
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Works Offline

    CalyxOS VS Android

     
    Comments about CalyxOS as an Alternative to Android
    Guest
    Positive May 31, 2021
    2

    One of the best privacy focused ROMs

    Rasheed AZ
    Positive Jul 4, 2024
    0

    Great support for both FOSS apps from F-Droid as wells as other apps from Aurora Store with microG enabled. Banking and all normal apps work.

    Android Icon
    CalyxOS icon
    • Almost everyone thinks CalyxOS is a great Android alternative.

    • CalyxOS is Free and Open SourceAndroid is also Free and Open Source
    • CalyxOS is Privacy focused and LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
7 of 44 Android alternatives