Android AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Operating Systems

The best Operating System alternative to Android is LineageOS, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Android and many of them are Operating Systems so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Operating System alternatives to Android are Ubuntu Touch, GrapheneOS, /e/ and postmarketOS.

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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. Other popular filters include Free, Privacy focused, Android, Open Source, EU and Android ROMs. 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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Alternatives list

  1. LineageOS icon

    LineageOS

     340 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.

    47 LineageOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    Homescreen
    Notification Shade
    Settings
     
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    8
    91
    Comments about LineageOS as an Alternative to Android
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    20

    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    HAK3R4LIFE
    Positive
    0

    upgrade past native os limitations

    Third Opinion
    Positive
    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!

    Show more comments
    3 of 8 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 Security-focused and LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu Touch icon

    Ubuntu Touch

     206 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.

    43 Ubuntu Touch alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Ubuntu Touch screenshot 1
     
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    26
    227
    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
    3

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    -6

    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    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
  4. GrapheneOS icon

    GrapheneOS

     150 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...

    31 GrapheneOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    GrapheneOS screenshot 1
     
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    2
    24
    Comments about GrapheneOS as an Alternative to Android
    Darlene Sonalder
    Positive
    2

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

    gunther
    Positive
    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. /e/ icon

    /e/

     131 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.

    46 /e/ alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    /e/ screenshot 1
    /e/ screenshot 2
    /e/ screenshot 3
     
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    28
    127
    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
    Krys Strug
    0

    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.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Roberto Trimarchi
    Negative
    -3

    Covers up to now only google pixel devices and some Samsung.

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    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, Lightweight and Security-focusedAndroid is not according to our users
  6. postmarketOS icon

    postmarketOS

     48 likes
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    postmarketOS extends the free and open source operating system Alpine Linux to run on smartphones and other mobile devices. Alpine is a security-oriented, light-weight Linux distribution based on musl libc and BusyBox.

    38 postmarketOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Linux Mobile
    postmarketOS screenshot 1
     
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    1
    18
    Comments about postmarketOS as an Alternative to Android
    Guest
    Positive
    2

    It aims to replace Android on devices not supported by the device manufacturer any more.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Android Icon
    postmarketOS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks postmarketOS is a great Android alternative.

    • postmarketOS is Free and Open SourceAndroid is also Free and Open Source
    • postmarketOS is Privacy focused and LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
  7. Plasma Mobile icon

    Plasma Mobile

     62 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.

    43 Plasma Mobile alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE
    • Linux Mobile
    Plasma Mobile screenshot 1
    Plasma Mobile screenshot 2
    Plasma Mobile screenshot 3
     
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    5
    31
    Comments about Plasma Mobile as an Alternative to Android
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    3

    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    4

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    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 Lightweight and Privacy focusedAndroid is not according to our users
  9. CalyxOS icon

    CalyxOS

     59 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".

    41 CalyxOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    Encrypted communications
    Tor Browser installed
    Download apps from F-Droid and Aurora Store
     
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    2
    12
    Comments about CalyxOS as an Alternative to Android
    Rasheed AZ
    Positive
    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.

    Guest
    Positive
    2

    One of the best privacy focused ROMs

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    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
  10. iodéOS icon

    iodéOS

     62 likes
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    Android-based OS emphasizing privacy, open source transparency, tracker and ad blocking, independent app installation, digital sovereignty, community development, routine updates, environmental sustainability, and a familiar interface for alternative Android devices.

    61 iodéOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    iodéOS screenshot 1
    iodéOS screenshot 2
    iodéOS screenshot 3
     
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    3
    27
    Comments about iodéOS as an Alternative to Android
    roselyne
    Positive
    3

    based on latest Android 14, privacy and security in mind

    RemovedUser
    Positive
    1

    lineage for microG with built-in adblocker

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    -7

    /e/ is more competent and 99% degoogled.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    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 Privacy focused and LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
  11. Replicant icon

    Replicant

     92 likes
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    Replicant is a fully free Android distribution running on several devices, a free software mobile operating system putting the emphasis on freedom and privacy/security. It is based on LineageOS and replaces or avoids every proprietary component of the system, such as user-space...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    Replicant screenshot 1
     
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    1
    20
    Comments about Replicant as an Alternative to Android
    Guest
    Positive
    3

    Android with as few non-libre drivers as possible.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Android Icon
    Replicant icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Replicant is a great Android alternative.

    • Replicant is Free and Open SourceAndroid is also Free and Open Source
    • Replicant is Privacy focused and Security-focusedAndroid is not according to our users
  12. Sailfish OS icon

    Sailfish OS

     64 likes
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    Sailfish OS is a European alternative to dominating mobile operating systems, and the only mobile OS offering an exclusive licensing model for local implementations.

    29 Sailfish OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux Mobile
    Sailfish OS screenshot 1
     
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    4
    32
    Comments about Sailfish OS as an Alternative to Android
    HAK3R4LIFE
    Negative
    1

    When you have to pay for the OS separately..

    John Fastman
    Positive
    3

    A very promising and fresh look at the mobile interface. Compatible with Android apps but far more innovative in terms of how you interact with your phone.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    nice and pretty ui, a focus on privacy and even android app support if you buy sailfish x

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    Android Icon
    Sailfish OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Sailfish OS is a great Android alternative.

    • Sailfish OS is the most popular commercial alternative to Android.

    • Sailfish OS is Paid and ProprietaryAndroid is Free and Open Source
    • Sailfish OS is MinimalisticAndroid is not according to our users
  13. Android-x86 icon

    Android-x86

     179 likes
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    This is a project to port Android open source project to x86 platform, formerly known as "patch hosting for Android x86 support". The original plan is to host different patches for Android x86 support from open source community.

    28 Android-x86 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • VirtualBox
    • Self-Hosted
    • VMware Workstation Pro
    • VMware Workstation Player
    Android-x86 screenshot 1
     
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    4
    18
    Comments about Android-x86 as an Alternative to Android
    someone last
    Negative
    15

    Just Android with a different processor architecture.

    Guest
    Negative
    10

    is for computers, not tablets/phones

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    This is more of an alternative to Windows or macOS...

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    Android Icon
    Android-x86 icon

    • Some users think Android-x86 is a great Android alternative, some don't.

    • Android-x86 is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Android.

    • Android-x86 is Free and Open SourceAndroid is also Free and Open Source
    • Android-x86 is LightweightAndroid is not according to our users
  14. Mobian icon

    Mobian

     16 likes
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    Mobian is an open-source project aimed at bringing Debian GNU/Linux to mobile devices.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Linux Mobile
    Working on phone or tablet
     
12 of 34 Android alternatives