Android Alternatives
Android
Android is an operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. It consists of a kernel based on the Linux kernel, with middleware, libraries and APIs written in C and application software running on an application framework which includes Java-compatible libraries based on Apache Harmony.
Android has a large community of developers writing applications ("apps") that extend the functionality of the devices. Developers write primarily in a customized version of Java.
Apps can be downloaded from third-party sites or through online stores such as Google Play Store , the app store run by Google.
Best Android Alternatives
Looking for some programs similar to Android? Here are the top-recommended programs we found. Let's take a look if there's anything out there that helps you on whatever platform you're using.
LineageOS
FreeOpen SourceAndroidAndroid TabletA free and open-source operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, based on the Android mobile platform. It is the successor to the highly popular custom ROM...
Features:
- Custom-ROM
- Customizable
- Privacy Protected
- Security focused
Ubuntu Touch
FreeOpen SourceLinuxUbuntu Touch is the Ubuntu operating system for mobile phones originally created by Canonical and now developed by the UBports Community.
Features:
- Privacy focused
- Community based
- GNU/linux-libre
- Conference Bridging
- Security focused
- Security & Privacy
- Ad-free
- Customizable
- Support for gestures
- Linux
- Openvpn
- Operating system
- Based on Ubuntu
- User interface
- Calendar integration
- Sync Contacts
- Linux-based
- Lock screen controls
- Mobile OS
- Nextcloud integration
- No Tracking
- Run Android Apps on Desktop
- Swiping from all window edges
- Calendar Sync
- Video phone calling
Android-x86
FreeOpen SourceLinuxVirtualBoxSelf-HostedVMware PlayerThis 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...
MEmu
FreeWindowsMEmu is a brand new Android emulator that brings fun of the Android experience to all Microsoft Windows devices.
Features:
- Developer Tools
- Lightweight
- Virtualization
- Workflow Automation
Replicant
FreeOpen SourceAndroidReplicant is a distribution of Android that is 100% Free Software. Most of Android is licensed freely under the Apache License 2.0. The Linux core is mostly Free...
Features:
- Mobile OS
- Operating system
- Privacy focused
- Root required
- Security focused
Phoenix OS
FreeWindowsLinuxAndroidAndroid TabletPhoenix OS is a personal computer operating system which is further researched and developed based on the Android platform, mainly orients to smart tablet, laptop...
Features:
- Multiple Account support
- Operating system
- Based on Ubuntu
- Support for Android Things
- Material design
- OTA Updates
Sailfish OS
FreeSelf-HostedMobile-optimized with the flexibility, ubiquity and stability of the Linux core and a cutting edge user experience built with the renowned Qt™ platform.
Features:
- Minimalistic
- Mobile OS
- Operating system
/e/
FreeOpen SourceAndroidAndroid Tablet/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...
Features:
- Privacy focused
- Security & Privacy
- Cloud sync
- Lightweight
- Beginner friendly
- Community based
- Custom-ROM
- Intuitive
- Mobile OS
- Nextcloud integration
- OTA Updates
- Regular updates
- Stability
- User friendly
- Graphical interface
- Security & Privacy
- Security focused
- Ungoogled
Anbox
FreeOpen SourceLinuxAnbox puts Android into a container and every Android application will be integrated with your operating system. Any Android version is suitable for this approach and...
Features:
- Lightweight
- Combined Inbox
- Container virtualization
- Unified inbox
Plasma Mobile
FreeOpen SourceLinuxPlasma 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. Key features: Libre...
Features:
- Linux-based
- Mobile OS
- Portable Linux
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