Unleash Your Android: Top OxygenOS Alternatives for a Better Experience
OxygenOS, OnePlus's custom Android ROM, offers a clean and fast user experience. However, with OnePlus launching their own Lollipop-based ROM, many users might be looking for a change or a more personalized mobile operating system. Whether you're seeking greater customization, enhanced privacy, open-source freedom, or simply a different feel, there are numerous excellent OxygenOS alternatives available to transform your Android device.
The Best OxygenOS Alternatives
If you're ready to move beyond OxygenOS, these alternatives offer a diverse range of features, philosophies, and user experiences. Dive in to find the perfect fit for your smartphone.
Android
Android itself, in its purest form, serves as a fundamental OxygenOS alternative. As a Free, Open Source operating system for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, it provides the core functionality that OxygenOS builds upon. For users seeking a more barebones or customizable experience, Android allows for deep integration with Google services like Calendar and Drive, ARM support, and is optimized for Fastboot mode, making it a robust platform for those who prefer to build their own software experience or explore custom ROMs.
LineageOS
LineageOS is a popular and powerful open-source custom ROM based on the Android platform, making it an excellent OxygenOS alternative. As the successor to CyanogenMod, it offers extensive customization options, strong privacy protections, and a focus on security. This Free and Open Source platform is available for a wide range of Android smartphones and tablets, providing a clean, bloatware-free experience that many OxygenOS users will appreciate for its performance and flexibility.
Ubuntu Touch
For those looking to venture beyond Android entirely, Ubuntu Touch presents a unique OxygenOS alternative. This Free and Open Source Linux-based operating system, now developed by the UBports Community, emphasizes privacy and community support. It offers a distinct user interface with gesture support, calendar integration, Nextcloud integration, and the ability to run Android Apps on desktop (though less directly on the mobile device itself), making it a compelling choice for users seeking a desktop-like experience on their phone with strong privacy features.
Replicant
Replicant is a highly specialized Free and Open Source Android distribution that stands out as an OxygenOS alternative for the privacy-conscious. It aims to be 100% Free Software, minimizing proprietary components. Replicant focuses heavily on user privacy and security, making it ideal for those who want maximum control over their device and data. While it may require root access for some features, its commitment to freedom and privacy makes it a strong contender for those deeply concerned about software transparency.
Resurrection Remix OS
Resurrection Remix OS is a feature-packed, Free and Open Source custom ROM for Android that serves as an excellent OxygenOS alternative for customization enthusiasts. It combines the best features from various open-source ROMs, offering a truly full-featured and stable experience. Users looking for unparalleled customization options, alongside a reliable Android base, will find Resurrection Remix OS to be a compelling choice.
MIUI
MIUI, developed by Xiaomi, is a popular stock and aftermarket firmware based on Android, offering a distinct visual and functional experience from OxygenOS. As a Free Android platform, MIUI is known for its extensive theming support, cloud sync capabilities, and convenient OTA updates. Users who appreciate a highly customized interface with a wide array of built-in features will find MIUI to be a refreshing OxygenOS alternative.
/e/
/e/ is a noteworthy Free and Open Source fork of LineageOS specifically designed as an OxygenOS alternative for users seeking a Google-free experience. It prioritizes privacy and security, aiming to remove all Google dependencies. /e/ is lightweight, beginner-friendly, and offers features like cloud sync, Nextcloud integration, and regular OTA updates, all while maintaining a user-friendly graphical interface and strong stability. It's an ideal choice for those who want an 'ungooogled' Android.
iOS
For a complete paradigm shift from OxygenOS and the Android ecosystem, iOS is Apple's mobile operating system, exclusive to its hardware like iPhone and iPad. While not open-source, iOS offers a highly polished and privacy-focused experience with seamless integration across Apple devices. Features include robust security, integrated web browser, native mobile apps, Night mode, OTA updates, and voice call capabilities. It's a premium OxygenOS alternative for those considering a switch to the Apple ecosystem.
Plasma Mobile
Plasma Mobile offers a truly open and Free, Open Source Linux-based mobile operating system as an experimental OxygenOS alternative. It aims to provide a fully open hacking device experience, akin to a PC, on your phone. With its Linux-based foundation and focus on portability, Plasma Mobile is perfect for developers and users who want to explore a mobile environment with maximum freedom and control, moving away from traditional Android builds.
Sailfish OS
Sailfish OS is a unique, Free, and Self-Hosted mobile-optimized operating system that offers a distinct OxygenOS alternative. Built on the flexibility and stability of the Linux core with a Qt™ platform user experience, it offers a minimalistic and secure mobile environment. Sailfish OS is ideal for users looking for an operating system that emphasizes privacy, control, and a different approach to mobile interaction than what Android typically provides.
With such a diverse array of OxygenOS alternatives, from feature-rich custom ROMs to entirely different mobile operating systems, you're sure to find a solution that perfectly matches your needs for performance, privacy, customization, or a fresh user experience. Explore these options and unlock the full potential of your device.