Uncovering the Best postmarketOS Alternatives for Your Mobile Device
postmarketOS (pmOS) offers a unique vision for sustainable mobile computing, transforming smartphones into long-lasting Linux devices. As a touch-optimized, pre-configured Alpine Linux, pmOS aims to provide the longevity and flexibility of a desktop Linux distribution to mobile phones. While its promise of extended device support and unrestricted software choice is compelling, postmarketOS is still in its early stages of development, making it not yet suitable for most everyday users. This is where exploring robust postmarketOS alternative solutions becomes essential for those seeking a functional and reliable mobile operating system today.
Top postmarketOS Alternatives
For users eager to extend the life of their mobile devices, gain more control over their software, or simply explore alternatives to the mainstream, a variety of operating systems offer compelling features. From established open-source options to hardened, privacy-focused forks, here are some of the best alternatives to postmarketOS.
Android
Android is a widely adopted operating system for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It's a free and open-source platform, based on the Linux kernel, offering a vast ecosystem of applications. As a postmarketOS alternative, Android provides a mature and feature-rich experience, complete with Google Calendar and Drive integration, ARM support, and robust mobile OS capabilities.
LineageOS
LineageOS is a free and open-source operating system for smartphones and tablets, serving as the successor to the popular custom ROM, CyanogenMod. Based on the Android mobile platform, LineageOS offers a customizable, privacy-protected, and security-focused experience. It's an excellent postmarketOS alternative for users who want more control over their Android device without Google's extensive services.
Android-x86
Android-x86 is a project that ports the Android Open Source Project to the x86 platform. While primarily designed for PCs, VirtualBox, and VMware Player, it offers a full Android operating system experience. For those looking for a postmarketOS alternative that brings the Android ecosystem to non-ARM devices, Android-x86 provides a unique solution, being free and open-source.
Ubuntu Touch
Ubuntu Touch is an open-source mobile operating system originally by Canonical and now maintained by the UBports Community. Based on Ubuntu Linux, it emphasizes privacy, security, and a customizable user experience with gesture support. As a free and open-source postmarketOS alternative, Ubuntu Touch offers a true Linux-based mobile OS, capable of calendar sync, Nextcloud integration, and ad-free usage.
Replicant
Replicant is a distribution of Android that stands out for being 100% Free Software. Based on the Android platform, it's a mobile operating system that prioritizes privacy and security, requiring root access for full control. For those seeking a postmarketOS alternative that adheres strictly to free software principles while offering a familiar Android interface, Replicant is an excellent choice, being entirely free and open-source.
Resurrection Remix OS
Resurrection Remix OS is a custom Android ROM known for being feature-rich, stable, and combining the best elements of various open-source ROMs. It's a free and open-source platform, offering extensive customization options. As a postmarketOS alternative, Resurrection Remix OS provides a highly flexible and personalized Android experience for users who enjoy fine-tuning their device's behavior and aesthetics.
MIUI
MIUI is a popular Android-based firmware developed by Xiaomi, available for smartphones and tablets. It offers a distinct user interface with features like theming, cloud sync, and OTA updates. While not open-source in the same vein as some other alternatives, MIUI provides a highly customized and feature-rich Android experience. It's a strong postmarketOS alternative for users who appreciate a polished and regularly updated mobile OS with extensive theming capabilities.
/e/
/e/ (formerly known as Eelo) is a fork of LineageOS specifically designed to be completely free of Google services. It's a free and open-source Android-based mobile OS focused on privacy and security, offering features like cloud sync, lightweight design, and Nextcloud integration. As a postmarketOS alternative, /e/ is ideal for beginner-friendly users who prioritize de-Googled mobile computing, regular updates, and strong security without sacrificing a graphical interface.
Plasma Mobile
Plasma Mobile transforms your phone into a fully open hacking device, much like a PC. It's a free and open-source Linux-based mobile operating system that allows for extensive customization and development. For users drawn to postmarketOS's vision of a desktop-like Linux experience on mobile, Plasma Mobile offers a compelling and active alternative with a focus on being a portable Linux system.
CopperheadOS
CopperheadOS is a hardened open-source operating system based on Android, engineered with advanced privacy and security features like PaX and OpenBSD malloc. As a free and open-source postmarketOS alternative, CopperheadOS is designed for users who demand the highest level of security and privacy from their mobile device, offering a robust and protected Android experience.
Ultimately, the best postmarketOS alternative for you will depend on your specific needs, technical comfort level, and priorities—whether it’s privacy, customization, Google-free living, or a stable daily driver. Explore these options to find the perfect mobile OS to empower your device.