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For the strongest offline-first privacy case, start with HeliBoard. F-Droid’s listing says the app does not request Android’s internet permission and works fully offline. FlorisBoard is the better fit if customization and a clearly documented local-data policy matter more than beta status or broad language coverage. AnySoftKeyboard is worth considering for its language packages and learning-based predictions, but its listing does not establish the same no-network guarantee and includes a contacts permission.
This guide compares those trade-offs without treating “open source,” “privacy-focused,” and “offline” as interchangeable. It answers the practical questions behind searches such as “best private keyboard apps for Android,” “Which Android keyboard doesn’t send what I type over the internet?” and “Is there a private alternative to Gboard?”
Quick verdict: which private Android keyboard fits you?
| App | Best fit | Privacy evidence | Main limitations to weigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| HeliBoard | Users whose first priority is offline operation | F-Droid says it does not use Android’s internet permission and works fully offline. F-Droid listing | Glide typing requires a separate closed-source library that is not included; verify the exact build and source. |
| FlorisBoard | Users who want extensive customization and an explicit local-data policy | Its policy says accessed or stored personal data is kept locally and never shared. Official privacy policy | F-Droid marks it beta; Arabic, Persian and Hebrew support is limited. |
| AnySoftKeyboard | Users who need language packages and configurable prediction | F-Droid describes it as open source with an emphasis on privacy, but that listing does not prove a no-network guarantee. F-Droid listing | Review current permissions, including the contacts permission shown in the listing; gesture typing is experimental. |
No independent hands-on typing, latency, autocorrect or battery test was conducted for this comparison. The recommendations are based on the projects’ published policies and current F-Droid metadata, not on a claim that one keyboard is universally fastest or most accurate.
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An Android keyboard is an active input method. While it is selected, it can access text in the focused field as part of providing keyboard service. That can include ordinary messages, search terms, passwords entered into fields that permit keyboard input, addresses and other sensitive content. The exact behavior depends on Android, the app and the field’s settings; a keyboard should not be assumed harmless simply because it is free or open source.
#1 Best Overall
- Full 3-System Compatibility & Wide Device Support: Perfectly compatible with Android, iOS and Windows three major systems. Works seamlessly with Samsung tablets, iPads, iPhones, laptops, smartphone, android, iOS, windows etc
- How to Switch Systems: Switching to the corresponding system will improve compatibility and higher work efficiency (“FN + A” is for iOs , “FN + S” is for Windows, “FN + D” is for Android )
- Enhanced Oversized Keycaps：27% bigger than standard keycaps. The spacious surface minimizes accidental presses and ensures comfortable typing for long hours
- 5 Adjustable Angles & Foldable Stand for tablet or phone, It effectively eases hand and eye fatigue during long hours of use, helping you stay focused and work more efficiently
- Long Battery Life & Smart Power Saving：Built‑in rechargeable lithium battery, Type‑C fast charging (full charge in 2–3 hours, last up to 200 hours with the backlight off, and 3-5 hours with the backlight on). Auto sleep mode after inactivity to save power, no frequent charging needed
FlorisBoard’s policy provides unusually specific detail. It says the keyboard monitors a small window around the cursor in memory, can access clipboard content, and reads the user dictionary when features require it. It also says spelling, suggestions, glide typing and clipboard history may store data locally when enabled. Its policy statement is: “Any personal data that is accessed or stored is exclusively kept locally either in-memory or in the private app data directory and is never shared with anyone.” That is the FlorisBoard project’s policy, last modified March 2, 2026, not an independent audit. Read it at florisboard.org/legal/privacy/.
What “private” and “offline” actually establish
Offline is a network-permission claim
F-Droid’s HeliBoard listing says the app does not use Android’s internet permission and works fully offline. That supports a precise conclusion about the listed build: it lacks that Android permission and is designed to operate without network access. It does not prove that every future build, every add-on or every device-level risk is identical, and it is not an independent security audit.
Local processing is narrower than “nothing is accessed”
A keyboard can process text locally and still need temporary access to it. Suggestions, spelling, glide typing, clipboard history and personal dictionaries all work by examining input or stored language data. “Kept locally” describes where the project says data remains; it does not mean the keyboard never sees the text required for the feature.
Rank #2
- Cable-Free: Bluetooth Connection with your mobile devices such as tablets and mobile phones. Bring you more convenience when you need to type. Operating distance up to 10 meters. This keyboard is bluetooth enabled and it doesn't come with a USB dongle. It also supports Bluetooth-enabled PCs or Laptops. Arteck Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard Compatible with iPad 10.2-inch / iPad Air / iPad 9.7-inch / iPad Pro / iPad Mini, iPhone and other Bluetooth Enabled Devices Including iOS, Android, Windows, Black
- Broad Compatibility: Use with all four major operating systems supporting Bluetooth (iOS, Android, Mac OS and Windows), including iPad 10.2-inch / Air / iPad Pro / iPad 9.7-inch / iPad Mini / iPhone / Android Tablets like Samsung Galaxy Tab, Google Nexus / Windows, etc.
- Convenient Layout: QWERTY layout with hot keys customized for all iPads, including volume, music control, brightness, etc.
- Long Battery Life: Energy-saving design and automatic sleep mode allow up to 4 months between battery changes. (based on 2 hours' non-stop use per day) (2 X AAA batteries included)
- Package contents: Arteck HB098 Bluetooth Keyboard, 2 X AAA batteries, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Open source helps inspection but is not a guarantee
Source availability lets users and reviewers inspect code and build practices. It does not independently verify the binary installed on a particular phone, prove that a build was audited, or establish that an app has no network behavior. Check the exact package, version, repository and permissions you install.
HeliBoard: the offline-first choice
HeliBoard is the clearest starting point when your non-negotiable requirement is that keyboard traffic stay off the internet. F-Droid states that it does not request Android’s internet permission and works fully offline. The listing reports version 4.1 added on August 31, 2026, with Android 5.0 or newer required. See the current metadata at F-Droid’s HeliBoard page.
What you get
- Dictionaries and spell-check suggestions.
- Support for multiple languages.
- Clipboard history.
- One-handed and split layouts.
- Themes and other appearance controls.
Those features can still handle sensitive text in memory or local storage while they operate. If you do not need clipboard history or extensive personalization, turn those features off in HeliBoard’s settings to reduce the amount of text retained on the device.
Rank #3
- 3 Devices Switch with A Single Clicking: This keyboard is able to connect to 3 devices at the same time. You can switch between 3 devices with a single key clicking.
- Ergonomic design: Stainless steel material gives heavy duty feeling, low-profile keys, full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts offer quiet and comfortable typing.
- Broad Compatibility: Use with all four major operating systems supporting Bluetooth (iOS, Android, Mac OS and Windows), including Computer, Desktop, PC, Laptop / iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, iPad Min, iPhone, Smartphone / Android Tablets like Samsung Galaxy, Surface etc.
- 6-Month Battery Life: Rechargeable lithium battery with an industry-high capacity lasts for 6 months with single charge (based on 2 hours non-stop use per day).
- Package contents: Arteck Stainless Bluetooth Keyboard, USB charging cable, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
The glide-typing caveat
HeliBoard’s F-Droid listing says glide typing works only with a closed-source library that is not included in the app. Therefore, the offline core and swipe-typing experience are separate decisions: installing an external library may change the trust and provenance questions you are trying to keep simple. If swipe typing is essential, investigate that library’s source, permissions and distribution before enabling it; if offline assurance is paramount, use HeliBoard without it.
Who should choose HeliBoard
- Choose it when a no-internet-permission listing is more important than swipe typing.
- Choose it when Android 5.0+ compatibility matters.
- Do not choose it solely because “offline” sounds like a complete security audit; verify the package and version you install.
FlorisBoard: customization with a detailed local-data policy
FlorisBoard is a strong alternative for people who want themes, compact or one-handed modes and extensive Latin keyboard layouts, while preferring a project that explains its data handling in detail. Its policy says personal data it accesses or stores is kept locally and never shared. The policy also explains the necessary temporary access to focused text, the clipboard and the user dictionary for relevant features.
Features and language coverage
- Many Latin layouts.
- Themes, emoji support and compact or one-handed modes.
- Local spelling, suggestions and glide-typing data when those functions are enabled.
F-Droid reports limited support for Arabic, Persian and Hebrew, so do not assume that the broad Latin-layout selection translates to equally mature right-to-left coverage. The listing requires Android 8.0 or newer and labels the project beta. Check the current status at F-Droid’s FlorisBoard page.
Rank #4
- Type on Any Device: A new type of wireless computer keyboard for your desk that also works with your tablet and smartphone; connect with any Bluetooth-enabled device with external keyboard support. Wireless range: > 10m wireless range
- Easy-Switch Dial: Simply turn the dial of the Logitech K480 keyboard to switch typing between 3 connected Bluetooth wireless devices, you can work with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Android, and iPadOS
- Familiar Keyboard Layout: Find all the shortcut keys you use the most, but in a space-saving design that lets you place your mouse close to you, for less arm reaching and better posture
- Integrated Cradle: A cradle to hold your phone or tablet at just the right angle for you to read while you type; fits most phones and tablets up to 0.4 inches thick and 10 inches wide
- Reliable Power: This portable, wireless Bluetooth keyboard comes with 2 pre-installed AAA batteries which can last up to 24 months (2) and is compatible with wired, wireless or Bluetooth mice. Battery indicator light
What beta status means for your decision
“Beta” is a maturity warning, not a privacy finding. It tells you to expect ongoing changes and to check release notes and compatibility before deploying it as your only keyboard. If you depend on a particular language layout or accessibility behavior, try that exact layout on your phone before removing your previous keyboard.
Who should choose FlorisBoard
- Choose it when customization and an explicit local-storage policy are central requirements.
- Choose it when your languages are well covered by its current layouts.
- Approach it cautiously for Arabic, Persian or Hebrew, and for workflows that require a mature, non-beta release.
AnySoftKeyboard: multilingual packages, with permissions to review
AnySoftKeyboard is aimed at users who want separate language packages, dictionaries and configurable learning-based next-word prediction. F-Droid describes it as open source with an emphasis on privacy, but the listing does not establish the same explicit no-network guarantee as HeliBoard. Its listing also includes a contacts permission, which makes a permission review part of the installation decision.
Recommended Free Tools
Features
- Installable language packages and dictionaries.
- Learning-based next-word prediction.
- Experimental gesture typing.
- Themes and voice input.
Prediction and learning features necessarily involve examining what you type; voice input adds a separate speech-processing path. Before enabling either, identify whether processing is local, what is stored and which permissions the current package requests. The F-Droid listing reports version 1.13.8175 added March 11, 2026, requiring Android 6.0 or newer. Confirm current metadata at F-Droid’s AnySoftKeyboard page.
Best Value
- 【Folding Bluetooth Keyboard & Phone Stand Holder】Extremely thin design of the portable folding keyboard allows you to fold it up and put it in your pocket or bag without taking up too much space. The phone stand holder, best companion for folding keyboard, gives you perfect screen angle. Near-standard size design provides accurate, fast typing, just like the desktop keyboard you are used to. Quiet keys allow you to focus on your work. Perfect gift for travel and business trips!
- 【Sensitive Touchpad Foldable Keyboard】Upgrade sensitive touchpad supports multi-touch, so you can control the device without using mouse. More convenient and efficient! (NOTE: IOS 13.4 and below or Android 3.0 and below are not supported!!!) Built-in rechargeable battery can last for 48 hours or 560 hours after 2-3 hours of charging. One full charge last enough for your short business trip or vacation!
- 【Exquisite & Lightweight Portable Keyboard】Dark Black matte exterior, made of ABS+PC material, lightweight but sturdy, without fear of daily wear and scratches. The elegant matte design, excellent touch and clean look make it a perfect match for your tablet, phone and laptop. Only 5.53-ounce, palm-sized keyboard can be folded up and carried around. Provide you with maximum convenience with minimal weight and size. It must be a good choice for editors!
- 【Stable Connection & Wide Compatibility】Samsers Bluetooth keyboard supports seamless connectivity to all your Bluetooth devices (iOS, Android and Windows). Maintain a stable connection and provide fast response to the device within 10 m. Simply turn on the keyboard and automatically connect to the last connected device. With a Samsers keyboard, you can record all your ideas at any time! (NOTE: this bluetooth keyboard is not compatible with various computer sticks)
Who should choose AnySoftKeyboard
- Choose it when the language-package ecosystem is more important than a documented no-network guarantee.
- Choose it when you are willing to audit permissions and disable learning, gesture or voice features you do not need.
- Do not infer that open-source status alone means all input remains offline.
Side-by-side comparison of the three options
| Criterion | HeliBoard | FlorisBoard | AnySoftKeyboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network evidence | F-Droid says no Android internet permission and fully offline. | Policy emphasizes local storage and no sharing; the cited materials do not establish a no-internet-permission claim. | Privacy emphasis is stated, but the cited listing does not establish a no-network guarantee. |
| Data handling statement | Offline operation is the key listing claim. | Personal data accessed or stored is said to remain local; policy describes temporary text, clipboard and dictionary access. | Open-source and privacy emphasis are stated in the listing; inspect current documentation for details. |
| Language/layout coverage | Multiple languages; exact coverage varies by dictionaries. | Extensive Latin layouts; limited Arabic, Persian and Hebrew support. | Language packages and dictionaries. |
| Prediction and gestures | Spell-check suggestions; glide typing needs an external closed-source library. | Spelling, suggestions and glide typing can store data locally when enabled. | Learning-based prediction; experimental gesture typing. |
| Other input features | Clipboard history; one-handed and split layouts; themes. | Emoji, themes and compact/one-handed mode. | Themes and voice input. |
| Project status in cited metadata | Version 4.1 added August 31, 2026; Android 5.0+. | F-Droid labels it beta; Android 8.0+. | Version 1.13.8175 added March 11, 2026; Android 6.0+. |
| Permissions highlighted by cited material | No Android internet permission according to the listing. | Focused text, clipboard and user dictionary access are described by its policy. | F-Droid listing includes contacts permission; review the current package. |
How to install and switch safely
Android menu names differ between manufacturers and Android releases, but the process is generally the same. Keep your current keyboard available until the replacement handles your languages, passwords and accessibility needs.
- Install the app from a source you trust, and verify the package name, version and requested permissions before opening it.
- Open Android Settings and search for keyboard or input method. In many versions, the path is System → Keyboard → On-screen keyboard or Languages & input → On-screen keyboard.
- Open Manage on-screen keyboards (the label may vary), enable the new keyboard and accept Android’s warning about input access only after reviewing the app and source.
- Set it as the default input method from the same keyboard screen, or use the keyboard-switcher button shown while typing.
- Open the keyboard’s own settings and disable unneeded prediction, learning, clipboard history, glide typing or voice functions.
- Test every language, layout, password field and accessibility feature you rely on. Keep a second keyboard enabled until the test is complete.
- When satisfied, remove or disable the old keyboard if you no longer want it active, then recheck the default-input setting after system updates.
Privacy hardening checklist
- Verify the exact build: Compare the installed package and version with the project’s current listing. Permissions and behavior can change between releases.
- Prefer the narrowest feature set: Turn off cloud-looking conveniences, voice input, learning and clipboard history unless you have a specific reason to use them.
- Review Android permissions: Pay attention to contacts, microphone, network and any permission that is not obviously required for your chosen layout.
- Protect the clipboard: Avoid copying passwords, recovery codes and identity numbers when clipboard history is enabled; clear history if the keyboard provides that control.
- Separate policy from verification: A project’s privacy statement is an important disclosure, not proof of independent testing.
- Recheck after updates: An update can add a feature, permission or external dependency. Revisit the listing and in-app settings after major version changes.
What older keyboard-privacy studies can and cannot tell you
Douglas Leith and Stephen Farrell’s 2022 study, “How Private Are Android Keyboards?”, examined network behavior and policy disclosures at that time. It described AnySoftKeyboard as open source with explicit commentary on permission use and noted less clarity in the policies of some large proprietary keyboards. Treat it as dated evidence about the versions tested, not as a current audit of today’s releases or a universal verdict about every keyboard.
Choosing by priority
If “doesn’t send what I type over the internet?” is the deciding question
Pick HeliBoard first, because the cited F-Droid listing makes the clearest no-internet-permission and fully-offline claim. Keep the glide-typing dependency in mind, and verify that the installed build matches the listing.
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Pick FlorisBoard if your languages are covered and beta status is acceptable. Its policy gives the clearest explanation of what the keyboard can access and where it says data remains.
If you need many language packages
Consider AnySoftKeyboard, but make permission review part of setup. Disable learning, gesture or voice functions that do not justify their data access, and do not treat the privacy emphasis in the listing as a no-network promise.
Bottom line
There is no single “private keyboard” label that answers every risk. HeliBoard is the most defensible offline-first recommendation; FlorisBoard is the strongest customization-and-local-policy alternative; AnySoftKeyboard is the multilingual option that demands the most careful permission and feature review. Whichever you install, verify the exact version, keep only the features you need and remember that a keyboard must access input locally to provide its core service.
Quick Recap
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