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Head-to-head · Privacy-Focused Operating Systems

GrapheneOS vs CalyxOS

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score GrapheneOS #1 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan Visit GrapheneOS
CalyxOS #5 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan Visit CalyxOS

GrapheneOS leads on 0 checks, CalyxOS on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGrapheneOS · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth

GrapheneOS scores higher on our rubric for privacy-focused operating systems: 9.3 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.

On isolation approach, CalyxOS gives you Standard where GrapheneOS offers Sandboxing. On device support, GrapheneOS gives you Specific hardware where CalyxOS offers Selected devices.

GrapheneOS is the better fit for android users prioritizing security hardening. CalyxOS is the better fit for android users wanting practical privacy controls.

  • GrapheneOS fits best

    Android users prioritizing security hardening

  • CalyxOS fits best

    Android users wanting practical privacy controls

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature GrapheneOS 9.3/10 Visit ↗ CalyxOS 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.9
Ranking #1 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems #5 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems
Best for Android users prioritizing security hardening Android users wanting practical privacy controls
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Mobile
Platforms Android Android
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Specs
Platform Mobile Mobile
Isolation approach Sandboxing Standard
Device support Specific hardware Selected devices
Default telemetry Not checked yet None stated
Installation method Multiple Multiple
Our review
Pros
  • Hardens app sandboxing and adds exploit mitigations and kernel hardening
  • Offers network and sensor permissions plus isolated user and work profiles
  • Includes verified boot, rollback protection, and automatic over-the-air updates
  • Verified boot and bootloader relocking support device integrity.
  • Per-app network controls and privacy-oriented DNS, VPN, and Tor options.
  • SeedVault encrypted backups and Work Profile app separation.
Cons
  • Official production support is limited to selected Google Pixel phones and a Pixel Tablet
  • Installation is a self-service process using WebUSB or command-line guides
  • Google apps and services are not included by default
  • Installs only on selected Pixel, Fairphone, Motorola, and SHIFTphone devices.
  • microG can send data to Google when enabled.
  • Requires installing a different operating system on compatible hardware.
Our verdict

GrapheneOS is a free, open-source mobile operating system based on the Android Open Source Project. It is designed for people who want stronger privacy and security controls on an Android-compatible device, including solo users and small…

Read the review →

CalyxOS is a free, open-source Android operating system from the Calyx Institute for people who want more control over privacy and security on a phone. It is aimed at everyday Android users, including solo users and small organizations,…

Read the review →
  1. GrapheneOSPrivacy-Focused Operating Systems 9.3Free plan
  2. CalyxOSPrivacy-Focused Operating Systems 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • GrapheneOS — where it wins

    • Hardens app sandboxing and adds exploit mitigations and kernel hardening
    • Offers network and sensor permissions plus isolated user and work profiles
    • Includes verified boot, rollback protection, and automatic over-the-air updates

    Where it doesn't

    • Official production support is limited to selected Google Pixel phones and a Pixel Tablet
    • Installation is a self-service process using WebUSB or command-line guides
    • Google apps and services are not included by default

  • CalyxOS — where it wins

    • Verified boot and bootloader relocking support device integrity.
    • Per-app network controls and privacy-oriented DNS, VPN, and Tor options.
    • SeedVault encrypted backups and Work Profile app separation.

    Where it doesn't

    • Installs only on selected Pixel, Fairphone, Motorola, and SHIFTphone devices.
    • microG can send data to Google when enabled.
    • Requires installing a different operating system on compatible hardware.

More comparisons

All Privacy-Focused operating systems comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update