Head-to-head · Privacy-Focused Operating Systems
GrapheneOS vs Qubes OS
GrapheneOS leads on 0 checks, Qubes OS 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 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.
GrapheneOS is the better fit for android users prioritizing security hardening. Qubes OS is the better fit for desktop users needing strong app isolation.
- GrapheneOS fits best
Android users prioritizing security hardening
- Qubes OS fits best
Desktop users needing strong app isolation
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Side by side
| Feature | GrapheneOS 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Qubes OS 9.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.2 |
| Ranking | #1 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems | #2 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems |
| Best for | Android users prioritizing security hardening | Desktop users needing strong app isolation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Android | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Mobile | Not checked yet |
| Isolation approach | Sandboxing | Not checked yet |
| Device support | Specific hardware | Not checked yet |
| Default telemetry | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Installation method | Multiple | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
Qubes OS is a free, open-source operating system for desktop users who want to separate activities and data into isolated compartments called qubes. It runs on compatible physical computers, using the Xen hypervisor rather than operating… Read the review → |
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
Qubes OS — where it wins
- Separates activities into isolated qubes
- Creates app qubes from reusable Fedora and Debian templates
- Includes graphical update and template management tools
Where it doesn't
- Requires compatible 64-bit Intel or AMD hardware and virtualization features
- Release support lasts six months after the next major or minor release
- Windows qubes require Qubes Windows Tools
- GrapheneOS9.3/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Android-based OS built around device hardening and privacy controls.
Visit GrapheneOSFull verdict → - Qubes OS9.2/10 · Free plan
A free desktop OS that separates activities into managed, isolated qubes.
Visit Qubes OSFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- GrapheneOS vs /e/OS
- GrapheneOS vs PureOS
- GrapheneOS vs LineageOS
- Qubes OS vs Tails
- Qubes OS vs Whonix
All Privacy-Focused operating systems comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update