Head-to-head · Privacy-Focused Operating Systems
Qubes OS vs CalyxOS
Qubes OS 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 scoreQubes OS · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
Qubes OS scores higher on our rubric for privacy-focused operating systems: 9.2 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
Qubes OS is the better fit for desktop users needing strong app isolation. CalyxOS is the better fit for android users wanting practical privacy controls.
- Qubes OS fits best
Desktop users needing strong app isolation
- CalyxOS fits best
Android users wanting practical privacy controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Qubes OS 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | CalyxOS 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems | #5 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems |
| Best for | Desktop users needing strong app isolation | Android users wanting practical privacy controls |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Mobile |
| Platforms | Linux | Android |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Not checked yet | Mobile |
| Isolation approach | Not checked yet | Standard |
| Device support | Not checked yet | Selected devices |
| Default telemetry | Not checked yet | None stated |
| Installation method | Not checked yet | Multiple |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
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.
- Qubes OS9.2/10 · Free plan
A free desktop OS that separates activities into managed, isolated qubes.
Visit Qubes OSFull verdict → - CalyxOS8.9/10 · Free plan
A free Android OS with practical privacy controls for users of selected devices.
Visit CalyxOSFull verdict →
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All Privacy-Focused operating systems comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update