Head-to-head · Privacy-Focused Operating Systems
Qubes OS vs /e/OS
Qubes OS leads on 0 checks, /e/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 scoreQubes OS · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
Qubes OS scores higher on our rubric for privacy-focused operating systems: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Qubes OS is the better fit for desktop users needing strong app isolation. /e/OS is the better fit for android users seeking Google-service alternatives.
- Qubes OS fits best
Desktop users needing strong app isolation
- /e/OS fits best
Android users seeking Google-service alternatives
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Side by side
| Feature | Qubes OS 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | /e/OS 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems | #6 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems |
| Best for | Desktop users needing strong app isolation | Android users seeking Google-service alternatives |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Mobile, Cloud, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Linux | Android, Web |
| Support | Docs, Community | Community, Live chat, Docs |
| 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 → |
/e/OS is an open-source mobile operating system based on Android and LineageOS/AOSP, designed for people who want an Android app environment with less reliance on Google services. It replaces Google services with microG and alternatives,… 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
/e/OS — where it wins
- Replaces Google services with microG and alternative services
- App Lounge shows tracker and permission information
- Advanced Privacy controls cover trackers, location and IP address
Where it doesn't
- Installation is limited to supported devices
- Cloud services are optional separate offerings
- Some services require users to self-host
- Qubes OS9.2/10 · Free plan
A free desktop OS that separates activities into managed, isolated qubes.
Visit Qubes OSFull verdict → - /e/OS8.8/10 · Free plan
An Android-compatible alternative that replaces Google services with microG and privacy controls.
Visit /e/OSFull verdict →
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- Tails vs /e/OS
All Privacy-Focused operating systems comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update