CalyxOS

At a glance

• Editor score
  8.9 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Android users wanting practical privacy controls
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  None
• Platform
  Mobile
• Facts checked
  5 Oct 2026

• 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.

Our verdict on CalyxOS

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, who are comfortable installing an alternative OS on selected Pixel, Fairphone, Motorola, or SHIFTphone devices. It includes automatic over-the-air updates, verified boot, and bootloader relocking, alongside controls and app options intended to reduce reliance on default Android services.

Its privacy tools extend beyond a single setting: users can control network access per app, choose privacy-oriented DNS, VPN, and Tor options, and separate apps and data with Work Profile. SeedVault provides encrypted device backups, with Nextcloud among its integrations. F-Droid and Aurora Store are available for app installation, and optional microG compatibility can support apps that rely on Google Play Services. The tradeoff is that microG may send data to Google when enabled, so users should review its behavior against their own privacy requirements.

CalyxOS is free to install, and the project invites support through Calyx Institute membership. Installation is carried out on compatible hardware with the vendor’s web installer or device flasher, so it suits people willing to change their phone’s operating system rather than anyone seeking a plug-in privacy app. Its selected-device support narrows hardware choice. Choose CalyxOS if those devices fit and you value built-in privacy controls, encrypted backups, and optional service compatibility; look elsewhere if you need broad Android hardware coverage or prefer not to replace the operating system.

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CalyxOS pricing

CalyxOS fact sheet

CalyxOS integrations

CalyxOS lists 7 integrations on its own site.

• microG
• F-Droid
• Aurora Store
• SeedVault
• Nextcloud
• Tor
• Riseup VPN

Alternatives to CalyxOS

• GGrapheneOSA free, open-source Android-based OS built around device hardening and privacy controls.9.3
• QOQubes OSA free desktop OS that separates activities into managed, isolated qubes.9.2
• TTailsTails pairs live Tor use with optional encrypted storage and a suite of privacy tools.9.1

See all CalyxOS alternatives →

CalyxOS vs the competition

• CGCalyxOS vs GrapheneOS
• CQOCalyxOS vs Qubes OS
• CTCalyxOS vs Tails
• CWCalyxOS vs Whonix
• CEOCalyxOS vs /e/OS
• CPCalyxOS vs PureOS

Compare CalyxOS with any tool side by side →

Featured on iTechGuides

CalyxOS is listed in our Privacy-Focused Operating Systems directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 21 Oct 2026 · How we research and update