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GrapheneOS

Free#1 of 17 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems

GrapheneOS: A free, open-source Android-based OS built around device hardening and privacy controls. Ranked #1 of 17 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems by our editors (9.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for android users prioritizing security hardening.

9.3/10Editor score

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GrapheneOS9.3 Visit GrapheneOS

At a glance

Editor score
9.3 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Android users prioritizing security hardening
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Platform
Mobile
Founded
2014
Facts checked
5 Oct 2026

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

Our verdict on GrapheneOS

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 teams. Its security work includes hardened app sandboxing, exploit mitigations, kernel hardening, and controls for permissions such as network access and sensors. Android app compatibility remains part of the proposition, while Google apps and services are not present by default.

The security model extends beyond app isolation. GrapheneOS adds enhanced verified boot and rollback protection, and the Auditor app supports hardware-based verification and attestation. Users can separate activity with isolated user and work profiles, and Vanadium provides a hardened Chromium browser and WebView. The optional sandboxed Google Play compatibility layer is relevant for people who depend on Google Play apps but want them to run as sandboxed apps rather than as a default system component. These features make GrapheneOS a focused choice for device-level privacy and hardening, not a general-purpose service suite.

Device and installation fit are central considerations. Official production support is limited to selected Google Pixel phones and a Pixel Tablet, so it is not a fit for someone seeking a phone operating system for a broad range of hardware. Users install the system themselves with an official WebUSB-based installer or command-line guide, making the process more involved than choosing a preinstalled OS. Documentation and community support are the listed channels. Choose GrapheneOS if supported hardware, self-installation, and its security controls match your priorities; consider another option if you need broader device support or Google services included by default.

Your product? Our editors can test GrapheneOS in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →

GrapheneOS pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on grapheneos.org

GrapheneOS fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Platform	Mobile
Isolation approach	Sandboxing
Device support	Specific hardware
Default telemetry	Not verified
Installation method	Multiple
Deployment	Mobile
Platforms	Android
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	grapheneos.org
Facts checked	5 Oct 2026

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GrapheneOS vs the competition

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Featured on iTechGuides

GrapheneOS 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