Heads
Heads: Heads measures and verifies the boot chain on compatible hardware, with a technical installation path. Ranked #14 of 17 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for technical users seeking verified boot on compatible hardware.
At a glance
- Editor score7.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTechnical users seeking verified boot on compatible hardware
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- PlatformDesktop
- Facts checked5 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Measures the boot chain with a TPM and verifies signed kernel and initrd images
- Uses TPM hardware key storage to support drive decryption
- Includes cryptsetup and LUKS disk-encryption tooling
Where it doesn't
- Supports only specific hardware
- Physical installation involves board-specific firmware and hardware procedures
- Maintainers describe it as a work in progress, not ready for non-technical users
Our verdict on Heads
Heads is an open-source custom firmware and Linux boot environment for selected laptops and servers. It is aimed at technical users who want a hardware root of trust and protection for firmware and locally stored data, rather than a stateless live system. Heads combines coreboot firmware with a Linux payload and is available as a free project for self-hosted deployment.
Its focus is measured and verified startup. Heads uses a TPM to measure the boot chain, supports verification of signed kernel and initrd images, and can load Linux kernels from a boot partition, USB, or network using kexec. TPM-based hardware key storage supports drive decryption, while disk-encryption tooling is based on cryptsetup and LUKS. The project also supports HOTP/TOTP workflows using TPM-based tools. This makes Heads a focused option for users prioritizing boot integrity and local data protection, not a general-purpose privacy system with broad device coverage.
Compatibility and installation are the main trade-offs. Heads targets specific hardware, and using it on a physical device involves board-specific firmware and hardware procedures. Its maintainers describe the project as a work in progress and not yet ready for non-technical users; documentation and community are its support channels. Choose Heads if your hardware is supported and you are comfortable with technical firmware work. Users looking for a straightforward installation across a wide range of computers, or a ready-to-use system for less technical users, should consider another approach.
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Heads pricing
Heads fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Platform | Desktop |
| Isolation approach | Standard |
| Device support | Specific hardware |
| Default telemetry | None stated |
| Installation method | Multiple |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | heads.dyne.org |
| Facts checked | 5 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to Heads
- GrapheneOSA free, open-source Android-based OS built around device hardening and privacy controls.9.3
- Qubes OSA free desktop OS that separates activities into managed, isolated qubes.9.2
- TailsTails pairs live Tor use with optional encrypted storage and a suite of privacy tools.9.1
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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