The Best Custom Android ROMs in 2023 Ranked

Android is a popular choice for mobile devices because of its widespread availability and stable, secure, and flexible design. You have been using Android for quite some time, and suddenly you want to modify your operating system’s UI. Trying to figure out if you’re capable of doing that. A custom ROM for Android allows you to maximize its functionality.

Firmware for Android-powered smartphones can be modified with a custom Android ROM. Perhaps you have wondered if it were possible to update Android’s software. As a result, we have researched custom ROMs and the top custom ROMs for Android to provide you with a solution to your question. Check them out.

1. Lineage OS

There are more than 1.5 million monthly active users of LineageOS, making it the most popular custom ROM. LineageOS is open-source firmware. It was formerly known as Cyanogen and debuted in 2009 on the HTC Dream and Magic. In the early days of Android, Cyanogen’s key developer was the alias JesusFreke, who finally passed the torch to Steve Kondik.

It is guaranteed that after installing LineageOS in place of the original operating system, all of the device’s essential hardware features (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Camera, NFC, etc.) will continue to function as intended due to the official LineageOS builds’ conformance to a “Device Support Requirements“ charter.

LineageOS has established itself as the gold standard in the world of custom ROMs, so it’s no surprise that the XDA community adores it. Google’s apps aren’t pre-installed on LineageOS. Doing this step alone will stop your phone from sending any data in the background to Google’s servers.

Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) is enabled by default on LineageOS. The National Security Agency (NSA) created this protection measure originally to strengthen the Linux kernel. After being activated, SELinux limits users’ ability to access system-wide processes. In other words, there are remarkably few entry points for malware and hacking attempts to take control of systems.

2. Pixel Experience

Pixel Experience is an affordable alternative to the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL if you’re a fan of those phones’ design and user interface but can’t afford the Pixel 3 or 3 XL’s price tag. This AOSP-based custom ROM will turn your phone into a functional Google product. It includes the Pixel launcher, icons, typefaces, widgets, lists, etc.

The custom ROM was created in 2017 as an experiment by XDA Recognized Developer jhenrique09. Its popularity has since increased as users tried replicating the software experience of Google’s Pixel devices.

In contrast to other custom ROMs, pixel experience has a large and active user base that backs it. This has resulted in the ROM being ported to various hardware platforms. Pixel Experience aims to provide standard Android with a few Google-made additions, such as launchers, widgets, themes, icons, fonts, checklists, and booting animation. All of the credit for Pixel Experience’s design goes to Henrique Pereira.

This ROM is superior to the rest because it faithfully reproduces the original Android experience. The user interface of Android is a common target for modification in custom ROMs. The “Plus” edition includes various user interface upgrades, including customizing volume levels per program, a network traffic monitor, and notch concealment. Screenshots are also possible with other motions, such as a three-finger swipe.

3. Paranoid Android

Paranoid Android, often known as AOSPA, was the other most widely used custom ROM alongside CyanogenMod. The original release of Paranoid Android was made in early 2012, alongside the Android ICS update. Formerly one of the most popular custom ROMs, it has been offline for some time. But, the Paranoid Android operating system returned with the Android 10 update.

This firmware provides a calming and refined interface with features including tablet UI, Halo, a dynamic system bar, Pie Control, and a streamlined user interface. In addition, Google added many features to Paranoid Android, the most notable being Ambient Mode, known as Peek in PA.

PA is one of the few ROMs available based on Code Aurora instead of AOSP, but it packs a powerful punch in terms of reliability, safety, and performance. As an additional note, Ambient Display was initially introduced as a Peek feature in PA Custom ROM before being converted into an APK.

It differentiates itself from other products due to its novel design and features, notably the intuitive Pie Controls navigation mechanism. Using Pie Controls, users can easily manage their phones with a single hand by swiping in from the screen’s edge.

Paranoid Android’s Color Engine is another standout function because it enables users to alter the colors of their device’s user interface. This is a great addition for anyone who wants to customize their phone’s user interface to go in with their chosen color scheme or wallpaper.

4. Evolution X

Evolution X can be described as the stable version of Resurrection Remix from the past. This is because it provides a wide variety of options for personalization without compromising the ROM’s reliability.

Many features and support for various devices are brought together from several projects by merging them into Evolution X. Although this causes updates to arrive somewhat more slowly, they can provide them consistently.

In addition, all of Evolution X’s advanced settings are accessible via the app’s own settings menu. Dark themes, accent colors, and user-defined typefaces are just options in the Theme Manager.

The Android gesture navigation system is pre-installed as well. With recent updates, the Evolution X team has been removing unused functionality from the ROM to improve performance. This has made the most recent releases more reliable and less taxing on the hardware.

The ROM developers release new versions regularly, so it always has the most recent bug fixes and security enhancements. Evolution X’s broad device support also means it can be used by a large fraction of Android’s user base.

5. AOSP Extended

Its goal is to improve the stock Android experience by offering additional functionality and personalization settings. The ROM is routinely updated to include the most recent fixes and security patches for various devices.

AOSP Extended’s flexibility in terms of design is one of its most admirable features. There are many customization options for the ROM’s status bar, navigation bar, and lock screen. In addition, it allows users to alter the device’s looks by selecting from various themes, icons, and fonts.

In addition to the standard Android capabilities, AOSP Extended adds customization options, such as a system-wide ad blocker, a screen recorder, and gesture controls. Many optimizations have been made to the system’s performance, increasing speed and decreasing lag.

Regarding privacy and security, AOSP Extended has built-in protections like Privacy Guard. This feature gives users complete command over which apps can access their data and which don’t. An AppOps feature is included, which lets users individually disable app permissions.

If you’re looking for a clean and flexible Android experience without sacrificing speed or security, AOSP Extended is a good bet.

6. CrDroid

CrDroid is a LineageOS-based custom ROM with a significant emphasis on stability and performance. Its goal is to make using Android as easy and flexible as possible. The ROM has a sizable development and user base and works on various devices.

CrDroid’s versatility in allowing for personalization stands out among its other features. In addition to allowing users to alter the look of the status bar, notification shade, and lock screen, the ROM provides some other customization options. In addition, it allows users to customize the device’s appearance by selecting from various themes, icons, and fonts.

Safety and privacy are also major concerns for CrDroid. The ROM has built-in security measures, including Privacy Guard, to protect your data. An AppOps feature is included, which lets users individually disable app permissions.

Specifically, CrDroid was made to work quickly and smoothly. It has been optimized in some different ways to boost performance and decrease lag. Managing background app activities and turning off battery-draining services are just two of the many battery-saving capabilities included.

7. Havoc OS

Android enthusiasts have been turning to Havoc OS, a popular custom ROM. Its main selling points are its flexibility and the fact that it can be easily optimized for speed. The operating system image is based on AOSP and has been enhanced with several new features. The Havoc OS Settings menu, or Havoc Settings, is one of the best parts of the operating system since it gives you quick access to many different configuration settings.

The lock screen, status bar, and navigation bar can all be altered using the Havoc Settings menu. CPU overclocking and custom kernel support are only two of the many performance-enhancing capabilities built into Havoc OS.

The ROM makers release new versions regularly, so it always has the most recent bug fixes and security enhancements. Due to its widespread device support, Havoc OS can be used by a large fraction of Android’s user base.

Closings Thoughts

Custom Android ROMs can offer a personalized experience to Android users. Lineage OS and Pixel Experience are popular custom ROMs eminent for their stability and security. Features like Pie Controls navigation and Color Engine personalization have made Paranoid Android stand out.

Evolution X provides a stable version of Resurrection Remix with multiple customization options and frequent updates. If you want to put your mark on your Android device and boost its capabilities, you should look at these custom ROMs.