The best mobile operating systems, according to hackers

14 mobile operating systems recommended in Hacker News comments over the past year, ranked by how many separate people recommend each one.

All mobile operating systems

GrapheneOSA hardened, privacy-focused Android that just works, with fine-grained permissions and optional sandboxed Google Play, though some banking apps refuse to run on it.895recommend
AndroidRecommended for openness, sideloading, alternative app stores, customization and fine notification control, but many worry Google is locking it down with developer verification and proprietary services.372recommend
Apple iOSRecommended for strong security, privacy and years of updates, but critics dislike the iOS 26 Liquid Glass redesign, input lag and bugs, and Apple's restrictions on apps and APIs.308recommend
LineageOSA free Android distribution that gives old or unsupported phones new life with more control and less Google, though critics cite lagging security patches, unlocked bootloaders and banking-app breakage.186recommend
/e/OSRecommended as a privacy-focused, de-Googled Android for phones that works well day to day. Most common caveat: app compatibility, especially apps that need Google Play services.89recommend
Sailfish OSLinux-based phone OS with a gesture UI and Android app support, valued as a real third option. Critics often cite weaker privacy and security than AOSP.80recommend
Ubuntu TouchPeople recommend its open Linux freedom, root access, clean interface and stable daily use. Common caveat: few apps, and volunteers now maintain it after Canonical defunded it.35recommend
Android Open Source ProjectRecommended as the most private and secure open Android base, and a foundation for other systems; critics say Google's control and infrequent source releases limit it.28recommend
Android Open Source ProjectRecommended as the mature open source base for privacy-focused phone systems like GrapheneOS, with a strong security model; the main caveat is Google's control over its development and source releases.23recommend
iPadOSPraised for multi-window mode, better keyboard and mouse support, and tight sync with macOS. Most common caveat: critics say it still falls short for complex work and multitasking.18recommend
HarmonyOSPraised as a polished, secure alternative to Android and iOS with smooth performance. Main caveat: hard to get outside China, and many Google apps do not run.17recommend
CalyxOSPeople recommend it as a free Android alternative that stays close to stock Android. The most common caveat is slow security patches and maintenance gaps.10recommend
iodéOSFree, Google-free Android build that people recommend for privacy and a wide range of phones. Critics say updates lag behind other builds.8recommend
KaiOSSimple feature-phone OS built on Firefox OS and AOSP, with a web framework for custom apps; critics note a small app store missing some needed apps like messaging.5recommend