When it comes to choosing LineageOS vs GrapheneOS (or any other degoogled ROM for that matter), confusion abounds and debates can get very heated!The tl;dr is that it doesn’t matter much from a privacy perspective. Any variant of Android without Google and based on the Android Open Source Project is going to offer unparalleled privacy and security gains over a traditional iPhone or Android smartphone.However, there are subtle differences when comparing LineageOS vs GrapheneOS that are worth exploring.Here at PrivacyToGo, we’ve chosen to focus our efforts on the microG fork of LineageOS, though we’re happy to flash GrapheneOS for Pixel customers on request.Why do we think LineageOS is the best degoogled ROM for most people? Let’s get into it!
GrapheneOS is only supported by Google Pixel devices. That may change in the future, but for now, if you want to use GrapheneOS, you have to use a Google smartphone.Furthermore, you cannot use just any old Pixel phone. You have to secure a Google Edition Pixel in order to flash GrapheneOS or any other custom ROM. This means that the vast majority of Pixels out there cannot actually be degoogled as their bootloaders are locked.If you want to ensure you’re getting a degoogleable Pixel, you have to buy it directly from Google.We don’t like the idea of lining Google’s pockets to escape Google.By contrast, LineageOS supports hundreds of devices.We would much rather support manufacturers like Motorola and OnePlus who are committed to supporting privacy ROM options by default.
By virtue of its massive popularity, the LineageOS community is also massive! That means if anything goes wrong, bugs are quick to be fixed.That also means discussion boards about LineageOS are always buzzing. It’s nice to know that there is a large support network of other users just like you should you need to ask questions.
GrapheneOS comes installed with only one app store, the open-source F-Droid store.LineageOS also comes with F-Droid. It’s a fantastic service and we would strongly recommend looking for open-source apps on F-Droid before turning to Google Play!But if you want to use your favorite apps from the Google Play store, you won’t find them in F-Droid. You’ll have to install them some other way.On modified builds of LineageOS, there’s a great app called Aurora Store that allows you to download apps directly from Google in 100% anonymity. This is called device spoofing and feeds disinformation to Google about your device type, language, and even location.You get the security and convenience of Google’s Play Store while retaining your privacy. It’s a win-win.By contrast, a GrapheneOS user who wants to install their favorite app is going to have to install files from a third-party source that may or may not be secure. Yikes! An advanced user knows how to avoid these pitfalls, but your average smartphone user is sure to make mistakes here that could compromise their security.
LineageOS is here to stay.The project has been around since 2016 and is the direct descendant of CyanogenMOD, the earliest Android ROM that started all the way back in 2011.In comparison, GrapheneOS is much younger and had a very rocky start to its development. Their team is growing and the project is doing some amazing stuff, but it’s yet to prove the test of time in the same way as LineageOS.
This is one area where GrapheneOS takes the cake.They are pioneering alternate implementations of a lot of Android features to reduce attack vectors, but their hardened memory allocator is probably the most impressive.
When it comes to LineageOS vs GrapheneOS, they’re both excellent choices.Advanced users might gravitate towards GrapheneOS, whereas LineageOS is much closer to being “soccer mom approved.”
Open-source fanatics ready to leave behind all “normal” apps will also find GrapheneOS more appealing.And frankly, if you’re the type of person who loves nerding out over AOSP ROM choices, you can probably flash GrapheneOS or LineageOS yourself! There’s a guide over at No Agenda Phone that can get you started with Graphene flashing, and a bevy of device-specific guides for LineageOS on their wiki.It all depends on your device, personal preference, and level of knowledge. But for the average smartphone user, LineageOS is simply much more approachable and user-friendly.