7 Of The Best Custom ROMS For Android You Can Install

Are you in search of the best custom ROMs in the market today? 🤔 When that is so, you will realize that many options are at your disposal. Perhaps that is why you were searching for a guide or review on the best ROMs. 

Well, thank your stars because you are in the right place. This guide provides you with the top 7 custom ROMs in the market today after intense research. We understand and respect the fact that our readers have time constraints. 

Hence, we wanted to help you out by listing just the most popular ones. Let us begin with a small introduction to custom ROMs and then proceed with the list. Custom ROMs have been around for more than a decade now. 

If you have used them, then you most likely would have come across the name, if not used it, CyanogenMod. It was the most popular thanks to smooth performance, sturdy battery life, and ultimate features. 

It was as if your Smartphone got its life back from the unknown. CyanogenMod was a widely used Android custom ROM. Sadly, it has been discontinued because of some problems with its firm, Cyanogen Inc. 

Probably due to some internal problems. But, whatever the reason, the current crop is not bad either. We have custom ROMs like Lineage OS, Pixel, and Resurrection Remix, which take up the mantle boldly. 

Perhaps, you can find something familiar in them that reminds you of CyanogenMod.

Myths about Custom ROMs

So, why custom ROM? 🤔 Why do you require a custom ROM on a well-working Smartphone? Perhaps, we can shed some light. This is a very debatable topic because it entirely depends on your usage. 

If you are a heavy user using an old model, you can consider downloading a good custom ROM. They offer an increase in performance and an enhanced user experience. 

You gain more control and power over your Smartphone. It is as if it obeys your commands, which is its primary task. Many users do not believe in reading that; only when they experience it do they truly believe in the powers of the ROM. 

You do not become an android software rebel when you download the custom ROM. However, there are a few drawbacks. Your Smartphone can most likely hang and cause problems if you have downloaded an unspecified custom ROM. 

When your Smartphone is pretty old, then you may be able to find spare parts or a mechanic who would be willing to service it. Hence, you must take all precautions when downloading the custom ROMs. 

That is why we have ensured that these custom ROMs are reliable, not viruses. You might want to read guides or take the help of an expert who can guide you with the downloading process if it is your first time. 

Finding the right solution can be tough when you are surrounded by tons of ROMs that make big claims but fail to live up to them. We have filtered the exceptional ones from the rest and given them below. 

Best Custom ROMS For Android – Our Pick 👌

1. Lineage OS – Best custom rom for gaming

Based on our research, Lineage OS (Download Here) is one of the best custom ROMs for Android devices.

Why did we feel the Lineage OS custom ROM is best for Android? Let us find out. After CyanogenMod ROM, LineageOS has all the qualities to claim that famed spot. 

There are also codes, like the LOS, used within the LineageOS. You can find LOS used as the main code for several custom ROMs.

They encourage openness and togetherness, there is sufficient development within the community, and the overall experience using the android devices is awesome. 

The new updated version can find popular features like theme engine, equalizer, and root access. We felt that the custom ROM is extremely suitable for beginners. It comes with a wide range of mod knowledge and instructions for Flash.

It also has a powerful camera app, a compact launcher, and a few pre-installed apps. You also have robust RAM and free memory. You can increase or decrease the volume levels in your Smartphone. 

You have your privacy when using the custom ROM. Of course, the main benefit of using LineageOS is that your Smartphone runs as well as new. It is quite apparent that the custom ROM has adopted several features of CyanogenMod.

However, we did notice a few things that should have been there. For example, you will not like that it comes without Google apps. Some users have also claimed that even if it did work, you might not want to have used it. 

You do not have the services of the play store. To make up for that, we found the installation process relatively simple. Once you are done, you can update your Smartphone.

Thanks to this custom ROM, users worldwide can use a feature-rich camera and a few useful apps that allow you to have ample memory free in your Smartphone. 

Yes, we would highly recommend the use of LineageOS on your Smartphone. Several users have claimed it to be similar to the working of CyanogenMod ROM, proving that it is a clear winner among the custom ROMs in the market today. 

However, before you download the custom ROM, you will want to take a backup of your data. 

2. Pixel Experience – Best custom ROMs  based on AOSP

The Pixel Experience (Download Here) is ranked second on our list. We felt that it deserves this spot. Yes, it has more features than LineageOS ROM, but its reliability factor is often a concern. Let us find out why it is almost on par with LineageOS. 

If you like to use Google apps and their service, then you would like to use Pixel Experience. The custom AOSP ROM can easily transform your Smartphone into a powerful device, much to your delight.  

Its features include icons, launchers, widgets, fonts, and others. The custom ROM provides less room for customization. As far as smartphones are concerned, that is a good thing, so the originality is preserved. 

The first thing that hits you is that your Smartphone is ably supported because it is extensive. Apart from that, the ROM is clean and lightweight. You can find it with the right amount of baggage. 

Few users felt that the user interface, though decent, is slightly off at times. That seems to be altered. The Google search bar is at last and changes color if you use dark mode. You will love using the app drawer as it is almost similar to the Android pie counterpart. 

Some users felt that the clock and battery percentage position could have been placed better. The notification bar is new and comes with a bright look. Like most ROM, Pixel Experience offers a ROM free from unwanted junk.

That lets you download the data that you need. The battery’s performance was exceptional, running for more than 8 hours. That is very good for a custom ROM. Perhaps, it was one of the best among most ROMs that we will be reading about. 

Some users preferred the display appearance on this version. Updates might happen shortly, and that means the display will only come to improve. The Google tray feature in this ROM is a breeze to use. 

You can easily swipe from left to right.  Users are offered news feeds, so the chances of you missing them are rare. There are constant updates and changes. When you use a Google-based app, this is a common trend. 

That is good because you know they are onto it and keep working to make your lives easier. With constant testing and research, ROMs like Pixel Experience will only improve. 

With so many features available at your disposal, you might want to make a point to download Pixel Experience. Of course, please make sure that you take a backup of all your content on your Smartphone. 

3. Resurrection Remix – Best custom ROMs Based On Android 10

You would know by knowing that custom ROMs can alter the course of your Smartphone. Hence, you must download and choose the right ROM. For some modders, the custom ROM is a daily driver. 

On that note, we will look at Resurrection Remix. Though we have ranked Resurrection Remix after Pixel Experience and Lineage, it does not mean that this is less powerful or inferior. 

You would be surprised to know that it is a popular name in the custom ROM market. Two aspects make a custom ROM likable, one is the performance, and the other is battery life.

However, this one has smooth performance and a large online community to help you out. 

The bases are covered very well. The ROM uses the Android setup wizard. It means the user interface is quite easy and simple to use. Of course, you do not have anything attractive, but once you are inside the configurations menu inside settings, you are in for a treat. 

The sheer amount of features in there can surprise you. Few users had claimed to become overwhelmed when they first downloaded Resurrection Remix. You can easily customize anything that you want. 

The smallest of details can be altered or modified if you want. For example, you can modify the animation feature when you like. Other features in the custom ROM include an email client, web browser, music player, file browser, and others. 

Another noteworthy feature we found in the Resurrection Remix is that it can easily support OMS substratum themes why we mentioned it here. Because most of the custom ROMs do not support it. 

Some of you may ask, is the performance of ROM impacted with so many features around? The answer to that is no. The battery life is also good. It depends on the kind of ROM you intend to use for your Smartphone. 

From the above, it is clear that Resurrection Remix is one power-packed custom ROM. The ROM comes with several updates, and it has a large online community and several customization options that you can see. 

However, the simplicity of Lineage OS might undo the hard work here. With so many features, you want to ask yourself, do you want to use all these extra features in the configurations menu? 

You can call it an upgraded version of Lineage OS, but having tremendous potential. In conclusion, the Resurrection Remix is one of the most feature-rich custom ROMs on the market today. There is no reason why you should not consider downloading it. 

4. AOSP Extended

Next on our list of best custom ROMs, we have the AOSP Extended (Download Here). If you have been hanging around custom ROM for a few years, you would know by now that AOSP means the Android Open Source Project. 

Users love the design of the custom ROM. It is light and very sleek. Not to mention, it gives a modern touch and feels. The performance also does not lag, and you are offered a fluid experience. 

Before we forget, the battery life is also good with this custom ROM downloaded on your Smartphone. This is one of the most widely used custom ROMs, thanks to the fact that you can download the app on several smartphone models. 

For example, you can use it on Samsung, Motorola, LG, Huawei, and Asus devices. Since this is a pre-rooted ROM, the need to use more space is not there. Not to mention, the Substratum Theme is fully loaded. 

You can also find extra settings that let you customize anything you want. This is useful for those who are particular about how things should appear on their smartphones. The battery life, which is the most important thing, is good too. 

Users found out that they can easily use it for 6 hours on the go. Average custom ROMs can give you 4 hours of screen time. Another noteworthy mention here is the feature of dash charging, which lets you charge your Smartphone as and when you prefer. 

Finally, we take a look at its performance and camera. The animations on this ROM are outstanding. You do not have any crashes when using the Smartphone. Its camera is almost as good as the Lineage OS.

Users can take images in 4K UHD. It is this when you are surrounded by tons of custom ROMs and forced to make a choice. It provides you with the right balance between the performance and the features, which is very difficult to find. 

Though it cannot make your Smartphone on the same level as Lineage OS custom ROM, it is very close with excellent battery life, robust performance, good camera capabilities, and endless customization. 

If you download and use it, you won’t go wrong. 

5. Paranoid Android

Now, we will look at one of the market’s oldest and best custom ROMs, the Paranoid Android. It is not surprising to note that even today, millions of users swear by it, and hence it is considered one of the most popular alternatives to CyanogenMod ROM. 

The ROM offers you a very smooth and shiny experience. Whether you are a novice or professional in using custom ROMs, you find yourself very much at home with it.

However, you cannot claim it to be with the likes of Lineage OS, but it comes close nevertheless. 

You will be amazed that it was the first custom ROM to have an ambient display. Not to mention, it also comes with pie as well as Hover mode. It is as if this custom ROM refuses to give up. 

The custom ROM has been around in the market since early 2012 and has been updated along the way. This one is based on the CAF or the code aurora forum. At times, users get confused between the AOSP and the PA.

The animation feature is the first thing that instantly hits you. The need to roam all over the custom ROM is not there because you can find everything present in the settings themselves. There is an update mode. 

Coming to its main features of immersive and pie control mode. It is the best, and you can navigate around the screen with a clear visual experience. There is also a gallery section where you can easily manage your photos. 

It is safe to say that Paranoid Android is one of the highly researched custom ROMs to have been released in the market. Users have always liked Pie Control. The user interface experience is flawless, and it has the capability of providing you with a stable work solution. 

Users of the 6P are stunned by the fluid operation of their smartphones. If you own a 6P, you might want to do yourself a favor and download this custom ROM today. 

Did you like what you read about Paranoid Android? What are your thoughts on Paranoid Android’s comeback? Is it worth your time and effort? 

We have listed two more custom ROMs on our list. They may not be as good or powerful as the custom ROMs we just read about. However, they can be considered for those who are not heavy smartphone users. 

We will take a look at them briefly. 

6. Dirty Unicorns

Dirty Unicorns is ranked sixth on our list in search of the best custom ROMs. This custom ROM enables you to focus on customizing without compromising on stability.

Users are often spellbound by the number of customizable features offered on this custom ROM. 

The battery life is good too. It is often compared with Resurrection Remix, thanks to its coders producing code. You will also appreciate that the developers of this high-performance app do not accept donations either. 

7. Bootleggers Rom

Let us read briefly why you might want to download Bootleggers ROM. This is based on the open-source code project or GZOSP. We found that this ROM offers you useful features on your Smartphone.

Not to mention, the ringtones, wallpaper, and fonts give your device a new look. The design of the ROM is good, and so are its battery life and performance. You can consider using it as your daily ROM for stability and flexibility. 

✅FAQ on The Best custom ROMs

Which is the best custom ROM?

Some of the best custom ROMs include Project Sakura, MSM Extended, and the crDroid. You can find a ton of custom ROMs that are available in the market also for you to use and work with.

Which is the most secure custom ROM?

It is important that you work with the most secure custom ROM on your smartphone. When you want to use an outstanding app with security features, then GrapheneOS is an excellent choice for you.

What are the best ROMs?

The best ROMs are LineageOS (LOS), Paranoid Android (PA ROM), crDroid, and the Havoc OS. You can make use of them on your smartphone by downloading them safely from their respective play store.

Is custom ROM better than MIUI?

Though the MIUI is quite impressive and fantastic, the stock ROM user interface from Google is just better. You can find several ROMs that are provided on the Google stock UI; you can try them out.

Are custom ROMs dying?

Not necessarily. We do not think so. The custom ROMS can be there forever because they are mainly used for nexus devices. So, when you are keen on using nexus devices, then you might want to consider using them for your smartphone.

Which is the lightest custom ROM?

There are several custom ROMs available in the market. The Slim ROM is the most lightweight custom ROM. You use that on your Android device. It does not go beyond 240MB and downloads extremely fast on your smartphone

Does custom ROM make phone faster?

Yes, some outdated Android devices can slow down with time when you make use of the custom ROMs. When you want to install the custom ROM on your smartphone, then you would want to do a factory reset and then download the custom ROM.

Is using custom ROM safe?

Using the custom ROM is relatively safe. But like most apps can be hacked and exploited into, the same is for the custom ROM apps. The custom ROMs are safe, and you would want to download them after reading the feedback given by the users.

Do people still use custom ROMs?

Yes, they use custom ROMs. There have been some improvements in the software and also infused new security features. According to research done, more than two out of the five users still use the custom ROMs.

Does custom ROMs change battery life?

It may change the battery life. The custom ROM usually improves the battery life because they come with their own modified kernel. It also decreases the power consumption of smartphones.

Conclusion on The Best custom ROMs

We hope you found this guide on custom ROMs for your android smartphones useful. As you can see, we have tried to cover some of the most popularly used custom ROMs.

The CyanogenMod ROM was the best, but the rest seem to have taken over after its demise. 

We highly recommend the use of Lineage OS and Pixel Experience custom ROMs. They are almost on par with CyanogenMod ROM. With the help of these highly-rated custom ROMs, you can now revitalize your old Smartphone.

It can give smartphone makers a run for their money. Your older device need not suffer in silence with these custom ROMs to help you out. They often fill up those gaps that your Smartphone so badly needs. 

It benefits everybody, and that is a good thing. Why don’t you give your Smartphone a second chance to outperform itself today and gain full control and confidence over it? So, download the best custom ROMs for your Smartphone.