The Android developer community is huge, and with customization being the biggest selling point of the OS, there are community hobby projects called Custom ROMs, bringing unending customization options to Android. Custom ROMs are open-source Android OS’ each with pros and cons. Although most custom ROM projects have faded over the years due to Google making it hard for them to survive, a few are still active. So, if you’re confused about which one to install, here are our picks for the 10 best custom ROMs for Android in 2025.
1. LineageOS
Upon hearing the word “custom ROM”, LineageOS is probably the first thing that comes to people’s mind. LineageOS was previously known as CyanogenMod, a fan-favorite ROM that shut down back in 2016. Since custom ROMs are all about the community, a few developers lead the development, and the ROM is now known as LineageOS. It’s a fitting name as it continues the longstanding “Lineage” of CyanogenMod.
Built on top of Google’s AOSP code, LineageOS has grown to be a stable canvas on which developers can color (build) their own custom ROMs. However, it works just as well as a standalone ROM. It has the most extensive developer team under its name and officially supports over 200 devices. The ROM includes basic but useful features that include but are not limited to customizing the status bar, changing the overall theme, editing the navbar, and much more.
LineageOS 22.1 was recently released and is based on Android 15 QPR1, and the LineageOS team says version 23.2 will be based on Android 16 and will arrive in Q4 2025. While the new OS doesn’t bring many features, it does bring a new “Twelve” music player which utilizes Material You. LineageOS 22.1 is already supported on over 100 devices.
2. GrapheneOS
LineageOS is good for privacy but you still have to rely on Google services to use it. That’s where GrapheneOS comes in. GrapheneOS and CalyxOS have similar selling points but the difference lies in how they try to run Google apps to prevent Google from tracking your location and data. Unlike CalyxOS, GrapheneOS uses Sandboxing, which, in layman’s terms, is like emulation and running apps in an isolated environment rather than on the device.
However, one of the major disadvantages of GrapheneOS is the device support. The OS currently only supports Pixel devices. Besides, it’s close to AOSP which is the actual barebones stock Android and as a result, doesn’t offer many customization features. It’s for those who want to keep their distance from Google’s clutches. GrapheneOS developers are also rolling out Android 15 for Pixel devices.
3. Derpfest
After the demise of one of my favorite ROMs Pixel Experience and the AOSP-based EvoX, Derpfest carries the legacy of Pixel-like ROM experience and is my current favorite project with tons of customizations. It comes from AOSiP, another popular custom ROM based on LineageOS, and I’ve been its aficionado since the OnePlus 5T days.
While it isn’t as big as LineageOS in terms of device support, the AOSP-based ROM has a decent number of devices under development, from the latest Pixel 9 series to the Redmi K20 Pro. From monthly updates to endless customizations, Derpfest has it all. While most device maintainers are yet to release Android 15 on Derpfest, Pixel devices, POCO F1, Redmi K20 series, and a few more have recieved the latest version.
4. The New EvolutionX
Evolution X is like the Resurrection Remix from yesteryear because of the plethora of customization features. The project was based on pure AOSP until recently when the developers decided to switch to LineageOS base. This means the project will now be much more stable. One of the selling points of the project is its effort to give users a Pixel-like experience while offering lots of customization features.
While the device support isn’t EvoX’s strong suite, it does support a considerable number of devices from all the Pixels to the old and relatively new Xiaomis and OnePluses. The latest EvolutionX 10 version brings Android 15 to a handful of devices. Overall, if you’re looking for a custom ROM with a Pixel-like feel and one that doesn’t compromise on stability and features, you cannot go wrong with EvoX.
5. Project Elixir
If you are looking for one of the best customizable ROMs, then you can try Project Elixir. It’s a beautiful AOSP ROM that is very close to stock Android with Pixel features. It features Essense which is based on the Substratum theme and delivers an elegant lock screen experience that you won’t find on any other ROM. Besides, it supports a LOT of devices.
The Project Elixir team ensures timely updates and routine bug fixes. The Android 15 variant of the ROM is just around the corner and version 4.8 is the latest version for all the active devices. Project Elixir is not free though and is the only custom ROM that requires you to pay a fee to download if you want the latest version. The latest version is only available for those who support the project via Patreon, with the $15/month plan unlocking access to Beta builds.
6. PixelOS
If you’re a fan of Pixel Experience, PixelOS will feel right at home. It features a Pixel-like user interface with added enhancements, improvements, and stability. It does not go overboard with features like other AOSP ROMs and prioritizes essential utilities that can help users. The ROM is based on AOSP so you know it’s stable. The developers of PixelOS have started pushing Android 15 updates.
The ROM is available for Realme, Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, Samsung, Asus, and more devices. The team is also quite up-to-date and regularly pushes new builds with features and security patches. Overall, PixelOS is quite impressive in terms of design. PixelOS based on Android 15 hasn’t rolled out to many devices except the POCO F1 and a handful of Xiaomi devices and tablets, but expect it to arrive soon.
7. crDroid
CrDroid is one of the oldest LineageOS-based ROMs in existence and is still in action. The developers recently rolled out CrDroid 11 based on Android 15 and it comes with many features improvements. The best way to sum up the experience is that it’s LineageOS with a focus on features. From the old Nokias to Pixels, Redmis, OnePlus, or even the Nintendo Switch! The list of supported devices is pretty extensive.
It offers the same AOSP experience that’s exclusive to Google’s lineup, along with truly tested features. Since crDroid is based on LineageOS at its base, the performance and battery life are great. With timely updates, rock-solid stability, performance improvements, and customization features CrDroid is easily one of the best ROMs in the market.
8. Bliss ROM
Bliss ROM not only develops ROMs for smartphones but also for tablets and Windows devices like Surface Pro. It’s a long-standing AOSP-based ROM that offers customization, security, and good user experience. Bliss ROM also focuses on performance and battery life and gets regular updates. While it may not have the most extensive list of supported devices, it still supports some of the popular and old devices like the Nothing Phones, Pixel 6a, OnePlus 7 series, and more.
Apart from including certain tweaks to the customizability and functionality, Bliss ROM vastly enhances the overall visual look of your device. It has a separate settings panel called Blissify from where you can change almost everything. Right from themes to animation and lock screen interface. The ROM recently rolled out Android 15 for select devices with Bliss ROM version 18 codenamed “Voyager”. Overall, it’s definitely one of the best AOSP ROMs you can try out.
9. Xiaomi.eu
We know how bloated HyperOS can be and why and how you should debloat Android devices. However, if you don’t want to install other ROMs and stick to HyperOS for its features, the Xiaomi.eu project is for you. It’s a custom ROM based on pure HyperOS but with zero bloatware, ads, or resource-hogging processes running in the background. It only supports Xiaomi devices, though.
HyperOS without ads and bloatware sounds like a pipedream, doesn’t it? Xiaomi.eu builds are released every week for testers and general users can try the stable releases. The latest HyperOS 2.0 version is available for a handful of new devices and it’s pretty simple to install. All in all, if you have a Xiaomi device, you can’t afford to miss out on the Xiaomi.eu ROM.
10 OmniROM
OmniROM is among the oldest custom ROMs on this list. The project was started way back in 2013 when CyanogenMod was all hype, and it continues to push new builds even today. It does nothing radical but brings a clean, AOSP-based ROM with rock-solid stability. It only supports a handful of devices though, including the Pixel 6 series, Zenfone 6,7,8, 9, and the Raspberry Pi 4.
Android 14 is the latest in OmniROM and there’s no information on when Android 15 is coming. In terms of updates, it’s not the fastest, but for still good when it comes to performance and day-to-day tasks. Overall, it’s not the best custom ROM out there but you may try it for some of its customization options.
Why Install a Custom ROM?
As manufacturers promise 4 to 7 years of update promises in 2025, alongside Google tightening its grip with the Play Integrity API, custom ROMs’ popularity has dropped significantly over the years. This has resulted in many old projects ending support. Still, some of the reasons to install a custom ROM are to try out different UIs and customization options, not to mention to breathe life into old devices whose support window has expired.
Another reason why people prefer custom ROMs is due to the possibilities of modding them. There’s no bloatware in them and are packed with all sorts of customization features by default. The possibilities are endless. While there are many custom ROMs out there, not all of them are stable enough to be used as your daily driver.
Installing a custom ROM requires you to unlock the bootloader first, and have a custom recovery like TWRP installed. Before you get started, it’s always a good idea to create a backup of your Android device. Beebom’s Android team has tested almost all ROMs listed above on a variety of devices. Hence, you can absolutely vouch for this list.
Custom ROMs bring out a new experience to your old or new mobile devices. While no ROM out there will ever be as stable as the stock ROM, having a custom ROM does give you the liberty to sacrifice a few points of stability to gain tons of features. What’s your favorite custom ROM? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you are looking for stability, I would recommend LineageOS, especially for older devices. Apart from that, overall, I think EvolutionX, Project Elixir, and Derpfest are some of the best Android custom ROMs for customizations.
In terms of rock-solid stability, LineageOS would take the crown for the most stable custom ROM.
Xiaomi devices are generally supported better as unlocking the bootloader does not violate the warranty. Besides OnePlus, Motorola, Nothing, Realme, and Asus devices generally have a good custom ROM presence.