10 of the Best Custom ROMs for Android Devices

It might surprise you to know that of all the smartphones sold in 2013, 81% were phones that run on Android – according to Strategy Analytics. Sadly, most of the people live an Android life with a stock ROM that the manufacturer of the phone provides and they have no option to make any changes on the OS, though Android is an open source software.

This is where one may want to consider getting a custom ROM for your Android device. A custom ROM is a standalone version of Android that consists of everything that one needs to operate a phone just like a stock OS but devoid of any customization by a third party.

Following are the 10 best custom ROMs for Android that you may want to consider.

1. CyanogenMod:

CyanogenMod is a custom ROM that has been making its name from the beginning has gained rave critical reviews from both Android geeks and customers alike. The ROM has added many features over the years like customizable quick settings, numerous softwares and hardware keys. Well-updated and a highly stable ROM this is a direct rival to any stock android. 

CyanogenMod supports 

2. Paranoid Android:

Arguably, the best custom ROM, Paranoid Android is the most preferred custom ROM for flashing Android devices. The ROM comes with remarkable features for strong personalization, setting apps based DPI, and multiple interfaces for the best ever Android experience. If you happen to be a person who kind of likes colors, this ROM could be the one that befits your needs just the way you would want.

Follow this link of XDA developers to know the list of devices supported by Paranoid Android.

3. Slim Bean:

For anyone who thinks less is always more, this is the best custom ROM she/he can get their hands on. Being one of the simplest custom ROMs, Slim Bean provides options to get regular updates with a single touch. One of the best features that might draw an Android geek to this ROM is the quick custom settings tiles and you would be surprised to see how cool it looks on the phone. Needless to say, this feature increases the usability of the ROM impressively.

SlimBean Supports 

4. RootBox:

Available for most Nexus and Samsung devices, the RootBox ROM takes advantage of cherry picks from CyanogenMod and AOKP. It calls for smooth and perfect navigation through multiple screens. Vanilla RootBox meets customer expectation by releasing regular updates more often than not unlike some of the other custom ROMs in the market.  Housing features like regular OTA updates, Per app DPI and stunning Per app Tablet UIs, make the ROM inferior to no other custom ROMs out there in the market.

Follow this link to know detailed information about RootBox and list of supported devices.

5. AOKP:

Ice Cream Sandwich as its base, the ROM has started rolling out in 2011. This one provides a wide plethora of features to the end user. The ROM provides plenty of options to customize LED notification and regular performance tweaks thanks to the support team. AOKP can help you set customized vibration patterns for multiple contacts and you can easily understand who is calling even when your phone is in your pocket thanks to the powerful customization features of AOKP. It can be obtained from the official AOKP website.

AOKP Supports

6. Carbon:

Taking some serious inspirations from CyanogenMod, Carbon offers features like lockscreen shortcuts, customizable on-screen buttons and toggles. With Carbon, you will never run out of options to customize any screen or option on your phone. The wide plethora of choices would never turn you off seeing the same interface over and over again. This is really worth a try for an Android user who loves great UI. If personalization is what sets the deal for you, it is about time you move to Carbon ROM.

Here you can find the list of devices which Carbon ROM supports.

7. Pacman:

If you have ever thought of getting the features of best ROMs all in one place, Pacman might be the one you may want to flash your device with. This ROM is a confluence of features from Paranoid Android, AOKPandCyanogenMod. You get a Cyanogen account, unicorns and Pie with this ROM. One of the best perks that you can get with the Pacman ROM is that with little effort, you can get a Cyanogen account, unicorns and Pie with this ROM.

You can use this link to know whether this ROM supports your device or not.

8. CleanROM:

As the name suggests, CleanROM offers nothing but clean ROM removing all unwanted extra codes from the OS. The ROM is simply smooth, clean and surprisingly stable unlike most of the other rookies in the business.  With init.d support and Aroma installer, the ROM is tweaked for stability and performance improvements.  Devoid of any unwanted and annoying features that kill the true android experience, this one is a great ROM that Android geeks would soon love.

9. Xenon HD:

If having more features is what makes a ROM best for you, then Xenon HD would fit you the best. Features like custom toggles, ROM settings menu and custom camera-options meet here proving great Android experience. The Xenon HD, packs intense performance tuning options which can ensure excellent user experience even when multiple applications run at the background.

10. EuroSkank:

A popular Kang of CyanogenMod, EuroSkank has more features than CyanogenMod itself. Sharing many of the popular features of CyanogenMod, EuroSkank has tweaked its performance providing great performance and scintillating gaming experience. The only thing that pulls the back this great ROM is the number of supported devices which is very minimal but working that can seriously place this ROM among the best players in the custom ROM scenario for sure. It supports many devices making it a strong rival for all other custom ROMs.

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If you have never experienced the true Android OS, one of the above will sure help you and from my personal experience, well, it is sure awesome!