LineageOS vs crDroid
Two of the most popular custom ROMs, and a question people ask a lot. Both are AOSP-based, both are free and open-source, and many phones can run either. The short version: LineageOS is the stable, close-to-stock baseline; crDroid builds on it with lots of extra customization.
At a glance
LineageOS
The longest-running and most widely-ported custom ROM (the successor to CyanogenMod). It prioritises stability and a clean, near-stock Android experience with a handful of genuinely useful additions. If your phone runs any custom ROM at all, there's a good chance LineageOS is one of them — its device support is unmatched. Pick it if you want something dependable you can leave alone.
crDroid
crDroid is built on LineageOS sources and adds a deep layer of customization on top — status-bar tweaks, themes, gesture controls, lock-screen options and more. You get the same broad stability with far more knobs to turn. Pick it if you like tailoring every corner of the UI and don't mind a slightly more feature-heavy build.
So which should you flash?
- Want it to just work? LineageOS.
- Love customizing? crDroid.
- Not sure?Try LineageOS first — it's the safe baseline, and you can always flash crDroid later.
The real deciding factor is often which one supports your phone, and how recently each was updated for it.
Check what your phone supports
Not every device has both. Search your phone to see whether LineageOS and crDroid support it, which Android version each runs, and when they were last updated.
New to flashing? Read why install a custom ROM and the glossary.