In 2025, the Android custom ROM scene remains active, with several leading projects supporting the newest Android versions (Android 15 and Android 16). The most popular and up-to-date custom ROMs include:
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LineageOS: Continues as the most recognized and widely supported ROM, now on version 22.1 (based on Android 15 QPR1) with plans for version 23.2 based on Android 16 later in 2025. Supports over 200 devices and focuses on stability and feature basics. Great for longevity and those wanting a near-stock Android experience [1].
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GrapheneOS: Prioritizes security and privacy, using advanced sandboxing techniques. However, it only supports Google Pixel devices and comes without extensive customization features. Updates for Android 15 have rolled out [1].
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Derpfest, Evolution X, and Project Elixir: These ROMs target users seeking a Pixel-like experience with extensive customizations. Derpfest and Evolution X (now based on LineageOS) emphasize frequent updates, stability, and game-friendly features. Evolution X 10 and Derpfest are already offering Android 15 or newer on a select range of devices [1] [2] [6].
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PixelOS: Mimics the Pixel UI with improvements in stability and essential features. It is AOSP-based and offers frequent updates, but Android 15 support is currently limited to a few devices [1].
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crDroid: One of the oldest active custom ROMs, known for combining the stability of LineageOS with added features and customizations. Supports a broad range of devices and is now available on Android 15 (CrDroid 11) [1] [2].
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Gaming-focused ROMs: For mobile gamers, ROMs like Pixel Experience Plus, crDroid 10, Evolution X, and Corvus OS are particularly recommended in 2025 due to their optimization for performance, thermal management, minimal bloatware, and kernel-level adjustments [2].
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New Developments: Some ROMs, such as Lunaris AOSP and updated builds of Evolution X, are now experimenting with Android 16, further demonstrating that the community is keeping pace with Google’s Android releases [4] [6].
Key trends and considerations for 2025:
- Many brands now offer 4–5 years of OS updates, so the practical necessity for ROM flashing has lessened for some users. However, custom ROMs still provide update longevity, extra control, and unique features for users of older or unsupported devices [3].
- Installing custom ROMs is increasingly accessible, often not requiring root access thanks to GSI (Generic System Image) compatibility on many phones [8].
- Building a custom ROM from source now requires substantial hardware resources (400GB+ storage, at least 16GB RAM recommended) and modern CPUs, reflecting the complexity of recent Android versions [9].
For device support, always check the official website or forum for your chosen ROM, as device compatibility can vary significantly from one project to another. LineageOS remains unmatched in terms of both variety of supported hardware and regular updates [1] [7].