/e/OS (Murena)
Intermediate RecommendedThe best Android alternative is /e/OS (Murena). Android without Google, designed for everyone. Available pre-installed on Murena smartphones.
Information verified on July 7, 2026
This topic is chapter 12 of the book
Breaking Free from Android
Here, the big picture. In the book: the full method and the detailed walkthrough.
Description
/e/OS is Android cleaned of everything Google-related. No Play Services, no tracking, but an experience that feels familiar. The built-in store rates apps by their privacy respect. You can install it yourself on a compatible phone, or buy a Murena device ready to go. The project is led by Gaël Duval, creator of Mandrake Linux.
My take
If I had to leave Android, this is what I would pick: a European project, a repairable phone, a philosophy that matches this book. My tour of the three possible paths is in chapter 12.
Key features
- Android without Google
- Integrated alternative store
- MicroG for app compatibility
- Integrated Murena cloud
- App privacy scores
- Open source
Strengths
- + Experience close to standard Android
- + Great for reducing Google's presence on your phone
- + Can be installed on some existing devices
Weaknesses
- − Limited compatibility with certain models
- − Manual installation is more technical unless you buy a Murena phone
Recommended for
- Reducing Google dependency on mobile
- Intermediate users willing to install a custom ROM
/e/OS (Murena) vs Android: the comparison
| Criterion | /e/OS (Murena) | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free for the ROM; Murena One smartphones sold ready to use. | Free (pre-installed) |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (Google ad profile) |
| Source code | Open (auditable) | Partially open (AOSP) |
| Migration difficulty | Complex (4/5) | — |
Comparison
/e/OS is the recommendation for degoogling a phone without being an expert: familiar interface, ready-to-use Murena phones. GrapheneOS goes further on security, but it is Pixel-only and aimed at advanced users.
Frequently asked questions
How much does /e/OS (Murena) cost?
Free for the ROM; Murena One smartphones sold ready to use.
How do you switch from Android to /e/OS (Murena)?
Estimated difficulty: Complex (4/5). Technical installation requiring bootloader unlock. Some Google-dependent apps won't work. Learning curve.
Who is /e/OS (Murena) for?
Android users seeking complete degoogling of their smartphone. Recommended for intermediate users ready to reconfigure their usage.
Similar alternatives
Fairphone
BeginnerModular, repairable smartphone made with fair materials. The Fairphone 6 was released in June 2025.
Murena Smartphones
BeginnerPre-installed deGoogled smartphones running /e/OS. 2025 lineup: Murena Fairphone 6, CMF Phone 1, SHIFTphone 8.
GrapheneOS
AdvancedHardened Android for Pixel phones. The most secure mobile OS on the market, expert-recommended.