Going fully open-source on Android isn’t just a geeky experiment — it’s about taking back control. Control from random UI-breaking updates. From invisible tracking and forced logins. From apps you never asked for and can't delete.

This is my personal setup: FOSS-powered, privacy-first, and intentionally chosen. Not perfect — but solid, snappy, and totally mine.

🏪 App Stores

F‑Droid
The go‑to app store for fully FOSS software. No tracking, no ads - just choice, source code, and transparency. It’s our launchpad.

Aurora Store
A privacy-conscious client for Google Play. No Play Store required: anonymous logins, device spoofing, and tracker info via Exodus and Plexus.

🏠 Launchers, Your Way

Kvæsitso
If you’re craving that Nova + Sesame-style magic, this is your go‑to. I'm running this currently and I love it! It's wildly different, in the best way. It’s a fast, elegant launcher with real global search — apps, contacts, calendar events, even Nextcloud. Integrates really nicely with Breezy Weather (see below). Actively developed and totally FOSS, it’s a fantastic example of what open Android can be.

Lawnchair
Want that Pixel look but with proper customisation? Lawnchair brings gestures, icon pack support, a tidy interface, and just the right level of power user vibes — all open-source, no tracking, and still lightweight.

Fossify Launcher
For anyone wanting a simple, no-nonsense home screen replacement that respects your privacy and doesn’t get in your way. From the same dev as the Fossify system app suite below, it’s clean, stock‑like, and just works.

🧰 Core System Replacements

Fossify Suite
A cohesive stack: Launcher, Phone, Contacts, Messaging, Keyboard, Calendar, Clock, Calculator, Gallery, Camera, everything - designed to replace the usual stock apps with a unified FOSS experience.

Material Files
A Material‑styled, network‑capable file manager (SMB, FTP, WebDAV, etc.). Clean UI, powerful features - pretty much perfect.

HeliBoard
The Fossify suite keyboard is a great stock-alike option - but for those who prefer a bit more customisation, HeliBoard is perfect. Supports theming with dynamic or custom colours, layout customisation options, and is great for multilingual typing.

Organic Maps
A fully FOSS and privacy-first map app based on OpenStreetMap. It supports offline maps, turn‑by‑turn navigation, and works without tracking. Sleek UI, easy to use, and a strong open-source alternative to Google Maps. Now with Android Auto support if you install the Play Store version.

📰 News & Weather That Actually Works

Read You
A clean, modern RSS reader that just feels right. Fully FOSS, with offline support, OPML import, tag‑based filtering, and a slick UI. You can use it with a local account for simplicity or connect it to a backend like FreshRSS for multi‑device sync.
No ads, no tracking—just your favourite blogs, newsletters (via RSS bridges), and news feeds in one place.

🧪 Note from a reader: If your feeds are heavy on codeblocks (e.g. developer blogs), you might want to try Capy Reader instead. One reader found it smoother for scrolling than Read You in those cases — definitely worth comparing!

Breezy Weather
A stunning fork of Geometric Weather: accurate, customisable, and totally FOSS. It uses the Open‑Meteo API, supports multiple forecast providers, detailed widgets, and brings a Material You vibe without the bloat.

☁️ Sync, Notes & Productivity

Nextcloud (Files, Notes, Talk…)
Self-hosted sync that respects your privacy. Full file, chat, and notes power - all open.

DAVx⁵
The slickest way to sync calendars and contacts via CalDAV/CardDAV from Nextcloud and others.

Tasks.org
Nextcloud-compatible to‑do lists via CalDAV. Lightweight, reliable, and ideal for managing tasks.

Markor
Simple Markdown notes, for anyone who doesn’t want full Nextcloud. File‑based and text‑first.

KDE Connect
Brilliant bridge between your phone and desktop — clipboard sync, file transfer, notifications, SMS, remote input, and more. Works beautifully with most Linux distros (and even Windows now, via the community port). Totally FOSS and actively maintained.

Saber
A beautiful notes app built for handwriting. If you're using a stylus or S-Pen and want a FOSS replacement for Samsung Notes, this one’s a joy to write in.

Librera Reader
Highly customisable FOSS eBook reader with support for PDFs, EPUBs, MOBIs and more. A great pick for anyone who likes to read on their phone without ads or weird permissions.

🧬 Isolation, Control and Customisation

Shelter
Use Android’s Work Profile to sandbox apps. Great for isolating risky or proprietary apps.

Smartspacer + Shizuku
Uses Shizuku’s root‑free access to system APIs so you can remove annoying Google Discover feed spaces - subtle but lovely customisation.

App Manager
Advanced app control without root. Inspect permissions and trackers, manage background access, back up APKs (including splits), and toggle behaviours — all with a beautiful FOSS interface. Power user paradise.

Gadgetbridge
Connect and control Bluetooth devices (fitness trackers, earbuds, etc.) without any proprietary apps or cloud logins. Tracks data locally and supports a wide range of devices — including Galaxy Buds, Amazfit, and others.

🔔 Excited about watches too?
I’m currently testing the Bangle.js 2 — — a fully open-source smartwatch you can code in JavaScript and manage entirely via Gadgetbridge. No telemetry, no vendor lock-in.
Look out for a full post on it soon — I got the pink one! 💗⌚

🔐 Secure Ecosystem Apps

Aegis Authenticator
Full-featured, FOSS 2FA app with encrypted backups and export—no proprietary servers needed.

Proton Apps (Mail, Calendar, VPN, Drive)
Top-tier open-source privacy tools with audited code and strong values. Even the free tiers feel premium — and if you do pay, you're supporting a rare thing: FOSS done sustainably. They even have a crypto wallet now too if you need one!

Signal
Encrypted messaging that just works—and everyone can audit the code. It's what WhatsApp wishes it was.

Firefox
Your privacy-friendly browser, especially effective with extensions. Special mention for the Consent-o-Matic extension here - a must-have for anyone in the EU to auto-decline those cookie consent popups! Available for all major browsers.

🧭 Final Thoughts

This isn’t just about swapping apps — it’s about being deliberate. Picking tools that respect your time, your data, and your aesthetic.
Whether you’re running a full Nextcloud stack or just installing a better clock, every switch is a little act of digital rebellion.

Sure, it takes a bit of setup. But once you’ve lived with a home screen that never randomly resets, or a weather widget that isn’t silently phoning home… you won’t want to go back.

Open-source Android isn’t always flashy — but it is yours. And that’s the point.