Best Open-Source Android Keyboard Apps For Privacy-Focused Users

Last updated on January 10th, 2021

The Android ecosystem, in general – is secure. However, the applications that we utilize makes all the difference.

Last year, Google removed 85 dangerous apps from the Play Store. And, this happens every year. Similarly, we have to be vigilant about the apps we install to ensure maximum security. But, what if you don’t want the keyboards to record your information? How would you know that the keyboard app you use is privacy-friendly?

Here’s when open-source applications come in handy. You can browse their source code on GitHub and independently review it to make sure that your data is being handled carefully.

So, in this article, we talk about the best open-source Android keyboards that you can use instead of Gboard (or any other keyboard app that you’re currently using).

Note: You will find all the mentioned options available on F-Droid as well.

Best Privacy-friendly Open Source Android Keyboard Apps

AnySoftKeyboard

Anysoftkeyboard

Key Features:

  • Feature-rich open source keyboard
  • Respects privacy
  • Multi-language support
  • Night Mode & Power-saving mode
  • Gesture support

AnySoftKeyboard is one of the best open-source Android keyboards right now. A lot of folks recommend using this.

It offers all the necessary feature like Auto-capitalization, multi-language support, voice input, gesture support, night mode, power-saving mode, and a lot more things. If you are looking for a privacy-friendly open source keyboard app – you must try it out.

In case you’re wondering about the source code, you can check out their GitHub page.

Hacker’s Keyboard

Hackers Keyboard

Key Features:

  • Classic UI
  • Privacy-friendly
  • Provides special keys (CTRL/TAB/ALT) and the arrow keys

This is probably the most popular open source keyboard app for Android available at the Play Store. Even though it isn’t actively updated at the Play Store – it is still a great solution for users concerned about their privacy. Also, you might want to check out their GitHub page.

In a nutshell, it is a simple keyboard app with a basic UI while providing some special keys that you normally find on your computer. If you want just that – feel free to try it out.

Also Read: Best CamScanner Alternatives for Android

Simple Keyboard

Simple Keyboard

Key Feature:

  • A dead simple keyboard app with no fancy features (but with a pleasing UI)

Yet another popular open-source keyboard app. If you just want a keyboard with an intuitive UI – but no fancy features, this is the one. I guess, the name says it all?

You can check out their GitHub page to take a look at the source code.

BeHe Keyboard

Behe Keyboard

Key Features:

  • Provides special keys (like ALT, CTRL) to utilize terminals & program
  • Multiple keyboard layouts and emojis (QWERTY & AZERTY)

If you want to utilize a terminal from your phone, this is best you’ve got as an open source keyboard app. In addition to the basic keyboard layout, it supports special keys which makes it suitable for programming as well. So, if that’s your thing – install it right now.

The GitHub page is also available for review.

OpenBoard

Open Board

Key Features:

  • A great alternative to Google keyboard
  • Simple and useful

A fairly new keyboard app that’s based on AOSP. Similar to some options, it does not depend on Google binaries, and you can install it via F-Droid as well.

I find it simple and a good alternative to Google’s keyboard app but I still prefer to use AnySoftKeyboard.

If you think I missed any of your favorite open-source keyboards that deserves the mention, feel free to tell me about it in the comments below.

3 thoughts on “Best Open-Source Android Keyboard Apps For Privacy-Focused Users”

  1. Thanks. What do you think of Indic Keyboard by smc.org? Do they need all those permissions and if so, why?

  2. Thanks for the reviews. I thought I was secure using WhatsApp until YouTube started pushing content directly related to my recent posts. Assuming WA encryption claims are true, I guess the leak is in Gboard that came with the phone.

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