Alternatives to KernelSU
Kernel-level root solution for GKI 2.0 Android devices. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
KernelSU
Kernel-level root solution for GKI 2.0 Android devices.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as KernelSU.
KernelSU Next
Community fork of KernelSU with wider device support.
KernelSU Next is a community fork covering devices and kernels mainline KernelSU does not, with Magic Mount and OverlayFS module support, though behaviour can diverge from upstream.
Magisk
Systemless root for Android with a module system.
Magisk provides systemless root without needing a GKI 2.0 kernel, with a large module ecosystem, but root is not managed at the kernel level.
APatch
Kernel-patching root solution supporting both kernel and Android modules.
APatch patches the boot image directly without custom kernel source and supports both Magisk-style and kernel modules, though kernel code injection can more easily break a device.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Shamiko
A module for rooted Android devices that hides root access from apps that check for it.
TWRP
The most widely used custom recovery for Android.
OrangeFox Recovery
TWRP-based custom recovery with a modern interface.
Shizuku
Gives ordinary Android apps ADB-level privileges without root.
PitchBlack Recovery
Custom recovery built on TWRP with a focus on stability.
