Sailfish OS

A Linux-based mobile operating system from Jolla that can run Android apps through AppSupport.

PaidProprietaryLinux
Official websitesailfishos.orgDocumentationdocs.sailfishos.org

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About Sailfish OS

Sailfish OS is a Linux-based operating system for smartphones and tablets, developed by the Finnish company Jolla and on the market since 2013. It can be installed on supported phones in place of the manufacturer's software. Android apps can run on it through Jolla's AppSupport solution.

Security features include full encryption of user data, Firejail sandboxing for apps, systemd sandboxing of core services, a firewall, built-in VPN support and automatic backups. Jolla also offers the system to companies and public-sector organisations, with device management and policy tools documented for developers.

Strengths

  • Runs Android apps through the AppSupport layer
  • App sandboxing with Firejail and full data encryption
  • Developed since 2013 by an established company

Limitations

  • Only available for supported devices
  • Android app support is a separate Jolla solution rather than native

Details

Pricing
PaidOffered to try and buy from Jolla; check the site for current prices.
License
Proprietary
Developer
Jolla
Platforms
Linux
How it runs
Operating system
Best suited for
Phone users who want a Linux-based system that can still run Android apps
Categories
Android ROMs
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to Sailfish OS

Compare all

Software that can replace Sailfish OS for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • Ubuntu Touch

    A community-maintained Linux mobile operating system for phones and tablets that can act as a desktop.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxAndroid

    Ubuntu Touch is free, open source and community-maintained with a convergence desktop mode, but uses its own app catalog rather than running Android apps.

  • postmarketOS

    A Linux distribution for phones and other devices, built to keep hardware useful for years.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxAndroid

    postmarketOS is free and open source with several user interfaces and no app store lock-in, though hardware features vary with reverse-engineered drivers.

  • Droidian

    A Debian-based GNU/Linux distribution that runs on phones originally shipped with Android.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Droidian is a free, open source Debian distribution for Android phones via Halium and libhybris, working only on supported or user-ported devices.

  • Mobian

    A Debian derivative for mobile devices such as the PinePhone and supported Android phones.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Mobian is a free, open source Debian derivative for phones like the PinePhone, with a smaller mobile Linux app selection and no Android app layer.

Sailfish OS as an alternative

Listings that name Sailfish OS as an alternative.

  • Plasma Mobile

    KDE's open-source mobile shell and app ecosystem for Linux phones, built on KDE Plasma.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Sailfish OS is a paid, closed-source Linux system from Jolla that can run Android apps through its AppSupport layer, with Firejail sandboxing and full data encryption.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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