Best Custom ROMs for OnePlus 5 in 2021

BEST Custom ROMs for OnePlus 5: OnePlus started its journey in late 2013. Since then, the company has had a taste of many setbacks and successes as well. The focus of the company on specifications and speed has always paved a way for them. Known for their NEVER SETTLE attitude, let us not settle on Oxygen OS and explore the world of Custom ROMs. Just so you know, we are back with another article for Best ROMs for OnePlus 5!

The OnePlus 5 from OnePlus in 2017 was one of the most anticipated phones. The phone was powered by a Snapdragon 835 chipset coupled with 6/8 GB RAM. OnePlus 5 was the first device from the company to feature a dual-camera system. The phone was equipped with OnePlus’s fast charging technology- DASH charge. It housed a 20MP+16MP Camera. Last but not the least, OnePlus 5 sported a 5.5” AMOLED display. Oxygen OS has always been a cherry on the cake for OnePlus. But, for a change, you should definitely try out the various Custom ROMs for OnePlus 5.

These Custom ROMs would enhance the overall usability, UI, Battery, and even performance to some extent. Depending upon the ROM you try, there would also be various customizability options.  Lockscreen, StatusBar, Animations, Gestures are just to name a few. Let’s get started with the ROMs on the dice!

What is a CUSTOM ROM?

Maybe, if you have stumbled across here and are wondering what a Custom ROM is, it refers to a phone’s firmware, based on Google’s Android platform. As we know Android is open-sourced. Anyone can take the base and modify/tweak it according to their own will. This is what developers do. And we as users install this to change the appearance of the UI and behavior of the phone at times.

Relevant Guides for ROM installation

• How to root OnePlus Devices
• How to install Custom ROMs on OnePlus devices.
• Also, How to install Gapps on your Android device

Important Notes

1. Make sure to have a complete backup of your device before proceeding.
2. Make sure that your device is fully charged when you are attempting a ROM installation.
3. Please be patient when you are installing custom ROMs. Few ROMs can take up to 30 mins for installation. Your unnecessary action can cause the hard bricking of your device.

Pixel Experience ROM 

The first ROM on the list is Pixel Experience ROM. Well most of us would be knowing about this ROM because of its popularity across every device. This ROM provides you with a clean smooth Pixel Experience. For the ones who want a similar Stock Android Experience on your OnePlus 5 along with additional tweaks, this ROM is a must-try for them. The performance is smooth as well. It provides your OnePlus 5 with all the features of a Google device along with customizations. This ROM sits in between Oxygen OS and Pure Stock Android. 

By the way, keep in mind that the Android 10 version of the ROM is not as stable as the Android 9 Version. Everything else such as NFC, Camera is working. It also contains the Android Security Patch of March 2020. 

Download Pixel Experience ROM FOR OnePlus 5 

Download Pixel Experience ROM for OnePlus 5 [Android 11]

RESURRECTION REMIX 6.0.0

Get your phone resurrected with Resurrection Remix ROM for your OnePlus 5. It is one of the most customizable ROM out of the box. This ROM is a hybrid of features from others. According to them, the optimizations are done to keep the OS battery-friendly as well as customizations. It has original resurrection features and other customizations too. 

The ROM packs Users like the customization it offers. Resurrection Remix is more of a technical ROM for tweaks. Google Security API check is passed too. So, if you like to tinker around a lot on your phone, this ROM is for you. Face Unlock is not working on this ROM. Fun Fact: This is one of the ROMs for which OnePlus 5 users were waiting. The ROM also has been updated to Android Q.

Download RESURRECTION REMIX 6.0.0 FOR OnePlus 5

Download RESURRECTION REMIX for OnePlus 5 [Android Q]

CrDroid ROM

The next ROM on the list is CRDroid. This ROM is again based on Android 11 and older versions are available too. It has good performance and reliability over stock Android and also attempting to bring many of the best features existent today. We recommend you to go with the latest Android 11 version of CrDroid ROM.

It has various features, such as quick settings customization, lock-screen, status bar, buttons, and UI Theming. More features of this ROM for OnePlus 5 would be found on XDA.

Download CrDroid ROM for OnePlus [Android 11]

Arrow OS

So, the next ROM on the list is Arrow OS. The ROM is pretty good with the aim of keeping things simple, clean, and neat. They quote the added features as “We added just the right and mostly used stuff that will be actually USEFUL at the end of the day.” The performance of the ROM as mentioned is pretty nice too. This Arrow OS ROM for OnePlus 5 doesn’t have any reported bugs as per the thread. Although there might be some minor bugs that you can anytime report to the Developer.

The ROM has been updated to Android 11 as well with brand new features which makes it a great choice.

Download Arrow OS for OnePlus 5 [Android 11]

Lineage OS 17.1 (Q) Unofficial 

Lineage OS is another great option for your device. It provides you with a Stock Android Skin with additional tweaks just like Pixel Experience. But this one’s got you a better community and support and a wide range of support. It’s reliable and good on performance too. As we said the great thing about using Lineage OS is wide support on your OnePlus 5 as well as other devices. 

One of the bugs is that Video playback doesn’t work. Overall, Lineage OS is a blind and great choice for users who want the simplicity of Stock Android with additional twerks. But if you are looking to use this as a daily driver, use the older version of Lineage OS which is more stable.

Download Lineage OS 17.1 FOR OnePlus 5

Download Lineage OS 16.1 for OnePlus 5

Evolution X 2.0

Evolution X is an aftermarket firmware based on the Android Open Source Project. This is analogous to the AOSP ROM for OnePlus 5 on XDA. This ROM packs in features such as custom themes, notification customizations, Gestures, and other miscellaneous things which are mentioned in the link below.

Also, the other great thing about this ROM is the frequent updates. The ROM is on June 2019 Security Patch. However, the updates include bug fixing, adding new features. Do make sure to try this ROM out if you run out of choices for your OnePlus 5. Also, this ROM is perhaps the only ROM that is based on Android 11.

Download Evolution X for OnePlus 5 [Android 11]

Download Evolution X 2.0 for OnePlus 5

Android Ice Cold Project (AICP)

The next ROM on the list is AICP ROM. It is a ROM by csolanol from XDA. The ROM is pretty good with the aim of keeping things simple, clean, and neat. This ROM was started by developers on HTC Desire HD. It was also known as AOKP in the past. The performance of the ROM as mentioned is pretty nice too. This AOKP ROM for OnePlus 5 doesn’t have many reported bugs as per the thread. Although there might be some minor bugs that you can anytime report to the Developer. 

The ROM is not pre-rooted, so don’t forget to flash a solution to root like magisk or anything of your choice.

Download AICP for OnePlus 5 

Viper OS

The next ROM on our list is Viper OS. On your OnePlus 5, it allows you to feel the venom in your vein! Haha, slogans aside, the ROM is free from all sorts of bloatware. If you flash this ROM, just reboot your phone and then experience the smoothness. Initially setting up takes time. The ROM is simple and offers an easy menu for customization. It’s great for people who value a clean and direct interface, putting in your device possibilities of customizations and a good experience. There are useful resources for your day-to-day life. The ROM is updated every month with security patches. The VIPER OS ROM also offers a theme engine for you to customize to your liking. Whoever installs this ROM would cherish a lightweight interface prioritizing performance and battery for your device. 

Also, the developer has made several changes and tweaks for smooth day to day usage in real life. More features are mentioned in the XDA thread of the OnePlus 5 such as Custom Fonts. This ROM is good if you just want a decent amount of customizations and reliability for day to day usage.

Download  Viper OS for OnePlus 5

Nitrogen OS

Nitrogen OS which is also known as NOS among the users is an AOSP based Custom Rom, which offers a selected number of features while keeping stability in mind.

Another great thing about this ROM is the optimizations. The ROM is updated quickly which includes bug fixing, adding new features, and much more. Do make sure to try this ROM if you want the taste of AOSP with a limited number of tweaks. The newly updated ROM is based on Android 10.

Download NITROGEN OS for OnePlus 5

Download Nitrogen OS for OnePlus 5 [Android 10]

Sailfish OS 

This is the last ROM on our list. It is called the Sailfish OS ROM for OnePlus 5. This ROM is a bit unique. The ROM boasts a slick UI with gesture navigations and color choices. The highlighting feature is that it can Dual-boot. You can dual boot this ROM along with Lineage OS by flashing a simple zip in recovery. It is called a boot-switcher. APKs don’t work. It is something different from all of you from what we see mostly. Just like Linux and dual-booting Windows on your computer. If you prefer to tinker around a lot, this ROM is for you. 

Download Sailfish OS ROM for OnePlus 5

Conclusion on Best ROMs for OnePlus 5

So, this was our list of the Best Custom ROMs for the OnePlus 5 in 2021. Which ROM are you on? Maybe it is time to let go of the UI which came in the box and try the world of Custom ROMs. We would add more ROMs in the future and keep this article updated. You can comment below if you have your choice of Best Custom ROM and also tell us why! We would love to hear from you. Also, if there are any doubts about installing Custom ROMs on your OnePlus 5, feel free to drop a comment or visit XDA for more information.