Gboard is excellent — but it’s not for everyone. Whether you want better multilingual support, more customization, a different design, or just something that doesn’t send your keystrokes to Google, here are the best Gboard alternatives on Android.
Short Answer: The best Gboard alternatives for Android are Microsoft SwiftKey (best predictive text), Grammarly Keyboard (best for writing quality), Fleksy (most customizable), AnySoftKeyboard (open source/privacy), and Samsung Keyboard (if you have a Samsung). All have free versions.
1. Microsoft SwiftKey — Best Predictive Text
SwiftKey has long been considered the benchmark for predictive keyboard technology. It learns your writing style over time and offers autocorrect and next-word predictions that feel genuinely smart. It’s especially strong for bilingual typists — you can mix two languages in the same sentence and SwiftKey handles it seamlessly.
- Best-in-class multilingual typing (no language switching needed)
- Syncs your typing style across devices via Microsoft account
- Rich theme library
- Free (Microsoft acquired it and made it fully free)
2. Grammarly Keyboard — Best for Writing Quality
Grammarly Keyboard goes beyond autocorrect — it checks grammar, suggests clearer phrasing, and flags tone issues as you type. If you send a lot of professional emails or messages and want them to sound polished, Grammarly Keyboard is worth the switch.
- Real-time grammar and spell checking
- Tone and clarity suggestions
- Free tier covers spelling and basic grammar
- Premium for advanced suggestions
3. Fleksy — Most Customizable
Fleksy is the most visually customizable keyboard on Android. It has hundreds of themes, rainbow key effects, custom key sizes, and an extensions system for adding a GIF search, clipboard manager, or calculator directly to the keyboard toolbar.
- Huge library of free and paid themes
- Resize keyboard height independently
- Extensions for GIF, clipboard, calculator, and more
- Fastest swipe typing in benchmarks
4. AnySoftKeyboard — Best for Privacy
AnySoftKeyboard is open source, completely free, and doesn’t collect any data. It has no telemetry, no internet permission, and no ads. If you’re uncomfortable with your keyboard sending typing data to a tech company, this is the alternative.
- Completely open source
- No internet permission — cannot send data anywhere
- Supports 60+ languages
- Customizable layouts
5. Samsung Keyboard (Samsung Phones Only)
If you have a Samsung phone, the pre-installed Samsung Keyboard is more capable than most people realize. It has swipe typing, voice input, clipboard history, one-handed mode, and multi-language support. Before installing a third-party keyboard, check if Samsung Keyboard already covers your needs under Settings → General Management → Samsung Keyboard Settings.
Quick picks:
Bilingual typing → SwiftKey | Professional emails → Grammarly Keyboard | Custom look → Fleksy | Privacy → AnySoftKeyboard | Samsung phone → Samsung Keyboard first
Warning: Keyboards can access everything you type — passwords, messages, and sensitive data. Only install keyboards from trusted developers. All keyboards listed here are from reputable companies or are open source with auditable code.
FAQ
Does switching keyboards affect autocorrect learning?
Yes — each keyboard builds its own dictionary from your typing history. When you switch, you start fresh. SwiftKey offers the fastest adaptation because it can import your writing style from Gmail or other text sources during setup.
Can I use two keyboards on Android?
You can have multiple keyboards installed and switch between them. Tap the keyboard icon in the navigation bar (or go to Settings → General Management → Keyboard list) to switch between installed keyboards.
Is SwiftKey really free now?
Yes. After Microsoft acquired SwiftKey, they made it completely free — no subscription, no premium tier. All features including multilingual support are included at no cost.
Quick checklist:
- ✅ SwiftKey for bilingual typing or improved predictions
- ✅ Grammarly Keyboard for professional writing
- ✅ AnySoftKeyboard if privacy from keyboard data collection matters to you
- ✅ Test new keyboard for a week before committing — typing feel is personal
Get SwiftKey Free ↗ ↗Get Fleksy
Conclusion
SwiftKey and Grammarly Keyboard are the two Gboard alternatives most likely to deliver a noticeably better experience for everyday users. SwiftKey wins on predictions and bilingual support; Grammarly wins if writing quality is your priority. For pure privacy, AnySoftKeyboard has no equal. Check our best Android apps guide for more recommendations.