APatch patches the Android kernel and system as a kernel-based root solution, offering a method for device-level modifications.
The Best Kernel Su Alternatives in 2026
Looking for something like Kernel Su? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 23 are open source.
This project provides a kernel-based method for obtaining root access on Android devices.
Top picks at a glance
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | APatch | — | Yes | Android |
| 2 | SukiSU-Ultra | — | Yes | Android |
| 3 | Folk Patch | — | Yes | Android |
| 4 | SysLog | — | Yes | Android |
| 5 | ShizuCallRecorder | — | Yes | Android |
| 6 | Tetherfi | — | Yes | Android |
| 7 | Awesome Android Root | — | Yes | Android |
| 8 | KernelSU | — | Not stated | Android, Linux, Web |
| 9 | KeyMapper | — | Yes | Android |
| 10 | Next Player | — | Yes | Android |
All Kernel Su alternatives
SukiSU-Ultra provides a kernel-based root solution for Android with KPM support, offering system-level modification tools for compatible devices.
Folk Patch patches an Android boot partition to provide root access to the kernel.
SysLog records Android system and kernel logs, collecting diagnostic information from a device for troubleshooting.
ShizuCallRecorder uses Shizuku and ADB to record calls on Android 11 and later without requiring root access.
Tetherfi shares an internet connection from Android without root, providing tethering through the TetherFuseNet project.
A curated guide lists Android root apps, Magisk and KernelSU modules, and step-by-step rooting instructions.
KernelSU
kernelsu.orgKernelSU provides a kernel-based root solution for Android devices using GKI.
KeyMapper remaps physical buttons on Android devices, letting users assign different actions to device controls.
This Kotlin-based native Android player plays video files on mobile devices.
uTag lets Samsung Galaxy SmartTags work with Android devices through an app and mod for SmartThings.
Plexus App helps assess Android app compatibility on devices without Google services, presenting information about application support in a de-Googled environment.
FlashDim adds dimming controls to an Android flashlight on devices running Android 13 and later.
Xed-Editor provides a text editing interface for files on Android devices.
droidVNC-NG provides a VNC remote desktop server for Android devices on local networks.
Octi manages multiple Android devices through a single app, offering a central interface for coordinating connected phones or tablets.
Vector supports runtime instrumentation on compatible devices as a high-performance ART hooking framework for modern Android.
Magisk combines open-source tools for modifying and customizing Android devices.
Tiwee plays IPTV streams on Android and iOS devices through a player built with Flutter.
The Snapdrop Android client supports local file sharing through PairDrop, transferring files between devices on the same network.
Adb Explorer provides a Windows interface for ADB to browse and transfer files on connected Android devices.
Episteme Reader handles documents and ebooks offline on mobile and desktop devices.
ntfy sends push notifications to phones or desktops, providing a service for delivering alerts across devices.
MetaRadar monitors nearby Bluetooth Low Energy devices, with custom filters and notifications for matching device fingerprints.
Alternatives to similar tools
What is the best alternative to Kernel Su?
Are there open-source alternatives to Kernel Su?
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative
























