Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

UserLAnd VS Termux

Compare UserLAnd VS Termux and see what are their differences

UserLAnd logo UserLAnd

Easiest way to run GNU/Linux Distros on Android - no root required

Termux logo Termux

Terminal emulator and Linux environment for Android
  • UserLAnd Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-19
  • Termux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-03

UserLAnd features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    UserLAnd allows users to run full Linux distributions on Android devices through a simple installation process without rooting the device, making it accessible to a wider audience.
  • Versatility
    It supports various Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Alpine, providing flexibility for users to choose their preferred environment.
  • Open Source
    The app is open source, allowing developers to contribute to its improvement, ensuring transparency and fostering community collaboration.
  • No Root Required
    UserLAnd operates without requiring root access, ensuring device security and maintaining manufacturer warranties.

Possible disadvantages of UserLAnd

  • Performance Limitations
    Running Linux distributions on an Android device may not offer the same performance as native systems due to resource constraints of mobile devices.
  • Limited Hardware Integration
    Due to the abstraction layer provided by Android, UserLAnd may not fully leverage the hardware capabilities of the host device.
  • Complexity in Advanced Use
    While basic setup is simple, advanced configurations can become complex, requiring more technical knowledge from the user.
  • Dependency on Internet Connection
    Initial installation and some operations may require a steady internet connection, which might be a limitation in offline scenarios.

Termux features and specs

  • Portability
    Termux is available on mobile devices, making it convenient for users to perform terminal-based tasks on the go.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, Termux allows users and developers to modify and contribute to the software, fostering a collaborative community.
  • Package Management
    Termux offers a powerful package management system that allows users to install a wide range of software packages easily.
  • No Root Required
    Termux does not require root access to the device, which makes it more secure and easier to install.
  • Wide Range of Utilities
    Termux supports numerous command-line utilities and tools, including programming environments, text editors, and network tools.

Possible disadvantages of Termux

  • Limited Hardware Access
    Termux has limited access to hardware features compared to using a full Linux distribution on a desktop or laptop.
  • Mobile Interface Constraints
    Using a terminal on a mobile device can be less efficient due to the smaller screen size and lack of physical keyboard.
  • Performance Limitations
    The performance of Termux is constrained by the hardware capabilities of the mobile device, which may not match the performance of desktop terminals.
  • Learning Curve
    New users may face a steep learning curve if they are not already familiar with Linux-based terminal environments.
  • Battery Consumption
    Running intensive terminal tasks can drain the battery of the mobile device more quickly compared to normal usage.

Analysis of Termux

Overall verdict

  • Termux is considered an excellent tool for tech enthusiasts, developers, and those interested in learning Linux on Android devices. It effectively bridges mobile and desktop environments, enhancing productivity and learning opportunities on the go.

Why this product is good

  • Development
    For developers, it offers an efficient platform for coding, scripting, and testing directly on Android.
  • Flexibility
    Termux provides a versatile terminal emulator for Android, making it possible to run Linux command-line utilities on the device.
  • Customizability
    Users can customize their experience extensively with scripts and configuration files.
  • Package management
    It has a powerful package management system allowing users to install a variety of software packages from its repository.

Recommended for

  • developers looking to code on Android devices
  • Linux enthusiasts wanting to work on-the-go
  • students of computer science
  • anyone interested in customizing their Android experience

UserLAnd videos

Debian MATE running on DeX using UserLand | Samsung DeX Videos

Termux videos

#1 beginner termux hacking (Noob Hackers) |hacking from android (no root)

More videos:

  • Review - Product Review - Termux SSH/Linux Emulator for Android
  • Review - 10 Things To Do After Installing Termux | No Root

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to UserLAnd and Termux)
SSH
26 26%
74% 74
Terminal Tools
16 16%
84% 84
Server Management
23 23%
77% 77
Emulators
21 21%
79% 79

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare UserLAnd and Termux

UserLAnd Reviews

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Termux Reviews

10 Termux Alternatives
Termux is an app with a Linux environment that works without any setup and installation directly without any rooting system. Termux is an emulator with an android terminal and offers premium packages using APT manager. This app has a minimal-based system that supports all types of IOS devices and works smoothly online and offline.
Top 10 Best Apps To Use Linux Terminal on Your Android Device
If you are looking for a powerful app to use a Linux terminal that comes with the cleanest interface, this one is for you. Termux by Fredrik Fornwall initially comes with a huge collection of Linux packages. The entire app contains nothing but the Terminal. So, there is no way you can be confused while using it. Also, it lets you have access to the remote servers just using...
Best Terminal Emulator for Android in 2021
Termux offers Bash and Zsh Shells to get multiple plugins, themes. It works on the C language, and it provides the SSH servers. The Terminal emulator can monitor the files and has a Linux Package collection for advanced tools. It uses Python for basic operation, and the Apt Packet manager can install any file. The Termux has a built-in help feature to provide tutorials and...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Termux should be more popular than UserLAnd. It has been mentiond 56 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

UserLAnd mentions (11)

  • Lindroid
    How does it compare to Termux / UserLAnd? See https://termux.dev and https://userland.tech For my purposes Lindroid seems less powerful as it requires root and AOSP patches. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Apple Introduces M4 Chip
    I get frustrated seeing this go into the iPad and knowing that we can't get a shell, and run our own binaries there. Not even as a VM like [UserLAnd](https://userland.tech). I could effectively travel with one device less in my backpack but instead I have to carry two M chips, two displays, batteries, and so on... It's great to see this tech moving forward but it's frustrating to not see it translate into a more... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Do you think that it's real? I don't trust it just even by the fact it costs 2โ‚ฌ...
    It's basically a Linux virtual machine on Android, running Linux applications - see https://userland.tech/ and https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=8617260147938950881. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Blog is hosted on my Android phone
    > I only wish Android phones would be more open to put a full Linux distro on them. You can: https://userland.tech/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • chromium driver not working on proot-distro (need snap ?!)
    Awesome, feel free to ask any other questions, I love discussing about anything Linux-relevant. I'll add and mention that UserLAnd might be useful for you. Link: https://userland.tech. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

Termux mentions (56)

  • โŸณ 0 apps added, 32 updated at f-droid.org
    Termux:Styling (version 0.30): Customize your Termux terminal. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Show HN: An ultra-light-weight tool to quickly test your ping
    On Android, I run servers under Termux, e.g., DNS and HTTPS proxy. Another use is checking email without using a browser or an app. I use a tiny shell script to check for new mail with openssl. It prints out the messages to the terminal as plain text. Termux has good scrolling so its easy enough to read. This allows me to keep email out of the browser and email messages off the phone, generally.... - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • The Digital Typewriter and the Unnecessarily Costly Pursuit of Focus
    Also: Whilst it's not the same as native Linux directly available, and the many, many limitations and frustrations of Android still apply, Termux can be installed on the BOOX (via F-Droid), and provides excellent capabilities. Over 2,200 packages now. https://termux.com/. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • Analyze IP address from outside
    You could simply use your mobile phone's internet connection for external analysis. Hotspot, tether, or, if you have an Android device, just install Termux, which will give you access to many of the common network. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Install/run HB on NVIDIA Shield?
    Use termux app, itโ€™s a terminal emulator where you can install node and stuff. Iโ€™ve done it before. https://termux.com. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing UserLAnd and Termux, you can also consider the following products

Linux Deploy - This application is open source software for quick and easy installation of the operating system...

MobaXterm - Enhanced terminal for Windows with X11 server, tabbed SSH client, network tools and much more

AnLinux - Run Linux On Android Without Root Access.

Tabby.sh - Tabby is a free and open source SSH, local and Telnet terminal with everything you'll ever need.

Android Terminal Emulator - Android-Terminal-Emulator - A VT-100 terminal emulator for the Android OS

PuTTY - Popular free terminal application. Mostly used as an SSH client.