Waydroid
Waydroid runs a full Android system inside a Linux container on GNU/Linux systems with Wayland desktop environments.
What Waydroid is
Waydroid runs a full Android system inside a Linux container on GNU/Linux systems with Wayland desktop environments. Its customized runtime image is based on LineageOS and Android 13, and it supports ARM, ARM64, x86, and x86_64 architectures. Android apps can appear in the Linux applications folder, with options for multi-window use or the full Android interface. The command line can install, remove, launch, and list apps, including APK files. Installation instructions cover Fedora, Void Linux, Debian, and Ubuntu derivatives; the project points users of other distributions to community guides. Documentation also covers ADB setup and shared folders between the Linux host and Android container. Google Play is available through Gapps builds containing Google Play Services and the Play Store, but those builds are not suitable for commercial use without applicable licensing. Waydroid is free and open source under GPL version 3, with commercial licensing also offered. Educational licenses are available to qualified students and educators.
Good
- Runs Android 13-based system in a Linux container.
- Supports ARM, ARM64, x86, and x86_64.
- Android apps can appear in Linux applications folder.
- Command line can manage apps and install APKs.
- Free and open source under GPL version 3.
Watch out
- Requires GNU/Linux with a Wayland desktop environment.
- Nvidia GPUs other than Tegra and virtual machines should use software rendering.
- Gapps builds are not suitable for commercial use without applicable licensing.
Who it suits
Waydroid suits GNU/Linux users with a Wayland desktop who want to run Android apps. It may also suit developers or educators who need Android access on supported architectures, subject to licensing terms.
Verdict
Waydroid is a Linux-focused route to running Android apps, with several interface modes and command-line app management. Check the desktop environment, hardware guidance, and licensing conditions for Google Play builds before choosing it.
Plans and prices
From Waydroid's own pricing page, checked 19 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free and open-source | Free | Open-source project · No paid plan listed |
| Waydroid (GPL version 3) | Free | Open-source licensing terms apply |
| Commercial license | Priced on request | For proprietary or commercial software; per-device licensing or development contracts may be arranged · Contact Waydroid for licensing information |
The facts
Each one read from Waydroid's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Android base
- The runtime image is a customized image based on LineageOS and Android 13.checked 7 Oct 2026
- App management
- The command line can install, remove, launch, and list Android applications, including installing an APK file.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Desktop platforms
- GNU/Linuxchecked 19 Sep 2026
What it does
- Architecture
- It uses Linux namespaces, LXC, and the binder interface, and supports ARM, ARM64, x86, and x86_64 architectures.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Connectivity
- The documentation describes setting up ADB and shared folders between the Linux host and Android container.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Desktop integration
- Waydroid adds Android apps to the Linux applications folder and supports multi-window mode and full Android UI mode.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Distribution support
- The installation documentation provides instructions for Fedora, Void Linux, Debian and Ubuntu derivatives, and points to community guides for other Linux distributions.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Google Play support
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Hardware limits
- The site says Nvidia GPUs other than Tegra and virtual machines should use software rendering; Waydroid-Linux is limited to x86_64 CPUs and Intel or AMD GPUs.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- Waydroid offers GPL version 3 and commercial licensing options, with educational licenses available for qualified students and educators.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Proprietary components
- Gapps builds include Google Play Services and Google Play Store, and Waydroid says those builds are not suitable for commercial use without applicable licensing.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Waydroid runs a full Android system in a Linux container on GNU/Linux systems using Wayland desktop environments.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The opened official pages describe container and hardware access but make no specific security certification or compliance claim.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its documentation, GitHub issue reporting, and developer groups on Matrix and Telegram.checked 7 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
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