Sailfish OS Reviews & Product Details

Sailfish OS is a Linux-based mobile operating system developed by Jolla, designed to offer a unique and privacy-focused alternative to mainstream platforms. Emphasizing user control and customization, Sailfish OS provides a gesture-based interface that enhances intuitive navigation and multitasking. Its open-source nature encourages community involvement, fostering a diverse ecosystem of applications and extensions. Notably, Sailfish OS supports Android applications through a compatibility layer, allowing users to access a wide range of apps while maintaining a secure and independent environment. This combination of privacy, flexibility, and compatibility positions Sailfish OS as a compelling choice for users seeking an alternative mobile experience. Key Features and Functionality: - Gesture-Based Navigation: Sailfish OS utilizes intuitive gestures for navigation, enabling users to perform actions with simple swipes and taps, enhancing the overall user experience. - Multitasking Interface: The operating system offers a multitasking view that displays all running applications in a single view, allowing users to control apps directly from this interface without fully opening them. - Open-Source and Community-Driven: Sailfish OS embraces open-source principles, allowing for greater customization and innovation. The active community contributes to the development of the OS, creating a vibrant ecosystem of apps and extensions. - Android App Compatibility: Through a proprietary compatibility layer, Sailfish OS supports the execution of Android applications, providing users access to a vast array of apps while maintaining the OS's unique environment. - Privacy and Security: Sailfish OS emphasizes user privacy, ensuring that data is not collected or analyzed without consent, contrasting with the policies of mainstream platforms. Primary Value and User Solutions: Sailfish OS addresses the growing demand for privacy-centric mobile solutions by offering an independent platform free from the data collection practices common in other operating systems. Its gesture-based interface and multitasking capabilities provide a seamless and efficient user experience. The open-source nature and active community support allow for extensive customization, enabling users to tailor their devices to their preferences. Additionally, the compatibility with Android applications ensures that users do not have to sacrifice app availability when choosing a privacy-focused alternative. Overall, Sailfish OS delivers a secure, customizable, and user-friendly mobile operating system that empowers users to take control of their digital experience.

Seller

Jolla

Discussions

Sailfish OS Community

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User Insights

Average based on 14 real user reviews.

Jeffrey K.

VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

12/26/2025

"SAILFISH OS PRINCIPALS"

5/5

What do you like best about Sailfish OS?

SAILFISH OS PROFESSIONAL USES SUPPORT RUNNING ANDROID APPS, ALLOWING USERS TO ACCESS A DIVERSE ECOSYSTEM OF SOFTWARE. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Sailfish OS?

THE SAILFISH OS IS NOT WIDELY SUPPORTED ON ALL DEVICES, WHICH MAY AFFECT ITS AVAILABILITY. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Lynda G.

Marketing Executive

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

9/20/2025

"Enhanced Privacy and Security Features"

4/5

What do you like best about Sailfish OS?

The OS prioritizes user privacy with features like encrypted data storage, secure boot, and app sandboxing. Built-in VPN support and a firewall further protect user data, ensuring a secure mobile experience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Sailfish OS?

Although Sailfish OS supports Android apps, certain apps may crash, have reduced performance, lack notifications. We cannot fully rely on Android apps, which can be frustrating. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Sailfish OS solving and how is that benefiting you?

Unlike Android or iOS, Sailfish OS allows me to use my device without relying heavily on Google or Apple services. This solves the problem of ecosystem lock-in, providing me with flexibility, independence, and more control over which apps and services I choose to integrate into my workflow. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Civic & Social Organization

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

10/8/2025

"Customizable Ambiences for Different Modes"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Sailfish OS?

The Ambiences feature lets us create different profiles with specific settings and app configurations. Whether at work or leisure, us can switch between modes, adapting the phone's behavior to their current needs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Sailfish OS?

Sailfish OS is primarily available on Jolla devices or select hardware. We cannot install it easily on all smartphones, restricting hardware choices and increasing adoption barriers. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Prashant S.

Software Engineer

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

8/14/2024

"Unique open source mobile os with best security."

4/5

What do you like best about Sailfish OS?

I like its security feature,it does not include built in tracker. It has gesture support.It can run android apps smoothly and fast. Jolla provide regular updates. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Sailfish OS?

It have very less native apps.Its quite complex for new one to understand about gestures. It support less phones . It has very less user than android and ios. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Netram M.

Customer Service management

Consumer Services

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

11/3/2022

"Most reliable and trusted operating system for your mobile device."

4.5/5

What do you like best about Sailfish OS?

Open-source applications and easy customizations are my favorite points while using sailfish OS. The user interface is fantastic and works smoothly on low-end devices. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Sailfish OS?

The only thing I don't like about sailfish OS is availability. As of now, it only supports a few smartphones. I think they should customize it for more devices in the future so that everyone can take benefit from it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Telecommunications

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

9/15/2022

"interesting Platform to escape the Apple/Google ecosystem"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Sailfish OS?

It is a perfect option for those who consider not depending on the Apple or Google Ecosystem. The last version of the OS is really focused on delivering Security and privacy-caring features. This is also 100% EU GDPR Compliant. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Sailfish OS?

Since there is a lack of vision for the future of the OS, the community stays really limited for now. This has an impact on the development of new apps in the store. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Avesh K.

Software Executive

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

9/14/2022

"Best OS for open sourcing software"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Sailfish OS?

Sailfish OS is still the best counterpart of android. It is the most reliable and trusted operating system based on Linux. The best part is there are many open source software available for the OS. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Sailfish OS?

It is only available for the mobile operating system. Notifications on sailfish os are sometimes not working while the screen is off. It is best if you don't like buggy android, but I think there are still many areas where sailfish os still needs to work hard. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Carl O.

client services associate

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

9/19/2022

"Decent OP but maybe not for the average person"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Sailfish OS?

There are lots of great features that I feel other OS don't have as good a version of, such as the desktop. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Sailfish OS?

I am quite technical, but even for me it was quite difficult to get to grips with Sailfish because I think you need to have a very technical mind to utilise it to the max. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Ar. Kriti B.

Architect

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

10/15/2022

"Secure but not up to date"

3/5

What do you like best about Sailfish OS?

The security of this operating system is the best part Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Sailfish OS?

The operating system is not updated for today's usage. It's quite lagging behind in terms of updates Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Aidan A.

Technical Consultant

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

9/16/2022

"Sailfish is getting there"

5/5

What do you like best about Sailfish OS?

Features are nice enough, somewhat competes with other custom builds like graphene. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Sailfish OS?

A lot of people complain about speed, but generally run it on much older smartphones, ran on a flagship runs like a flagship. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.