I Was Sick of Android Apps Spying on Me, So I Tried GrapheneOS and PlugOS
I Was Sick of Android Apps Spying on Me, So I Tried GrapheneOS and PlugOS
Publish Date: 2026-05-27 10:06:00
Source Domain: www.pcmag.com
Cost: One Requires a $299 Device, the Other Requires a Pixel
If you’re interested in PlugOS, the first thing you should know is that you need a physical piece of hardware, a PlugMate, and it isn’t cheap, with an MSRP of $299 (although at the time of writing, it’s on sale for $199). That price gets you the PlugMate, a thin plastic case, and a card with your unique access key.
(Credit: Justyn Newman)
Also in the box is an angled USB-C extension that runs the PlugMate behind your phone, making it easier to handle.
(Credit: Justyn Newman)
It comes in one memory configuration with 128GB of storage and 4GB of unspecified flash memory. The site shows an additional 6GB/256GB version, but it cannot be selected.
(Credit: PCMag/TrustKernel)
The PlugMate uses an octa-core MediaTek Helio G80 mobile processor and runs a virtualized, stripped-down version of Android 14. The outer shell comes in black, red, or starlight gray.
GrapheneOS, on the other hand, is a free, open-source operating system that replaces the one on your phone. You don’t have to purchase anything to get the protection it offers, but there’s a rather big caveat—you need to have a supported Pixel phone for it to work. It’s a no-brainer on the cost front if you already have a Pixel, but the PlugMate becomes more affordable if you have to buy a specific phone for Graphene.
(Credit: PCMag/GrapheneOS)
As for support, Graphene is compatible with most OEM-unlocked Pixel phones and tablets starting with the Pixel 6.
Pay close attention to that OEM-unlocked criteria. Some carriers, like Verizon, restrict OEM unlocking, so make sure the device you have (or the one you plan to buy) is carrier-unlocked.
Support for Graphene is set to expand via an upcoming collaboration with Motorola. Graphene will be compatible with flagship Motorola devices in 2027, with potential support for midrange and entry-level devices down the line.
