Termux
A Linux command line for Android with its own package manager, no root required
by Fredrik Fornwall · listed Nov 2, 2026
Quick verdict
If you are comfortable at a command line, Termux is an easy install that makes an Android device far more capable. If you have never used a terminal, expect to spend time learning before it pays off.
Best for Developers and Linux users who want real command-line tools like ssh, git and Python on an Android device
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Nov 2, 2026. How we review
Termux review
Termux puts a terminal emulator and a minimal Linux environment on an Android phone or tablet. After a small base system installs on first launch, you add tools through the apt package manager: shells like bash and zsh, editors such as vim, nano and emacs, git, ssh, Python, and a C toolchain with clang and gdb. It suits developers, sysadmins and curious tinkerers who want real command-line tools in their pocket without rooting the device.
Day to day it behaves like a terminal on any Linux machine, just on a small screen. An extra row of keys covers Ctrl, Esc, Tab and the arrows, which makes editing and navigating bearable on a touch keyboard, and a hardware keyboard makes it far more comfortable. You can SSH into servers, run scripts, or keep a Python prompt handy as a calculator. Help sits behind a long press on the terminal, and the wiki and Reddit community fill in the gaps.
Why we picked it: It is free, open source and turns an Android device into a usable Linux workstation with a large package collection.
Watch out for: There is no graphical setup and little hand-holding, so expect to learn commands, and builds from other sources may behave differently from the Play Store version.
What we like
- Free and open source with no ads or in-app purchases
- Large package collection installed through apt
- Works without rooting the device
- Extra key row makes terminal use workable on a touchscreen
- Active wiki and community for troubleshooting
What could be better
- Steep learning curve if you are new to the command line
- Cramped on phone screens without a hardware keyboard
- Google Play build may differ from releases on other channels, so add-ons need matching sources
Questions about Termux
Does Termux cost anything?
No. The app is free on Google Play with no in-app purchases, and the project is open source.
Is it available on iPhone?
No. Termux is an Android app; there is no iOS version.
Do I need to root my phone?
No. Termux runs its Linux environment inside the app without root access, though some system-level tasks are not possible without it.
Does it work offline?
Once packages are installed, the tools run locally without a connection. You need internet access to install or update packages.
Can I mix the Play Store version with add-ons from elsewhere?
It is safest to install Termux and its add-on apps from the same source, since builds from different channels are signed differently and may not work together.
From the developer: how Termux describes itself
Termux combines powerful terminal emulation with an extensive Linux package collection.
• Enjoy the bash and zsh shells. • Manage files with nnn and edit them with nano, vim or emacs. • Access servers over ssh. • Develop in C with clang, make and gdb. • Use the python console as a pocket calculator. • Check out projects with git. • Run text-based games with frotz.
At first start a small base system is installed - desired packages can then be installed using the apt package manager. Access the built-in help by long-pressing anywhere on the terminal and selecting the Help menu option to learn more.
Want to read the wiki? https://wiki.termux.com
Want to report bugs? https://bugs.termux.com
Want to interact with a community of users? https://www.reddit.com/r/termux/
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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