Top Cheap Android SmartPhone

Check out the list of cheapest android smartphones. 

It used to be the norm that to get a good phone you'd have to spend a good chunk of change. But while the high end continues to progress at a predictable rate, the mid-tiers have suddenly become where the action is at. It's easier than ever to get a quality Android smartphone without paying too much for it. We daresay you can call it a "cheap" Android smartphone at this point and not feel bad about it.

For around $250 it's now possible to get a good phone by any standard. Here's our roundup of the best you can get right now.

Article updated for February 2016 adding in the new Honor 5X in place of the Honor 7.

Motorola Moto G (2015)

Still one of the best value phones around

Pros

• Solid build quality
• No manufacturer bloatware
• MicroSD card slot

Cons

• No NFC
• Only a single speaker compared to previous model
• No quickcharge or wireless charging

Motorola is arguably responsible for reinventing the budget phone space when it tore up the rule book with the original Moto G. Now three generations in and it's no more difficult to recommend to anyone looking for the best on a budget.

The hardware is more than ample for the price and Motorola's signature software experience of value added to stock Android remains. The camera is improved on its predecessor, Moto Maker allows for some customization on the color schemes and all-in-all the essence of what made this phone great hasn't gone away. It's hard to do better at $200. And we'd definitely recommend the 16GB/2GB RAM model. It's worth the extra.

ASUS Zenfone 2

A surprise contender

Pros

• Great price
• Long battery life
• Decent camera

Cons

• Awkward button placement
• Cheap feeling materials
• Software won't be to everyone's taste

ASUS announced the Zenfone 2 at the beginning of 2015 but it would soon become one of the better value for money buys for the budget conscious smartphone buyer. With the cheapest model coming in at $199, for $299 you can get the highest-end variant with some specs that easily outdo even some of the most expensive phones on the market.

It's not perfect by any means, with software that's best described as an acquired taste, and some cost cutting in the materials used to build it. But make no mistake, you're getting a solid phone with long battery life, a decent camera and more besides for not a whole lot of your hard earned.

Alcatel Onetouch Idol 3 5.5

Upside down

Pros

• Use it either way up
• Long battery life
• Full HD 1080p display

Cons

• Some added bloatware
• Sluggish while installing apps
• The back cover doesn't feel all that great

Alcatel OneTouch is another of those smartphone makers that can hold their heads high having made huge strides forward in 2015. The Idol 3 comes in two sizes, but it's the larger 5.5-inch model that's most impressive. For $250 you get a great looking 1080p display, a 13MP camera and some pretty hot sounding speakers with JBL audio.

The party piece of the Idol 3 is that you can use it either way up. The speakers on the front are both also earpieces and the phone's user interface will flip depending which way up you're holding it. Just remember which end the camera is before snapping a selfie.

OnePlus X

Never settle

Pros

• Looks fantastic
• Simple, good looking software
• Full HD 1080p display

Cons

• Weak camera
• Lacking some important radio bands
• Below average battery life

OnePlus has traditionally gone hunting for the high-end but the OnePlus X is the first time it truly targeted the budget sector coming in at $249. What you get is a mixture of premium design with glass and metal both present encasing internal specs that would have been in flagship class phones not all that long ago.

The glass back makes the OnePlus X a slippery customer but the 1080p display and simple, unbloated software around the front makes up for it. In true OnePlus style you'll need an invite to get one, but there are also open sales for 48 hours every week where you can buy one without any extra steps.

See at OnePlus

Wileyfox Swift

A Cyanogen powered marvel

Pros

• Absurdly cheap
• Great performance
• Decent battery life

Cons

• Not the strongest camera
• No NFC
• Annoyingly bright LED notification light

The Wileyfox Swift is the British company's first Android phone and has every right to be taken notice of. It cost's a ridiculously cheap £129 and packs Moto G matching hardware while undercutting it on price.

The display is nice, the battery life is pretty good, the overall appearance is on point and the software provided by Cyanogen is slick, speedy and bloat free. It's not available officially outside Europe right now, but it's absolutely one of the best cheap phones money can buy.

Huawei Honor 5X

Honor lands Stateside

Pros

• Premium design and construction
• Fingerprint scanner
• Good quality display

Cons

• EMUI still broken in places
• Sluggish at times
• Launches on Android 5.1

The Honor 5X is a perfect example of where the $200 price point smartphone market is headed. For a remarkably good $199, the first Honor phone to officially launch in the U.S. packs a metal body, decent screen and fingerprint sensor. The hardware certainly feels worthy of a higher price point.

The only drawbacks to the Honor 5X come in the software. Huawei's EMUI is still an acquired taste with some questionable features and things that still don't work quite as we might hope. But, there's a lot of good stuff, too, and some really useful features baked in. And it'll be available from January 31 in the U.S. with a European launch as yet unknown at the time of writing.

Review | Accessories

There's never been a better time to buy a cheap Android phone and still get a top quality experience.

Top Android wear Best smartwatces

While the instrument revel in is just about an identical from one smartwatch to the following — such is the case with Android Put on — we flip to extra subjective options in determining which stands proud above the remainder.

 And has been the case for a while, you actually cannot move incorrect with any of the Android Put on services from any of the producers. All of them mainly do the similar factor, and so they all principally do the ones issues similarly smartly.

However all issues will have to be ranked. They should be weighed, measured and introduced on your approval.

And right here, now, are our alternatives for the most productive Android Put on smartwatches.

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1. The most efficient: Huawei Watch

Huawei's first check out at Android Put on did numerous issues proper. First, off, it is spherical, which at this aspect is a close to necessity for an eye to land on the best of our record. And the Huawei Watch (as the corporate is fast to remind you) is all-the-approach-spherical, without a "flat tire" to damage the easiest circle. The bezel is well sculpted, make it glance slightly thinner than it in truth is. And at the same time as the lugs are nonetheless just a little at the massive aspect and the frame most likely only a tad thicker than we might like in a standard watch, it is still well designed. The 2-o'clock crown place is a pleasing contact as smartly.

And do not glance previous Huawei's leather-based. Now we have used many Android Put on watches with any selection of varieties of leather-based bands, and Huawei's is the primary that hasn't disillusioned us. It seems to be as just right because it feels, with right kind sewing down all sides. And if you do not just like the leather-based, Huawei has quite a lot of first-birthday celebration bracelet choices as neatly. And each the watch and frame are to be had in various colours, types — and worth issues, starting from $349 to $799 for gold on gold.
Upload all that up, and the Huawei Watch is a simple selection as our most sensible select.
Extra: Learn our Huawei Watch evaluate
Google   Huawei   Very best Purchase   Amazon

 

2. Moto 360 2nd-gen

The unique Moto 360 was once one of the vital first Android Put on watches introduced in 2014. The Moto 360 2015 was once a welcome sight, buying and selling a drained processor for a similar Snapdragon as the various different watches — and therefore gaining progressed efficiency.
And at the same time as so much of the 360 won a redecorate — watch bands now have compatibility into conventional lugs as an alternative of within the frame itself, making an allowance for extra choices — the "flat tire" black bar on the backside of the face continues to be. That leaves room for the ambient gentle sensor, and it is a should-have function for lots of. However for others, it is a deal-breaker.
Motorola is also providing up 3 sizes of this 12 months's 360 — 42mm and 46mm for males, and a 42mm girls's model. Motorola additionally has extra colour and band choices this yr as neatly. Pricing begins at $299.
There is additionally the Moto 360 Game model, however it is but to be launched.
Extra: Learn our Moto 360 evaluation
Amazon   Motorola   Highest Purchase   Verizon   Motorola UK

 

3. Fossil Q Founder

The primary access from Fossil — a real watchmaker! — is the Q Founder, to be had both in leather-based or with a very good metal bracelet for $20 extra. It is a spherical watch (clearly), although one with the "flat tire" layout that makes approach for an ambient gentle sensor within the decrease phase. And it is not a foul watch in any respect, with extra consideration to element than the an identical LG Watch Urbane. It is usually probably the most first to make use of an Intel Atom processor, regardless that there may be little visual person have the benefit of that.
The thorn within the Q Founder's facet is its massive charging pillow, which means that you will have to consider carefully (or rig up every other Qi charging choice) if you will be touring with the Q Founder.
Learn: Our whole Q Founder overview
Google Retailer   Amazon (metal)   Fossil (leather-based)   Fossil (metal)

 

4. LG Watch Urbane

The LG Watch Urbane spent a excellent little even as atop this checklist. It nonetheless has a trendy layout, with a tight leather-based band. And it truly was once the primary Android Put on smartwatch we now have worn that used to be ready to just about move as a conventional mechanical watch.
However like we stated in our evaluation, it is nearly as though somebody stated "Make this watch great, however now not too great." And so it used to be beautiful simply overshadowed by means of the Huawei Watch and Moto 360, amongst others.
However the Watch Urbane is still a horny forged purchase making an allowance for that it retails for $349 however may also be discovered for approximately $2 hundred. (Get started with any place instead of the Google Retailer, in reality.)
Learn our LG Watch Urbane evaluate
Highest Purchase   Amazon   Google Retailer

 

5. ASUS ZenWatch 2

The ZenWatch 2 is our most sensible funds select for Android Put on. It isn't the most efficient watch, although it does have a amusing rounded-sq. layout and superb construct high quality. However the decrease answer of the show approach you'll be able to be seeing person pixels rather slightly — and the sq. face and massive bezels do not anything to provoke us.
However there is the cost. At $149 the ZenWatch 2 is the least dear of the present era of Android Put on smartwatches.
It is won a crown this time round however misplaced the heart beat reveal within the procedure — an excellent business for such a lot folks right here. There are sizes to be had as smartly.
Extra: Learn our ZenWatch 2 overview
Very best Purchase   Google   Amazon

 

6. Luxurious: TAG Heuer Attached

Few might argue that a watch from TAG Heuer should not be on an inventory of highest watches. However let's accept tips: If you are out there for an Android Put on smartwatch, you are most probably no longer out there for a $1,500 Android Put on smartwatch. That isn't in point of fact a "top-finish" worth — however it is completely at the top finish for Android Put on.
The excellent news is that this watch is an funding. If and whilst the Hooked up hits finish-of-lifestyles, you'll pony up some other $1,500 improve to a mechanical Carrera. That is an fascinating proposition — and person who without a doubt movements the Hooked up into a distinct magnificence than the opposite Android Put on watches.
TAG Heuer

 

7. Legacy watches

There are watches that principally had been dropped — they would possibly not also be bought bought immediately anymore, and in the end we would be onerous-pressed to in fact suggest them at this element. If you are demise to take a look at out Android Put on and will get one for not up to $one hundred, then possibly it is price it. However the enjoy is not going to be nice.
The legacy Android Put on watches are:

• Sony Smartwatch 3: Nonetheless the one "recreation" watch you'll be able to purchase.
• LG G Watch R: Nonetheless no longer a foul watch in any respect. Simply getting up there in age.
• LG G Watch: On of the unique sq. fashions. Do not pay greater than $50 for it at this aspect.
• Moto 360 1st gen: All the time a fan favourite, however it is slugging.
• ASUS ZenWatch: Now not dangerous, however opt for the sequel.
• Samsung Tools Are living: You'll disregard approximately this one. Samsung did.

Observe: The LG Watch Urbane 2 — the primary Android Put on watch that incorporated standalone mobile information — was once canceled in a while after its unlock.

Top Chromebooks

We have performed our very best to stay alongside of Chromebook protection right here at Android Primary for quite a lot of purposes, no longer the least of which being that we use those machines each unmarried day.

We spend time with each and every Chromebook style we will get our fingers on, putting in place complete critiques each time imaginable.

With the speedy % of releases pumping out new Chromebooks regularly it is onerous to mention what is "the most productive," however each so regularly we want to positioned our collective toes down and make a listing — those are the most productive Chromebooks to be had as of November 2015.

 

1. The most efficient: Dell Chromebook 13

We will be able to simply come proper out and say it — Dell has made the most productive non-Pixel Chromebook up to now with the brand new Chromebook 13. This 13.3-inch Chromebook has an excellent steel construct covered in sturdy cushy contact subject material, together with a perfect backlit keyboard and a large glass-coated trackpad. The show is a 1920x1080 IPS panel that appears nice within the non-contact matte model, however there also are fashions with a Gorilla Glass-lined touchscreen of the similar answer.

At its lowest configuration — beginning at $429 — you'll be able to be getting a brand new Intel Celeron processor that is lots able whilst paired with 4GB of RAM, however in case you have a selected reason why for upper specifications Dell will oblige and promote you among the different configurations. You'll be able to spec up a Middle i3 or Center i5 processor, as much as 8GB of RAM and a touchscreen, however you'll be able to get started pushing $800 temporarily right here.
The Chromebook 13 provides unbelievable battery existence, is constructed tremendous smartly and in point of fact assessments the entire bins except for being somewhat heavy at 3.23 kilos. In case you are k spending a bit of more money to get one thing higher than your usual reasonable plastic Chromebook, that is the style to get — simply you'll want to make a choice the correct configuration that works in your wishes and funds.

 

2. Honorable point out: Toshiba Chromebook 2

We have been extraordinarily inspired through the primary new release of the Toshiba Chromebook 2 (actually it used to be our best really helpful Chromebook till the Dell used to be launched), and Toshiba has made a easy refresh of the type overdue in 2015.
The contemporary Chromebook 2 bumped as much as a brand new set of processors — both a brand new Celeron or Middle i3) — and a backlit keyboard even as holding the similar construct, battery existence and nice IPS show. You'll be able to get 4GB of RAM, 16GB of garage and a Celeron processor in the usual configuration, at the same time as it begins $one hundred much less (MSRP) than the Dell Chromebook 13.

It is not made just about in addition to the Dell and the battery existence may be just a little shorter at the Chromebook 2, however you may also in finding it value it to avoid wasting the variation in value. For an excellent concept of what to anticipate from the Chromebook 2, remember to learn our complete evaluate of the former fashion underneath.

 

3. On the cheap: ASUS Chromebook C201 and Chromebook Turn (C100)

Either one of ASUS' recent Chromebooks hit just right value issues, starting from approximately $a hundred seventy five to $275 relying at the store. The inexpensive of the 2 is the Chromebook C201, that's an 11.6-inch all-steel constructed pc with a regular set of ports, a brand new Rockchip ARM processor (which means it is finless) and an outstanding IPS show.
You'll be able to select up a type with 4GB of RAM, which we advise, for simply $two hundred and get an excellent instrument that is constructed higher than you'll be expecting for the associated fee. If you are in reality tight on money you'll be able to store approximately $25 and pass with the decrease fashion with simply 2GB of RAM, however we advise you dispose of shopping for a couple of coffees the following week and simply bump to the upper style.

Stepping up the dimensions approximately $seventy five on every style is the Chromebook Turn (aka the C100), that is constructed a lot the similar because the C201 however has a slightly monitor that is an inch smaller at 10.1-inches in general and is convertible right into a pseudo-pill with the reveal flipping again totally.
It has the similar steel construct and internals because the C201, which might be masses usable, and at the same time as there are compromises made with a purpose to make this Chromebook convertible it is a good suggestion if you want a small gadget with nice battery lifestyles and wish so as to contact the monitor straight away.

 

4. Massive display: Acer Chromebook 15

Chromebooks are designed to be mild and transportable, however because the 11- and 13-inch segments have crammed out producers have began to transport to greater monitor sizes. If you wish to have extra reveal actual property however nonetheless need a few kind of portability, the Acer Chromebook 15 is how to move.

It follows an excessively identical layout to the 13-inch type, however this 4.4 pound behemoth has a pleasing 15.6-inch show and a couple of consumer-dealing with audio system flanking the keyboard. As is the case with the opposite Acer Chromebook fashions there are a number of other configurations to choose between, starting from a low-finish Celeron N2830 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 1366x768 show the entire method as much as a Celeron 3205U, 4GB of RAM and a 1920x1080 show.
Value issues from $199 to $349 will lend a hand you make a decision that is for you, but when you'll be able to spring for it we all the time counsel a type with the recent processor and probably the most RAM you'll be able to have the funds for.

 

5. Cash's no item: Chromebook Pixel

If you are on the lookout for the most productive imaginable Chromebook revel in, and do not care how a lot it's going to price you, glance no additional than the new Chromebook Pixel. The 2015 refresh of the Pixel in fact reduce the cost via a substantial $three hundred and nonetheless leaping to the recent Middle i5 processor and bettering the display a little bit, at the same time as retaining the similar glorious construct high quality and simplistic layout.
You'll be able to even be getting state of the art USB-C ports for charging and peripherals, which actually is the way in which of the long run. Spending $999 on a Chromebook in point of fact is not a good suggestion for most of the people, however in case you are all-in on Chrome OS it can be value attention.

 

6. It is arduous to head incorrect with any of those selections

With those choices, there is something to meet such a lot any want that you will have in terms of choosing out a Chromebook. Whether or not you might be shopping for for your self, as a present, or giving steering to anyone else for their very own acquire, you'll want to get started right here ahead of creating a shopping for determination. We will be maintaining with this "perfect Chromebooks" record as new fashions pop out, so you can at all times have the ability to flip to it for the contemporary knowledge.

All of them run the similar device, however there are massive variations among those Chromebook fashions

Android best music player apps

Over time track enthusiasts have steadily modified how they concentrate to their tune, and what they pay attention to it on. With the upward push of the phone it is just herbal that now the only tool we supply with us all over the place may be our number one media participant.

On Android, we are additionally lucky that there is a massive group of builders that create apps that may higher the enjoy we are supplied through the folks that made our telephones.

The Google Play Retailer has many tune comparable apps to make a choice from, however a few do stick out from the group. It would be not possible to have a look at they all, so right here we have now selected a few that we predict are one of the most best possible there's. Allow's have a look.

 

1. Poweramp

Poweramp is an actual favourite. It gives an inventory of options lengthy sufficient that lets sit down right here speaking approximately all of it day. However, in case you are enthusiastic about your track, you will have to indisputably have a look. Making that more straightforward is the unfastened 15-day trial. No limitations, simply complete get right of entry to for that 15-days to look whether or not you find it irresistible or no longer.
And the likelihood is that lovely prime that you are going to love it. It has a miles other visible glance to one thing like DoubleTwist, however seems to be simply as incredible in its personal method. Massive album art work within the "Now Taking part in" view, a crisp and blank structure and a few beautiful wonderful customizations. Poweramp helps issues and has a number of tweaks you'll make within the settings, so you'll in reality create the track participant you will have at all times sought after.
With a ton of various information supported, a view to seem via your folders, an equalizer, crossfade, gapless, and far, a lot more, Poweramp is no doubt one of the crucial perfect tune avid gamers on Android.

Obtain Poweramp (Loose Trial)

 

2. DoubleTwist Cloudplayer

Now we have mentioned DoubleTwist so much round those portions and with just right reason why. DoubleTwist turned into a favourite of Android customers that had deep roots within the iTunes atmosphere, and nonetheless is. The bottom app has been changed in this checklist via Cloudplayer, a more recent providing that appears nice and has hooks into probably the most hottest cloud garage services and products to ship your song.
We are not speaking approximately hooking into streaming services and products, both. Create your individual cloud streaming library with your individual song, a Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Pressure account and DoubleTwist Cloudplayer. Get right of entry to to those is unlockable by the use of an in-app acquire, however the elementary app is unfastened. And the elemental app may also play your lossless FLAC information.
That during-app acquire additionally unlocks Chromecast and AirPlay give a boost to and the equaliser equipment that can assist you get essentially the most out of your track. And just like the older app you'll nonetheless use it to hear radio and podcasts, too, in addition to now having give a boost to for each Android Put on and Android Vehicle. A gorgeous smartly stocked one forestall keep for all of your audio wishes.

Obtain DoubleTwist Cloudplayer (Unfastened with in-app purchases)

 

3. Google Play Track

No longer simply a song participant, however we need to come with Google Play Tune. Whilst it does not have the deep customization or energy options of one thing like Poweramp, it provides what many others don't; that vast cloud library on your personal tune. Finally, with out the track to pay attention too, what just right is a killer track participant?
That is not to mention Google Play Song is not a just right song participant, as a result of it's. Being a Google product it integrates completely along with your software – together with the candy lockscreen art work. However the actual price is in that cloud garage. It approach you'll take your song assortment with you on whichever Android and iOS instrument you personal. Certain, you wish to have to offline a few of that from time-to-time, however it is at all times with you.
Google additionally has its personal retailer and streaming carrier constructed into the similar app making it an effective one prevent retailer for your whole musical wishes. What it lacks in options in comparison to others it makes up for in comfort.

Obtain Google Play Song (Unfastened)

 

4. Commute Song Participant

Go back and forth is most likely one you might have no longer heard of sooner than, however one that is for sure price your consideration. The place one thing like Poweramp is lovely heavy responsibility and has heaps of settings and customizations, Shuffle provides a component of that with a a lot more light-weight feel and appear.
It comes with a snooze timer, gapless playback, a selection of a couple of other topics, in-built equalizer and a lot more. And for the Materiyolo children in the market, it is just about very best in the way it seems. It is available in loose and paid variations, however with the paid model simply $0.ninety nine, it additionally represents improbable price for cash.

Obtain Travel Song Participant (unfastened)

 

5. Equalizer+

The clue to a large a part of this app is within the title. As with the opposite apps discussed on this put up, there is a lovely first rate Equalizer constructed into this one. It is also a gorgeous forged track participant, regardless that to benefit from the whole thing it gives it is very important placed your hand on your pockets.
On be offering although is that 5-band equalizer with presets, bass booster, contextual seek, a visualizer – which can also be displayed on a 2d reveal – fade and a lot more. The app is loose to obtain, and also you get get entry to to the principle equalizer controls for that, too.

Obtain Equalizer (unfastened with in-app purchases)

 

6. Amazon Tune

Google is not the one supplier on Android providing an all-in-one retailer, cloud and participant resolution. Amazon has its personal factor occurring and combines its Top Track streaming carrier with its track retailer and a good taking a look track participant multi functional. If you are a Top subscriber in decided on markets you can have High Track and so you can want this in your telephone. Amazon additionally gives you a cloud locker, just like Google, to get right of entry to track you already personal on any of your units, and the app will play the rest you've got saved in the neighborhood.
It does not be offering one of the most techy stuff that audio nerds will to find in every other apps in this checklist but it surely does provide you with lyrics. Sing alongside at the same time as you might be at the bus to paintings!

Obtain Amazon Track

 

7. GoneMAD Tune Participant

GoneMAD boasts over 250 customizations, so understand that we aren't going to speak about all of them, right here. Upload to this over one thousand issues and what you have got is a song app that in reality can also be adapted to fit your personal preferences. At the techy entrance it boasts gapless playback, improve for an entire bunch of codecs together with lossless audio, sensible playlists, an equalizer, multi-window and far, a lot more. You'll even return to the vintage UI if you do not like the way it seems at this time.
The app is loose to obtain for 14-days and after that in case you love it and need to stay the use of it, you'll be able to wish to purchase the entire model. And chances are you'll simply wish to do this.

Obtain GoneMAD Song Participant (Loose trial)

 

8. Rocket Track Participant

Rocket is some other vastly standard tune participant for Android with a host of fine purposes to make a choice it. You have got a trendy minimalism combined with a 5-band equalizer, folders enhance, Chromecast, video and podcasts and far a lot more.
That is simply within the unfastened app. In case you improve to Top class you additionally get a number of various topics, enhance for lossless audio, a 10-band equalizer and an entire package deal of different options to best possible your audio revel in.

Obtain Rocket Track Participant (Unfastened)

 

9. Your selections?

So, that is 5 of what we expect are the most productive song gamers Android has to provide, however what approximately you? When you've a selected favourite you want to percentage, drop it and why you love it such a lot into the feedback underneath!

Get the most efficient song enjoy to your Android telephone or pill with those nice apps

Top keyboard apps for Android

Keyboards are important. Really important. Without a good keyboard, communicating on a smartphone can go from heavenly bliss straight back to teeth-pulling torture. Keyboards are also one of the most important apps you select from a security standpoint, as they are by their very nature keyloggers. And while most users will never really need to worry about if their keyboard is stealing their emails and passwords as they type it in, it is something that you should keep in mind if you're checking out a keyboard that you know absolutely nothing about.

There are a number of great keyboards out there, each with its own features, flaws, and followings. There are utterly simplistic keyboards and bleeding-edge keyboards with a longer list of features than some smartphones. Finding a keyboard that fits you and your lifestyle can be a bit daunting.

Whatever your style may be, these are the five keyboards that we think stand above the rest, and may be worthy of composing your LOLs and WTFs.

1. SwiftKey

If you had to ask us to pick one keyboard as our ultimate top choice for Android, SwiftKey would be it.
For years, SwiftKey soared above Google's included keyboard, and it did — and still does — come preinstalled on many a phone and tablet. SwiftKey's prediction methods, called the "fluency engine," has made it the keyboard that many users and editors alike keep coming back to. SwiftKey has been pre-loaded on millions of devices over the years, including on flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S4.
While SwiftKey used to be a paid app, the keyboard itself went free in 2014, instead having its users pay for themes — such as their Frozen theme pack. SwiftKey has led the keyboard pack for a while, but it has plenty of competition to keep it on its toes. .

2. Swype

Swype is to SwiftKey as GM is to Ford. Both are established, respected, feature-rich keyboards. Swype allows you to swipe out words or whole sentences, and Swype supports typing in two languages at once, for bilingual users. Swype offers a free version, but the full version is a dollar, and themes are an additional two dollars apiece. For those uninterested in having Elsa on they keyboard, Swype offers sports themes, including Major League Soccer themes.
Swype ties into Android's Accessibility features for TalkBack and Explore By Touch, which make Swype a keyboard vision-impaired users can learn more easily on their own. Copy/Cut/Paste functions are embedded as gestures in Swype's keyboard, too. Swype all the things!

3. Google Keyboard

While years ago, Google's built-in android keyboard was considered a bit of a slouch, it's built to compete today. The Google Keyboard is completely free, supports gesture typing for both individual words and entire sentences, a bounty of languages, a modest choice of themes, and it was the first keyboard to feature the full library of Kit Kat emoji last year. That may not sound like much, but after years of mediocre or downright dreadful emoji from the OEMs and keyboard manufacturers, Kit Kat system emoji was a welcome change and drew in quite a few users before third-party keyboards began to integrate it.
The Google Keyboard employs Google's own text-to-speech engine for voice dictation, and the many advancements in voice recognition made for Google Now and Android Wear over the last few years have benefitted this keyboard greatly. Google's keyboard still has a little ways to go on the text prediction, but it does learn from your typed data across Google's apps and services.

4. Fleksy

Fleksy is a keyboard that exudes class with its minimalist styling and its artfully done themes — if you want a Frozen keyboard theme that actually looks good, go get the Fleksy one. Now, make no mistake, Fleksy is not a cheap keyboard, though they do offer a 30-day trial to decide if it's worth the $1.99. After paying for the keyboard, most premium themes are also paid, including licensed themes like Frozen and The Hunger Games.
Beyond more traditional customization options like a fifth row for numbers and support for more layouts than your standard QWERTY and DVORAK, Fleksy's keyboard has extensions, allowing it to send things like gifs or work while becoming invisible. Another interesting addition to Fleksy is are the badges and rewards system that encourages users to master the keyboard and its features.

5. Touchpal

TouchPal is one of the lesser-recognized keyboards out there, but a few useful features have helped it stand out and get over 10 million installs. TouchPal's keyboard held the freemium model of an always-free keyboard with a paid theme store and paid cloud syncing before SwiftKey and the rest of the field headed that direction. However, while you can pay for premium themes, you also have the option to simply upload your own background image and make your own for free.

Trace, tap, type, talk

What has stood out about TouchPal for me, and made it my primary keyboard for the last year now are three things: the dialogue between the developers and the beta community, swiping from the backspace to delete the last word, and swiping the space bar up to access the emoji drawer, which supports system emoji and now emoji art and emoticons.