Which keyboard was voted the top alternative to Gboard in the survey?

Microsoft SwiftKey took first place with 34.3% of the votes. Users praised its stability, extensive features, and cross-device compatibility.

Why didn’t Samsung Keyboard win despite being pre-installed?

While Samsung Keyboard comes pre-installed on many Samsung devices, some users criticize its clunky interface and limited functionality compared to competitors.

Which keyboards do privacy-focused users prefer?

Privacy-conscious users tend to choose HeliBoard and FUTO Keyboard. These options emphasize minimal data collection and open-source transparency.

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Development

Which Keyboard Android Users Prefer Over Gboard: Survey Results

July 7, 2026

Photo: Android Authority

Quick answer

According to Android Authority's survey, Microsoft SwiftKey emerged as the top Gboard alternative among Android users, securing 34.3% of the votes.

Gboard from Google has long been the standard keyboard for Android, but many users seek alternatives with expanded features or improved data protection. The Android Authority team decided to find out which keyboard readers would prefer if Gboard disappeared. Over 2,300 people participated in the survey, and the results showed Microsoft SwiftKey as the clear leader with 34.3% of the votes.

Samsung Keyboard took second place with 28.6% of the votes. Despite being pre-installed on most Samsung smartphones, some users criticize it for its suboptimal interface and limited functionality. HeliBoard secured third place (15.3%), appealing to minimalists and privacy advocates. FUTO Keyboard (10.8%) and Simple Keyboard (7.4%) rounded out the top five.

In the survey comments, users also mentioned other options like Yandex Keyboard* and Fossify Keyboard. Some even recalled the BlackBerry Keyboard for Android, underscoring how varied user preferences are when it comes to keyboard choices. Interestingly, some respondents combine different solutions—for example, using HeliBoard for typing and FUTO for voice input.

Despite SwiftKey’s popularity, experts note that the Android keyboard market remains highly diverse. Users value both well-established solutions with rich functionality and niche products focused on privacy or specific use cases.

Common questions

Which keyboard was voted the top alternative to Gboard in the survey?: Microsoft SwiftKey took first place with 34.3% of the votes. Users praised its stability, extensive features, and cross-device compatibility.
Why didn’t Samsung Keyboard win despite being pre-installed?: While Samsung Keyboard comes pre-installed on many Samsung devices, some users criticize its clunky interface and limited functionality compared to competitors.
Which keyboards do privacy-focused users prefer?: Privacy-conscious users tend to choose HeliBoard and FUTO Keyboard. These options emphasize minimal data collection and open-source transparency.

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