Best Third-Party Keyboard Apps for Android and iOS in 2024

The default keyboard on smartphones often lacks advanced features, customization options, and efficiency. Third-party keyboard apps provide enhanced typing experiences with predictive text, swipe gestures, themes, and additional functionalities. Whether you’re looking for better autocorrect, multilingual support, or unique emoji options, these apps can significantly improve your typing efficiency.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the best third-party keyboard apps for Android and iOS, categorized by their standout features.

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1. Gboard – The Best All-Rounder (Android & iOS)

Developer: Google
Price: Free

Key Features:

• Google Search Integration – Search and share GIFs, emojis, and web results directly from the keyboard.
• Glide Typing (Swipe Input) – Fast typing with gesture-based input.
• Multilingual Support – Supports over 100 languages with predictive text.
• Voice Typing – Accurate dictation with voice-to-text functionality.
• Themes & Customization – Choose from various themes, including dark mode and custom images.
• One-Handed Mode – Adjusts the keyboard for easier single-hand typing.
• Clipboard & GIF Search – Quick access to copied text and trending GIFs.

Pros:

✅ Smooth and responsive
✅ Excellent autocorrect and predictive text
✅ Works seamlessly across Android and iOS
✅ Free with no ads

Cons:

❌ Limited advanced customization compared to some competitors
❌ Google collects typing data (can be disabled in settings)

Best For: Users who want a reliable, feature-rich keyboard with Google integration.

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2. SwiftKey – Best for Predictive Text & AI Learning (Android & iOS)

Developer: Microsoft
Price: Free

Key Features:

• AI-Powered Predictions – Learns from your typing habits, emails, and messages for better suggestions.
• Multilingual Typing – Supports over 100 languages without switching keyboards.
• Swipe Typing (Flow) – Fast gesture-based input with high accuracy.
• Themes & Customization – Offers a wide range of themes, including custom images.
• Clipboard & Emoji Prediction – Remembers copied text and suggests relevant emojis.
• Cloud Sync – Syncs your typing data across devices.

Pros:

✅ One of the best autocorrect and prediction engines
✅ Highly customizable
✅ Works well with Microsoft services (Outlook, OneDrive)

Cons:

❌ Some users report occasional lag
❌ Requires permission to access personal data for AI learning

Best For: Users who want a smart keyboard that adapts to their writing style.

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3. Fleksy – Best for Speed & Customization (Android & iOS)

Developer: Thingthing Ltd.
Price: Free (Premium version available)

Key Features:

• Ultra-Fast Typing – Claims to be the fastest keyboard with minimal lag.
• Gesture Controls – Swipe left to delete, swipe right to space, and more.
• Themes & Extensions – Hundreds of themes and add-ons (GIFs, stickers, translators).
• Privacy-Focused – No data collection by default.
• Offline Mode – Works without an internet connection.
• Customizable Layouts – Adjust key sizes and positions.

Pros:

✅ Extremely fast and responsive
✅ Highly customizable with extensions
✅ Strong privacy features

Cons:

❌ Some features require a premium subscription
❌ Smaller user base compared to Gboard and SwiftKey

Best For: Users who prioritize speed, customization, and privacy.

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4. Grammarly Keyboard – Best for Writing & Grammar (Android & iOS)

Developer: Grammarly
Price: Free (Premium version available)

Key Features:

• Real-Time Grammar & Spelling Check – Corrects mistakes as you type.
• Tone Detection – Suggests improvements for professional or casual writing.
• Synonym Suggestions – Helps avoid repetitive words.
• Swipe Typing – Supports gesture-based input.
• Dark Mode & Themes – Customizable appearance.

Pros:

✅ Excellent for professional and academic writing
✅ Integrates with Grammarly’s web and desktop apps
✅ Improves writing clarity and conciseness

Cons:

❌ Free version has limited features
❌ Can be overbearing for casual users

Best For: Students, professionals, and anyone who wants error-free writing.

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5. Chrooma Keyboard – Best for Dynamic Themes (Android Only)

Developer: Chrooma Inc.
Price: Free (Premium version available)

Key Features:

• Adaptive Themes – Changes colors based on the app you’re using.
• Swipe Typing & Gestures – Fast input with customizable gestures.
• Emoji & GIF Search – Quick access to trending emojis and GIFs.
• Multilingual Support – Works with multiple languages simultaneously.
• One-Handed Mode – Adjusts for easier single-hand typing.

Pros:

✅ Unique adaptive theme feature
✅ Smooth and responsive
✅ Good autocorrect and predictions

Cons:

❌ Only available for Android
❌ Some features require a premium subscription

Best For: Android users who love dynamic, app-matching themes.

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6. Typewise – Best for Privacy & Offline Use (Android & iOS)

Developer: Typewise AG
Price: Free (Premium version available)

Key Features:

• Hexagonal Key Layout – Designed to reduce typos by 80%.
• Offline & Privacy-Focused – No data collection or cloud sync.
• Multilingual Support – Works with multiple languages without switching.
• Haptic Feedback – Customizable vibration for key presses.
• Dark Mode & Themes – Minimalist and functional design.

Pros:

✅ Unique hexagonal layout reduces errors
✅ Strong privacy protections
✅ Works offline

Cons:

❌ Takes time to adjust to the hexagonal layout
❌ Fewer customization options than competitors

Best For: Users who prioritize privacy and want a unique typing experience.

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7. Minuum – Best for One-Handed Typing (Android & iOS)

Developer: Whirlscape
Price: Paid ($3.99)

Key Features:

• Compact Keyboard – Shrinks to a single row for one-handed use.
• Predictive Text & Autocorrect – Works well in compact mode.
• Multilingual Support – Supports multiple languages.
• Customizable Layouts – Adjust key sizes and positions.

Pros:

✅ Excellent for one-handed typing
✅ Unique compact mode
✅ No ads or in-app purchases

Cons:

❌ Paid app (no free version)
❌ Smaller user base

Best For: Users who frequently type with one hand.

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8. AnySoftKeyboard – Best Open-Source Option (Android Only)

Developer: Menny Even Danan
Price: Free

Key Features:

• Open-Source & Privacy-Focused – No tracking or data collection.
• Multilingual Support – Supports over 50 languages.
• Themes & Customization – Highly customizable with plugins.
• Offline Mode – Works without an internet connection.
• Gesture Typing – Supports swipe input.

Pros:

✅ Completely free and open-source
✅ Strong privacy protections
✅ Highly customizable

Cons:

❌ UI feels outdated compared to modern keyboards
❌ No iOS version

Best For: Privacy-conscious users who prefer open-source software.

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Final Verdict: Which Keyboard App Should You Choose?

Use Case	Best Keyboard App
Best All-Rounder	Gboard
Best Predictive Text	SwiftKey
Fastest Typing	Fleksy
Best for Writing	Grammarly Keyboard
Best for Privacy	Typewise / AnySoftKeyboard
Best for One-Handed Use	Minuum
Best for Themes	Chrooma (Android)

Recommendation:

• For most users: Gboard (best balance of features and reliability).
• For AI-powered predictions: SwiftKey (learns your writing style).
• For privacy-focused users: Typewise or AnySoftKeyboard.
• For professional writing: Grammarly Keyboard.

Each of these keyboards offers unique advantages, so the best choice depends on your typing habits and preferences. Try a few to see which one enhances your mobile typing experience the most.