From battery and performance improvements to interface customizations, you’ll feel that you have a totally new phone after installing a custom ROM. If you’re looking for a new experience, then continue reading to find out about the best custom ROMs available for the HTC One. I’ve created a list of what I believe are the ten best custom ROMs that you can download right now.
Why Install A Custom ROM On Your HTC One?
If you’re have doubts on whether you should install a custom ROM, then consider these factors.
Improve your phone’s speed and performance. Most custom ROMs can make phones smoother and more responsive. Increase battery life. The battery tweaks in some custom ROMs can really increase battery life significantly. Changed user interface. Some custom ROMs bring a totally new UI and you’ll definitely feel something different while using your phone. Loads of new features. You’ll be able to enjoy all the additional features that custom ROMs bring, including apps and customizations.
Prerequisites
There are a few things to remember before you install a custom ROM:
Make sure that your HTC One is rooted. If you’re a pro in rooting Android devices and installing custom ROMs, then you probably won’t face any issues. If not done properly, installing a custom ROM can brick your phone so please follow all the developer specific instructions properly. Make sure that you download the ROM for your HTC One variant. If you try to install a ROM that is not developed for your variant, then chances are you’ll end up bricking your phone. Create a backup of all your important files either using your phone’s backup feature or through a third party backup app from the Google Play Store. You can read our list of the ten best backup apps for Android. Make sure that your phone is charged at least 70% before installing any of the ROMs mentioned below.
1. Android Revolution HD ROM
One of my favorite ROMs for the HTC One is Android Revolution HD. This particular ROM is quite popular across several Android devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S3. The best thing about this ROM is that you don’t lose any of your phone’s existing features as the ROM focuses on keeping the interface close to stock. Aside from that, the ROM is much faster, smoother and is stable. If you don’t want a totally different interface, but also want performance improvements, then Android Revolution HD is definitely the best option. Notable Features:
Improved battery life Bloatware removed Better virtual memory management RAM optimization
2. Maximus HD ROM
The Maximus HD ROM is based on Android 4.4.3 and features Sense 6.0. This ROM focuses mostly on giving out an improved performance with its various performance tweaks. The ROM is stable, speedy and features a great battery life. Aside from that, you’ll also find improvements in other areas, including audio and camera. Notable Features:
System apps updated BlinkFeed improved Additional downloadable mods
3. SinLessROM
SinLessROM focuses on a clean, smooth and stable experience on the HTC One. If you’re a fan of the Nexus user interface, then you’ll love this ROM. The ROM features elements from the Android Open Source Project for a simple yet interesting Android experience. Based on Android 4.4.4, the ROM features performance tweaks and RAM optimization tweaks. Notable Features:
Sound enhancements Improved battery life Pie Controls Screen recorder
4. SkyDragon ROM
Developed by the SkyDragon team, this ROM features Sense 6.0 and is based on the Android 4.4.3 firmware. The ROM brings several customizations, including new font styles and color coded themes. Aside from that, the ROM also brings a new interface for the Gallery and Camera apps. There’s also a new interface for BlinkFeed offering a smoother experience. Notable Features:
Battery optimizations Speed optimizations Updated Google apps SkyDragon boot animation Audio mods
5. OnePlus One ROM
If you’ve used the CyanogenMod ROM before, then I’m sure you’ll love the OnePlus One ROM. This ROM is a port of CyanogenMod 11S and brings all the CyanogenMod 11S features to the HTC One. Aside from that, the ROM is smooth, stable and features a great battery life. Notable Features:
Great RAM management OnePlus camera AudioFX
6. LiquidSmooth ROM
LiquidSmooth is one of my favorite Android ROMs and it isn’t just popular on the HTC One, but it’s also popular across various Android smartphones. Based on the Android Open Source Project, LiquidSmooth is one of the smoothest and most lightweight ROMs available for the HTC One. If you’re looking for a smooth ROM that brings several new features while being lightweight at the same time, then LiquidSmooth might just be the perfect ROM for you. Notable Features:
T-Mobile theme engine Lock screen notifications Active Display RAM bar
7. ViperOne ROM
Developed by Team Venom, the ViperOne ROM is based on the Android 4.4.3 firmware and brings several new features on the HTC One, including extended quick settings, Venom download UI, Venom CPU manager, Venom theming and Venom tweaks. Notable Features:
Venom Pie Venom HUB Venom file manager
8. CandyKat ROM
The CandyKat ROM brings several new features and customizations on the HTC One. This might not be the smoothest and most lightweight ROM, however, it is certainly one of the most customizable ROMs for the HTC One. The ROM features a dark user interface, custom battery icons, battery LED customizations, lock screen rotation, CyanogenMod theme engine and Heads Up. Notable Features:
Slim recents Slim PIE Screen recorder Lock screen themes CandyKat wallpapers
9. C-ROM
The C-ROM series is quite popular across various Android smartphones and the ROM brings several new features on the HTC One, including On the go mode, Ad blocker, Hover and floating windows. Notable Features:
Active Display PIE App side bar Peek
10. Renovate Sixth Sense ROM
If you’re a fan of the new HTC One M8, then I’m sure you’ll love the Renovate Sixth Sense ROM. Based on Android 4.4.2, the ROM is based on the HTC One M8 firmware and features Sense 6.0. It brings several new features, including extended home screen menu, advanced power menu and tweaked system animations. Notable Features:
CRT screen off animation Status bar tweaks AOSP lock screen Volume warning removed
Conclusion
Custom ROMs are a great way to change the overall feel of your phone as they bring in several new features and customization options. Even if you love the stock HTC One user interface, you should still consider installing a custom ROM in order to improve your phone’s performance and battery life. As the HTC One is a popular Android device, there are lots of custom ROMs available, but the custom ROMs for HTC One mentioned above should help you narrow down your search. Make sure that you install the ROM that best fits your needs and feel free to shoot any questions below.
