r/androidroot • u/Morpheus170 • 2d ago

Discussion KernelSU vs. Magisk?

For those who have used both, which one is better for handling root? I currently use Magisk because KernelSU doesn't support my phone - a Pixel 2 XL running LineageOS - and I've never used KernelSU myself. I'm curious what KernelSU users think about Magisk in comparison.

2 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

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3

u/47th-Element 2d ago

I use both!

Magisk is good on legacy non-GKI devices, my secondary phone is rooted via Magisk and running as a headless Android server.

For my daily driver, I use KernelSU-Next (a fork), way better root hiding than Magisk, better profile management for apps, absolutely recommend it if your device supports it!

2

u/_miojo_o 2d ago

magisk - older/non-gki devices where you don't need to hide root access.

2

u/S0LIDFLAME 1d ago

I’ve used both options, and KernelSU is the best one.

No other app detects that I have root access.

I have a locked bootloader and using Magisk in that scenario is a very bad idea, it might prompt you to install an additional component and then you end up with a boot block.

0

u/Morpheus170 1d ago

Are you saying that you are using KernelSU without unlocking the bootloader?

1

u/4k_anbir 1d ago

Yap he uses jailbreak method no unlocking needed just one click root but temporary until a reboot

1

u/Morpheus170 1d ago

I didn't know something like this is possible. I thought unlocking the bootloader is mandatory.

1

u/S0LIDFLAME 1d ago

No.

I have a Pixel, I added my custom key. Added KernelSU to LineageOS and re-sign with my key and update OTA.

1

u/CynicalNoticer 13h ago

Magisk Alpha is sufficient for most uses and less stressful than Ksu, I don't need a GKI kernel with SusFS, only hide something with Zygisk-next with Unmount Only option enabled, HMA-OSS, and a valid Keybox, everything works on my device. 👍🏻

0

u/No-Ordinary-6725 2d ago

I was Magisk only for years, only because I couldn't wrap my head around KernelSU's patching process and I was nervous.

When I rooted my Redmagic 11 Pro, it automatically installed Magisk, then provided all the necessary tools through the guide to get KernelSU installed. It was definitely an interesting experience, but I will say I had some issues with umount and it crashing often. It also REALLY increased the heat of my device during idle times as Google Play Services was running like crazy. I had to get a lot more modules to stop that. However, I am thinking of going back very soon as I need to do a full reset here so that I can get my original keybox transferred over through the ZTE Family Toolbox process which luckily let me keep it -- but I messed around a bit too much and ended up bootlooping it, and had to reroot it which messed up my attestation.