Best Android 4.3-based custom ROMs

1. Paranoid Android 3.97

Paranoid Android is probably the most critically-acclaimed custom ROM out there. The team has been working tirelessly to bring innovative features to users, and they have surely delivered. To that end, Paranoid Android has been noted for its so called Hybrid mode, which allows you to choose from several modes that will change the layout and scaling of your entire UI to that of, say, a tablet. Another favorite with us is the per-app custom coloring which ensures that visible UI elements inside apps (status and navigation bar) all follow one coloring scheme.

Android 4.3-based nightlies of Paranoid Android are now available for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Samsung Note I and Note II, among others.

2. CyanogenMod 10.2

Flashing CyanogenMod's latest iteration, 10.2, won't introduce you to settings as sweeping in their visual repercussions as those included in Paranoid Android. Fortunately, at the expense of some visual eye-candy, you'll be getting one of the most thoroughly tested custom Android ROMs out there. Probably the most popular of all custom ROMs out there, the CyanogenMod team has proven that it is not just capable, but also quite ambitious.

Among noted features that the CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM offers are the exclusive, extremely feature-rich Focal camera app (shown on your left), built-in support for custom themes, performance tweaks and generally speedier than stock experience and also, as of CM 10.2, calls and text blocking.

Nighly builds of CyanogenMod 10.2 are now available for over 20 devices.

3. Carbon 4.3

The team behind the Carbon ROM has been following a simple rule: feature-filled ROMs, but not at the expense of stability and performance. It is no wonder, then, that the ROM has stuck with users and the team seems intent on continuing that streak. Based on the original AOSP, the custom ROM also incorporates functionality from other big names, such as CyanogenMod, SlimBean and AOKP, among others.

Nightly builds are currently available for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (2012), Nexus 7 (2013) and Samsung Galaxy S3.

4. SlimBean 4.3

Don't get fooled by the name, for while an outstanding performer, the SlimBean ROM has an extensive amount of features, some of which unique. Among our favorite extras are the support for PIE controls, lockscreen shortcuts, and, of course, the ability to invert the color scheme of the entire ROM, including those for Google Apps.

The SlimBean 4.3 beta 2 is now available for over 30 devices.

5. Cataclysm 4.3

Cataclysm ROM is one of the newcomers on the scene, but it has quickly garnered a following, to nobody's surprise – the ROM touts a lag and bug free experience, unburdened by a ginormous list of features that you probably don't need. That being said, Cataclysm isn't without extras. Some of the more notable features it offers include: a Smart 3G profile which switches between 2G and 3G as needed, in order to conserve battery; the handy Network Speed monitor and the sometimes useful Fake/Spoof caller.

Nightly builds for Cataclysm are currently available for the Nexus 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

6. RasbeanJelly 4.3

Exclusive for Google's Nexus line, the RasbeanJelly ROM has been sticking around long enough to show that the devs behind the project know what they're doing. Based on AOSP, the RasbeanJelly team has kept Google's idea of non-bloated software close to heart, opting for speed and stability instead. While extra functionality is on board, do not expect to spend days fiddling with and fine-tuning settings.

RasbeanJelly is available for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and Samsung Galaxy Nexus

7. P.A.C. All in One 4.3

The PAC All in One ROM is truly trying to catch them all. Features, that is. No longer do you have to choose one feature at the cost of another, for the team behind the PAC ROM has done some truly amazing job. Said otherwise, the ROM includes select notable features from some of the best ROMs including Paranoid Android, CyanogenMod and AOKP, and has managed to do so with negligible amount of bugs and performance loss.

Some of the many features you can expect with PAC include: CyanogenMod's built-in themer, PIE controls, Lockscreen shortcuts, extensive customization of nearly all UI elements, including the status and navigation bar, the app drawer and homescreens, and just too many more to list.

PAC is available for a range of devices, amongst which the Nexus 4, Galaxy Note I and II, HTC One S, HTC EVO 4G, Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4.