KernelSU vs Magisk

For years, Magisk has been the undisputed king of Android rooting. Now there's a new contender: KernelSU.

Should you switch? Stay with Magisk? Let's break it down.

---

Quick Comparison

---

What is Magisk?

Magisk is a systemless root solution that:

• Patches boot image to gain root
• Maintains system partition integrity
• Provides module system for customization
• Includes MagiskHide/DenyList for hiding root

How it works:

Boot image → Patched with Magisk → Root access at boot

History: Created by topjohnwu, actively developed since 2016.

---

What is KernelSU?

KernelSU is a kernel-based root solution that:

• Builds root directly into the kernel
• Provides root without modifying boot image
• Offers native Play Integrity support
• Uses OverlayFS for module system

How it works:

Kernel → KernelSU built-in → Root access at kernel level

History: Created in 2022, gaining popularity rapidly.

---

Installation Comparison

Magisk Installation

1. Download Magisk APK
2. Patch boot image in Magisk app
3. Flash patched boot via fastboot
4. Boot and install Magisk app
5. Done!

Or via TWRP:

1. Flash Magisk.zip in TWRP
2. Boot and open Magisk app
3. Done!

KernelSU Installation

Option 1: Pre-built Kernel

1. Find KernelSU-enabled kernel for your device
2. Flash via fastboot or recovery
3. Install KernelSU app
4. Done!

Option 2: Patch Existing Kernel

1. Extract boot.img
2. Patch with KernelSU
3. Flash patched boot
4. Install KernelSU app

Option 3: Build Custom Kernel

1. Get kernel source
2. Integrate KernelSU
3. Compile kernel
4. Flash

---

Module Systems

Magisk Modules

The most extensive module ecosystem:

• 1000+ modules available
• Magisk Module Repository
• Easy online search and install
• Well-documented format

Popular modules:

• Play Integrity Fix
• Shamiko
• LSPosed
• ViPER4Android
• ACC (Battery control)

KernelSU Modules

Growing ecosystem:

• 100+ modules (and growing)
• Many Magisk modules work
• Uses OverlayFS instead of magic mount
• Some Magisk-specific modules don't work

Module compatibility:

• Simple Magisk modules: Often work
• Complex system mods: May need adjustment
• Zygisk modules: Need KernelSU-specific versions

---

SafetyNet / Play Integrity

With Magisk

Default: Usually fails
Fix: Install these modules:
- Play Integrity Fix
- Shamiko
- Configure DenyList

Result: Usually passes DEVICE_INTEGRITY

With KernelSU

Default: Often passes without extra work
Why: Root is at kernel level, harder to detect

Result: Better pass rate out-of-box

Verdict: KernelSU has a slight edge for banking apps, but both can pass with proper configuration.

---

Hide Root Capabilities

Magisk Hiding

• DenyList: Per-app root hiding
• Shamiko Module: Enhanced hiding
• Hide Magisk App: Rename/hide manager
• Zygisk: Deep system-level hiding

Effectiveness: Excellent when properly configured.

KernelSU Hiding

• Native hiding: Built into kernel
• Per-app allowlist: Control which apps see root
• No Manager detection: Separate APK
• Kernel-level hiding: Harder to detect

Effectiveness: Often better out-of-box.

---

Performance Impact

Magisk

• Boot time: +1-3 seconds
• Runtime: Negligible impact
• Memory: Manager app running
• Battery: Minimal drain

KernelSU

• Boot time: No additional time
• Runtime: Zero measurable impact
• Memory: Minimal (kernel-level)
• Battery: Zero measurable drain

Verdict: KernelSU is theoretically lighter, but Magisk's impact is negligible in practice.

---

Device Support

Magisk

Works on virtually everything:

• Any device with unlockable bootloader
• Android 6.0+
• Universal boot patching
• Huge community support

KernelSU

Depends on kernel availability:

• Needs kernel compiled with KernelSU
• Popular devices have builds
• Obscure devices may not have support
• Requires GKI 2.0+ for easiest support (Android 12+)

Verdict: Magisk wins for device compatibility.

---

LSPosed Support

On Magisk

1. Enable Zygisk
2. Install LSPosed Zygisk version
3. Works perfectly

On KernelSU

1. Install APatch or KernelSU-compatible LSPosed
2. May need additional configuration
3. Works, with some setup

Both support LSPosed, but Magisk's implementation is more mature.

---

Direct Feature Comparison

---

Use Cases

Choose Magisk If

• First time rooting
• Device lacks KernelSU kernel
• You need specific Magisk modules
• You want largest community support
• You prefer simpler setup
• You use LSPosed heavily

Choose KernelSU If

• Banking apps give you trouble
• You want cleanest possible root
• Your device has a good KernelSU kernel
• You want minimal system modification
• You're comfortable with kernel-level stuff
• You value bleeding-edge tech

Choose Both (Yes, Really)

Some users run both:

- Magisk for module ecosystem
- KernelSU for root hiding
- Requires compatible setup

Not recommended for beginners.

---

Switching Between Them

Magisk to KernelSU

1. Find KernelSU kernel for your device
2. Remove Magisk (App → Uninstall → Complete)
3. Flash KernelSU kernel
4. Install KernelSU manager app
5. Reinstall compatible modules

KernelSU to Magisk

1. Flash stock or Magisk-patched boot
2. Install Magisk app
3. Complete root
4. Reinstall modules

---

My Personal Take

What I use: Magisk on main device

Why:

• Module ecosystem is unmatched
• LSPosed works perfectly
• Community support for any issue
• Been reliable for years

When I'd switch to KernelSU:

• If banking apps became impossible with Magisk
• If my device had excellent KernelSU kernel support
• If module compatibility improved significantly

The future: KernelSU is promising. As it matures, it might become the new standard. For now, Magisk remains the safer choice for most users.

---

Conclusion

Magisk: The established choice. Works everywhere, does everything, has massive community.

KernelSU: The innovative alternative. Cleaner approach, better hiding, needs kernel support.

There's no wrong choice. Both give you root. Both let you customize your phone. Pick based on your priorities.

---

Keywords: kernelsu vs magisk, kernelsu review, magisk vs kernelsu 2024, best android root, root comparison