Top 10 Devanagari Keyboard Apps for Android and iOSTyping in Devanagari (used for Hindi, Marathi, Nepali and other languages) has become much easier thanks to mobile keyboard apps that offer accurate transliteration, smart suggestions, and custom layouts. This article reviews the top 10 Devanagari keyboard apps for Android and iOS, comparing features, ease of use, privacy, and special tools that help beginners and power users alike.
What to look for in a Devanagari keyboard
Before diving into the list, here are key features to consider when choosing a Devanagari keyboard app:
- Accuracy of transliteration (phonetic typing converting Latin letters to Devanagari).
- Support for native Devanagari layout (InScript) and alternative layouts (phonetic/QWERTY).
- Predictive text, autocorrect, and suggestions in Hindi/other Devanagari languages.
- Emoji, GIFs, and sticker support (if you use messaging apps frequently).
- Customization options: themes, font size, key size, keyboard shortcuts.
- Offline support and privacy (local language models vs cloud processing).
- Multilingual typing and easy language switching.
1) Gboard (Google Keyboard)
Gboard is the default recommendation for many users because it balances accuracy, speed, and privacy-friendly defaults.
Key features:
- Transliteration and native Devanagari (InScript) support.
- Robust predictive text and autocorrect for Hindi and other languages.
- Glide typing (swipe) for Devanagari via transliteration.
- Built-in Google Translate and voice typing supporting Hindi.
- Themes, clipboard manager, emoji/GIF search.
Why choose Gboard:
- Reliable updates, deep language resources from Google, and strong handwriting and voice input support.
- Good offline functionality for basic typing; heavy cloud features require connectivity.
Privacy note:
- Google may process some inputs for suggestions; check app settings to limit sharing.
2) Microsoft SwiftKey
SwiftKey is known for its prediction engine and adaptation to your typing style.
Key features:
- Phonetic transliteration and InScript layouts for Devanagari languages.
- Strong multilingual support; can switch between multiple languages seamlessly.
- Excellent next-word prediction, personalized suggestions.
- Themes, keyboard resizing, and clipboard features.
Why choose SwiftKey:
- Learns from your typing habits across devices (optional) and excels for users who frequently switch languages.
- Voice typing supported via platform services.
Privacy note:
- Offers cloud backup for personalization; can be disabled for local-only use.
3) Indic Keyboard (by Sourab)
Indic Keyboard is an open-source keyboard focused on Indian languages with a simple, lightweight interface.
Key features:
- Supports many Indian languages with Devanagari layouts (InScript and phonetic).
- Offline transliteration and dictionary support.
- Customizable layouts and keypress long-press characters.
- No ads; community-driven improvements.
Why choose Indic Keyboard:
- Great for privacy-conscious users and those on older or low-end devices.
- Regularly updated by contributors who focus on language coverage rather than bells and whistles.
4) Hindi Keyboard – Lipikaar
Lipikaar uses a simple phonetic typing method that’s easy to learn for beginners.
Key features:
- Phonetic input where you type Hindi using Roman letters and get Devanagari output.
- Minimal learning curve; suitable for users who prefer typing as they would pronounce words.
- Offline functionality and small app size.
Why choose Lipikaar:
- Ideal for new typists who want to avoid learning InScript layouts and still type accurately.
5) Aasaan – Hindi Keyboard
Aasaan provides an all-in-one solution with practical tools for everyday messaging.
Key features:
- Phonetic transliteration plus native Devanagari layout options.
- Built-in sticker packs, emoji, and Hindi fonts for stylized messages.
- Personal dictionary and swipe typing support.
Why choose Aasaan:
- Good mix of features and playful elements for social messaging.
6) Google Indic Keyboard (older standalone version / integrated features)
Though many of its features merged into Gboard, Google Indic Keyboard used to be the go-to for Indian languages and remains relevant in concept.
Key features:
- Devanagari layouts, transliteration, and handwriting input.
- Robust language models and predictive typing for Hindi.
- Simple UI focused on language input rather than extras.
Why choose it:
- If available for your device/version, it’s tailored specifically for Indic scripts and reliable for accurate native typing.
7) Swarachakra Hindi Keyboard
Swarachakra offers a unique layout optimized for touch typing in Devanagari with ergonomics in mind.
Key features:
- Optimized Devanagari layout that reduces finger travel (designed for touch-screen ergonomics).
- Predictive typing and offline dictionaries.
- Customizable keyboard size and long-press characters.
Why choose Swarachakra:
- Strong choice for users who want a Devanagari-first design rather than adapted layouts.
8) Remington CBI / InScript-based Keyboards
Multiple apps emulate the standard InScript or Remington layouts used in formal typing tests and professional contexts.
Key features:
- True InScript/Remington layouts for accurate, standardized typing.
- Useful training modes and layout diagrams.
- No transliteration — meant for users who know the layout.
Why choose InScript apps:
- Essential for students preparing for government exams or for professional typists who need standard layout proficiency.
9) Hindi Keyboard — Bolo Indica / Other small developers
There are several smaller keyboards that focus on fast transliteration, creative fonts, and local features.
Key features:
- Lightweight, fast transliteration engines.
- Fun fonts and stickers tailored to Hindi social use.
- Often focused on specific markets or device compatibility.
Why choose these:
- Try smaller apps if you want niche features, lower resource use, or a particular sticker/font set.
10) Multiling O Keyboard
O Keyboard supports many languages and input styles, including Devanagari.
Key features:
- Multiple layouts, emoji and theme support, and clipboard tools.
- Predictive typing with language switching.
- Small footprint with plenty of customization.
Why choose O Keyboard:
- Good if you want a highly customizable keyboard supporting many scripts in one app.
Comparison table (features at a glance)
| App | Transliteration | Native Devanagari/InScript | Offline Support | Predictive Text | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gboard | Yes | Yes | Partial | Excellent | All-round users |
| SwiftKey | Yes | Yes | Partial | Excellent | Multilingual typists |
| Indic Keyboard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Good | Privacy/low-end devices |
| Lipikaar | Yes | No | Yes | Good | Beginners |
| Aasaan | Yes | Yes | Partial | Good | Social messaging |
| Google Indic (standalone) | Yes | Yes | Partial | Excellent | Indic-focused users |
| Swarachakra | Limited | Yes | Yes | Good | Ergonomic Devanagari typing |
| InScript apps | No (layout only) | Yes | Yes | Varies | Professionals/learners |
| Bolo Indica / small apps | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies | Niche users |
| Multiling O | Yes | Yes | Partial | Good | Customization seekers |
Tips for better Devanagari typing
- Start with transliteration if you type phonetically in Roman script; switch to InScript when you want speed and accuracy.
- Enable offline dictionaries if privacy or spotty connectivity matters.
- Practice common ligatures and conjuncts — they determine correct spelling in many words.
- Use voice typing for long messages; then edit for punctuation and correctness.
- If preparing for exams, learn InScript/Remington and use training apps to build speed.
Privacy considerations
- Check whether predictions and personalization require cloud backups; disable cloud sync if you prefer local-only processing.
- Open-source keyboards (Indic Keyboard, Swarachakra) offer better transparency about what’s processed locally.
- Gboard and SwiftKey process some data to improve suggestions — review app permissions and language settings.
Conclusion
The best Devanagari keyboard depends on your priorities: ease of learning (Lipikaar, transliteration-capable apps), predictive intelligence (Gboard, SwiftKey), privacy and low resource use (Indic Keyboard), or formal layout training (InScript/Remington apps). Try two or three from this list to see which matches your typing habits and device.
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