If you’ve been using the default iPhone keyboard since your first iOS device, you’re not alone. But you might also be missing out. The App Store has a wide range of keyboards that offer things Apple’s built-in keyboard doesn’t—like swipe typing, custom themes, or multilingual support that actually makes sense. For some users, it’s about getting faster.

For others, it’s about having a keyboard that understands their typing style better. The best part? Installing one is easier than you might think. Let’s take a closer look at why you might want to make the switch—and which apps are worth trying.

Best Alternative Keyboard Apps for iPhone

Gboard (by Google)

Gboard has become one of the most popular third-party keyboards on iOS, and for good reason. It combines fast typing, emoji search, and glide typing with built-in Google Search. You can send search results directly from your keyboard without switching apps. It also supports multilingual typing and voice input. Gboard is lightweight, reliable, and often more responsive than Apple’s native keyboard when it comes to predictive text.

Microsoft SwiftKey

SwiftKey is known for learning from how you type. The more you use it, the better it predicts what you will say next. It handles multilingual input smoothly and lets you swipe instead of tap. It offers dozens of themes and even lets you create your own. The keyboard also supports clipboard history, which comes in handy if you copy and paste a lot. SwiftKey has improved significantly on iOS and works well even if you don't allow full access.

Fleksy

Fleksy focuses on speed and design. It’s known for its accurate autocorrect and gesture shortcuts. Rather than relying heavily on swipe typing, Fleksy sticks to tapping but makes it faster with clean gestures. You can flick to delete words, insert punctuation, or switch languages. It also includes a fun add-on system called "Extensions," where you can customize the keyboard with mini apps, such as a built-in GIF finder, number row, or custom launcher.

Grammarly Keyboard

If you do a lot of writing or messaging on your phone, Grammarly’s keyboard acts like a proofreading tool as you type. It checks grammar, punctuation, and tone in real time, offering better correction than Apple’s autocorrect. While it's not the flashiest keyboard, it’s useful for business users or anyone who wants to send clean, clear messages without typos or awkward phrases.

Typewise Keyboard

Typewise tries something very different. Instead of the typical QWERTY layout, it offers a hexagonal keyboard meant to reduce typos. It takes some getting used to, but some users find it much more comfortable after a bit of practice. The app is privacy-focused, claiming to do all processing on-device with no cloud logging. It’s a good fit for those who want something minimal and distraction-free.

Bitmoji Keyboard

This one’s more about fun than speed. Bitmoji allows you to use personalized cartoon stickers across apps. The keyboard itself isn’t great for actual typing, but it’s popular among users who want to insert their avatar into messages. While not ideal as a main keyboard, it works well alongside others for adding personality to your texts.

ReBoard

ReBoard includes a surprising number of features. It supports GIFs, emojis, stickers, clipboard management, and even app shortcuts—all from the keyboard. You can schedule tasks, search Wikipedia, or access Dropbox directly from your typing window. It's great for users who like having everything in one place and are okay with a slightly steeper learning curve.

How to Install and Use Third-Party Keyboards on iPhone?

Setting up a third-party keyboard on an iPhone takes just a few minutes. Here's how to do it step by step:

Download the Keyboard App

Start by visiting the App Store. Search for the keyboard you want (like Gboard or SwiftKey) and install it.

Open iPhone Settings

Once the app is installed, open your iPhone’s “Settings” app. Scroll down and tap on “General,” then choose “Keyboard,” and finally “Keyboards.”

Add a New Keyboard

Tap “Add New Keyboard” and select the app you just installed from the list. This allows the keyboard to appear as an option when you’re typing.

Allow Full Access (if needed)

Some keyboards need full access to function properly—for example, for swipe typing or emoji suggestions. To enable this, tap on the name of the keyboard after adding it, then toggle on “Allow Full Access.” If you’re concerned about privacy, check the app’s privacy policy before enabling this.

Switching Between Keyboards

When you’re typing, you can switch between keyboards by tapping and holding the globe icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen. This will bring up a list of all your installed keyboards.

Customizing the Keyboard

Most apps have their own settings that you can tweak. Open the app from your home screen to change themes, enable features, or adjust the layout. This step is often missed, but it’s how you unlock the real benefits of a third-party keyboard.

Try It Out

Open Notes, Messages, or any app where you can type and test out your new keyboard. If it doesn’t feel right, switch back or try another—most apps are free or offer free versions.

Conclusion

Trying out alternative keyboard apps for iPhone isn’t just about making things look different—it can make typing faster, smarter, and more comfortable. Whether you’re after better autocorrect, multilingual support, gesture typing, or just something more fun, there’s likely an option that suits your style better than the stock keyboard. With options like Gboard, SwiftKey, and Fleksy, there’s no need to settle for the default. Installation only takes a few taps, and switching between them is seamless. If typing is something you do all day on your phone, then getting the right keyboard can make a noticeable difference. You might even wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.