I've been using Calyx for almost 2 years now. I chose it over Graphene because the latter supposedly has a toxic community. The folks at Calyx were very helpful when I had issues installing.

I like the fact that my phone is de-googled, but there is a price to pay. Banking apps don't work, push updates are often delayed, WhatsApp on my main installation doesn't seem to effectively communicate with my navigation app which is sandboxed (i.e. can't send or receive a location). Aurora store frequently breaks down so I have to reinstall it pretty much every time I need to install an app that isn't on F-Droid. It's annoying and even a bit embarrassing when you're frantically trying to install an app that your coworker just installed in seconds.

Overall, I love Calyx in theory, but in practice it has let me down on those few occasions where I needed it to immediately just work. Next time I buy a phone I'll consider the following options:

CalyxOS is fine for me. I have never tried GrapheneOS so cannot compare the two, but I imagine they have a similar UX.

For the most part CalyxOS behaves like stock Android, only you won't be using the Google Play store. Some apps will not work (notably the payment apps like Google Pay), while others require a workaround (such as the apps you need to purchase in-store).

Contrary to other posts here, my banking app works fine.

source: https://divestos.org/pages/patch_levels

Graphene is much more patched for security issues on Android than CalyxOS.

I'm not saying Calyx is worthless and it's probably a far better option than some random mainstream manufacturer roms in the privacy department. However, if the security of your phone is your top priority, Graphene is the best choice.

I've been using calyx for a couple of years now. Would like to try Graphene so I can compare the two, but 2nd hand phones are expensive these days!

I'm not too technical, but I've been using Calyx as a daily driver for more than a year, and I'm pretty happy with it. Works more or less like any other phone, just can't use banking apps.

I think I ended up using Calyx over Graphene because I heard it was more user friendly, and maybe also compatible with a wider range of apps.

I've not used Grapheme, so I can't really say anything factual about the comparison.

I used their hotspot service in the US, which can be paid in bitcoin. Truly unlimited with no throttling. With 5g, it could be used to replace your ISP depending on where you live (uses T-Mobile) if you setup a good directional antenna. In theory, you are not allowed to put SIM in a different device, but in practice, I have not had issues. Something like $45/month, but prepaid yearly.

Calyx is less popular, most people prefer graphene.

I think @DarthCoin uses Calyx, but he's taking a break to build his Citadel.