Nexus 7 (2012): Best OS to use?

[Eug]

I have an old Nexus 7 which is very, very slow with Lollipop. In 2016, in terms of responsiveness vs. app compatibility and overall functionality, what OS would you recommend installing on it?

Main usage would be video playback (MKV, and Netflix), and occasional surfing and email. If you can get over the GUI lag, it still works fine for video playback in Lollipop, but surfing is horrible.

4.3 Jelly Bean?
4.4 Kit Kat?
Or just stick with Lollipop and forget about the surfing?

 

[Crono]

I haven't kept up with ROMs for the Nexus 7, but I'd probably look for a slim/debloated custom ROM. Maybe this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-7/development/rom-beanstalk-rom-t3312870

 

[Eug]

That's a good idea, but I'm wary of custom ROMs. When I've run custom ROMS in the past (years ago), I've always encountered weird issues. Reading through the comment section of that ROM page, it seems that ROM is no different.