Harnessing the power of Android customisation, Android launcher apps have transformed the smartphone user experience.
The ability to personalize your device, from the android home screen to the app list, is a unique feature that sets Android apart. With so many launchers for android available in the Google Play store, choosing the best launcher for android can be daunting.
This comprehensive review and comparison of the best android launchers will help you make an informed choice.
What is an Android Launcher?
An android launcher acts as a gatekeeper to your Android device. It allows you to interact with your device, manage your apps and customize your home screen.
The beauty of Android is its flexibility, which extends to your choice of launcher app for android. From the most sophisticated smartphone to the simplest budget phone, every Android device comes with a built-in launcher.
But with a range of third party launchers for android available, you can choose one that suits your needs and preferences.
Why Choose a Third-Party Android Launcher?
While the default launchers on Android devices offer a basic level of customization, third-party launchers offer more advanced personalization options. They can change everything from the layout of your home screen to the icon shapes and widget integration.
Whether you’re looking for a minimalist launcher, explosive color options, or extra functionality, there’s an android launcher out there for you.
In this section, we’ll take a detailed look at the top 10 best launchers for android. Each launcher has its own unique features and advantages. We’ll highlight the key features of each, making it easier for you to choose the best android launcher that best suits your preferences.
1. Nova Launcher
Standing at the helm of android launchers since its launch in 2012, Nova Launcher is a fine blend of extensive customization and superior performance. With its sleek design and lightning-fast speed, Nova Launcher lets you set your android home screen just right without slowing down your device’s performance.
Key Features
- Highly customizable, with options to change color themes, icon packs, scrollable docks, and more.
- Offers infinite scrolling and folder settings.
- Regular updates with new features.
- Nova Launcher Prime, a premium version, offers more powerful features.
Download Nova Launcher: Play Store
2. Niagara Launcher
Famous for its minimalist launcher design and user-friendly interface, Niagara Launcher puts your apps and notifications front and center while minimizing distractions. The launcher is particularly suitable for users who prefer simplicity and efficiency.
Key Features
- Displays notifications right on your home screen with automatic filtering of spam and persistent notifications.
- The app drawer adapts to your usage patterns, surfacing your favorite apps and providing alphabetical shortcuts.
- Regular updates and promising new features.
Download Niagara Launcher: Play Store
3. Smart Launcher 5
Long favored for its simple and intuitive design, Smart Launcher has taken a significant leap with its latest version, Smart Launcher 5. The new version retains the simplicity of the previous versions while adding new and refined features.
Key Features
- Offers a variety of layouts designed for one-hand operation.
- Smart search and an intelligently sorted and customizable app drawer.
- Adaptive icons and colors, fully resizable widgets, and more customizations.
- The Pro version offers more features, including pop-up widgets and expanded gesture controls.
Download Smart Launcher 5: Play Store
4. AIO Launcher
AIO Launcher stands out in the crowd with its unique layouts approach to customization. Unlike other launchers focusing on decluttering and visual customizations, AIO Launcher is designed to provide as much information as possible on your screen in a relatively spartan format.
AIO Launcher uses Device Administrator permission. Check settings for battery restrictions and pop-up permissions for AIO Launcher and widget-related apps.
Key Features
- Weather (with 10-day forecast), Android notifications, Messenger conversations, Music player controls, Frequent and selected apps, Quick contacts, Dialer, Timer, Mail, Notes, Tasks, Telegram (paid), RSS news, Calendar, Exchange rates, Bitcoin price, Finance data (paid), Calculator, Audio recorder, System monitor (RAM, storage, battery), Control panel (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.), Network traffic monitor, Android widget support (paid)
- In-app purchases unlock additional features like widget support and Android notifications in the home screen stream.
Download AIO Launcher: Play Store
5. Hyperion Launcher
Hyperion Launcher, developed by the team behind the popular Substratum theming engine, is a highly customizable android launcher app. It offers many theme settings you can tweak to create a personalized user experience.
Key Features
- Offers standard wallpapers and widgets.
- Enhance navigation and control with custom gestures (Pro!).
- Customizable settings for themes, folders, transparencies, animations, and more.
- Offers launcher-level font changes and custom gestures in the Pro version.
Download Hyperion Launcher: Play Store
6. Action Launcher: Pixel Edition
Action Launcher is one of the first third-party launchers to adopt the Pixel-style makeover. It offers many customization options, new interface features, and styles introduced with the Pixel Launcher.
Key Features
- Includes an adaptive app bar, the pill-shaped Google search bar, and Oreo-style app shortcuts.
- Automatic color adaptation based on wallpaper, adjusting the app drawer, folder backgrounds, and search box to match.
- Special gestures such as “covers” and “shutters” allow for quick access.
- Faster icon swaps with instant suggestions with Quickedit.
- It has Google Discover Integration with News feed right at your fingertips.
Download Action Launcher: Play Store
7. Square Home
Love the tile-based Windows Phone look? It will make you feel like you are using windows phone. Simple, intuitive design, suitable for phones, tablets, and even TV boxes.
Key Features:
- Smooth scrolling both vertically and horizontally
- Customizable tiles with visual effects
- Notifications displayed directly on tiles
- Smart app drawer that prioritizes frequently used apps
- Quick contact access
- Multiple customization options
Download Square Home: Play Store
8. Niagara Launcher
Niagara Launcher it’s clean, distraction-free and great for one-handed use. We have liked it using this launcher as it has unique feature, displaying notifications directly on your homescreen.
Key Features
- Even the free version doesn’t have ads for a clutter-free experience.
- Lightweight and fast, optimized to run smoothly on all devices.
- Regular updates and an active, supportive community.
Download Niagara Launcher: Play Store
9. POCO Launcher 2.0 – Customize,
Developed by Xiaomi, POCO Launcher is a fast and lightweight launcher that deviates from Xiaomi’s usual design sensibilities. It offers an app drawer with smart category tabs that automatically sort apps into groups like Communication and Photography.
Key Features
- Offers a customizable screen layout, transition effects, icon pack support, and notification badges.
- It has Automatic app grouping by category or create custom groups.
- You will also get Privacy Focus which will help you to hide app icons.
- Recent additions include dark mode support and the ability to lock your phone by tapping the screen.
Download Poco Launcher: Play Store
10. Microsoft Launcher
Microsoft Launcher offers a blend of great features and integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem. It packs all the expected features, including custom icons, custom wallpapers, and a dark theme.
Key Features
- Allows you to sign in with a Microsoft account to access tasks, calendar events, and other services.
- Offers a universal search bar, customizable themes, and configurable gesture controls.
Download Microsoft Launcher: Play Store
Also Read: Best Racing Games for Android 2024
11. Pie Launcher version 2024
The Pie Launcher app provides a smooth and intuitive interface with customizable features of Android 10, 11, 12, and 13 to your device. You can get customize themes, enjoy enhanced gestures, and streamline your Android experience like never before.
Key Features:
- Customization: Personalize your home screen with various themes, icon packs, and widgets to suit your style.
- You can choose Vertical & Horizontal Drawer layout that suits you best.
- Protect your privacy or reduce clutter by hidding apps.
- Theme Library has Over 1000 cool themes to personalize your phone.
- Download Pie Launcher version 2024: Pie Launcher version 2024
How We Selected the Best Android Launchers
We’ve put together a list of the top Android launchers based on a few different factors.
We’ve tested each one out to see what it can do, how it performs and how easy it is to use.
While everyone’s different, we’ve picked those that offer the most features and customisation options. Ultimately, we’d say try out a few to see which one suits you best.
- Ease of use: Do you want simple or intricate control?
- Features: App sorting, gestures, widget support, etc.
- Themeability: How important are icon packs and colors?
- Device: Consider your device’s screen size and power.
Feature Comparison: Android Launcher Applications
Android launchers offer a unique way to customize your smartphone experience. Each launcher comes with its unique features that set it apart from the rest.
| Launcher | Unique Features | Customizability | User Interface | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Launcher 5 | Adaptive icons, ambient theme, automatic app sorting | High | Clean and intuitive | Free, with in-app purchases |
| Nova Launcher | Icon themes, subgrid positioning, backup & restore | Very high | Smooth and highly customizable | Free, with a premium version |
| Lawnchair 2 | Google Now integration, adaptive icon packs, automatic dark mode | High | Minimalist and clean | Free |
| Action Launcher | Quicktheme, shutters, quickbar | High | Dynamic and intuitive | Free, with premium features |
| Niagara Launcher | Minimalist design, adaptive list, integrated music player | Medium | Streamlined and simple | Free, with a pro version |
| Pixel Launcher | Google Discover feed, at-a-glance widget, suggestion features | Low | Simple and easy to use | Free |
| Microsoft Launcher | Microsoft integration, timeline feature, continue on PC | Medium | Modern and clean | Free |
Each of these launchers has its own set of features and levels of customisation. But it all depends on what you need, what you like and how much you want your launcher to reflect your personality.
Whether you prefer a simple design like the Niagara Launcher or a highly customisable one like the Nova Launcher, there’s something out there for everyone.
What is an Android Launcher?
An Android Launcher is an app that controls the home screen display and the catalog of all the apps on your device. It allows you to customize the interface, change the icons, layouts, and more.
How to Change an Android Launcher?
To change an Android launcher, you need to download a launcher app from the Google Play Store. Once installed, tap the home button. You’ll be prompted to choose a default launcher.
Are Android Launchers Safe?
Most Android launchers are safe to use. However, as with any app, it’s important to download launchers from trusted developers and reliable sources like the Google Play Store.
Do Android Launchers Affect Battery Life?
Certain Android launchers can affect battery life, depending on their features and functionalities. Launchers with heavy graphics or those that run frequent background processes may consume more battery.
Can Android Launchers Improve Performance?
Yes, some Android launchers can improve device performance by optimizing screen transitions, reducing resource consumption, and managing apps more efficiently.
Can I use multiple launcher apps simultaneously?
Only one launcher app can be active at a time. But some launchers, such as Nova Launcher, allow you to create multiple launcher profiles, each with its own unique settings and home screen layout.
Android launcher apps are all about giving you the power to make your device your own. Whether you want a minimalist look, more productivity, or the best customisation options, there’s an Android launcher app out there for you. Embrace the transformative power of these apps and unlock the full potential of your Android device.
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