Android launchers are nonetheless a factor in 2023. Why? Because they’re far more customizable than the inventory launcher. Even although firms have labored through the years to offer customers extra management over their telephones with customization options, individuals nonetheless use customized software program like Android launchers greater than the default apps.
Why use an Android launcher?
Stock or default Android launchers will be tedious, with restricted options and customization choices. But inventory launchers are the right picks for individuals who adore the minimal design and wish to keep away from fancy options. As a minimalist, I’ve at all times been a fan of inventory launchers, and this may change primarily based on the telephone I’m utilizing. For instance, my secondary telephones have third-party launchers. However, my major Android telephone is full of completely different launchers.
Also learn: How to make your telephone really feel like inventory Android (with out root)
Unlike the Apple ecosystem, individuals choose extra management over their telephones. With the brand new iOS on the town, Apple tried giving customers extra energy over their telephones, but it surely’s removed from what Android has been providing since its inception. With Android’s third-party apps, equivalent to launchers, individuals can customise their telephones utterly the best way they need.
We’ve compiled an inventory of the most effective Android launchers you’ll be able to obtain to make your Android telephone’s residence display thrilling once more.
So, let’s not wait anymore and bounce to the record of some favourite Android launchers which you could get in 2023.
1. Nova Launcher
Since I’m a minimalist, Nova is my favourite choose as a result of it affords all the pieces a launcher ought to have, nothing fancy. The launcher comes with tons of free options, from icon pack help to app drawer customizations. However, there’s a paid model referred to as Nova Prime which provides further options.
I’ve been utilizing Nova launcher for eight years and have at all times been happy, besides when there are nasty bugs. But, thus far, I didn’t remorse shopping for Nova Prime, the premium model of this launcher. For me, it’s the only option as a third-party launcher for Android as a result of of its easy however loads of options. You can obtain Nova Launcher from Google Play Store.
Nova Launcher | Nova Prime
2. Smart Launcher 6
I lately used Smart Launcher, which seems is my quantity 2 fav. Smart Launcher exhibits {that a} launcher will be completely different from typical Android launchers and nonetheless not be boring.
For instance, a proper swipe gesture will take you to high tales powered by Microsoft Start News, and the swipe-up gesture will take you to the app drawer. However, a swipe-down gesture is a search bar the place you’ll be able to seek for apps, contacts, and queries on the web. You may handle matters and alter the format from “Magazine’ to “Compact” or “Text.”
To attempt different options of this launcher, you’ll be able to set up Smart Launcher from Google Play.
Download Smart Launcher 6
3. POCO Launcher 2.0
Xiaomi’s best work is POCO Launcher, which is full of helpful options for anybody. First appeared in Pocophone F1, the POCO launcher tried to keep up the easy format making it snappier than most launchers out there.
The launcher is sort of easy, has a clear UI, and simply works. It has an app drawer with apps sorted in categorized tabs. There’s a search bar on the backside of the app drawer to search out apps instantly. It doesn’t supply pointless options which may decelerate the telephone. Now, there’s a more recent model, 2.0, with enhancements over the earlier ones. You can obtain POCO Launcher 2.0 on Google Play.
Download POCO Launcher 2
4. Evie Launcher (Discontinued)
When it involves simplicity, Evie Launcher is the suitable alternative for minimalists. With the suitable swipe from the left aspect, you get a feed displaying News, which you’ll be able to personalize in accordance with your style. Swipe down gesture on Home Screen brings a search bar similar to in iOS.
You can seek for contacts, apps, and search queries on the web utilizing the search bar, and it’ll open in a browser. Evie launcher enables you to choose your favourite icon pack, affords gestures, and adjustable residence display and app drawer icons.
Note: Evie Launcher just isn’t out there on Google Play. Instead, there’s a blatant copy of the launcher out there, which is extremely not really useful. It’s full of advertisements and nothing like Evie. However, you’ll be able to nonetheless obtain an older model from APK Mirror and set up it utilizing this technique. Still one of my fav, however now not formally supported or out there. The information and backup to Google Drive characteristic doesn’t work, however the remaining of it’s working. Enjoy!
Download on APK Mirror
5. Microsoft Launcher
Microsoft Launcher is one of the thrilling apps I attempted on my Android telephone, and it’s nice. But I wouldn’t say I favored it that a lot. It affords an excessive amount of, asks for too many permissions, and retains suggesting Microsoft apps, which is annoying.
If you swipe to the suitable of the house display, you’ll see a feed that appears like Google Now. The feed has Glance, News, and Timeline tabs, which present a look at your day, personalised News, and a timeline of actions throughout the gadgets, respectively.
The launcher makes use of a Microsoft account to sync all the pieces while you log in. It additionally comes with deep Cortana integration so as to management it with voice. It makes options primarily based in your utilization and adjustments every day Bing wallpaper to feast your eyes. Microsoft Launcher additionally comes with gestures like swipe up, swipe down, two fingers swipe, double-tap, and pinch out and in. Microsoft Launcher is accessible on Google Play.
Download Microsoft Launcher
6. Action Launcher: Pixel Edition
After bringing paid options to free customers, Action Launcher has grow to be one of the most well-liked Android launchers, with 10 million+ downloads on Google Play. The launcher has been round for a very long time. It’s highly effective, with a paid variant out there.
The Pixel Edition within the title now says all of it, and the launcher now has a extra Pixel really feel than ever. A Quick web page is a fully-featured Home display and will be accessed by swiping the suitable edge. You may drag and drop widgets and customise how you want them. Action Launcher is accessible on Google Play.
Download Action Launcher
7. Pixel Launcher
From Google Now launcher to Pixel Launcher, we’ve come a good distance. Google’s Pixel Launcher is unique to Pixel telephones. The residence display will get a novel Pixel climate and clock widget displaying occasion alerts. It’s the most effective inventory Android expertise that we are able to get. However, it’s simply elementary with fundamental Android options.
If you need extra, different launchers have far more options to supply. If you’re a Pixel proprietor or also have a telephone that helps it, as a result of some telephones do, you’ll be able to obtain Pixel Launcher from Google Play.
Download Pixel Launcher
8. GO Launcher
In 2014, once I first obtained launched to Android telephones, I spent probably the most time exploring GO Launcher and themes as a result of of its wide selection of themes, options, and wallpapers. GO Launcher additionally comes with fancy animations that many individuals love.
There’s a premium model as properly with extra options. However, through the years, it has grow to be a bloatware machine with options like boosting your telephone pace, and so forth.
There are loads of themes to select from, and for those who like a various assortment of themes in a launcher, GO is the reply for you.
Download GO Launcher
9. Niagara Launcher
Niagara is the brand new Evie Launcher for me, because it has only one scrollable web page the place you could find apps, work together with notifications proper on the home-screen, and even cover much less used apps. Niagara is for minimalists who don’t like litter. You can discover Niagara Launcher on Google Play.
Download Niagara Launcher
10. Total Launcher
Many individuals appear to love Total Launcher as a result of of its customization choices; nonetheless, I encourage to vary. To me, a launcher shouldn’t be complicated. Instead, it ought to supply handy options, which Total launcher lacks. I struggled to learn to use it as a result of it’s fully a distinct breed. Hence, it’s ultimately on this record. You can obtain Total Launcher from Google Play.
Download Total Launcher
Bonus: CPL – Customized Pixel Launcher (Discontinued)
CPL (Customized Pixel Launcher) is a minimal Pixel launcher filled with extra options. It comes with themes, Icon pack help, and Pixel-like minimal consumer interface. You may customise the dock, Home display gestures and tweak different settings. Unfortunately, it obtained eliminated or perhaps the dev pulled it from Google Play. However, you’ll be able to nonetheless use the hyperlink beneath to obtain the APK and set up CPL in your telephone however we are able to’t assure that each one options will work.
Download CPL
So these have been some of the most effective Android launchers you’ll be able to attempt in your telephone. These are ranked primarily based on my expertise with them, the rating will be completely different for you.
People typically ask me which one’s the most effective launcher. The reply is: it depends upon your wants. And the one strategy to discover the most effective launcher for you is to attempt all of them.
If you assume we missed any nice launcher that needs to be on this record, you’ll be able to tell us about your favourite picks within the feedback part beneath.
Editor’s Picks:
Update: The article has been up to date with new launchers as of 2023, contemplating the options supplied within the feedback.