As you probably know, Android is the most popular operating system for smartphones, and one of the most popular operating systems for tablets, closely followed by iOS. However, our main focus today will be Android launchers. Launchers for Android are programs that allow the user to customize the home screen, launch apps, make calls, etc. These launchers are great and can be of use if you want your own, unique user interface. This is why Android is a great and very popular operating system, because of its open-source nature, which allows users to freely customize almost any feature of this system. That being said, let’s check which are the 10 best launchers for Android.
1. Action Launcher 3
Let’s kick this list off with the Action Launcher 3, which is one of the most popular Android launchers today. Why? Well, in our opinion, it’s because it still boasts that stock Android feeling, but of course, it comes with some extra customization. For example, the color of your UI can be customized to match the color of your wallpaper, widgets can be seen and opened without placing to the home screen, and much more. Icons are also customizable here, with a full icon pack available in this release. Action Launcher 3 gets regular updates, so you don’t need to worry about your launcher getting old.
2. Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher is developed by TeslaCoil Software and is currently one of the most prominent launcher apps. It allows users to customize the complete experience of Android, with a possibility for customization of icons, wallpapers and the entire layout of the device. This one also allows for adding an animation to your device and is completely free! Of course, there is a premium version that you can buy for a cheap price, but in most cases, the free version will be just enough.
3. Apex Launcher
Apex Launcher may be similar to the aforementioned Action Launcher 3, as it resembles a similar feeling to this app. However, Apex Launcher is with us for much more time, thus being one of the most iconic launchers for Android. Its main focus is to make your Android experience more beautiful and colorful, with some cool possibilities thrown in. In this launcher, you can alter transition animations with the addition of scrolling dock, used for adding extra icons. Developers are promising some major updates for this launcher, so stay tuned.
4. Microsoft Launcher
While the Microsoft Launcher (Arrow Launcher) wasn’t the most used launcher for Android, Microsoft made it one of the best launchers for Android of today in past few months. The idea of this launcher is to give the users a home screen, where they can add icons and directly customize them from there. There are also preset home screens, where you can see your frequently opened apps or contacts. Microsoft didn’t invent here anything new, but all in all, you’ll surely have a great experience with this launcher.
5. Lightning Launcher
Lightning Launcher doesn’t make your smartphone launch lightning, but it will make your smartphone launching great. This launcher is one of the most customizable out there, with minimal size and great interface. Everything that you see on the home screen is highly customizable, with interchangeable home screens, to best suit multiple occasions. On top of that, there are various language packs, plugins and much more to download for this launcher, which makes it a great app for any smartphone. We recommend this one if you want a solid, free Android launcher.
6. Google Now Launcher
Google is known for its simplicity and great apps that are always user-friendly. This is no exception when we speak about Google Now Launcher. It boasts many features like customizing wallpapers, widgets, icons and all that stuff, but there is a cool feature if you want to search with Google. This can be done with a swipe and then use your voice. If you aren’t for the most advanced launchers out there, Google Now Launcher is great for you, as it offers a user-friendly and colorful environment.
7. Lens Launcher
Lens Launcher isn’t exactly the most popular launcher out there, but if you decide to try it, you’ll see it’s great. This launcher allows users to explore their apps and icons in a unique way, using Equispaced Grid, which will show you all of your apps, regardless of the screen size, neither app count. On top of that, there is a Settings menu where you can tweak the settings of your Lens, and these include scaling, distortion, etc. Lens Launcher is free to download from Google Play, so we encourage you to try it.
8. Solo Launcher- Clean, Smooth, DIY
Solo Launcher- Clean, Smooth, DIY is developed by NewBornTown and is more than a simple Android launcher. Aside from the possibility to personalize your complete interface, this app allows cleaning the cache and boosts overall device performance. This is great for those with laggy and slow smartphones. The most frequently used apps will be placed on your home screen, which makes the app usage even easier. Right now, this launcher is rated 4.5 stars on Google Play, which actually tells us a lot about it. It’s also free, so you’ll want to check it out.
9. Yahoo Aviate Launcher
If you didn’t know, Yahoo has its own launcher- Yahoo Aviate Launcher. This launcher doesn’t offer anything new and it’s not the most original launcher, but hey, it’s quite simple to use and offers a great experience. Aside from customization possibilities, this launcher also notifies you of future events, weather reports and helps you save your battery. You can get it free on Google Play.
10. ZenUI Launcher
Developed by ASUS, ZenUI Launcher is made for those less-demanding users. It offers features similar to Android, with a possibility of customizing wallpaper, font, font size, etc. It can also group your apps and bring in front the apps you are using the most, which can be searched if you swipe down the home screen and type your search query. Overall, a great app, if you are for a simplistic and old-school approach to Android launchers.
