Transform the look and feel of your Android phone with these top android launchers.
We know that Android launcher apps have been available on the market for a long time and these sets of applications come packed with some excellent features and functionalities that can restyle the whole interface of the device.
From changing the home screen look to app icons and from theme colors to font size, everything is possible with the help of Android launcher apps; all thanks to its diverse features and customized options.
The dominance of Android over the device OS is well-known and it’s mainly because of the customization opportunities that come with it and due to the same reason, almost every device is integrated with a pre-installed launcher application. For instance, Google packs Pixel launchers on all of its Pixel devices and the same goes for other smartphone manufacturers.
Without wasting much time, here is our rundown of the top android launchers that will let you better manage the UI of your smartphone:
Also featured in: Best Free Android Apps
Nova Launcher is one of the first Android launcher apps and also the best customization launcher application that made its way into the app stores and with time, the Android app has made its name in the mobile industry. Nova Launcher is known for its customization features like gesture support, customization of the app’s look and feel, icon pack support, themes, and more.
The best thing about this launcher for Android is that its developer team keeps it updated and thus helps in removing bugs and errors. For greater ease, home screen layouts can be stored in the back up while switching to a new device.
Nova Launcher Prime includes features like gesture controls like swipe, pinch, double tap and more, unread count badges for messages, new tabs or folders in the app drawer, hides never used apps, custom actions for swiping on app shortcuts or folders, and more.
Notable features of Nova Launcher:
Download this best android launcher from Google Play Store
Microsoft Launcher for Android offers the user an easy way to manage their stuff on their device. Right from tailoring the calendar to do lists, and Sticky Notes, the Android Launcher app makes it more productive with Cortana, which can read unread text messages, calendar updates and more for the user.
The digital assistant is an add-on to this app launcher for Android and helps it stand out among other similar Android launcher apps.
The app is a boon for people who have a Microsoft account because of it; the user gets direct access to documents, calendars, and other recent activities. The Microsoft Launcher app syncs all the windows devices and makes it easier for the user.
Notable features of Microsoft Launcher:
Download this best android launcher from Google Play Store
If you are an ardent fan of Pixel devices, the Action Launcher Pixel Edition is your pick. The Android app launcher offers the best features of Android Pie and Pixel launcher. With all this, there are plenty of customization features that can refine the home screen experience.
The users can even import existing layouts from launchers like HTC Sense, Google Now Launcher, Apex, Nova, Samsung/Galaxy TouchWiz, and others.
Notable features of Action Launcher:
Download this best android launcher from Google Play Store
Smart Launcher 5 is another fantastic Android launcher app that offers some out-of-the-box features. The user can easily search for contacts, apps or even search for content on the web.
Due to its fully customizable support, Smart Launcher is entirely customizable; thanks to many options that come stuffed in this app. With tons of themes and icon packs to download, the home screen can be altered in unique ways.
One thing that sets this App launcher for Android from others is that it is a community-driven project, which is why the app gets updated regularly and supports all the latest Android APIs and new devices.
Notable features of Smart launcher 5:
Download this best android launcher from Google Play Store
The lightweight launcher comes with excellent gesture controls, which multiplies the launcher speed and the launcher experience. Users can also back up the Evie layout to Google Drive.
Customization options for the app include a swipe down to "Open Notifications," gesture controls to open apps, and an app-sized personalized interface. This App launcher for Android is free and offers much more than many of its competitors.
In a recent update, the Android launcher app was added with new features which include the freedom to choose a search engine, lock home screen icons, show more local results in search, Android O notifications, and more.
Notable features of Evie Launcher:
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ADW Launcher was the predecessor of ADW Launcher 2 and even the first version was remarkable. The new ADW Launcher is added with an updated UI that can fit in with any Android version.
The Android launcher app offers tons of new features like launcher shortcuts, extensions, and a lot of shortcuts. The best customization launcher app also has a make-your-own-widget feature which is a great add-on for an app like this.
Notable features of ADW Launcher 2:
Download this best android launcher from Google Play Store
Check out: Detailed Apex Launcher App Review
Apex Launcher is one of the best customized launcher apps that transforms the entire look of the stock Android and adds extra new features thrown in for good measure. Its transition animations, scrolling dock, and scrolling habits are simply amazing.
The app launcher for Android packs thousands of themes and icon packs that can further be downloaded from the Play Store. For greater convenience, Apex Launcher sorts apps in the app drawer as per the title, installation date or how frequently it’s being used.
Apex Launcher Pro features include dynamic drawer customizations, unread count notifications, flexible icon gestures, transition effects, enhanced folder support, and more.
Notable features of Apex Launcher:
Download this best android launcher from Google Play Store
GO Launcher is one of the best launcher apps for all Android users. The launcher Android app has over 10,000 mobile themes and 1,00,000 free HD wallpapers with a variety of styles like stars, anime, games, cartoons, and more.
Go Launcher Android also offers screen 3D effects and app widgets which can be used to customize the menu, home screen, and lock screen.
Interestingly, GO Launcher runs on an independently developed 3D Engine, which also makes it the fastest Android launcher that helps the mobile launcher app to run in a fast and secure manner. GO Launcher can also be considered as the best launcher for the tablets as well.
Notable features of the GO Launcher:
Download this best android launcher from Google Play Store
Google launcher is an excellent product from Google itself and we all know what Google is capable of. Google does have its Pixel series device, but to target other Android devices, the tech giant has rolled out an exclusive app launcher for Android and that is Google Launcher.
Being a Google product, the user can integrate a number of Google services on to his device like by swiping right on the home screen, Google Now cards are accessible. Even the user can manage the Google search bar design from the home screen itself.
Notable features of Google Launcher:
Download this best android launcher from Google Play Store
If you wish to get the Pixel feature to embed in your smartphone, try the Lawnchair Launcher app. The open-source Launcher application has been added with a lot of features and under the leadership of a volunteer team, the app gets updated regularly.
The launcher for the Android app seems to have been inspired by the Pixel launcher app and therefore, the Android launcher app has many of the features similar to the Pixel Launcher app, along with a few others.
The one thing that has helped this app to be listed in the top android launchers is that it’s free and doesn't include any ads or in-app purchases.
Notable features of Lawnchair Launcher:
Download this best android launcher from Google Play Store
The third-party launcher for Android apps is a direct replacement for the default launcher that comes built-in for the device. The third-party launcher apps do not just offer tools to manage the home screen, but there is an endless amount of customization for users to suit their needs.
Over time, third-party launcher apps have become smarter and more feature-rich and also save a lot of time by bringing many of the features to the same page.
Note: The list of best launcher apps is put in order for the number of downloads and user feedback. If you wish to try any one of these, you are free to pick any of the launchers for Android apps as per its functions and features.
Are you already using an Android launcher application or wish to try one; we have got your back with a list of the best Android launcher apps. For us, Nova has been a steady app that has everything to offer and has been in this race for a long time; it’s a complete package for any device.
Over time, other launcher applications for Android like the Smart Launcher and Microsoft Launcher apps have steadily marked their presence in this field.
But now it's time to change and try something new and unique in 2020. Just think of a perfectly set up app drawer, finely complemented with Icon Pack Studio and KLWP, cohesive and awesome Android themes; it’s all dazzling.
In addition to this, our suggestion would be to first go through some detailed app reviews before directly downloading any mobile applications as this provides you with valuable insights regarding the app.
Vikram is an experienced wunderkind, who embraced technology at a very early age, and today he is at the helm of it. Mobile apps are something that excites him the most, and now he is up to give this vertical the best shot. He routinely catches up with the new apps and comes up with the top apps that can excite you to the core.
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