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15 Best Android Launcher Apps to Optimize Smartphone Usage Experience

In 2023, there are much better options in the list of the best Android launcher apps compared to previous years. Features that we will discuss further will tell you how.
Last Updated on :
March 15, 2023
Android Launcher Apps
Android operating system has the best privilege over its alternatives and that is the freedom of customizing user interfaces. From adding your favorite superhero themes to improving theme textures, there are many possibilities for enhancing your smartphone usage experience. However, to do any modifications in Android launchers and themes, you need companion apps that make it possible. These best Android launcher apps are equipped with features that allow you to pick different styles for your Android launcher look. These apps have leveraged the latest UI trends to offer the best experience possible. Further in this blog, we are discussing some of these top apps.

Our Top Picks

Furthermore, in this list, we are shortlisting a few top free apps for Android smartphones that will let you modify your UI experience. These unique Android launchers are shortlisted after their thorough reviews to ensure that you have the best possible experience.

Top Launchers Apps For Android In 2023

With each launcher app included in this list, you will get other information accompanying them such as features and download links for Android smartphones. So, without further ado, let’s begin the list!
1.

Nova Launcher - Best Launcher For Android

android 4.3

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, Android 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 backup while switching to a new device.

Nova Launcher Prime, one of the most downloaded apps in the launcher app segment, 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 the best free launcher for Android

  • Snap icons or widgets halfway through the desktop grid cells
  • Color control options
  • Customizable app drawer
  • Offers a backup and restore option
  • Can import layouts from other good Android launchers
Download Nova Launcher - Best Launcher For Android
2.

Microsoft Launcher - Best Free Launcher For Android

android 4.6

Soft Launcher, one of the best home screen launcher apps 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; 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 the app launcher Android

  • Pin contact on your Home screen
  • Let Cortana read unread text messages, calendar updates, and more
  • Personalized feeds like news, calendar events, docs, and more
  • You can search the web or device docs in one place
  • Gesture customization
Download Microsoft Launcher - Best Free Launcher For Android
3.

Apex Launcher - Best Android Theme Launcher App

android 4.2

Apex Launcher is one of the best home screen launcher apps for Android that transform 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, one of the top paid launchers for Android, sorts apps in the app drawer as per the title, installation date, or how frequently it’s being used.

Apex Launcher Pro, one of the top paid launchers for Android, features include dynamic drawer customizations, unread count notifications, flexible icon gestures, transition effects, enhanced folder support, and more.

Notable features of the best Android customization app

  • Optimized for both phones and tablets
  • Advanced theme engine
  • Convenient home screen gestures
  • Hide apps from the drawer
  • Drawer apps sorting
Download Apex Launcher - Best Android Theme Launcher App
4.

Smart Launcher 6 - Best Launcher For Android

android 4.0

Smart Launcher 6 is another one of the best home screen launcher apps for Android 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, one of the best Android launchers in the world, 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 one of the new Android launchers different 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 this one of the best Android launchers

  • Automatically adjust the ambient theme in this one of the best Android launchers in the world
  • Adaptive icons with enhanced customization
  • Automatic app sorting in this launcher pro for Android
  • Designed to be used with one hand
  • This launcher pro for Android comes in an ultra-immersive mode
Download Smart Launcher 6 - Best Launcher For Android
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5.

Evie Launcher - Best Launcher App For Android

android 3.8

The one of the best home screen launcher apps for Android 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 this some of the lite launchers for Android 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 the best launcher for Android

  • Search inside all of the apps in one place
  • Swipe up for instant access to all apps
  • Search results to create custom shortcuts
  • Import and customize the layout, wallpaper, and more
Download Evie Launcher - Best Launcher App For Android
6.

ADW Launcher 2 - Best Launcher App For Android

android 4.2

ADW Launcher, one of the lite launchers for Android, 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 one of the best home screen launcher apps for Android 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 the best launcher for Android

  • This new latest launcher supports Android 10 launcher shortcuts
  • Icons effects section in this new latest launcher
  • Dynamic UI coloring using wallpaper colors
  • Indexed fast scroll app drawer style
  • User gesture management support
Download ADW Launcher 2 - Best Launcher App For Android
7.

Niagara Launcher - Best Launcher For Android

android 4.9

If you are an ardent fan of Pixel devices, the Niagara Launcher, new best launcher, is your pick. The Android app and Apple launcher offer 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 of this new best launcher can even import existing layouts from the best android launchers like HTC Sense, Google Now Launcher, Apex, Nova, Samsung/Galaxy TouchWiz, and others.

Notable features of this one of the best Android launchers

  • All apps in a simplified list
  • Featured on XDA Developers
  • Nominated as one of the best free Android launcher by Lifewire 2019
Download Niagara Launcher - Best Launcher For Android
8.

AIO Launcher - Best Launcher For Android

android 4.3

AIO Launcher, one of the most popular launchers for Android, is one of the best launcher apps for all Android users. The launcher Android app has hundreds of mobile themes and HD wallpapers with a variety of styles like stars, anime, games, cartoons, and more.

AIO Launcher Android also offers screen 3D effects and app widgets which can be used to customize the menu, home screen, and lock screen.

Interestingly, AIO Launcher, one of the most popular launchers for Android, runs on an independently developed 3D Engine, which also makes best in all  launchers for Android that helps the mobile launcher app to run in a fast and secure manner. AIO Launcher can also be considered as the best launcher for tablets as well.

Notable features of the best Android launchers

  • Daily updates for wallpaper and themes in this best Android launcher
  • Screen and drawer animation effects
  • Hide & Lock APPs to protect phone security
  • Added 3-D effects in this launcher for Android
Download AIO Launcher - Best Launcher For Android
9.

Hyperion launcher - Top Launcher For Android

android 4.2

If you wish to get the Pixel feature to embed in your smartphone, try the Hyperion launcher, top choice for this option in all launchers for Android. One of the Android launchers apps  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 many futuristic launcher apps and therefore, the Hyperion launcher app, one of the free launchers for Android, has many of the features similar to the modern Launcher apps, along with a few others.

Notable features of the best Android launchers

  • Hyperion Dock
  • Multi-color
  • Iconography
  • Typography
  • Custom Grid Size
  • Google Smart Widget
Download Hyperion launcher - Top Launcher For Android
10.

Lawnchair - Best Launcher For Android

android 4.3

This one of the best home screen launcher apps for Android is a perfect tool for those who do not own a Pixel phone, but love the way it looks and works in terms of interface, Lawnchair, free launchers for Android, can be their time-being solution to get the same aesthetics, flow and even some functionalities.

This one of the best free Android launcher 2022 apps is free and open source, meaning there is no limit to the feature updates. By default, it mirrors the visuals of Pixel phone with support for adaptive icons, notification dots, auto dark mode and much more. Though it works on Android Pie, officially it is compatible with Android 10 and 11.

Notable features of the best Android launcher

  • Google Pixel inspired visuals and appearance
  • Android 9, 10, and 11 compatible
  • Support for app icon packs
  • Configurable icons and grid size
  • Open-source
  • Google now support
Download Lawnchair - Best Launcher For Android
11.

POCO Launcher - Top Launcher For Android

android 4.4

This best launcher app for Android offers customization of icons, themes, UI colors, and more. The top launcher for Android offers a minimalist design to keep the home screen as clean and systematic as possible. There are some customization features that come with this custom launcher Android as well. You can resize the home screen and app icons and you can also customize the wallpaper depending on your preferred style.

Notable features of this one of the top unique Android launchers

  • Allows resizing icons and home screen
  • Supports Android 8.0 and up versions
  • Includes ads
  • No in-app charges
  • Allows app categories
Download POCO Launcher - Top Launcher For Android
12.

Launcher iOS 15 - Best Launcher For Android

android 4.7

As the name suggests, this one of the top launcher applications for Android converts the UI into an iOS-style UI. Your home screen will look like a screen of the iOS 15 operating system. With icons, widgets, and more designed like the UI designed for iOS phones, you can dive into a unique experience without having to onboard the Apple product range. However, apps will still have the same UI as they were designed. 

Notable features of this one of the best unique Android launchers

  • iOS-themed home screen and icon packs
  • Modifies widgets such as news or clock
  • Includes ads
  • No hidden charges are included
  • Change the wallpaper for a stunning iOS-design experience
Download Launcher iOS 15 - Best Launcher For Android
13.

Action Launcher - Best Android Launcher

android 3.7

This top launcher for Android smartphones is designed thoughtfully to ensure that you have some freedom over the customization of themes. You can put your favorite wallpaper and apply the theme which can go along with it. The app also comes with multiple colored textures for better control over themes. Some other features that you get with Action Launcher are a dynamic clock, 10+ icon shaps, scale icons, etc.

Notable features of this custom launcher for Android

  • Intuitive design
  • Customizable icons
  • Multiple color choices
  • Ability to customize wallpapers
  • Free to install
  • Comes with ads
  • Includes in-app purchases
Download Action Launcher - Best Android Launcher
14.

Nova Launcher Prime - Top Android Launcher

android 4.7

One of the top launcher applications for Android, Nova Launcher Prime is a paid app that lets you customize app names, icon style, icon layout, home screen, and more. The app is a thoughtfully designed product that helps you in shortlisting apps according to your preferences. Some additional features that are supported by the Nova Launcher Prime are gesture control, the ability to hide apps, scrolling effects, and more. 

Notable features of this custom launcher for Android

  • Comes with a one time-cost
  • No ads or other hidden charges
  • Ability to hide apps
  • Allows you to customize icon names
  • Ability to customize icon layout
  • Supports gesture control
  • Includes effects control
Download Nova Launcher Prime - Top Android Launcher
15.

Olauncher - Best Android Launcher

android 4.7

The minimalist themed launcher, Olauncher offers a simple yet stunning UI that will improve the experience of your phone. From features such as quick app search to zero ad experience, with this one of the best launcher apps, you get the freedom to style your home screen. Some additional perks include fresh wallpapers daily, open-source projects, and more. The app is entirely free and it does not even include ads. So, in short, with Olauncher, you will surely boost your smartphone usage experience. 

Notable features of this one of the top launchers apps for Android

  • Free to install and use
  • Includes no hidden charges
  • No ads are given
  • Open-source app
  • Daily new wallpapers
  • Wallpapers for dark and light themes
Download Olauncher - Best Android Launcher
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Well, these were the top Android launcher apps that we had to introduce you to. During their reviews, we found the fact interesting that most of these apps are able to offer their features for free and some of them do not even include ads. In the end, hopefully, you found the perfect Android launcher for your requirements with the help of this blog.

Now, if you are a developer as well and have worked on apps or planning to build one, you can submit and get your app reviewed as well. MobileAppDaily experts will go through your apps and provide you with in-depth feedback that you can leverage to boost the growth of your app across multiple target markets and platforms. Also, keep exploring MobileAppDaily for the latest app development trends and updates. 

General FAQ

  • Are launcher apps safe for Android?
  • Do launcher apps slow down your Android device?
  • Do launcher apps drain the battery?
Written By
Pallavi
Pallavi Content Head at MobileAppDaily

She is an avid writer of technology and trending mobile apps. When she is not busy updating you about the tech world, she spends time reading books and playing guitar.


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