Android is an open system, which means it’s pretty versatile. Customizing your phone’s UI is simple thanks to Android’s support of third-part launchers. Of course, it’s not always easy to choose which launcher to go with, so we’ve hand-selected some of our favorite third-party app launchers in the Google Play Store.
Niagara Launcher
The Niagara Launcher arrived out of beta on the Play Store in early 2021 and found a good bit of success over the last year. Niagara is a minimalist launcher that offers quality ergonomics, thanks to its app list that scrolls vertically, line by line. This allows you to control your device one-handed with ease. The app list is also adaptive, which puts the apps you need at your fingertips precisely when you need them. That’s especially useful when it comes to messengers and email apps.
The launcher is free to use, and there are no ads. Of course, if you’d like to unlock Niagara Launcher’s complete set of features, you’ll have to plunk down some cash. You have the choice to pay for a month’s or year’s worth of access, along with a full unlock for $14.99.
Price: free / no ads / IAPs from $0.99 – $14.99
Microsoft Launcher
Even though we’re discussing Android launchers, the Microsoft Launcher actually offers a quality experience. It packs all the expected features, including custom icons, custom wallpapers, and a dark theme. Of course, since this launcher comes from Microsoft, it also ties into many of the company’s products, including the option to sign in with a Microsoft account to access tasks, calendar events, and other services.
Thankfully, signing in with an account is optional — you don’t need a Microsoft account to use the app. You can simply use the Microsoft Launcher as you would from any other third party, customizing it to your heart’s content. Best of all, the launcher is completely free, so there’s no harm in taking a look.
Price: free / no ads / no IAPs
Lawnchair 2
Check out Lawnchair 2 if you’re looking for something that’s close to stock Android, but far more customizable. It’s based on Launcher3 from AOSP. While the Play Store listing hasn’t been updated since 2019, the app runs fine, though gesture navigation support is missing entirely. The good news is that the developer is working on a new launcher based on Launcher3 from Android 12 — hence the name Lawnchair 12, which is currently in alpha.
If you’d like to grab a copy of the Lawnchair 12 alpha to sideload the APK, you can hit the typical hotspots, like APKM or the developer’s Telegram channel. This version offers an Android 12 look and feel, with Material You and QuickSwitch support. Oh, and if you’re looking to install the older version, Lawnchair 2, you can snag a copy through the Play Store widget below.
Monetization: free / no ads / no IAPs
Before Launcher
Before Launcher is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a simple launcher that doesn’t get in your way. Its self-described as a minimal launcher, where each app shortcut is simply a word on the screen. Changing a wallpaper and a few shortcuts is just about as deep as customization gets, keeping things simple, but leaving an opportunity for a few modifications, so things don’t grow stale.
So if Niagara Launcher didn’t quite do it for you, but you’re still looking for something that’s easily used by a child or grandparent alike, or simply prefer no-muss, no-fuss app launchers, then Before Launcher is easily worth a look. The best part is you can use the app for free, and if you’d like to unlock a few extra features, like folders and hidden apps, you can unlock the full feature set for $5.99 through an in-app purchase.
Monetization: free / no ads / IAPs from $1.99 – $5.99
AIO Launcher
If you’re looking for something totally different from a typical app launcher, AIO should be your first stop. Instead of showing off flashy icons, this launcher displays your pertinent info, like how much RAM you’re using, and where your last calls came from. There’s also a list of your most-used apps.
The launcher also offers all kinds of other options, like a display of your recent text messages, or what’s in your mailbox. Best of all, AIO does all this without collecting any personal info. The launcher may have been around since 2017, but it’s definitely gaining attention thanks to its unique and customizable layout.
Monetization: free / no ads / IAPs from $4.99 – $5.99
Nova Launcher Prime
Nova Launcher has been a mainstay on the Play Store since its release in 2012. Ten years later, it’s still one of the top choices anytime someone asks for a launcher recommendation. It offers a relatively standard Android launcher layout, with a basic app drawer and a multitude of home screens. It’s all customizable, of course, which is why it’s so popular; it’s excellent for themers while offering enough tools to get more out of it than what comes with stock.
Want to change your icon pack? Easily done. Flip from light to dark mode? Even easier. You can even customize the layout of the app drawer. And since this is the premium version, you get a few extra features, including gesture support and an easy way to hide apps. Plus, if you’d like to try it before buying, there’s a free version. Even after all these years, the developer is still actively updating the app. What’s not to like?
Monetization: $4.99 / no ads / no IAPs
POCO Launcher 2.0
Xiaomi’s POCO Launcher describes itself as a fast and lightweight browser, and I have to say I agree. It feels pretty lightweight, though its main claim to fame is the intuitive app drawer that offers genres at the top for easy category selection. If you have an extensive library of installed apps, this launcher is the perfect solution for scrolling nightmares.
Oh, and since the app comes from Xiaomi, it’s continually updated. It’s the same launcher used on Xiaomi’s devices, so fixes and new features are expected regularly. For a launcher that comes from an Android manufacturer, it’s a solid lightweight effort, and it’s totally free.
Monetization: free / contains ads / no IAPs
Action Launcher: Pixel Edition
Action Launcher has been around since 2013, and while it may not be the newest launcher on this list, it’s still managed to prove itself over the years. From the outset, it looks like any customizable third-party launcher, but it also offers an optional pull-out widget drawer as well as a secondary pull-out app drawer for your most-used apps. This way, you can hide items like your weather widget until you need to check the temp.
Of course, you don’t have to use any of this to have a great experience. On its own, Action Launcher also provides a stock Pixel look for your device. The choices are yours to make, which is where Action Launcher shines.
Monetization: free / contains ads / IAPs from $4.99 – $12.00
Apex Launcher Pro
Formerly, it felt like Apex and Nova had a quiet rivalry in the launcher space, with both of these apps serving as prominent go-tos for years, often updated back to back. Just like Nova, Apex is still performing, and that’s thanks to its dedicated dev and the fact that the launcher is incredibly customizable.
Free icon packs are on offer, but you can also bring along your own third-party packs if you’d like. A wide array of themes is perfect for setting and forgetting if you’d rather avoid digging into the minutiae. The only caveat here is the price — at $8.99 for the pro version, it’s a bit steep. Thankfully, there is a free version if you want to take a look before splurging.
So whether you’re deep into theming or just want an intuitive feature-rich launcher, Apex is still one of the top choices available on the Google Play Store. Extra fun: if you’d like a blast from the past, a classic version of the launcher is also available.
Monetization: $8.99 / no ads / no IAPs
Total Launcher
Versatility is a big plus when it comes to app launchers, and Total Launcher is an incredibly apt name, as this is a very versatile app, offering tons of customization options, whether you want to go minimal or in-depth with tons of widgets and general theming. Plus, you don’t even have to be good at theming, as you can grab a free pack of themes directly from the developer with an LCARS theme that’s simply divine.
Of course, like most launchers, the app is free to use, but if you’d like to unlock a few extra features, like folder search and hidden apps, then you can either subscribe for $1.99 a year or outright purchase the app for $4.99 through an in-app purchase, which is a fine enough deal for what you get.
Monetization: free / no ads / IAPs from $1.99 – $4.99
Smart Launcher 6
Smart Launcher 6 is a themer’s dream. Not only does everything on-screen align perfectly, it’s great for those who use plenty of Android devices that vary in screen size. You can also tweak the formatting per item to create unique looks. Plus, you get adaptive themes amongst a host of other options, like gesture support and the ability to hide apps.
Smart Launcher 6 is a feature-packed launcher that’s highly theme-able, and it’s free to use, though a few in-app purchases are included. There’s a monthly subscription for $2.49, a yearly subscription for $6.99, and a full lifetime unlock for $16.99. If you choose to pay, you’ll gain access to features like popup widgets, a slick blur effect, and extra home pages.
Olauncher
Olauncher is something of a wild card. It may not be a familiar name like Nova and Apex, but it sure packs a wallop if you dig minimal launchers. Everything is cleanly laid out, and your most-used apps are words on the screen. Pair this with a slick wallpaper, and you have an awesome-looking minimal launcher without much effort. You even get a couple of free wallpapers each day (light and dark theme), which is great for those who don’t want to hunt down their own.
The launcher is free, and there are no in-app purchases or ads. This is a distraction-free app by design, with an excellent search function that will fill the gaps anytime you need to pull up something that isn’t pinned to your home screen.
Monetization: free / no ads / no IAPs
And there you have it; these are AP’s top picks for app launchers on Android. Of course, we’re barely scratching the surface, so feel free to sound off in the comments with your favorites to help us continually grow the list. So until the next update, enjoy the new additions, and have fun!
UPDATE: 2022/04/03 07:45 EST BY MATTHEW SHOLTZ
This roundup has been updated with new apps:
1. Before Launcher
2.Total Launcher
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