The Ultimate Guide to the Best Android Launchers in 2023

An Android launcher is an application that enables you to modify the look and functionality of your smartphone. It replaces your phone’s default home screen, icons, and app drawer with a new set of visuals and functions that you can adjust according to your preferences.

Numerous Android launchers are accessible on the Google Play Store, each with its own unique features and customization possibilities. The most potent and adaptable Android launchers can revolutionize your smartphone experience by enabling you to modify everything from the layout and color scheme to the icons and widgets.

With the help of these launchers, you can personalize your device and make it one-of-a-kind. Additionally, you can enhance your phone’s performance by utilizing features such as app hibernation and memory cleaning, which can free up resources and enhance your device’s performance.

If you’re interested in experimenting with an Android launcher, you can explore our comprehensive list of the best launchers available on the market. Our selection includes a variety of choices, ranging from basic and user-friendly launchers to sophisticated and feature-rich options that offer extensive customization.

1. Nova Launcher

A very well-liked Android launcher called Nova Launcher offers a remarkable fusion of customization and efficiency. With this feature-rich launcher, you can customise your device to your preferences.

The wide variety of customization possibilities that Nova Launcher provides is one of its biggest benefits. Your home screen’s design, app icons, typefaces, and even the animations and transition effects may all be changed. Additionally, you can design your own home screen shortcuts, personalise gestures, and create custom widgets.

Along with offering several customization options, Nova Launcher performs admirably. It is well known for its smooth and quick performance, and because it utilises less system resources, users get a snappy and responsive user interface.

Key Features

  • Highly customizable
  • Wide range of icon packs
  • Customizable app drawer
  • Gesture controls
  • Backup and restore settings

Pros

  • Efficient performance
  • Regular updates
  • Excellent support

Cons

  • Some features require the paid version (Nova Launcher Prime)

2. Microsoft Launcher

A seamless integration of Android smartphones with the Windows ecosystem is provided by the Android launcher Microsoft Launcher. It has a modern appearance and useful features that are quite helpful for increasing productivity.

The ability of Microsoft Launcher to interface with Microsoft services like Microsoft Office, OneDrive, and Cortana is one of its most important benefits. Users now have direct access to their Windows documents, files, and settings from their Android smartphones, making for a more simplified and effective experience.

Additionally, Microsoft Launcher offers a number of useful features to boost productivity, including customisable home screens, folder-based app organisation, and gesture navigation. It also has a feed that gathers pertinent data, including news, calendar events, and tasks, in one location.

The clean and contemporary look of Microsoft Launcher, which resembles that of Windows 10, is another crucial advantage. Users can experience a uniform and recognisable user interface on both Windows and Android devices thanks to this design.

Overall, Microsoft Launcher is a great option for people who want their Android device to seamlessly integrate with the Windows ecosystem. It offers a user-friendly and productive experience with its useful features, productivity boosters, and contemporary appearance.

Key Features

  • Seamless integration with Microsoft services
  • Customizable feed with news, calendar, and tasks
  • Gesture controls
  • Icon pack support
  • Dark mode

Pros

  • Excellent for productivity
  • Clean and modern design
  • Cross-device syncing with Windows

Cons

  • Requires Microsoft account for full functionality

3. Smart Launcher 6

Smart Launcher 6 is an advanced Android launcher designed for users who appreciate a clean and smart approach to organizing their smartphone interface. This launcher’s main goal is to offer an effective and visually appealing user interface that simplifies the process of app arrangement.

A standout feature of Smart Launcher 6 is its automated app sorting. This innovative system cleverly organizes your apps into different categories like communication, entertainment, productivity, and others. As a result, users can effortlessly locate and access the apps they require without needing to manually arrange them.

An additional noteworthy aspect of Smart Launcher 6 is its dynamic icon system. The launcher acknowledges the significance of keeping a uniform visual appearance for all app icons. To accomplish this, it automatically modifies the form and style of app icons so that they adhere to a consistent look. This not only improves the overall aesthetics of the user interface but also promotes a smoother and more enjoyable user experience.

In conclusion, Smart Launcher 6 is a robust and stylish Android launcher aimed at users who prioritize simplicity and effectiveness. Its automated app sorting and dynamic icon system collaborate to produce a unified and user-friendly interface that streamlines app organization and navigation while preserving an attractive visual appeal.

Key Features

  • Automatic app categorization
  • Adaptive icons
  • Customizable widget pages
  • Gesture controls
  • Built-in search bar

Pros

  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Low resource usage
  • Smart app suggestions

Cons

  • Limited customization options

4. Action Launcher


Action Launcher is a renowned Android launcher celebrated for its distinct features and creative approach to personalization. It empowers users to design a bespoke experience using Quicktheme, Covers, and Shutters, resulting in a matchless degree of customization.

Quicktheme is an exclusive feature of Action Launcher that lets users seamlessly generate a uniform color scheme across their device’s interface. By automatically extracting colors from the user’s wallpaper, Quicktheme applies the resulting color palette to various elements, including the app drawer, folders, and search bar. This creates a cohesive and visually pleasing interface tailored to the user’s taste.

Covers is an additional inventive feature that simplifies app organization while preserving a tidy appearance. It allows users to group related apps under a single icon, which is displayed as a regular app icon on the home screen. Tapping the icon launches the primary app, whereas swiping up unveils the other apps in the group. This method not only conserves space on the home screen but also enables quick access to associated apps without creating clutter.

Shutters, another remarkable feature of Action Launcher, grants users access to an app’s widget by swiping up on its icon. This eradicates the necessity for separate space to accommodate widgets, resulting in a more organized and roomy home screen. By delivering instant access to vital information without opening the app, Shutters boosts productivity and effectiveness.

In conclusion, Action Launcher sets itself apart with its extraordinary features and imaginative approach to personalization. By providing one-of-a-kind tools such as Quicktheme, Covers, and Shutters, it enables users to create a genuinely individualized experience that combines aesthetics, organization, and practicality for a highly optimized Android interface.

Key Features

  • Quicktheme to match your wallpaper
  • Covers for hiding apps within folders
  • Shutters for instant widget access
  • Adaptive icon support
  • Google search bar integration

Pros

  • Innovative features
  • Highly customizable
  • Frequent updates

Cons

  • Some features require the paid version (Action Launcher Plus)

5. Niagara Launcher

Niagara Launcher is an Android launcher that accentuates ease of use and one-handed operation. Its unique interface presents a clutter-free environment, making it a perfect option for users who value minimalism and efficiency in their mobile experience.

A key characteristic of Niagara Launcher is its sleek interface that concentrates on offering quick and straightforward access to essential apps. The launcher showcases a vertically arranged, alphabetized app list, enabling users to seamlessly scroll and find the apps they want. This layout not only removes the necessity for multiple home screens but also streamlines navigation, leading to a neater and more efficient user experience.

Another noteworthy aspect of Niagara Launcher is its optimization for one-handed usage. By presenting apps in a vertical list that is easily accessible with a thumb swipe, it lets users comfortably access their apps using just one hand. This feature is especially beneficial for users with larger devices or those who favor one-handed smartphone usage.

Niagara Launcher also displays unintrusive notifications by showcasing app badges with a small dot or a preview of the notification adjacent to the app’s icon. This method maintains a clean and minimalist interface while still offering users crucial information at a glance.

In conclusion, Niagara Launcher is a novel Android launcher that emphasizes simplicity and one-handed operation. Its uncluttered interface and dedication to minimalism and effectiveness make it an ideal choice for users seeking a streamlined and user-friendly smartphone experience. With its distinct design and accessible features, Niagara Launcher offers a refreshing and straightforward alternative to conventional Android launchers.

Key Features

  • Minimalist design
  • One-handed usage
  • Integrated alphabetized app list
  • Notification previews
  • Customizable app icons

Pros

  • Clean and simple interface
  • Low resource usage
  • Fast and efficient

Cons

  • Limited customization options

6. Lawnchair Launcher

Lawnchair Launcher is an Android application that enables users to personalize their device’s home screen and app drawer, mirroring the Google Pixel phone interface. The app offers a simplistic and elegant design with robust customization features that allow users to modify the interface according to their preference.

The Pixel-inspired design includes features such as a Google search bar, app suggestions, and an app drawer that arranges apps in a vertical scrolling list and includes a search bar at the top. Lawnchair Launcher also permits users to customize the home screen layout, icon pack, and widgets to personalize the device’s appearance.

One of Lawnchair Launcher’s primary advantages is that it offers users the ability to experience the Google Pixel interface without purchasing a Pixel device. This feature is particularly appealing to Android users who enjoy the Pixel’s aesthetic but do not want to buy a new phone or pay a premium for a Pixel device.

Aside from the design aspects, Lawnchair Launcher also provides practical customization options that enable users to manage their device’s behavior. For example, users can select the size of their home screen grid, the number of icons displayed on the dock, and the app animation style.

In conclusion, Lawnchair Launcher is an intuitive and adaptable interface that can improve the Android experience for users who appreciate the refined and simplistic design of the Google Pixel.

Key Features

  • Pixel-style interface
  • Customizable app drawer
  • Icon pack support
  • Gesture controls
  • Google Discover integration

Pros

  • Clean and modern design
  • Extensive customization options
  • Regular updates and active development

Cons

  • May not appeal to users seeking a unique look

7. Apex Launcher

Android application Apex Launcher is well-known for its capacity to provide customization capabilities while guaranteeing that device performance is at its best. Without affecting the speed and efficiency of the device, users can customise it to their liking by utilising the capabilities of the programme.

One of Apex Launcher’s standout features is its adaptability, which enables users to change the appearance of the home screen, app icons, and animations. To give their device a unique look, users can choose from a variety of themes, icon packs, and wallpapers. Additionally, the launcher has gesture capabilities that let users swipe or squeeze to carry out particular actions.

In order to open apps quickly and without lag or slowdown, Apex Launcher optimises each programme for the best possible device performance. Users who wish to change their smartphone while keeping it quick and responsive will find this feature to be especially helpful.

Advanced features like scrollable docks, hidden apps, and options for backup and restore are also available with Apex Launcher. While ensuring that their data is safe and secure, these capabilities enable customers to further customise their device.

In general, Apex Launcher is a well-liked option among Android users who want to customise their device’s look and functionality without affecting its speed. It offers customers who desire the best of both worlds a fantastic alternative thanks to its well-balanced approach to customisation and performance.

Key Features

  • Highly customizable home screen
  • Wide range of icon packs
  • Customizable app drawer
  • Gesture controls
  • Backup and restore settings

Pros

  • Smooth performance
  • Regular updates
  • Good support

Cons

  • Some features require the paid version (Apex Launcher Pro)

8. Evie Launcher

Evie Launcher is a mobile application that was developed with the aim of providing users with a seamless and hassle-free experience. One of the standout features of Evie Launcher is its simple layout and user-friendly design, which makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize performance over needless complexity. The app has been designed in a way that allows users to quickly access their commonly used apps and utilities without having to navigate through multiple menus or pages.

Thanks to its intuitive and user-friendly design, all the features and functions of Evie Launcher are only a few taps or swipes away. This means that users can easily customize their mobile experience and access everything they need quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s checking emails, making a phone call, or browsing the internet, Evie Launcher makes it easy to perform these tasks with just a few taps.

Evie Launcher is a fantastic choice for anyone who values a quick and efficient mobile experience. Its user-friendly design and simple layout make it easy to use, while its focus on performance ensures that users can get things done quickly and without any unnecessary hassle.

Key Features

  • Minimalist design
  • Universal search bar
  • Customizable app drawer
  • Icon pack support
  • Gesture controls

Pros

  • Fast and lightweight
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Low resource usage

Cons

  • Limited customization options

9. Hyperion Launcher

A launcher app that offers customers a variety of customising choices is called Hyperion Launcher. Its robust functionality and svelte and attractive form make it the ideal option for consumers who want to make their devices really unique to them. Users of Hyperion Launcher may quickly alter their home screen, app icons, fonts, and other aspects to give their smartphone a distinctive look and feel.

The ability to design unique widgets is one of Hyperion Launcher’s best features. This implies that users can build their own personalised widgets using various tools accessible within the launcher, or they can construct their own widgets for frequently used apps. The Hyperion Launcher also provides a number of gesture-based features that let users rapidly access their apps and settings with a few swipes and taps.

Additionally, Hyperion Launcher has sophisticated theming options that let users apply unique icon packs, change colours, animations, and other visual components to further customise their experience. Users may optimise the performance of their device and change different system settings to suit their preferences with the help of its comprehensive settings menu.

In conclusion, people who wish to customise and enhance their Android experience should definitely consider using Hyperion Launcher. It distinguishes itself from other launcher programmes on the market because to its robust features and numerous customization choices.

Key Features

  • Extensive customization options
  • Adaptive icons
  • Customizable app drawer
  • Gesture controls
  • Google search bar integration

Pros

  • Attractive and modern design
  • Regular updates
  • Active development

Cons

  • Some features require the paid version (Hyperion Launcher Pro)

10. ADW Launcher 2

An updated version of the first ADW Launcher, ADW Launcher 2 is a very well-liked Android launcher. This contemporary launcher is a top competitor among Android launchers since it offers customers a slick look and excellent customization options.

Numerous new features are included in ADW Launcher 2, such as a new material design, personalised icon packs, and gesture-based controls. With the help of these capabilities, users can simply access their regularly used apps, customise their home screen, and change the app icons.

Having the ability to design unique shortcuts and categorise programmes is another noteworthy feature of ADW Launcher 2. Users may now quickly and effectively access their apps and tools thanks to this. Additionally, users can alter the animations, typefaces, and other aesthetic components of their smartphone by using the vast options menu of the launcher.

Weather widgets, calendars, and clocks are just a few of the plugins and extensions that ADW Launcher 2 is compatible with. These options give users even more customization possibilities and improve the launcher’s functionality.

In conclusion, people who wish to personalise and customise their Android experience should definitely consider ADW Launcher 2. It stands out from the many launcher options on the market because to its contemporary appearance and robust customization features.

Key Features

  • Highly customizable home screen
  • Wide range of icon packs
  • Customizable app drawer
  • Gesture controls
  • Dynamic UI color theming

Pros

  • Feature-rich
  • Modern and attractive design
  • Regular updates

Cons

  • Some features require the paid version (ADW Launcher 2 Premium)

Conclusion

There are many different launchers available in the Android ecosystem, each with its own special features and advantages. Finding the best launcher for your requirements and preferences might be a difficult undertaking with so many options available. But our thorough list of the top Android launchers for 2023 can make the decision-making process easier.

There is an Android launcher for everyone, regardless of whether you value personalization, performance, or interaction with other services. Our selection includes a broad variety of launchers to accommodate various preferences, from well-known options like Nova Launcher and Action Launcher to less well-known ones like Smart Launcher and Niagara Launcher.

Launchers that place a strong emphasis on customisation, like Apex Launcher and Lawnchair, provide users with a wide range of customization choices that let them customise their home screen, app icons, typefaces, and other visual features. Speed and effectiveness are prioritised by performance-focused launchers like Microsoft Launcher and Evie Launcher, giving users an Android experience that is simplified and optimised.

While minimalist launchers like Lean Launcher and Shade Launcher offer a straightforward and clutter-free design, integration-focused launchers like Niagara Launcher and Lens Launcher offer unusual methods to access apps and utilities.

Users can quickly select the ideal launcher for their smartphone and take advantage of a totally customised Android experience with the help of our thorough list of the best Android launchers in 2023. There is a launcher out there that satisfies your requirements and preferences, whether they are related to customization, performance, or integration.