Rating of the best TOP-20 launchers for Android

In this article, we will take a look at the 20 best launchers for Android. Instead of using a boring standard shell, install an alternative launcher and enjoy a cool look. These third-party skins support a variety of skins and new features. We have collected the best launchers in this article - read, download, compare, and choose the best app for you.

What is a launcher and why is it needed

Launchers are in great demand among users, especially since they are available for download and easy to use.

With an alternative shell, you can organize multiple desktops on a personal device. On them, you can arrange application shortcuts in a convenient order for you. Shortcuts can be grouped into separate folders, change the location of the notification panel, and customize the quick launch panel.

There are skins with beautiful three-dimensional interfaces, and some even copy the look of other operating systems such as Windows Phone or iOS.

Evie launcher

Evie Laucher is a lightweight shell that brings all the options you need together with a beautiful design.

Despite its simplicity, the program supports flexible configuration of all shortcuts, including custom shortcuts too. For example, the user can create a shortcut “Call a friend”, “Enable energy saving mode” and much more.

Launcher is a great example of combining speed, functionality and simple appearance. After using it, you will not want to use another launcher.

The main attraction of the application is its minimalism and ease of management. After installing and running the program, the user will see an empty desktop on which an empty search string will be visible. To access the list of programs, the user needs to swipe up from the bottom of the desktop. Everything is almost the same as in the new Pixel smartphones.

If the user is accustomed to the fact that the icons should be located on the desktop, then it's easy to do - drag them from the program menu. Shortcuts can be moved between desktops, collected into folders, resized, hidden or shown subscriptions.

After you open the folder with icons, its contents will be displayed on the entire display.

The main advantage of the launcher is the search bar. With its help, you can search not only for the device, but also on the Internet. For a large number of search results, special cards are in store in the programs that will show additional information.

Nova Launcher

An excellent launcher for Android-based devices, which is included in the list of popular alternative graphic skins.

Immediately after installing the application, the user is prompted to import the previous configuration of icons and widget locations and create a backup copy of the shell settings.

Launcher has a wide range of customization options for Android devices, for example, create and delete desktops, add folders with program shortcuts, customize transition effects, adjust animation speed, support color themes, and customize a grid of elements.

Main features of the application:

• customizable desktop grid;
• setting the number and placement of home screens;
• various effects of scrolling and flipping;
• unlimited scrolling;
• the ability to resize widgets;
• blocking desktops;
• customization of the dock;
• changing the background color, size and font of icons;
• Adjust the speed of scrolling and animation.
• Possibility of gesture control.
• Backup and restore settings.

CM Launcher 3D 5.0 ​​- personalization theme

Launcher is in great demand among users. It is a smooth and secure shell for Android devices.

The application will provide you with the following features:

More customization: more than 10 thousand free 3D themes, 2D icon packs, live wallpapers, contact themes for personal settings of the device interface are available to the user.

High security: you can hide and block programs to ensure your privacy.

High efficiency: fast search, smart program sorting and smartphone accelerator will make your life more efficient.

Main functions:

• Center for themes and icon packs. You can set different wallpapers and themes as you like. Setting contact themes is only available on co-branded Samsung and Google devices.
• 3D animation effects. Launcher, developed on the basis of the 3D animation engine, themes and widgets, will provide the user with 3D transitions with magical effects.
• 3D themes and live wallpapers. This will allow you to customize the interface to your liking.
• Unity themes and VR themes. Install these themes and feel in practice new effects in your games.
• Fashionable themes. There are many themes in the application that will satisfy the needs of the most fastidious client.
• DIY themes. Try yourself as a designer, change the interface of your launcher and make it personal.
• Hide and block apps. Thanks to the launcher, the user can ensure the safety of all their programs.
• Acceleration of the device. The program has a special function "One-touch acceleration", thanks to which the operation of all smartphone programs is optimized.
• Smart program manager. Allows you to organize all programs in smart folders, as well as manage them at the same time. This will maintain order in the menu.
• Updates. The launcher has Cortana, a smart digital assistant from Microsoft. With it, the user will be able to perform voice input to search for information on the network, instantly receive the latest news, as well as synchronize with other devices.

GO Launcher Prime (Trial)

Thanks to this program, the user will be able to access interesting applications directly from the desktop. The launcher has its own blocker, weather widgets, function switches, and an optimizer for the device's battery functioning.

With the launcher, the user will be confident that all his personal information will be saved from strangers. He will also be able to hide installed applications from family members.

Key Features:

• Complete change of the graphical shell of Android.
• Hiding unnecessary programs.
• A large number of stylish widgets and themes for the desktop.
• Ability to add new toolbars to the desktop.

An excellent program for those who want to optimize the operation of their device, change the familiar design and ensure their safety.

Apex launcher

A special program for Android that allows you to customize your phone or tablet the way the user likes.

After installation, the following options will be available:

• Customize your home display (nine themes are available for this, which can be flipped to a convenient position).
• Dock with 7 icons.
• Smooth scrolling that works anywhere in the interface.
• Various effects of transitions between desktops.
• You can hide the necessary elements, for example, the status line.

Also, the user will be able to customize shortcuts and folders, sort programs by category and change desktop settings.

Apex Launcher is a suitable program for customizing your personal device, which will help you make it bright and original.

Pixel Launcher

Google concluded that new devices called Pixel will soon replace Nexus smartphones. A new custom skin has been developed especially for this model - Pixel Launcher.

During the creation of the application, the main emphasis was on compactness and ease of use. The installation file is only 2.5 MB in size. The launcher works pretty fast on all devices.

Despite its small size, the launcher contains everything you need for comfortable work. The user can store shortcuts on the desktop individually or group them into separate folders. Swipe up will display the list of installed programs. In this list, there is a separate place for the most frequently used applications and a search function. And to access the settings, change the wallpaper and add widgets, you need to make a long tap on the desktop.

There are not enough settings in the launcher, but this is still a preliminary version, which will be improved.

Unfortunately, Pixel Launcher cannot be downloaded from Google Play yet, but links to other sources already exist on the net.

Yandex.Loncher with Alice

The application will allow you to customize the device interface to your liking and optimize its performance.

Main functions:

• Alice is a voice assistant developed by Yandex that will help the user.
• Collection of wallpapers and themes
• Quick search
• Accelerator widget - automatically completes unnecessary processes.
• Clock widget - shows the exact time, as well as the weather forecast for today and for the week ahead.
• New programs - the launcher will offer the user something that may interest him.
• Individual recommendations - Yandex Assistant will select interesting publications for the user.

Make your desktop original and easier to understand with a handy application.

Microsoft Launcher

With this application, you can customize the individual appearance of your personal device. Get unique wallpapers, themes, icon packs, and more.

The user will be able to access the calendar, documents and activities in the personal channel using a Microsoft account or work account.

You can also open photos, documents and web pages on your Windows PC and work with them on all your gadgets.

Main features:

• Instant access to contacts. Your most important contacts will always be in sight, and you can pin them on the display, and then move them to any convenient place on the screen, on the Dock or in the desired folder.
• The choice of design. Customize the look of your smartphone as you see fit. Use unique wallpapers and themes for this.
• Personal channel. See all the information in a personal channel that can be placed on the home screen.
• Continuation of work on a stationary computer. Take photos on your smartphone and view them on your computer, or edit Office 365 documents on your smartphone by linking your phone to your Windows PC.
• Joint search on the Internet and on a smartphone. Perform this search using the Microsoft Launcher universal search bar.
• Customize gestures. Thanks to this option, you can lock the device with a double tap or start a search by swiping your finger across the display.

S Launcher for Galaxy TouchWiz

S7 Launcher is one of the best apps that will make your device perform better and look stylish and unusual.

Key Features:

• Ability to create folders on the desktop by moving a shortcut to a shortcut.
• You can dock the widget.
• Ability to resize widgets and folder icons (Supports ADW Icon Packs).
• Scrolling dock, the number of panels and the number of icons in one panel is regulated.
• Customizable grid on the desktop (2x2 - 8x8).
• Wallpaper customization.
• Lock your desktop.
• Choice of the number of work screens and customizable grid.
• On / Off change of display orientation.
• On / Off display of program names (desktop + application menu).
• Elastic circular scrolling.
• A large number of customization settings.
• Scroll indicator setting.
• Compatible with all devices.
• Editing shortcuts.
• Sorting programs.
• The ability to hide icons in the program menu.
• Restore settings.
• Improved folder support.

Holo Launcher

Free application for Android devices that optimizes the performance of your device.

Key Features:

• Customize the desktop grid and program menus.
• Setting urgent commands to gestures.
• Ability to create folders on the desktop and in the dock panel.
• Creation of backup copies.
• Recovery of lost data.
• Support for packages from ADW and LauncherPro.

This version of the launcher is only suitable for phones.

ZenUI Launcher - Effective

One of the best launchers on the Play Store.

Key Features:

• The ability to create your own style of your choice.
• Intuitively customizable preview display.
• Instant search.
• Effective home screen management.

Using this application, the user will be able to automatically group applications into folders, as well as block and hide them from prying eyes.

Car Launcher FREE

This launcher has been specially designed for use in a car. You can use it not only on a smartphone and tablet, but also on a radio tape recorder that works on the basis of Android. The program combines a convenient start and an on-board computer with calculating the distance covered for different time periods.

Main functions:

• adding an unlimited number of quick launch programs;
• editing icons of installed programs;
• fixing speed and distance traveled;
• quick call of the list of all programs;
• slide menu with on-board computer;
• displaying the weather condition on the main screen;
• geolocation;
• adjusting the sound on the screen;
• editing the displayed text.

Mi Launcher

With this software you can update your device and enjoy using it. Suitable for almost all devices based on Android OS and does not slow down during operation. The application is well-designed, all icons are made in a square style.

The user can change the appearance of the home screen by moving the icons. During the installation of the application, it will automatically place all programs in the same order in which they were.

In the settings section, you can find many useful functions. You can set the scrolling speed yourself, choose the size of the icons and set the number of characters in the grid on the desktop.

iLauncher OS 11 - Phone X

With this application, the user will be able to transform his device and make it look like an iPhone.

Key Features:

• smooth scrolling;
• all icons are rounded;
• the labels can be carried to any convenient place on the display;
• customizable dock bars;
• hassle-free removal of programs from the main screen;
• the presence of a press key to exit the edit mode.

The launcher copies the home screen of IOS 3.

Launcher for Lenovo