The launcher for Android comes to the rescue when the proprietary shell installed by the smartphone manufacturer may become boring at some point. Launcher programs for Android often offer a completely new interface, which can still be changed to your taste. In short, in this article we will look at 10 best apps this type in 2018.
What is a launcher for Android
If iOS is completely closed operating system(programs gain access to only a small part of it), then this cannot be said. Talented and smart developers can change the interface of a “green robot” almost radically. That is why it is easy to find dozens of different launchers on Google Play. What can such applications do?
The launcher's task is to change the interface of the operating system. These are something like those that were used by almost all owners of push-button Nokia phones. But the theme only changes the design of the icons, and the launcher for Android changes absolutely everything - from the location of these very icons to the design of the desktops themselves.
And the best launcher for Android will definitely allow you to customize it for yourself - for this it provides numerous settings. Many applications of this kind are tailored to more than one interface - they offer hundreds or even thousands of additional themes, sometimes even created by the users themselves!
How to install and change the launcher for Android?
Once you download and install the desired application, all that remains is to launch it. After that, it will automatically take you to the section where you select a new launcher. You only need to activate it. But what if you want to return to your previous shell? Option one: remove the launcher in the standard way.
If you want to save it on your device, then you need to go to the settings of the launcher itself. There you will definitely find the item “Use default launcher”, in which you must select your previous branded shell.
You can also change the launcher for Android through the operating system settings. To do this, go to the “Home Screen” subsection - all installed shells and launchers are located there.
Nova Launcher is the best Android launcher in Russian
According to the editors, the site is the best free launcher for Android in Russian. It is especially suitable for those who love experiments. The fact is that it is Nova Launcher that has the greatest means of customization. You can change and customize absolutely everything here!
This allows you to get new sensations from using your smartphone every day. It is also one of the few launchers that can import and export settings files. It turns out that you can transfer the interface you created to a new smartphone without any problems.
The settings of this launcher are made in Russian. The application allows you to separately customize the design of the operating system for vertical and horizontal display orientations. As mentioned above, all interface elements can be customized. You can even choose the scrolling speed of the application menu!
You will also be able to configure specific commands for different gestures. The problem with Nova Launcher is that by default the functionality of this application is not as wide as we would like. Full functionality is provided only by the Prime version, and for it they ask for about 300 rubles. However, such a rich set of possibilities is worth it.
Yahoo Aviate Launcher
Have you installed hundreds of different applications on your smartphone? Have you already started to get confused about them? Then you need to download the best launcher for Android, which has the most convenient sorting of programs. It is Yahoo Aviate Launcher. Many other launchers sort application shortcuts alphabetically. But you probably don’t remember the names of some programs - searching for them regularly takes some time.
Well, in the Yahoo launcher, programs and games are divided into their own categories. This launcher can also predict user actions. Let's say night is approaching - in this case, the Alarm Clock application is displayed on the desktop. On weekends, social network shortcuts will constantly hang on your desktop. The launcher also relies on GPS chip readings. And all this is easily customizable using a special panel with widgets!
Of course, artificial intelligence is capable of making mistakes here. But the longer you use the launcher, the less often it will do this. But it’s difficult to forgive another shortcoming of the launcher. The fact is that this product refuses to work adequately on the tablet.
Solo Launcher
This program uses the Material Design style, invented by Google several years ago. At the same time, it offers a greater number of interface settings than the bare Android operating system. In total, the user is offered thousands of different themes and wallpapers.
The lock screen can also be changed using Solo Launcher - this is done with plugins. There is also a special panel with current news - to access it you need to swipe to the right on the main desktop.
Of course, this launcher also has some disadvantages. The most important of them is the presence of a so-called accelerator. It clears the cache and permanent memory. Allegedly.
In fact, all this works through the stump deck. However, no one forbids you to forget about this functionality - no one forces you to use it. But the presence of advertising can sometimes be annoying, but the application is free.
C Launcher
Many launchers significantly load the system, which is why the user experiences regular slowdowns. Fortunately, there are exceptions to the rule. These include C Launcher. It's fast, free and convenient. The application contains a wide variety of topics.
It also has a built-in DIY feature. It consists of a well-implemented constructor, with which you can easily create your own theme. It is also important that all the settings here are translated into the great and mighty Russian language.
An important feature of C Launcher is the ability to hide private applications from prying eyes. This program can also clear the cache, save battery power, and do other things. useful actions. At least according to the developers.
In fact, all these functions are required only on very low-power smartphones, which Lately There's less and less left. Overall, this has to be the best Android launcher of 2018. But don’t think that there isn’t even advertising here - the creators make money with its help.
Hola Launcher
Another fairly recent project. It's hard to say whether this is the best launcher for Android in 2018 or not. We'll just note that it's surprisingly similar to a couple of other apps we've reviewed. There is also a function to clear the cache, increase battery life and manage applications.
But the list of available topics here is completely different. The interface settings are also slightly different. But they cannot be called particularly rich - it cannot be said that this launcher will provide you with something completely new and amazing. But the project is young, so it still has a long way to go.
With this launcher you can experiment. The fact is that a convenient theme designer is available here. The application has been installed by more than 100 million people. Its distinctive feature is its adequate performance even on very old versions of the operating system. Android systems. The only thing that can be annoying here is advertising, even though it is implemented in the most unobtrusive manner.
Atom Launcher
This is one of those launchers that adds functionality to the system in the form of launching a specific application using a gesture. It also significantly changes the system interface.
This includes replacing shortcuts for most pre-installed programs. The user is provided with numerous widgets that display the weather, time, favorite contacts, and also provide the ability to clear RAM.
The launcher's features include smart folders and a dock bar. The latter is a small panel containing up to 20 selected applications, which the user has access to at any time. It is very comfortable!
As in some other launchers, here you can hide any applications so that friends and other people who get their hands on your smartphone won’t see them. Atom Launcher can run on the Android 4.0.4 operating system and its newer version. The launcher itself is free, but not all the content inside it is offered to download and run for free.
EverythingMe Launcher
Some launchers for some reason disappear from , and then return there a few years later. EverythingMe Launcher is a good example of this.
The developers of this application have worked out the bugs and presented users with a high-quality product. This launcher changes the interface of the operating system beyond recognition. It also provides the user with the ability to create smart folders, all applications within which are automatically sorted.
The main feature of the launcher is the multifunctional notification panel. It displays all the main events in an understandable form. At the same time, it, like all other elements of the launcher, can be customized in detail. The application also introduces a so-called forecast panel into the interface. She's like Google Now, focuses on your actions, showing all sorts of tips.
For example, in the morning, shortcuts to news programs appear in it. A missed call or train schedule may also be displayed there. Of course, the panel does not start working ideally right away, but after a few days of using EverythingMe Launcher.
In short, if you choose the best launchers for Android in Russian, then this application should definitely be on the list! It is distributed free of charge, but some content inside can only be unlocked for money. But there are no advertisements here!
Launcher for Android Google Start
If you have used a smartphone from the Nexus series, then you are aware of the existence of the so-called bare operating system. Do you want to achieve the same result on another device, but don’t want to experiment and reinstall the firmware? Then download Google Start.
This is the simplest launcher, distributed free of charge and without advertising. It makes the interface similar to how it appears in “nexuses” and “pixels”. Also built in is a full-fledged Google Now - a service with tips, which is accessed by swiping your finger from left to right on the main screen.
Overall, the launcher doesn't provide anything unusual. On the contrary, it significantly simplifies the interface. After installing it, you will receive a standard application menu (which you may not even be aware of).
They are sorted in alphabetical order, but the most recently launched programs are in a separate line, at the top. This launcher works on operating systems starting from Android 4.1.
Cobo Launcher: Easy Beautify
If you are one of those people who want to change the appearance of icons and other interface elements every day, then you need to install Cobo Launcher on your smartphone.
The fact is that on other launchers this process may seem complicated, which is why you quickly abandon this idea. And in Cobo Launcher everything is very simplified. Here the topics change once, twice, three times, and their number exceeds all reasonable limits!
What's the catch? The only thing is that the interface is changed beyond recognition this application can not. It changes wallpaper, icons, lock screen, date widget and some other interface elements. But in general outline It still remains clear that Android is installed on the smartphone.
It should also be noted that the themes in the corresponding store are sorted into categories. Thus, you can easily find not only a very beautiful theme, but also one that is dedicated to some holiday, game or movie.
Who will like this launcher for Android the most? Perhaps for those people who don’t want to delve into numerous settings. Here the themes change literally in a couple of finger movements, which will delight many. The launcher is distributed to free of charge, but inside you may encounter advertisements.
It's scary to think how many years Apex Launcher has been around. This application was one of the first to try to change the appearance of the Android operating system. Since the release of the first version, the program has been improved several times. At one time, some experts admitted that this was the best launcher for Android 6.0. However, the application does not do anything special. In fact, it is engaged in the eradication of branded shells.
That is, it provides the user with something similar to stock Android. But at the same time, the launcher has a sufficient number of settings. They help, say, change the number of icons displayed on one screen. Also here you can change the animation of flipping through desktops. There is also support for third-party themes, thanks to which you can change wallpaper, icons and other elements of the familiar interface.
What is the main advantage of Apex Launcher? Perhaps the least load on the system. Many experts note that compared to other launchers, this application consumes a minimal amount of RAM. It turns out that you can use this program even on weak smartphones.
And one cannot help but note the complete absence of advertising. Moreover, the application can be downloaded absolutely free. But there is also a fly in the ointment.
Only in the paid version can you find the most useful settings and functions. For example, after installing it, a notification counter will be displayed on the icons, and the system will learn to open certain applications after special gestures. Well, as you might guess, the Pro version has much more animations and various effects.
Summarizing
Now you are familiar with the TOP 10 best launchers for Android in 2018. To be clear, this is just our opinion! And this is not a hit parade - you shouldn’t assume that the coolest launchers come first. Which one is the best? Only you can answer this question. Each of the described applications is good in its own way - their functionality is often strikingly different. What launcher do you use? Share your opinion in the comments.
One of the best things about Android is that you can customize not only how it looks, but also how it behaves. One way to do this is to download a new launcher, an application that will change the interface of your phone and allow you to customize it to your taste.
Plus, such apps allow you to have the same interface you're used to even if you bought a new phone - just restore your settings backup from cloud storage. Now this is especially true when almost every manufacturer installs its own shell, which is not always intuitive and fast.
I don't think it's possible to determine the best launcher that will suit everyone. You use your phone differently than I do, and I use my phone differently than my colleagues or friends. Everyone has their ideal launcher, but if you haven't found your favorite yet, here are the best ones that I think will satisfy almost any Android user.
Nova
Nova Launcher has been a well-known application for a long time. It has support for gesture control: if you want to open the application list, just swipe up and double-tap the screen to turn it off. In short, the app works with gestures and folders better than anyone else!
The set includes packages of icons and themes, of which there are about a thousand (look for it on Google Play), application interface settings, an unread message counter, additional scrolling effects and much more. Another feature is constant updates with the addition of new functionality and bug fixes.
It is worth noting the possibility Reserve copy settings to the cloud with their subsequent restoration on a new phone or when resetting to factory settings.
Microsoft
Microsoft Launcher is an updated version of the Garage Arrow project and we've covered the key changes that came with this update. The application currently supports integration with many Microsoft services, including calendar and email.
If your computer is updated to the latest Windows versions 10, you can link your phone and computer, then you can quickly and easily “Continue to PC”. This means you can take a photo and immediately see it on your computer, or edit a document in Office and then continue editing it on your computer.
There are packages of gestures, icons, and advanced settings. For example, swiping up won't open the app list, but will only show your favorite apps, as well as quick settings like Wi-Fi, airplane mode, Bluetooth, etc.
Daily wallpaper change - get it in automatic mode new wallpapers from Bing or enter your own selection of wallpapers to change.
It's important to note that Microsoft doesn't want Android to look the same as Windows 10 Mobile. For example, you won't find square "tiles" here; if you're looking for something like that, check out the following app.
It’s a little strange, but with this launcher you get the impression that you are using an iPhone on an Android smartphone, everything is so convenient and beautiful.
Apex
Apex Launcher has been around for a long time and remains one of the most popular launchers. Similar to the Action Launcher app, it's designed to be highly customizable with a few extra features, like hiding the Google search form, status bar, and even the dock, which can display up to seven icons instead of four! If you have a child, you will benefit from the desktop lock feature to prevent accidental changes.
You can choose transition animations, change the design, and custom icons for shortcuts and folders. Up to 9 home screens are supported, with flexible settings for each of them. Convenient gesture control, screen lock, optimized for use on smartphones and tablets. It is possible to display unread messages and missed calls on icons. And this is not all the features that Apex Launcher offers.
One
An excellent replacement for the standard Android interface will become One Launcher. When creating it, the developer (one BJ) was inspired by the latest versions of iOS - the mobile operating system from Apple. Thanks to this, the launcher turned out to be aesthetically beautiful and very convenient.
As with Apple devices, application icons are located on the home display rather than hidden in a separate menu. You can combine several applications in folders or leave everything as is. The latter option is ideal for those who use only a small number of programs.
The developers paid special attention to ensuring that their brainchild consumes little RAM while maintaining maximum performance. Their work immediately becomes noticeable when you switch from this launcher to another. Or check the amount of free RAM. Moreover, One Launcher is completely free and supports everything Android versions, starting from 2.3.3.
Smart
Smart Launcher is not just an add-on to the stock launcher, and this is immediately noticeable. The home display is presented as a circle with six icons, providing quick access to the most important applications. You also have access to the widget area or can go to a unique menu. What makes it so unique? Intelligent sorting system. When you install a new utility, the launcher automatically places it in the correct category, making it much easier to access.
A convenient search bar is always at hand, so you can easily find the applications you need. An important part is the lock screen with support for notifications and a variety of themes. To completely change the device interface, download special themes for Smart Launcher 3 on Google Play. In addition, do not forget about the option to hide any utilities or set a password to launch them.
Hola
The Hola Launcher developers began their project with one single question: “What features do people need most?” After thinking about it carefully, they got to work and created Hola Launcher - an easy and simple alternative for those who want to achieve the best results with the least amount of effort.
Take a few minutes to explore what this launcher has to offer and you will be truly amazed. After all, it only takes up 4 MB. And the extremely low RAM consumption makes it very fast and responsive. The application is built around one concept - simplicity. The interface is minimalistic, easy to navigate and allows you to get to the most frequently used functions in a few taps.
Besides the usual set of features like custom themes, wallpapers, folders, etc., Hola offers users access to several very useful programs. Hola Shina is a special menu that opens by swiping from the bottom edge of the monitor. In it you will find frequently used applications and settings. Hola Boost is a small, movable circle that frees up your smartphone's RAM immediately after you click on it. There's also Hola Box, which can easily hide any utility on your home display if you don't want to show it to other people.
Launcher 8
Launcher 8 is unique in that it doesn't feel like an Android app. In fact, the only task of this application is to make the interface of your device look like Windows Phone. And he copes with this task perfectly. It copies not only the appearance, but also many actions. As a result, when working with the shell, you get the feeling that you are not working under Android at all.
Supports emulation of “live tiles” and a scroll bar when navigating through the application menu, which appears when you move your finger to the right or left on the screen.
There are custom themes that let you customize the look of the launcher, but most of them are very different from what we're used to seeing on Android. If you don't want your smartphone to look like a Windows Phone 8 phone, then there's not much point in installing this app.
Action
Action Launcher has long been a favorite program of many users. In addition to standard functions, there are also some original ones that make the program unique. For example, Quick Theme allows you to customize the colors of your interface.
The Shutters feature gives you access to widgets without actually installing them on your home screen. There is also a set of elements in the style of Android Oreo. There are icon settings, quick updating of small elements and much more.
GO
An excellent choice for those who want to try a custom home screen design. In addition, GO Launcher is one of the most downloaded utilities on Google Play. The program combines functionality with excellent user design.
The launcher is created on an innovative 3D engine developed from scratch. It is this that makes the program extremely fast, responsive and versatile. In addition to the engine, you switch between 25 display animation options and get over 10,000 unique themes. With such a staggering number of options for customizing the interface, it would be easy to get confused if it were not for DIY Themer.
GO Launcher also has an excellent tool that allows you to hide or block some a specific program to further protect you from prying eyes. Well, built-in widgets for optimizing your smartphone increase the device’s performance, making multi-window mode faster and more enjoyable to use.
Next 3D Shell
The developers of the Next Launcher 3D Shell program are the same people who worked on the creation of GO Launcher. 3D animation is supported, there are many transition effects and unique settings. Using the scroll bar, you can quickly change home screens and choose the one you like best. this moment. According to most users, this is one of the most expensive launchers. True, you can try all the features of the program for free.
ADW 2
The biggest plus of ADW Launcher 2.0 is the customization: you can customize themes, gestures, folder styles, home screens, app list and even create your own custom widgets. I can go on and on, if you are a fan of customization, then you should definitely download this launcher and test it thoroughly. It contains just an insane amount of settings!
You can create an unlimited number of your own widgets and place them anywhere, even on top panel(where the search bar is located) or to the bottom (where you currently have 4 icons).
As always, there is the ability to edit every single icon of any application you have. IN latest update a new set of effects has appeared when switching to another screen, as well as the ability to change the system color palette to any color (black, red, orange, etc.). In general, in this application you can do everything you can imagine.
Evie
Evie Launcher comes with icon and widget packs. It is possible to hide any applications, quickly launch programs, and add unique shortcuts with your own signatures to the home screen. You can create your own wallpaper and change the size of the icons.
The program is fast, easy to use, and has some original features. Uses a Pixel Launcher-style app menu that can be moved from the bottom of the screen. The application is distributed free of charge.
Lightning Launcher is small in size and has very flexible settings. With this tool, you can change almost all elements of the home screen. Perhaps the most unique feature is its scripting support, such as the ability to use JavaScript.
You may be intimidated by the abundance of settings and options, but there is nothing to be afraid of. Yes, there are a lot of settings, but they are easy to understand. But what opportunities! Almost all functions and elements can be customized, be it the way applications are placed, folders, widgets, home screens, icon sets, fonts, alignment, and even renaming standard elements (not all).
If you don’t want to understand, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of more classic skins at your service, which offer a couple of basic settings.
Lawnchair Launcher is an open source project source code, which basically mimics Pixel Launcher. Many of their functions are the same, although there are some original features. It is constantly updated and improved. Notifications and context menu are made in the style of Android Oreo.
You can choose different styles panels and windows, icon sizes and much more. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Lawnchair has absorbed all the best that is in the Pixel and Nova Launcher shells. All this is added high performance and the aesthetics of the Pixel shell and seasoned with customization elements from other launchers well known in the Android world.
One of the most attractive design styles is the dark theme. It applies to the appearance of the tray, home screen widget, and context menu. The possibilities for changing the design style here are not as deep as, for example, in Substratum, but still not bad.
There is integration with Google Now (if you install an additional free plugin). Even in beta it works better than many older launchers. If you are looking for the most best analogue Google Pixel, consider that you've already found it.
EverythingMe
The main highlight of EverythingMe is the so-called Prediction Bar, which is a series of icons located at the bottom of the screen (there are four in total), dynamically changing depending on the user’s location, time of day and the results of analysis of previous application launches.
Based on the results of this analysis, Prediction Bar will first offer the user those applications that he is most likely to need in the near future. For example, in the morning EverythingMe will tell you the latest news and remind you of what you have planned for today. And on a weekday, the launcher will offer applications that you most often deal with at work.
When you first launch the launcher, it will try to automatically organize already installed applications into the appropriate folders, such as “Games,” “Music,” “Social Networks,” and “News.” You can create new Smart Folders at any time, grouping apps as you see fit.
Most launchers deal with what you are doing at a given time: what you are viewing, what you are listening to. EverythingMe takes a slightly different approach. Instead of focusing on current actions, it tries to predict what you will do.
Launcher apps have been an integral part of Android for a long time. If you don't like the way your home screens look, you can simply download an app to change almost everything on your system. There's no doubt that Android launchers have a significantly more diverse set of features than any other genre of apps, and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let's take a look at the best!
Action Launcher 3
(downloads: 2143)
Action Launcher 3 has long been a favorite of our readers and the app deserves a place on this list. It comes in Android design, but with some interesting features. Some of these include Quicktheme, which uses the resulting background to define theme accents, tailor a unique look, there's Quickpage, a kind of hidden home screen that can take you anywhere, and much more. The application has a long history and is famous for its stability and regular updates. You can also follow the developer's work on his page.
Apex Launcher
(downloads: 753)
Apex Launcher has been in the market for a long time and remains one of the most iconic launchers for Android. Similar to Action Launcher, it retains the look and feel of vanilla Android with some extra features thrown in for extra customization. These include changes to transition animations, scrolling settings, and even a scrolling dock where you can store many icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with a huge selection of themes available on the Google Play Store, and the launcher also supports icon packs. This is a fairly stable application that can run on almost any device.
Buzz Launcher
(downloads: 545)
Buzz Launcher is a very popular launcher, which is characterized by a variety of themes. Buzz Launcher uses something called Homepacks and allows you to customize not only your home screen theme, but also change your home screen entirely. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations, which means you can play with the app all day and still have tons of options to check out. Besides the theming, you get a solid launcher, but it can be difficult to set up, so be prepared for that.
CM Launcher
(downloads: 833)
Despite the name, CM Launcher is actually not related to CyanogenMod. The apps are developed by a single developer with CM Security, which graces the list of the best antivirus software for Android right now. The application tries to create as small a footprint as possible, it boot file weighs only 2 MB and uses a minimum of system resources. It is lightweight, fast and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security, so the launcher has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we understand that not everyone wants it, but it's a pretty good option otherwise. There's also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and time of day.
GO Launcher FX
(downloads: 770)
GO Launcher is one of the most popular launchers for Android, with over 100 million downloads to date. All this is probably due to the simplicity and wide possibilities of thematization. The app comes with a fairly basic set of features that allow for minor customization, but the most important feature remains the theming. GO Launcher FX launcher app offers tons of themes, you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It's an easy to use app that works great, even if some people think it's a bit overpriced.
Google Now Launcher
(downloads: 384)
Google Now Launcher is a launcher for Google and Android fans. It's essentially a launcher powered by built-in Google Now. It is distinguished by its simplicity, integration with Ok, Google, HOTWORD, translucent theming elements and much more. It's not a particularly powerful or customizable launcher, but it's slim and fast, and the built-in Google Now will please fans of the feature. This great program, which uses a lot of resources, will be especially appreciated by Nexus owners.
Launcher 8
(downloads: 390)
Launcher 8 is a unique solution because it has nothing to do with Android. In fact, the only purpose of this feature is to make your phone look like Windows Phone. Using the launcher, you can convert your widgets to the Windows Phone style (Live Title) and get an experience very similar to Windows Phone, but based on Android. The launcher also comes with a bunch of other features that make it a very good choice.
Lightning Launcher
(downloads: 905)
Lightning Launcher is not the most popular app on the list, but the launcher is the most highly rated. This is an Android application that is quite easy to launch. The application strives to use some of your device's resources, but sparingly. The feature set is fairly sparse but includes some powerful features including unlimited home screens, the ability to add icons anywhere and organize them the way you want, while the low hardware consumption is a nice feature on older devices. This launcher is definitely worth a look if you need something light and fast.
Next Launcher 3D Shell
(downloads: 540)
Next Launcher is one of the most unique Android launchers on this list. The launcher is also developed by the guys from Go Launcher, so they have something in common. Next Launcher 3D Shell uses scrollable home screens, meaning you can see a scrolling ribbon on the right side, it allows you to quickly switch between home screens. There is also a unique set of icons, themes, unique widgets (downloaded separately), and those who pay for the application will receive much more. You can also buy the app cheaper after using the demo version.
Nova Launcher
(downloads: 532)
It's hard to find something significantly better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova draws on the good old days and remains not only relevant, but one of the best launcher apps for Android. Nova offers a long list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the appearance of apps, support for icon packs, themes, and much, much more. The app is also updated quite quickly, which means that any errors are resolved very quickly. The launcher also comes with the ability to create backup copy and restoring your home screens, in case you decide to upgrade to a new phone.
Smart Launcher 3
(downloads: 409)
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique launcher for Android. It offers one home screen with a great set of features and buttons arranged in a flower pattern. The idea is to provide access to applications quickly, using as few resources as possible to keep the device running smoothly. The launcher features home screen notifications, tons of available themes, security features and password-protected apps, and even plugins. The launcher may seem simple for some users, but it is a very powerful and excellent working application.
Solo Launcher
(downloads: 394)
Solo Launcher positions itself as a DIY solution for those who would like to have more control. The launcher uses Material Design 2.0, which means you get the most modern design possible. Moreover, you get a huge number of settings with which you can make the launcher work exactly as it should. Solo Launcher also comes with theming, gesture controls, clock/weather and many other features. This launcher is definitely worth your attention, it is fast and customizable.
Themer: Launcher
(downloads: 758)
Themer is a launcher in which almost everything can be configured. This app works just like Buzz Launcher where you download a theme and it changes almost everything on your home screens. Each of these is then individually customizable, giving you virtually unlimited combinations of themes to work with. Themer developers offer their application completely free of charge, which attracts many users. This is a powerful solution that supports icon sets and also comes with an integrated Zooper Widget.
Yahoo Aviate Launcher
(downloads: 226)
Aviate Launcher has gained significant popularity. The app started out as a launcher with a handful of developers, long before it was acquired by Yahoo! a few years ago. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements that try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. The app also comes in a sleek and simple design, along with Smart solution Steam, which is reminiscent of Google Now. This is a powerful launcher that quickly gains momentum. This is also a completely free solution.
Z Launcher from Nokia
(downloads: 864)
Nokia's Z Launcher is the last solution on our list, and it is also an exceptionally minimalist launcher. It includes one home screen, an app tray, and an area where you can do searches. This is a unique premise that is great for those users who prefer minimalism and functionality, without excess. The launcher is still in beta, but it already works surprisingly stable and decent.
31.03.2018 11:00:00
Despite all the technological bells and whistles latest versions Android operating system, one of its characteristics has remained unchanged for 10 years. This software platform is open source, which allows the user to individually customize each element of the Android phone interface.
The most convenient way to do this is through a special launcher for Android in Russian. With it, you can change the color of icons, fonts, themes, widgets and other operating system components. Moreover, such programs do not affect the root structures, do not require rooting and do not interfere with the system processes of the smartphone.
We have selected 10 of the most interesting and practical launchers for Android, among which, by the way, there are some very unusual ones
The popular Nova Launcher is often ranked first in the ranking of the popularity of shells for Android. The launcher has gained its excellent reputation due to the simplicity and convenience of its functions, which allow you to customize the appearance of the operating system in detail.
The shell is based on the standard appearance of Android 4.4. However, almost any element in the Nova product can be changed at your discretion: create an infinite number of desktops, change the number of programs in the dock bar, system color schemes, font, animation and much more. You can also install any third-party icon sets.
Many users believe that this is the fastest launcher for Android, which contains a huge number of different settings. Gesture control is supported, including for launching programs. The launcher has a very rich ecosystem, there are many widgets designed specifically for it.
Especially worth mentioning is the number of themes for the shell. Using the Google Play service, you can find tens of thousands of options to give the Android OS a personal look.
A convenient and practical launcher that has an interesting social function. With its help, you can see the most interesting and popular topics created by other users. Having chosen what you like most, just press one command, and the shell will be installed on your smartphone.
Not only the appearance of the system changes - applications, widgets and utilities included in the system are automatically downloaded. If you want, you can work and create the theme of your dreams yourself, and then stroke your pride by looking at how many of your like-minded people have installed it. Like other launchers for Android, it is not demanding on resources and does not consume too much battery power.
A new addition to the collection of launchers is rapidly gaining popularity among Android users. Interesting and stylish updates appear in the theme collection every day.
Launcher Features:
- Effective 3D transitions for screens
- Easy settings management
- Intelligent sorting of applications into folders
- Convenient quick access panel for main control buttons
- Customizable desktop widgets
- Hide important apps feature
- A separate tool for clearing memory and speeding up your smartphone
- Energy Saving
By the way, the function of hiding applications is quite useful and actual topic for Android smartphone users who are concerned about their personal data. You can read about the most accessible ways to hide the contents of your smartphone from prying eyes in our article How to hide an application on Android.
While most launchers try to incorporate as many functions as possible, as well as impress users with a spectacular design, AIO Launcher from Russian developer Evgeny Zobnin is based on the exact opposite principles of minimalism.
The shell's operation is based on a tag system. The utility displays all smartphone functions on the main screen in the form of one large list of text widgets. Here is the exit to system settings, and access to calls and SMS, and management of third-party applications.
You can read more about the capabilities of this unusual shell in our article.
A launcher for those who like to constantly and completely change the look of their Android device. The program offers a gigantic catalog of various creative interfaces for the operating system, which can be installed in a few seconds.
There are, indeed, incredibly many options and most of them are works of art. Among the disadvantages, we can note a slight slowdown on not very powerful devices.
Before you change the launcher to Android, be aware that Themer “eats” more resources than the standard Android interface.
A launcher with a very pleasant and well-designed interface. It significantly speeds up working with the operating system. For example, when you press the menu button, a window pops up from which you can quickly go to applications, widgets, settings or change wallpaper. It turns out something akin to the "Start" key in Windows.
Of particular note is the ability to display widgets in a separate menu that extends from the right edge of the screen. There they are always at hand, but at the same time they do not become an eyesore or clog the screen - a very elegant solution.
It is possible to launch widgets from the icon without launching applications. Imagine you have a program and a widget for it. You don't want to launch the entire program, but want to quickly access its widget? To do this, just click on the marked special character icon and voila - the application functionality is available on the desktop in windowed mode. The shell is very fast, works without crashes and is simply pleasing to the eye.
The official product from Google was also included in our review of launchers for Android.
It features a minimalistic but very well-designed interface, extremely high speed and job stability. The user cannot change the appearance of the shell - he can only select a screensaver for the desktop and configure widgets.
The program looks beautiful and works well. It will be an excellent free option for those who are tired of the complex setup and crashes of other launchers.
A wonderful Yandex launcher for Android, which will be especially useful for those who actively use the Russian search engine and its additional services - mail, maps, Disk, etc. The three-dimensional desktop interface and well-designed appearance are very impressive.
All Yandex services and widgets are conveniently organized in the shell. As a result, you can quickly switch between your mail, read the news, weather, and more. The widget doesn’t have a lot of settings, so it won’t be possible to make it completely personalized. However, most people won't need this.
Next Launcher is completely unlike Android or any other OS. It's amazing - it seems to be the most beautiful launcher for Android.
The system elements are made in HD quality, three-dimensional and interactive, and a large number of different gestures are supported. It is possible to select the tilt of the display of desktops and scroll them. This is especially convenient if you have a smartphone with a large display or a tablet.
In general, the launcher is incredibly interesting, and it’s worth downloading if only to play with it a little. Before installing a launcher on Android, be aware that it will consume a lot of resources
This was a review of the best launchers for Android. As you can see, each of them has its own advantages, so it is perhaps difficult to say clearly which one is ideal. We recommend trying each one and choosing the one that suits you best.
By the way, many launchers contain very useful system optimization tools to make your smartphone work more quickly. However, there are other ways to overclock your device. You can read more about this in our article.
For a long time now, special launcher applications have remained an important part of the process of using an Android smartphone.
If you don't like the way your home screen looks or functions, you can simply download an app to change it.
There's no doubt that Android launchers offer a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of app, and that you can do some amazing things with a launcher.
Let's take a look at the best of these apps!
Action Launcher 3
Action Launcher has been a long-time favorite among our readers, so it deserves a place on this list.
However, there are some additional features that make it unique.
Quicktheme allows you to customize the colors of your interface based on your wallpaper. Tabs allow you to check out an app widget without having it installed on your home screen.
It even has theme and customization elements to make your phone look more like Android Oreo.
There is also support for icon packs, frequent updates and much more.
ADW Launcher 2
We stopped following this launcher after the developers stopped updating the project, but now the launcher is making a triumphant return.
ADW Launcher 2 is a completely modernized version of the legendary launcher.
You'll find modern features like shortcuts from Android 7.1 Nougat. In addition to this, you will also find a range of themes and customization options.
This bundle includes the coolest widget creator we've seen in a long time.
This launcher is a decent option that has features that others don't have. He has regained his rightful place among the “elite” of the launcher world.
Apex Launcher has been around for a long time and is still one of the most famous launchers for Android.
Among them is the ability to change the animation of transitions, the style of scrolling pages, there is even a special scrolling page on which you can place many icons.
Apex Launcher also uses own themes, the collection of which can be replenished in the Google Play store, it also supports icon sets. At the same time, the launcher is quite stable on almost any device.
The app has undergone big changes in 2018. Now it looks much more modern.
AIO Launcher
AIO Launcher doesn't work like many others. It replaces the standard home screen with an information-packed list of options.
It shows things like your latest SMS and missed calls, your media player, your system information (RAM, battery, storage, etc.).
And even things like news, Bitcoin price, Twitter and more. The paid version also includes integrations for Telegram and your regular widgets from other apps.
Not everything needs to look like stock Android launchers.
The app used to be Arrow Launcher. Microsoft rebranded the application in mid-2017.
The app has integration with many Microsoft services, including calendar, email, to-do list app, and direct integration with Microsoft computers.
It also has customization and gesture control features. This is back in beta after rebranding.
So there are probably some bugs that may be occurring at this point. However, it is something different and is especially useful for those who want better PC integration.
Setting up these screens takes a couple of minutes, but anyone who can no longer imagine their life without the Microsoft platform simply must try this launcher.
Evie Launcher was released in 2016 and it managed to go unnoticed by us.
The launcher has a fairly typical home screen layout, along with universal search, customizable shortcuts, and plenty of personalization options.
The dock is a little more customizable than most standard launchers on most phones.
You can also change things like icon sizes, app bar, and other things.
The launcher manages to remain simple, easy and useful for people. This is possibly the best free Android launcher on the market.
Hyperion Launcher
Hyperion Launcher is a new player among launchers for Android. It fits nicely between heavier launchers like the Action and Nova, and the standard Lawnchair.
The user interface certainly looks no frills. There is a lot of room for customization though.
These include support for third-party icons, an icon changer, theming elements, and some other useful things.
It supports Google Feed, but requires a separate download like most other launchers.
This is a new product, but it already occupies a favorable position among the best Android dlch launchers.
Lightning Launcher
Lightning Launcher is not the most popular on this list, but it has one of the highest ratings.
This launcher can be described in just a few words: its goal is to use as few resources as possible on your device.
Its feature set is quite sparse, but some of them are impressive - the ability to create an endless number of home screens, add and move icons wherever you want, as well as minimal system requirements make it a great launcher for older and low-end devices.
It's worth a look if you need something fast and undemanding.
Lawnchair Launcher
Lawnchair Launcher is one of the new Android apps. It's an open source project that mimics much of the look and feel of Pixel Launcher.
It has many similar features to Pixel Launcher, plus a few others. These features include support for icon packs, Android shortcuts Oreo and notification dots, Google Now integration (with an optional and free plugin), adaptive icons, and various other tweaks.
It is still very new and is in beta. However, it already performs better than most launchers. It's also free, with no ads or in-app purchases.
Nova Launcher
You're unlikely to find anything much better than Nova Launcher.
Like Apex Launcher, Nova appeared back in the “good old” days and still remains not just a current launcher, but one of the best among those present on Google Play today.
It has a huge number of customizable features, such as support for gestures, the ability to change the appearance and functionality of the interface, support for icon sets, themes, and much, much more.
This app is also updated at a record frequency, which means bugs are fixed instantly and new features are constantly being added.
This launcher also allows you to backup your desktops in case you suddenly get a new smartphone.
Smart Launcher 5
Smart Launcher 5 is significantly different from Smart Launcher 3. Fortunately, in a positive way.
It has a modern user interface, themed environment features, modern features like responsive icons, and more.
It even has a weather and clock widget, as well as gesture controls. It is not as powerful as Nova Launcher or similar launchers.
However, it has enough features to be quite enjoyable. It feels like it competes directly with Action Launcher and similar apps when it comes to customization and usability.
Solo Launcher
Solo Launcher is positioned as a highly customizable solution for those who prefer to have maximum control over their device.
It uses Material Design version 2.0, which means that in terms of design, your device will meet all modern standards.
The launcher has countless customization options and its appearance can be changed in almost any way.
It also has various themes, gesture controls, weather widget, alarm widget and much more.
It's really worth a look if you need something compact, fast, and customizable.
Lean Launcher is another one of the new Android launchers. It gives you a healthy dose of standard Android minimalism with support for popular, new features.
This includes notification dots, app shortcuts, icon shapes, Google Now, and more.
The app also comes with some easy customization features, double tap to lock feature and more.
Considering how new the app is, it's still very good. It's also completely free, at least as of this writing.
Poco Launcher
Poco Launcher is the base program for the popular (and cheap) Pocophone.
It's actually accessible to most. Android devices, which is surprising considering Google won't even release them.
This is a pretty simple launcher. It has a basic, standard Android layout with icons on the home screen and an app drawer for quick access.
You can customize elements such as the home screen grid and app background. It also has a privacy option that hides icons from the bottom menu if desired.
TSF Launcher
TSF Launcher is one of the unique home screen apps. It has many settings, including full gesture support.
He can do a lot of things that look really cool.
Some of additional functions include 3D animations, unlimited docking bar, batch selection of things like home screen icons, widgets and more.
It is completely free to download and use. He also has additional plugin, which adds application icons.
You can also set up Google Feed to work with this launcher, but like most others, it requires an additional download and installation of a plugin.
A site with instructions can be found in the description on Google Play.
Which launcher do you think is the best? If there is something missing from our list, please let us know in the comments!
