What is an Android launcher?
Android’s dominance over other mobile operating systems is mainly due to the endless customization opportunities it provides to its user base.
Mobile Launchers are one of the most customizable parts of Android. Not only that, Android smartphones are inoperable without a launcher, which comprises your home screen and the catalog of all the apps available on your device. That’s why every device comes with a default launcher pre-installed. For instance, a Google Pixel device comes pre-installed with the Pixel Launcher.
Why use third-party launchers?
There are many third-party launchers available that can replace your default launcher. But, why should you change Android launcher in the first place? Answer to this question is pretty simple: third-party launchers offer an endless amount of customization for users to suit their needs.
Android launchers have become smarter and feature-rich over the years. To save you from the trouble of browsing through hundreds of launchers on Play Store, here is a list of Best launchers for Android –
[Note: This list isn’t in order of preference. You are advised to choose one as per your need.]
10 Best Android Launchers For 2019
1. Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher truly is one of the best Android launchers around on Google Play Store. It is a buttery smooth launcher app which I have been using for over three years now.
It is fast, efficient and lightweight. It supports dock customizations, notification badges, an option to show frequently used apps as a top row in the app drawer, folder and icon customizations, dozen of gestures and many others.
It also has support for app shortcuts found in Android Nougat. Its prime version unlocks a lot of useful features and is definitely worth a try. If you are a frequent user of Nova launcher like me, make sure to check our compilation of best Nova launcher themes and Icon packs.
Price – Free/ Premium $4.99
2. Evie Launcher
Evie launcher is designed for performance and is one of the fastest Android launchers. Many users who have switched to this launcher swears by its smoothness.
Its Universal Search feature lets you search within your apps from one place. It has a wide range of home screen shortcuts and customizations. Moreover, you can customize your app drawer and folder grid.
One of the reasons why Evie is counted in top Android launchers for 2019 is because of the fact it lets you choose from different search engines. The only downside is that you won’t find many gestures in this app. Overall, it is a lightweight launcher app that guarantees speed and simplicity.
Price – Free
3. Buzz Launcher
Buzz Launcher App for Android is the epitome of customization. Its unique feature called “Homepack Buzz” is a home screen customization service with more than 700,000 home screens uploaded and shared by thousands of users.
It has an inbuilt app-locker and RAM cleaner, so you don’t need to install any additional apps for that. A lot of gestures are available with which you can access many shortcuts with just a swipe of your finger on the home screen.
An additional feature called “Screen Effects” is available within the app which is similar to live wallpaper, but instead of replacing your wallpaper, it overlays the wallpaper with animations effects such as ‘snowfall’ or ‘autumn leaves’ floating on your screen.
The only problem with Buzz Launcher app is that it doesn’t go well with the icon packs and themes available on Play Store. And lately, the launcher for Android has become a little glitchy.
Price – Free
4. Apex
Apex launcher is a visually stunning launcher app with thousands of themes and icon packs that you can download from Play Store. It is a lightweight launcher for Android that optimized for both, smartphones and Tablets, which you won’t find in all of them.
You can add up to 9 customizable home screens and hide apps in your app drawer that you don’t need. The launcher sorts apps in the app drawer according to the title, installation date or how frequently you use them.
Purchasing the pro version will unlock more gesture options, powerful app drawer customizations, and many additional features. It is also one of the fastest launcher apps available on Android.
Price – Free/ Premium $3.99
5. Niagara Launcher
Niagra is for Android users who are looking for a minimalistic launcher with less clutter of apps and options. Since Niagra is not bundled with options and settings, it is one the fastest Android launchers on Google Play Store.
Since the launcher app is focused on de-cluttering your Android space, the app comes clean with no bloatware or sponsored ads. With its lower size, the launcher app works smoothly on the lower-end devices as well.
If you are looking for the hundreds of customization option, this app might not be suited for you. But given its stunning design, I would suggest you to at least try.
Price – Free
6. Smart Launcher 5
Smart Launcher 5 is another lightweight and fast Android launcher app for 2019 that is developed, keeping users in mind. The app drawer consists of a sidebar that divides the apps according to a category.
Within the initial setup process, it asks you for the default apps that you use, so you won’t be annoyed later by default app pop-ups.
The Android launcher has an ultra-immersive mode where you can hide the navigation bar to get more space on the screen. Also, the ambient theme of the launcher app changes the theme color based on the wallpaper.
Although gesture support is present, it is limited and more gestures unlock when you purchase the pro version. One downside is that ads show up in the app drawer in the free version which is undesired.
Price – Free/ Premium $4.49
7. Microsoft Launcher
Microsoft Launcher( formerly known as Arrow Launcher) is an elegant and fast Android launcher app with a lot of customizations from Microsoft.
It can update new wallpapers from Bing every day. One home screen is decored with Microsoft Timeline feature resembling “Google Cards.” A Recent panel shows the recently opened media or recently used contact.
The best part about Microsoft Launcher app is that it shows it gets synced on the entire Microsoft account. In other words, you can get personalized feed, see your search results and much more.
The only drawback of using Microsoft launcher is that it doesn’t allow much customization as in the other best launchers for Android here.
Price – Free
8. ADW Launcher 2
This launcher app is stable, fast, easy to use and offer hundreds of customizable options. The UI almost feels like stock Android. It supports a unique feature to change interface color according to your wallpaper dynamically.
Moreover, there are icon badges, app indexing on app drawer, launcher shortcuts, transition animations and tons of other useful features.
Its developers claim that the possibility that you will configure it to your likeness is approximately 3720 to 1. You can make and modify your widgets with your own colors. What more can you ask for? If you are looking to change the def Android launcher, this should be the first one you should try out.
Price – Free
9. Google Now Launcher
Google Now launcher is an in-house launcher app developed by Google itself. The Android app is targeted for non-pixel device users who don’t like their pre-installed launcher, and instead, prefer a truer Android experience.
Unlike other contenders, the popular Android launcher adds Google Now cards just by swiping right on the home screen. Also, the Google search bar design can be customized, right from the home screen itself.
Combined with the smooth app drawer, app suggestions a the top also work efficiently. The only drawback is you there isn’t much customization you can do with Google Now Android launcher.
Price – Free
10. Rootless Launcher
Rootless launcher app is an open-source project to get all Pixel launcher features on any Android device. If you want to get Android Pie launcher features, this one is a must try.
While the launcher isn’t customizable like other launchers in this best Android launcher list, the app includes most of the features found on any Google Pixel device.
Since the launcher app is new on the Google Play Store, it might not satisfy your requirements expected from a full-fledged Android launcher.
Price – Free
Which Android Launcher do you prefer?
Did you find this list of 10 Best Android Launchers To Enhance Looks And Performance Of Your Device in 2019 best Android launchers to be helpful? Share your reviews in the comments below.
