Best Alternative Launchers to Customize Your Android Device

In recent years, iOS has started to catch up to Android when it comes to customization, but Android is still well in the lead. That's partly because it supports alternative launchers, which replace the default software interface to completely revamp the look of home screens, menus, icons, and dialogs. Using a launcher, you can take pixel-by-pixel control over the visuals of the Android OS.

How Android Launchers Work

When you go "home" on Android—with a swipe up on the gesture bar or a tap on the actual home button—that's when a third-party launcher springs into action. Rather than seeing the default look determined by the Google Pixel or the Samsung Galaxy software, you see whatever the launcher has put in place. Typically, these launchers give you more customization controls than Google, Samsung, and the other Android phone makers do.

Depending on the launcher, you might be able to cram more shortcuts on to the home screen, or apply the same color scheme to all the home screen icons, or hide elements from view. Launchers offer plenty of customization options and give you the opportunity to fully revamp the look of the software.

Managing Your Launcher

Launchers can be managed on Pixel phones by heading to Settings then choosing Apps > Default apps > Home app. On Samsung devices, it's Settings then Apps > Choose default apps > Home app. You're able to switch between different launchers, or cancel all of your changes and go back to the normal look, in seconds.

The Best Alternative Launchers

Sadly, one of the most beloved Android launchers, Nova Launcher, has recently been shut down. There are a lot of options for Android launchers on the Google Play store, and here are several favorites currently available.

Niagara Launcher

Niagara Launcher is one of those launchers that can totally transform the layout of the home screen, putting your apps, notifications, and media controls in an ordered, customized list on screen. It can be as minimal or as busy as you want it to be. The launcher can hide apps, remind you to take breaks, and put apps into folders. More customizations are available with a Pro subscription ($14 per year).

Smart Launcher 6

Smart Launcher 6 automatically sorts your apps into several categories. The home screen features a grid-less widget placement system and modular page system. Choose your wallpaper, and Smart Launcher will automatically adapt its colors to match, thanks to its Ambient Theme technology. You can also use the theme editor to manually adjust the tints of your home screen.

AIO Launcher

AIO Launcher does it differently than many Android launcher apps. It does away with the standard home screen in favor of an information-packed list of stuff. It shows things like your latest SMS and missed calls, your media player, and your system info (RAM, battery, storage, etc.). The premium version also includes integration for Telegram and your regular widgets from other apps.

Before Launcher

Before Launcher is one of the few minimal-style launchers that claims to help reduce interactions with your phone. There is also a notification filter that reduces notifications. It features a clean, easy UI and the ability to pin important apps or hide unimportant ones. You get the vast majority of features in the free version, which also doesn’t contain advertisements.

Square Home

If you like the Windows UI, then you’re going to love this app. Square Home brings the old Metro UI of Windows Phone to your Android device. It utilizes tiles to display your notifications, calls, SMS, e-mails, and more. Square Home also boasts a smart app drawer that intuitively organizes your apps, which it sorts by usage.

Olauncher

Olauncher is a great choice for minimalist lovers. This launcher offers a clean, clutter-free experience with its extensive customization options and is open source. It has gestures, wallpapers, dark and light theme support, and work profile compatibility. The best part is that it’s completely free and has no ads.

Comparison of Top Android Launchers

  • Niagara Launcher: Minimalist list-based layout; Free or $14/year for Pro.
  • Smart Launcher 6: Automatic app categorization and grid-less widgets; Free with IAPs.
  • AIO Launcher: Information-packed list instead of home screens; Free with premium options.
  • Before Launcher: Minimalist with notification filtering; Free with optional purchases.
  • Square Home: Windows Metro-style tile interface; Free with optional IAPs.
  • Olauncher: Clean, open-source experience; Completely free.