Nova to Niagara: The top Android launchers to try out on your smartphone

Android is undoubtedly one of the most customisable mobile operating systems ever designed. Users can customise their home screen on Android using various launchers. From fonts to icons, users can modify almost every aspect of the system. However, the home screen is where users spend most of their time. Here, we will list some of the best Android launchers available in 2022.

Nova Launcher

For years, Nova Launcher has retained its position as one of the best launchers ever. From icon packs to search bar to widgets, Nova Launcher lets users customise every aspect of their device. Nova Launcher lets users customise almost every aspect of their home screen. Over the years, Nova Launcher has added several integrations like Seasame Shortcuts which lets you search for files, contacts and other things right from your home screen. It has a minimal footprint, meaning the launcher is fluid even on budget-friendly devices.

While the free version should be more than enough for most people, if you want to customise everything on your home screen, the paid version should help you out. The paid version includes the following features:

• The paid version lets users adjust the size of icons on the home screen and app drawer.
• Enables users to categorise apps according in tabs.
• Supports custom gestures on the home screen.
• Enables notifications badges on app icons.
• You can also hide the entire notification bar, scroll endlessly between home screens and change the options shown when you long press an icon.

Microsoft Launcher

If you are looking for a launcher that enhances your productivity, Microsoft Launcher is one of the best options available right now. The main screen is user-friendly and looks like any other third-party launcher. Microsoft Launcher comes with a built-in news feed and widgets. Swipe left and you will find a number of cards that take up the whole screen and show information like tasks, notes, calendar, recent activities, screen and to-do lists to name a few. The task list is synced with Windows To-do app and lets users add or remove tasks from the launcher itself. Microsoft Launcher also lets you read news you are interested in without having to leave your home screen.

Ratio: Productivity Homescreen

Ratio Launcher focuses on enhancing productivity and has a minimalistic interface. It is a minimal launcher that focuses on minimising distractions and maximising productivity. Users can either categorise apps installed on the phone according to their preferences or let Ratio do the work for them. Similar to Digital Wellbeing, you can also limit the amount of time you spend using an app with the Time Tracker feature. It also comes with a built-in App Lock and App Hider functionality. The developers have also added custom widgets like weather, calculator, events, time and more that might help you with everyday tasks.

Niagara Launcher

Niagara is a fairly new launcher in the Android world. Similar to Ratio, it is a minimalistic launcher but with a fresh look. Niagara Launcher offers a minimalistic user interface. Compared to traditional launchers that feature an icon dock and space for widgets and icons, Niagara shows your favourite apps in the middle of the screen and adapts according to user behaviour. You can also check all notifications from a single window and reply to some of them without having to leave the home screen.

Comparison of Top Android Launchers

Launcher	Primary Focus	Key Feature
Nova Launcher	Customisation	Customise every aspect of the device.
Microsoft Launcher	Productivity	Synced with Windows To-do app.
Ratio	Minimising distractions	Limit time spent using an app.
Niagara Launcher	Minimalistic interface	Adapts according to user behaviour.