6 Nova Launcher Alternatives to Help You Find a New Android Launcher

Many regard Nova Launcher as one of the best app launchers for Android phones. Period. Recently, the app has faced a series of troubles. In 2022, the launcher was purchased by analytics company Branch, a move that pushed away many stalwart users. However, in August 2024, the launcher’s parent company announced a mass layoff, which acutely affected Nova’s developer pool. Understandably, users are looking for a Nova Launcher alternative as a backup or a potential replacement. Thankfully, there are plenty.

The writing has been on the wall for some time now, and while Nova Launcher is a highly popular Android launcher with over 50 million downloads, its future is uncertain. Nova Launcher's creator, Kevin Barry, stepped away from the app, leaving its future in question. A lack of future updates can lead to compatibility issues with upcoming Android versions. Clearly, it’s time to replace Nova Launcher with a close alternative.

Top Launcher Alternatives Comparison

Kvaesitso: Open source, features a single vertical scrolling page and powerful global search.
Lawnchair: Pixel-inspired design with adaptive icons and category-based app clustering.
Niagara Launcher: Minimalist vertical list optimized for one-handed use and performance.
Microsoft Launcher: Integration with Microsoft services, daily wallpapers, and 50M+ downloads.
Smart Launcher 6: Automatically sorts apps into categories and matches theme colors to wallpapers.
Hyperion Launcher: Snappy and lightweight performance ideal for older devices.

1. Kvaesitso

Kvaesitso is the best Nova Launcher alternative out there. It isn't a like-for-like replacement, but that's a positive. It’s a quick, open source launcher that has streamlined how I use my device. While Nova Launcher suits maximalists who prefer running multiple pages, icons, widgets, and customizations on their home screens, Kvaesitso is far more reserved in its design philosophy. Kvaesitso trades Nova’s multiple home page design for a single vertical scrolling page.

However, there is one area where Nova and Kvaesitso are alike: search. Nova offers powerful global search capabilities, but its rival offers similar smarts natively. Kvaesitso lets users search for contacts, files, calendar events, and the web at large. Both launchers have a focus on search, but Kvaesitso's richer results are simply excellent. It currently pilots my dated flagship phone and will be a must-install on my future handsets, too.

2. Lawnchair

An open source launcher, Lawnchair, is ideal for those who prefer a minimalist design, but with more customization options. It is inspired by Pixel Launcher, but with more flexibility. Its standout feature is its close resemblance to Google Pixel home and app screens, as well as its icons. Even if you don’t have a Pixel device, you can enjoy its smooth text and fonts, fluid transitions, and efficient use of screen space. Unlike Nova or some other launchers, I can add more customization for the fonts, colors, spaces, and other icon details. Lawnchair uses adaptive icons which change shape depending on your device model, helping give a consistent appearance no matter which screen you are using.

3. Niagara Launcher

As far as Android apps go, Niagara Launcher can be considered the best alternative to Nova Launcher. Niagara Launcher offers a radically different approach - instead of the classic grid of icons, it uses a vertical list of applications, which is easy to use with one hand. It has a clean, minimalist design which barely has any impact on your phone’s performance. From there, I can pull any of them in based on their first letter, rather than having to flip through several screens. With a global search button and widgets for calendars, weather, and media sources, you get a complete home screen solution.

4. Microsoft Launcher

If you use a lot of Microsoft apps, Microsoft Launcher is definitely a good one to have. Syncing your Microsoft account on Android is a useful experience for those who are heavily dependent on its apps. It provides customizable icons, daily wallpapers from Bing, a personalized feed, and more. It’s well reviewed, and has been downloaded over 50 million times. Microsoft Launcher enables one-stop access to Copilot or carrying on with Outlook emails on Android.

5. Smart Launcher 6

Smart Launcher automatically sorts your apps into categories, will automatically change the theme color to match your wallpaper, and is fully customizable. It excels in simplicity and speed. Plus, the developers have actually posted some help for Nova users who might want to switch over to Smart Launcher. It can be set up exactly the same as Nova, although it just doesn't have infinite scrolling yet.

6. Hyperion and Action Launcher

Hyperion emphasizes speed and fluidity. It's lightweight, snappy, and ideal for older devices. It offers plenty of customization options, although not as detailed as Nova. For those seeking unique features, Action Launcher is known for tools like Quicktheme (colors from the wallpaper) and Shutters (widgets on icons). It offers dynamic looks, adaptive icons, and smooth animations, providing a solid alternative with unique features that Nova never offered.