From a dozen free, including top launchers for Android, it was difficult for us to select contenders for the title of the best. However, using the method of exclusions and comparisons, we left the strongest participants, who were quite trendy as of 2019.
We will pay attention to such characteristics of launchers as ease, freeness, and the presence of themes. If the Russian language is included with the launcher, we will note additionally. We will also identify other features, if any are found.
So, we present to you top launchers for Android:
Nova Launcher - launcher with flexible customization of grid and icons
A fairly original launcher for Android with a Russian-language interface, flexible personalization, intuitive gestures, bright effects and the ability to Reserve copy settings.
Nova Launcher supports desktop gestures and displays counters on the dock unread messages most messengers. The function is implemented thanks to the TeslaUnread plugin. In addition, Nova allows you to flexibly customize the application menu “for the user.” Other space organization features include the ability to create folders to group applications and switch between horizontal and vertical scrolling on the phone.
Customizing icons in Nova Launcher
Setting up widgets and applications in Nova
After installing the Nova Launcher application, you can modify the desktop and application menu of your Android smartphone. The launcher's color scheme supports fine color customization, and the grid sizes vary from 2x2 to 12x12. The dock bar at the bottom of the phone screen easily scrolls, the number of panels changes, and you can drag and drop popular shortcuts and widgets there.
Apex Launcher: speed and convenience
Fast, smooth and easily customizable launcher for Android devices. Apex Launcher has multiple settings for customization. The owner has the opportunity to choose the number of desktops and customize the grid sizes. Home screens and application menus support circular or elastic scrolling.
The launcher allows you to launch some functions using gestures, change background transparency in applications, and turn wallpaper scrolling on and off. Using the desktop lock feature, you can prevent adding new objects and changing the position of old ones.
The appearance of icons and the size of all widgets can be changed, applications on the device can be grouped into folders, adding icons in unlimited quantities.
The dock is controlled using gestures, scrolling is implemented for quick access to important applications. Apex Launcher supports Russian interface.
GO Launcher EX is the best launcher for Android with many themes
One of the most popular Android launchers in Google Play. GO Launcher EX is an enhanced version of the classic GO Launcher. It is distinguished by high speed and smooth interface, plenty of settings and stylish themes.
In Display Settings, you can set the scroll speed to adjust how smoothly you move between displays. By holding an application icon, you can call context menu. On the screen and on the dock, control is carried out using gestures.
In the application menu you can create folders for grouping - a long tap on the application icon allows you to switch to settings mode. Using the application manager, the user can hide and block programs to protect their own confidential information.
GO Launcher EX allows you to resize all widgets and supports desktop scrolling settings and application menus. The launcher has its own widgets for the most comfortable organization of work with the device. For the most convenient placement of elements, various grids are used.
GO Launcher EX has Russian language support.
Holo Launcher is a lightweight and simple launcher
A simple launcher for Android with the ability to fine-tune settings, appearance which is based on the design of Android Ice Cream Sandwich and KitKat, which can be run on earlier or later versions of Android.
Holo Launcher completely replicates the appearance of Android 4.0.4: the appearance of icons, tabs, folders, outlines, etc. The maximum available number of desktops for the user is 9, the grid for installing widgets has the largest size of 10x10. Available for portrait and landscape mode custom setting grids
The dock and widgets are easy to scroll, you can enable infinite scrolling on the desktop and in the application menu). You can install up to 7 icons in the dock and create up to 3 pages for quick access to frequently used applications.
Holo Launcher supports gesture control, as well as creating backup copy for settings and shortcuts on the desktop for later data recovery.
Holo Launcher has a Russian-language interface.
Next Launcher 3D Shell Lite
Next Launcher 3D Shell Lite has the status of the world's first 3D launcher with a flexible interface and vibrant effects. Judging by the reviews, this is one of the best 3D launchers for the Android OS in general.
The program supports working with gestures: the settings of Next Launcher 3D Shell Lite include 9 basic gestures, and it is also possible to create your own.
When switching between screens, users can observe original 3D effects (fabric, crystal, etc.). Also beautiful effects observed when changing desktops, screens in the application menu, or opening folders. Next Launcher 3D Shell Lite has built-in 3D widgets created specifically for this application.
The launcher has flexible customization options: the user can edit icons: change the angle, size, style, fonts and color design. Quick setup screens allows you to add folders, shortcuts, widgets, and change themes.
A powerful built-in application manager allows you to quickly sort icons in the menu, as well as batch add and remove programs. The proprietary multifunctional Next button is responsible for turning on the floating mode, switching effects, as well as the function of scrolling desktops.
During stereographic viewing of screens, the user can observe original animation and beautiful effects.
Next Launcher 3D Shell Lite has a Russian interface.
APUS Launcher - thoughtful and understandable
A lightweight and thoughtful launcher for Android with an intuitive interface. APUS Launcher supports the phone acceleration function, clearing memory with just one click, so that switching between applications and running the device becomes even faster.
The program can identify applications that are important and frequently used by the user in order to perform “smart” sorting into folders. You can search the Internet for information right on your home screen. APUS Launcher allows you to link your own desktop with the desktop of your significant other, colleague or relative in order to jointly change the wallpaper and share the mood with each other.
Every month, the APUS community provides free themes for its launcher that allow you to customize your device's home screen. APUS Launcher has a Russian-language interface.
CM Launcher 3D 5.0 is an innovative and flexible launcher
A beautiful, fast and optimized launcher from the creators of the popular Clean Master application.
CM Launcher 3D helps to decorate your desktop and smartphone menu, enhance the privacy of data on the device and make using your smartphone as comfortable as possible.
Users have access to more than 10,000 free design themes, including 3D, custom lock screens, icon packs for applications, themes for contact modules and live wallpapers, which allow flexible individual settings for the appearance of the launcher. If none of the proposed topics suit your taste, it’s easy to create own topic.
The launcher has a smart lock screen, the function of hiding applications, as well as taking a photo of an intruder, which allows you to maximally protect the confidentiality of data on the device.
With the Smart App Sorting feature, quick search and smart cards to use mobile phone it gets easier.
Yandex Launcher with "Alice"
Yandex Launcher is rightfully considered one of the most promising applications for Android smartphones. With its help, you can personalize almost any smartphone, adding brightness and individuality to it. The launcher not only provides access to a huge number of new features, but also provides quick access to the main functions - calls, messages and settings.
Yandex developers have made the new launcher as comfortable as possible. There are no unnecessary advertising banners or familiar services; standard browsers - Bing or Google - are used to access the Internet. In general, the design of the new launcher is quite simple, the set of basic functions is standard, so even a child can understand how the application works.
Yandex Launcher for Android offers users a wide range of features designed to simplify the process of using a smartphone. The most commonly used functions are:
- Desktop. Allows you to personalize the device screen - change the design theme, conveniently place application widgets and buttons. The appearance of the desktop grid can be changed in the visual editor. There is also a special quick access panel (opened by swiping down) that allows you to access contacts and the search bar in the browser;
- Folders. For each folder, you can set a different color scheme, this allows you to arrange the information at your discretion. Recommended applications are also displayed in folders; each folder has a set of customizable widgets;
- Application menu. After installing the launcher, all available applications will be formed into groups using thematic tabs. You can change the composition and location of folders at your discretion. You can also configure filtering programs by color.
Among other things, Yandex Launcher has voice search- loved by many users. With its help, you can quickly get any relevant information, send a message or call your loved ones.
You can install the launcher via Google Play, the program is free. The required Android version is 5.0 and higher. The number of downloads has already exceeded 5 million (the application is among the top launchers on Google Play), updates are regularly released and new features appear.
Smart Launcher - great design and flexible functionality
To make working with their phone more comfortable and efficient, many users install third-party launchers that allow them to optimize the operation of the device as efficiently as possible for specific needs.
Among the wide variety of options, Smart Launcher deserves special mention, for several reasons:
- Design. The icons are drawn in a relaxed manner, so it takes some getting used to new system Applications will take a minimum amount of time. At the same time, the overall design is extremely simple and does not require consumption large quantity system resources.
- Functionality. All applications are extremely adequately and conveniently sorted by area of application, which makes the process of working with the launcher even more convenient. Moreover, frequently used applications are initially installed on the main desktop, which is also extremely convenient.
- Optimization. Due to its extreme simplicity, the launcher allows you to use your device as efficiently as possible, while ensuring smooth animations and the fastest possible launch of applications even on fairly old devices.
Initially, the application is provided completely free of charge, and you can use it this way for an unlimited amount of time. There is also a paid version, in which advertising is completely removed and available additional options. These include adaptive application icons, the ability fine tuning sorting and a lot of other features. However, it is especially worth highlighting the ability to create an extended desktop, which allows you to hide the on-screen navigation buttons, thereby increasing the usable screen area.
The application itself is available to everyone on Google service Play, which allows you to install it on absolutely any device running on the Android operating system, be it a phone or a tablet.
It should be understood that the official application store is replete with a lot of similar programs, but it is Smart Launcher that combines extreme simplicity, functionality and an extensive list of features that allow you to fine-tune the system to your own needs.
Rootless Launcher
Rootless Launcher is a modified Pixel launcher, which, unlike the base one, gives users access to more settings. Inferior to other similar applications due to the small number of “decorations”, while consuming a minimum of RAM, and ultimately suitable for weak devices. Judging by the reviews, on some smartphones it works faster than the standard launcher.
The capabilities and features of the program include:
- Enable/disable date;
- Enabling or disabling the news feed;
- Selecting a desktop theme and wallpaper;
- Changing the size and appearance of icons;
- Drag and drop search bar from Google.
The advantages of the launcher include:
- Distributed free of charge;
- Consumes a minimum of RAM, freezes are excluded even on weak devices;
- Automatic search new updates;
- Access to a pack of themes, wallpapers and icons.
The disadvantage is the lack of support for Google Feed; for normal operation, you need to download an additional utility to your smartphone from the developer’s website.
Microsoft Launcher
Microsoft Launcher allows you to quickly pair your smartphone with the laptop on which you have installed latest version operating system Windows 10. The user can take photos on the phone and immediately edit them on the PC, quickly edit files in the office and send them back to the smartphone, etc.
The launcher offers packages of gestures, desktop icons, the ability to access frequently used applications using a swipe, etc. The program is distributed free of charge.
The benefits of the application include:
- Quickly continue working on your PC;
- Simultaneously search the Internet on a smartphone and laptop;
- Setting up smartphone gesture control;
- Personal news channel for quick viewing of important news, events and notifications;
- Customize the theme, wallpaper and icons to your taste;
- Icon for quick access to contacts.
Disadvantage: it consumes quite a lot random access memory, it is advisable to install it on devices with RAM from 2 GB.
It's been a long time now special applications-launchers remain 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 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 functions which add uniqueness to it.
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 its own themes, the collection of which can be expanded in the Google Play store, and 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 application has integration with many Microsoft services, including calendar, email, a 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.
Thus, on this moment, some errors may probably occur. 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 Microsoft platforms, I just have to 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 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. This is an open source project source code, which 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 Oreo shortcuts and notification dots, integration with Google Now(with additional and free plugin), adaptive icons and various other settings.
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's directly competing with Action Launcher and similar applications 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 the additional features include 3D animations, unlimited pinning bar, batch selection of things like home screen icons, widgets, and more.
It is completely free to download and use. It also has an additional plugin that 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!
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When we buy a new Android device, be it a smartphone or a tablet, we are satisfied with everything, but time passes, the appearance becomes boring and we want something new. But what to do if you are still far from buying a new gadget, but want to update the appearance right now? Then special applications (themes), the so-called Launchers, come to our aid, allowing you to completely change the appearance of your Android device.
What is a launcher
If you don’t know what a launcher is, we’ll try to explain it to you. in simple words. Literally, translated from English, Launcher means launcher (launch something), in in this case We are talking about running applications on the Android system.
A launcher for Android (launcher, launcher) is a graphical way of designing the appearance of the operating system, which includes the desktop, menus, widgets, icons, lock screen, etc.
There are currently many different launchers that can be downloaded from Google. Play Market, as regular application. As a rule, most of them are free, or shareware, in which you are offered a Lite version with limited functionality. If you like the launcher, you can purchase the full Pro version with advanced functionality.
How to change the launcher
Launcher is one of the most important and basic applications in the Android OS; it is the one that ensures user interaction with the device. Everything you see on the screen of your smartphone or
tablet: desktop, widgets, menus, icons, lock screen, etc., displays a standard launcher.
To change the preinstalled launcher on your Android device, you need to select the launcher you like in the Google Play Play Store and follow a few simple steps:
How to remove the launcher
Usually deleting a launcher does not create problems and it can be deleted in the same way as any other application or game.
- Open Settings.
- Find and select the desired launcher from the list.
- In the menu that opens, click “Delete”.
Difference between launcher and theme
Are launcher and theme the same thing? Many people, out of habit, call launchers “themes” that were on old phones from 2000, which is not entirely correct. The difference between a launcher and a theme (skin) is that the launcher can add additional features, change the desktop and application menu. But a theme can be part of the launcher and already change broader areas, for example, it can add a general style to the system, change the color of icons, change the appearance of settings, notification shades, and so on.
The best launchers for Android
Now that you know what a launcher is and how to change it, it’s time to introduce you to the 5 best launchers from the Google Play catalog.
Small, fast, smooth and secure launcher for Android in Russian. Become the designer of your Android, change the interface of your smartphone, decorate icon packs, themes and live wallpapers to your own taste. You can find many popular themes in CM-Launcher, such as “Hello Kitty”, “Shrek”, “Kung Fu Panda”, “Madagascar”, etc.
Features and Benefits:
- Over 10,000 free 3D themes, 2D icon packs, live wallpapers, contact themes to customize your phone interface.
- Security - Hide and lock apps to protect your privacy.
- More efficient - Fast search, smart app sorting and phone booster will make your life more efficient.
- The 1-Tap Boost feature will speed up your phone and make it even easier and faster to use.
- Automatically organize apps into smart folders (app drawer) to keep your menu organized.
A lightweight and smart Android launcher that provides an intuitive service to more than 300 million users worldwide. Good optimization ensures the fastest and smoothest operation. Among the new products in the launcher there is a Free Swipe curtain, which allows you to access recently used applications; You will also be pleased with the built-in widgets for news, accelerator, flashlight, calculator, notepad and other useful functions.
Features and Benefits:
- Improved App Market, with a comfortable browsing experience using an improved and simplified interface.
- Easy and fast memory clearing with one click.
- Easily search for apps sorted by category or frequency of use.
- Linked wallpapers allow you to link your desktop with the desktop of your significant other or friend.
- Install new and amazing HD wallpapers for your home screen. Share your favorite images with APUS users around the world.
- All applications are collected in one convenient directory, with an easy search for your applications, sorted by list.
Make your smartphone beautiful and convenient. Yandex Launcher will help you customize the interface the way you like, and at the same time optimize the phone's performance. Among the new products, you will be pleasantly surprised by the Yandex.Zen smart feed; just pull the screen to the right to see a feed of articles, videos and other materials selected taking into account your interests. The more you use Yandex.Zen, the more accurate the recommendations become.
Features and Benefits:
- Collections of built-in wallpapers and themes.
- Quickly search through contacts, applications and the Internet.
- An accelerator widget with the ability to automatically terminate unnecessary processes.
- Clock widget with weather forecast.
- New applications - the launcher itself will recommend what may be interesting to you
- Yandex.Zen - the smart feed will automatically select interesting news and publications for you.
Another popular launcher in Russian that replaces the home screen, changes icons, layouts, animations and much more. The application strikes a balance between incredible performance and high customization, while the launcher is easy to use and has many additional features.
Features and Benefits:
- Fast and smooth operation.
- Support for choosing themes.
- Customize the desktop, menus, icons, gestures, and so on.
- Infinite scrolling.
- Data backup/restore.
Fast, smooth and customizable, Nova Launcher is one of the best modern launchers on Android. Nova offers an enhanced look and feel with feature-rich settings with minimal impact on performance, allowing you to enjoy an updated home screen without worrying about the performance of your mobile device. There are a ton of customizations, from color schemes and icon packs to customizing folders, drop-down menus, and much more.
Apex Launcher
Apex Launcher lives up to its name and is another great Android launcher with a good balance of functionality and performance. Key features include the ability to customize desktop grid sizes, nine screens, and a scroll box of up to five pages. Infinite scrolling, animated transitions, many folder styles and several styles for application boxes, and these are not all the launcher’s features. The paid version opens up even more features, for example, more boxes, support for additional gestures and others.
Buzz Launcher v.1.9.1.10
(downloads: 2495)
Like many other Android launchers, Buzz Launcher comes with a huge range of features, offering a unique, personalized Android experience. A distinctive feature of Buzz Launcher is the fact that the launcher not only easily creates home screens, but also offers to post them on the network, where you can see the work of other users and apply some solutions on your device. Hardcore personalization fans will be able to customize icons, wallpapers, folders, boxes, and home screens, while less experienced users can find redesigned interfaces online and simply download what suits their tastes.
Smart Launcher
Smart Launcher provides users with a minimalist desktop with a radial menu where you can place your most frequently used applications like mail, games, navigator and others. In addition, Smart Launcher also includes a smart app box that automatically sorts user apps into convenient categories such as: Games, Internet, Multimedia apps (not excluding manual settings, Certainly). The only drawback of Smart Launcher is the support for widgets, which is only available in the Pro version.
Launcher Pro
Version 0.8.6 RUS (downloads: 4290)
Version 0.8.6 Plus RUS: (downloads: 3817)
Key for PLUS (downloads: 1761)
Once a cutting-edge launcher that has since lost ground, Launcher Pro is still worth mentioning as it remains one of the launchers that supports older Android versions Gingerbread or Eclair. Launcher Pro includes the ability to create up to seven home screens, with scrollable shortcuts and animated transitions accessible even to older devices. Unfortunately, showing the age of the launcher, it is worth noting that Last update he saw in 2011. It's a relic of the past, but if your smartphone is in the same age category, then Launcher Pro is still worth a try.
ADW Launcher
ADW Launcher is an interesting case: a launcher app that can work equally well whether you're using an ancient Android smartphone or one of the cutting-edge devices on the market. ADW Launcher supports Android 1.6 (Donut) onwards, it offers Holo-like features even on older devices without hogging the system. ADW Launcher includes numerous skins, shortcut boxes, gesture support and many other functional features and settings. The paid version of ADW Launcher EX includes additional options, including a set of animated transitions, application box settings and many others.
GO Launcher EX
An old favorite that takes on new-fangled upstarts, GO Launcher EX offers a huge ecosystem of customizations, including thousands of themes, dozens of animated navigation transitions, gesture support, and more. Old users mobile devices You will be pleasantly surprised, GO Launcher EX is compatible with numerous versions starting from 2.0, which guarantees support for devices released after 2009.
Action Launcher Pro ($3.99)
version: 3.7.3 Plus (downloads: 1301)
Action Launcher Pro offers its own version of custom Android interface. The drop-down app box gives users quick access to their library of apps and widgets (with convenient alphabetical sorting), as well as a specialized set of gestures that can be executed at the top of the folder icon to launch a variety of apps and shortcuts without having to search for them. In addition, Action Launcher Pro includes all the traditional launcher features, including a search bar and settings dock, icon scaling and a hidden application box.
Launcher 8
Google play
Version 3.2.6 (downloads: 3073)
Tired of standard interface Android? Launcher 8 works directly with your Android device's home screen, offering the look and functionality of Windows 8, with flat, colorful and uncompromising tiles Windows Phone 8 Modern user interface. The launcher comes with a suite of apps and a tiled gallery, with the ability to change or add some interface elements, customize colors, backgrounds, and even simulate LiveTiles with your own widgets.
Hi Launcher
version: 1.9.1 (downloads: 10388)
Perhaps we should call Hi Launcher "iLauncher". Hi Launcher mimics iOS on your Android device, right down to the iOS lock screen (complete with configuration features), glass icon dock, and iOS-style folder icons. The launcher also offers a search box on the home screen with a variety of themes, wallpapers and other settings. Hi Launcher supports Android 2.2, allowing users who like the look of iOS and devices to Android based, use the launcher with Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean.
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 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 a completely closed operating system (programs have 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?
When you download and install the right 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 subsection " Home screen"- 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 there will be shortcuts constantly hanging on the desktop social networks. 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, of which there are fewer and fewer lately. 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 the duration battery life and application management.
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.
Including replacing the labels of most preinstalled 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. It, 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 standard menu applications (which they may not even be aware of).
They are sorted in alphabetical order, but the latest running programs are in a separate line, the top one. 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 terms, 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 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 to use this program It’s possible 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.