So, the best launchers for Android tablets. The best functional launchers for the Android system The smallest launcher

In this article we will talk about the best launchers for Android, and also give some tips on choosing a particular launcher for Android.

Probably the coolest thing about Android is that it can be customized to suit your needs and goals. And it starts with what is commonly called the Launcher. Well, the Launcher includes the ability to change the Android interface, icons, icons, and much more.

Thus, a smartphone can have "stock" Android, if one of the launchers is not installed on it, either adapted or "modified" Android, if the owner decided to make the phone for himself. Surely few people like it "stock" and boring Android, the design of which has already become boring after such a long time since the system itself.

The best launchers for Android in 2017

Google Now Launcher

If you want to get a clean and unique interface design for your Android smartphone, then you need to download Google Now Launcher. This program comes pre-installed on all Nexus models that are released by Google. At the same time, smartphone users Google Nexus note the high performance of smartphones, quick access to widgets and applications, as well as the ability to flexibly customize the interface and design using Google programs Now Launcher.

Worth noting what if you download this application, then you will not receive advanced features, additional options and modified themes, since for the most part the functionality of the program is paid, although some people prefer a simpler layout, and thus they are quite satisfied with the Free version of this application.

Result: You need to use Google Launcher if you need high stability of your Android smartphone. Using Google services, you can synchronize your smartphone with a Bluetooth keyboard.

But still remember that in free version There are not so many options for customizing an Android smartphone. Therefore, to expand them, you will have to pay accordingly.

How to download Google Launcher?

Google Play Market.

Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher is a very popular program that offers many options for desktop animation, folder appearance, and changing the Android interface.

This launcher allows you to set custom icons and custom wallpapers in one click, and with Nova Launcher you can upload your settings to Google Drive. This way you can create a backup copy of the new layout and theme, and then upload it to cloud service, and if necessary, restore the backup directly from the cloud, which will allow you to simplify your work with installing themes and customizing your smartphone.

Result: If you want to tweak part of the interface, then the Nova launcher will help you deal with it.

One more moment Note: Please note that you will have to pay $4.99 to unlock more advanced features of this app.

How to download Nova Launcher?

You can download this launcher from Google Play Market.

Action Launcher 3

Action Launcher is a launcher app that comes with a ton of smart features and a lot of additional settings, which you can install and make custom. Thus, you can replace the icons and icons of traditional applications, change quick buttons on the main menu, change the appearance of the interface and make customization. What’s even more attractive about this program is that it contains a database of a huge number of icons, settings, themes, and features that will suit you one way or another.

Of course, the advanced features of Action Launcher 3 require a paid upgrade to the version "Plus" but at the same time the price is quite reasonable.

Result: If you are bored with the usual design of your Android smartphone, then you need to download Action Launcher 3 and start customizing your smartphone.

Another: You won't have to pay for the features of Action Launcher 3 every time if you update it to version "Plus", but keep in mind that if you change your smartphone, you will need to buy the Plus version again.

How to download Action Launcher 3

You can download this launcher from Google Play Market.

Video: The best launchers for Android

31.03.2018 11:00:00

Despite all the technological bells and whistles of the latest versions operating system Android, one of its characteristics has remained unchanged for 10 years. This software platform is open source, which allows the user to individually customize each element of the Android phone interface.

The most convenient way to do this is through a special launcher for Android in Russian. With it, you can change the color of icons, fonts, themes, widgets and other operating system components. Moreover, such programs do not affect root structures, do not require rooting and do not interfere with system processes smartphone.

We have selected 10 of the most interesting and practical launchers for Android, among which, by the way, there are some very unusual ones

The popular Nova Launcher is often ranked first in the ranking of the popularity of shells for Android. The launcher has gained its excellent reputation due to the simplicity and convenience of its functions, which allow you to customize the appearance of the operating system in detail.

The shell is based on the standard appearance of Android 4.4. However, almost any element in the Nova product can be changed at your discretion: create an infinite number of desktops, change the number of programs in the dock bar, system color schemes, font, animation and much more. You can also install any third-party icon sets.

Many users believe that this is the fastest launcher for Android, which contains a huge number of different settings. Gesture control is supported, including for launching programs. The launcher has a very rich ecosystem, there are many widgets designed specifically for it.

Especially worth mentioning is the number of themes for the shell. By using Google service Play, you can find tens of thousands of options to give the Android OS a personal look.

A convenient and practical launcher that has an interesting social function. With its help, you can see the most interesting and popular topics created by other users. Having chosen what you like most, just press one command, and the shell will be installed on your smartphone.

Not only the appearance of the system changes - applications, widgets and utilities included in the system are automatically downloaded. If you want, you can work and create the theme of your dreams yourself, and then stroke your pride by looking at how many of your like-minded people have installed it. Like other launchers for Android, it is not demanding on resources and does not consume too much battery power.

A new addition to the collection of launchers is rapidly gaining popularity among Android users. Interesting and stylish updates appear in the theme collection every day.

Launcher Features:

Effective 3D transitions for screens
Easy settings management
Intelligent sorting of applications into folders
Convenient quick access panel for main control buttons
Customizable desktop widgets
Hide important apps feature
A separate tool for clearing memory and speeding up your smartphone
Energy Saving

By the way, the function of hiding applications is quite a useful and relevant topic for Android smartphone users who are worried about their personal data. About the most available ways You can read about hiding the contents of your smartphone from prying eyes in our article How to hide an application on Android.

While most launchers try to incorporate as many functions as possible, as well as impress users with a spectacular design, AIO Launcher from Russian developer Evgeny Zobnin is based on the exact opposite principles of minimalism.

The shell's operation is based on a tag system. The utility displays main screen all smartphone functions in the form of one large list of text widgets. Here is the exit to system settings, and access to calls and SMS, and management of third-party applications.

You can read more about the capabilities of this unusual shell in our article.

A launcher for those who like to constantly and completely change the look of their Android device. The program offers a gigantic catalog of various creative interfaces for the operating system, which can be installed in a few seconds.

There are, indeed, incredibly many options and most of them are works of art. Among the disadvantages, we can note a slight slowdown on not very powerful devices.

Before you change the launcher to Android, be aware that Themer “eats” more resources than the standard Android interface.

A launcher with a very pleasant and well-designed interface. It significantly speeds up working with the operating system. For example, when you press the menu button, a window pops up from which you can quickly go to applications, widgets, settings or change wallpaper. It turns out something akin to the "Start" key in Windows.

Of particular note is the ability to display widgets in a separate menu that extends from the right edge of the screen. There they are always at hand, but at the same time they do not become an eyesore or clog the screen - a very elegant solution.

It is possible to launch widgets from the icon without launching applications. Imagine you have a program and a widget for it. You don't want to launch the entire program, but want to quickly access its widget? To do this, just click on the icon marked with a special symbol and voila - the application functionality is available on the desktop in windowed mode. The shell is very fast, works without crashes and is simply pleasing to the eye.

The official product from Google was also included in our review of launchers for Android.

It features a minimalistic but very well-designed interface, extremely high speed and stability. The user cannot change the appearance of the shell - he can only select a screensaver for the desktop and configure widgets.

The program looks beautiful and works well. It will be an excellent free option for those who are tired of the complex setup and crashes of other launchers.

A wonderful Yandex launcher for Android, which will be especially useful for those who actively use the Russian search engine and its additional services - mail, maps, Disk, etc. The three-dimensional desktop interface and well-designed appearance are very impressive.

All Yandex services and widgets are conveniently organized in the shell. As a result, you can quickly switch between your mail, read the news, weather, and more. The widget doesn't have a lot of settings, so it won't be possible to make it completely personalized. However, most people won't need this.

Next Launcher is completely unlike Android or any other OS. It's amazing - it seems to be the most beautiful launcher for Android.

System elements are made in HD quality, three-dimensional and interactive, supported a large number of various gestures. It is possible to select the display inclination of desktops and scroll them. This is especially convenient if you have a smartphone with a large display or a tablet.

In general, the launcher is incredibly interesting, and it’s worth downloading if only to play with it a little. Before installing a launcher on Android, be aware that it will consume a lot of resources

This was a review of the best launchers for Android. As you can see, each of them has its own advantages, so it is perhaps difficult to say clearly which one is ideal. We recommend trying each one and choosing the one that suits you best.

By the way, many launchers contain very useful tools system optimization to make your smartphone work faster. However, there are other ways to overclock your device. You can read more about this in our article.

One of the best things about Android is that you can customize not only how it looks, but also how it behaves. One way to do this is to download a new launcher, an application that will change the interface of your phone and allow you to customize it to your tastes.

Plus, such apps allow you to have the same interface you're used to, even if you bought new phone- simply restore your backup settings from cloud storage. Now this is especially true when almost every manufacturer installs its own shell, which is not always intuitive and fast.

I don't think it's possible to determine the best launcher that will suit everyone. You use your phone differently than I do, and I use my phone differently than my colleagues or friends. Everyone has their ideal launcher, but if you haven't found your favorite yet, here are the best ones that I think will satisfy almost any Android user.

Nova

Nova Launcher has been a well-known application for a long time. It has support for gesture control: if you want to open the application list, just swipe up and double-tap the screen to turn it off. In short, the app works with gestures and folders better than anyone else!

The set includes icon packs and themes, of which there are about a thousand (search in Google Play), application interface settings, counter unread messages, additional scrolling effects and much more. Another feature is constant updates with the addition of new functionality and bug fixes.

It is worth noting the possibility Reserve copy settings to the cloud with their subsequent restoration on a new phone or when resetting to factory settings.

Microsoft

Microsoft Launcher is an updated version of the Garage Arrow project and we've covered the key changes that came with this update. The app currently supports integration with many Microsoft services, including calendar and email.

If your computer is updated to the latest Windows versions 10, you can link your phone and computer, then you can quickly and easily “Continue to PC”. This means you can take a photo and immediately see it on your computer, or edit a document in Office and then continue editing it on your computer.

There are packages of gestures, icons, and advanced settings. For example, swiping up will not open the list of applications, but will only show your favorite applications, as well as quick settings, such as Wi-Fi, Airplane mode, Bluetooth, etc.

Daily wallpaper change - get it in automatic mode new wallpapers from Bing or enter your own selection of wallpapers to change.

It's important to note that Microsoft doesn't want Android to look the same as Windows 10 Mobile. For example, you won't find square "tiles" here; if you're looking for something like that, check out the following app.

It’s a little strange, but with this launcher you get the impression that you are using an iPhone on an Android smartphone, everything is so convenient and beautiful.

Apex

Apex Launcher has been around for a long time and remains one of the most popular launchers. Similar to the Action Launcher app, it is designed to provide flexible interface customization with multiple additional functions, for example, you can hide the Google search form, the status bar, and even the dock, which by the way can display up to seven icons instead of four! If you have a child, you will benefit from the desktop lock feature to prevent accidental changes.

You can choose transition animations, change the design, and custom icons for shortcuts and folders. Up to 9 home screens are supported, with flexible settings for each of them. Convenient gesture control, screen lock, optimized for use on smartphones and tablets. It is possible to display unread messages and missed calls on icons. And this is not all the features that Apex Launcher offers.

One

An excellent replacement for the standard Android interface will become One Launcher. When creating it, the developer (one BJ) was inspired by latest versions iOS - mobile operating system from Apple. Thanks to this, the launcher turned out to be aesthetically beautiful and very convenient.

As with Apple devices, application icons are located on the home display rather than hidden in a separate menu. You can combine several applications in folders or leave everything as is. The latter option is ideal for those who use only a small number of programs.

The developers paid special attention to ensuring that their brainchild consumes little RAM while maintaining maximum performance. Their work immediately becomes noticeable when you switch from this launcher to another. Or check the amount of free RAM. Moreover, One Launcher is completely free and supports everything Android versions, starting from 2.3.3.

Smart

Smart Launcher is not just an add-on to the stock launcher, and this is immediately noticeable. The home display is presented as a circle with six icons, providing quick access to the most important applications. You also have access to the widget area or can go to a unique menu. What makes it so unique? Intelligent sorting system. When you install a new utility, the launcher automatically places it in the correct category, making it much easier to access.

A convenient search bar is always at hand, so you can easily find the applications you need. An important part is the lock screen with support for notifications and a variety of themes. To completely change the device interface, download special themes for Smart Launcher 3 on Google Play. In addition, do not forget about the option to hide any utilities or set a password to launch them.

Hola

The Hola Launcher developers began their project with one single question: “What features do people need most?” After thinking about it carefully, they got to work and created Hola Launcher - an easy and simple alternative for those who want to achieve the best results with the least amount of effort.

Taking a few minutes to explore what this launcher has to offer will leave you in awe. After all, it only takes up 4 MB. And the extremely low RAM consumption makes it very fast and responsive. The application is built around one concept - simplicity. The interface is minimalistic, easy to navigate and allows you to get to the most frequently used functions in a few taps.

In addition to the usual set of features like custom themes, wallpapers, folders, etc., Hola offers users access to several very useful programs. Hola Shina is a special menu that opens by swiping from the bottom edge of the monitor. In it you will find frequently used applications and settings. Hola Boost is a small, movable circle that releases RAM your smartphone immediately after clicking on it. There's also Hola Box, which can easily hide any utility on your home display if you don't want to show it to other people.

Launcher 8

Launcher 8 is unique in that it doesn't feel like an Android app. In fact, the only purpose of this application is to make your device's interface look like Windows Phone. And he copes with this task perfectly. It copies not only the appearance, but also many actions. As a result, when working with the shell, you get the feeling that you are not working under Android at all.

Supports emulation of “live tiles” and a scroll bar when navigating through the application menu, which appears when you move your finger to the right or left on the screen.

There are custom themes that let you customize the look of the launcher, but most of them are very different from what we're used to seeing on Android. If you don't want your smartphone to look like a Windows Phone 8 phone, then there's not much point in installing this app.

Action

Action Launcher has long been a favorite program of many users. In addition to standard functions, there are also some original ones that make the program unique. For example, Quick Theme allows you to customize the colors of your interface.

The Shutters feature gives you access to widgets without actually installing them on your home screen. There is also a set of elements in the style of Android Oreo. There are icon settings, quick updates of small elements and much more.

GO

An excellent choice for those who want to try a custom home screen design. In addition, GO Launcher is one of the most downloaded utilities on Google Play. The program combines functionality with excellent user design.

The launcher is created on an innovative 3D engine developed from scratch. It is this that makes the program extremely fast, responsive and versatile. In addition to the engine, you switch between 25 display animation options and get over 10,000 unique themes. With such a staggering number of options for customizing the interface, it would be easy to get confused if it were not for DIY Themer.

GO Launcher also has an excellent tool that allows you to hide or block a specific program to further protect you from prying eyes. Well, built-in widgets for optimizing your smartphone increase the device’s performance, making multi-window mode faster and more enjoyable to use.

Next 3D Shell

The developers of the Next Launcher 3D Shell program are the same people who worked on the creation of GO Launcher. 3D animation is supported, there are many transition effects and unique settings. Using the scroll bar, you can quickly change home screens and choose the one you like best. this moment. According to most users, this is one of the most expensive launchers. True, you can try all the features of the program for free.

ADW 2

The biggest plus of ADW Launcher 2.0 is the customization: you can customize themes, gestures, folder styles, home screens, app list and even create your own custom widgets. I can go on and on, if you are a fan of settings, then you should definitely download this launcher and test it thoroughly. It contains just an insane amount of settings!

You can create unlimited amount your own widgets and place them anywhere, even on the top panel (where the search bar is located) or on the bottom (where you currently have 4 icons).

As always, there is the ability to edit every single icon of any application you have. IN latest update a new set of effects has appeared when switching to another screen, as well as the ability to change the system color palette to any color (black, red, orange, etc.). In general, in this application you can do everything you can imagine.

Evie

Evie Launcher comes with icon and widget packs. It is possible to hide any applications, quickly launch programs, and add unique shortcuts with your own signatures to the home screen. You can create your own wallpaper and change the size of the icons.

The program is fast, easy to use, and has some original features. Uses a Pixel Launcher-style app menu that can be moved from the bottom of the screen. The application is distributed free of charge.

Lightning Launcher is different small size and very flexible settings. With this tool, you can change almost all elements of the home screen. Perhaps the most unique feature is its scripting support, such as the ability to use JavaScript.

You may be intimidated by the abundance of settings and options, but there is nothing to be afraid of. Yes, there are a lot of settings, but they are easy to understand. But what opportunities! Almost all functions and elements can be customized, be it the way applications are placed, folders, widgets, home screens, icon sets, fonts, alignment, and even renaming standard elements (not all).

If you don’t want to understand, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of more classic skins at your service, which offer a couple of basic settings.

Lawnchair Launcher is an open source project that basically mimics Pixel Launcher. Many of their functions are the same, although there are some original features. It is constantly updated and improved. Notifications and context menu are made in the style of Android Oreo.

You can choose different styles panels and windows, icon sizes and much more. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Lawnchair has absorbed all the best that is in the Pixel and Nova Launcher shells. All this is complemented by the high performance and aesthetics of the Pixel shell and seasoned with customization elements from other launchers well known in the Android world.

One of the most attractive design styles is the dark theme. It applies to the appearance of the tray, home screen widget, and context menu. The possibilities for changing the design style here are not as deep as, for example, in Substratum, but still not bad.

There is integration with Google Now (if you install an additional free plugin). Even in beta it works better than many older launchers. If you are looking for the most best analogue Google Pixel, consider that you have already found it.

EverythingMe

The main highlight of EverythingMe is the so-called Prediction Bar, which is a series of icons located at the bottom of the screen (there are four in total), dynamically changing depending on the user’s location, time of day and the results of analysis of previous application launches.

Based on the results of this analysis, Prediction Bar will first offer the user those applications that he is most likely to need in the near future. For example, in the morning EverythingMe will tell you the latest news and remind you of what you have planned for today. And on a weekday, the launcher will offer applications that you most often deal with at work.

At the first launch, the launcher will try to automatically expand installed applications in the corresponding folders, such as “Games”, “Music”, “ Social media" and "News". You can create new Smart Folders at any time, grouping apps as you see fit.

Most launchers deal with what you are doing at a given time: what you are viewing, what you are listening to. EverythingMe takes a slightly different approach. Instead of focusing on current actions, it tries to predict what you will do.

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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 this case we are talking about launching applications in the Android system.

Launcher for Android (launcher, launcher) is a graphical design method appearance 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 a 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.

1.CM Launcher 3D

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.

2. APUS Launcher

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 performance possible. 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.

3. Yandex.Launcher

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 – smart tape She will select interesting news and publications for you.

4.Nova Launcher

Another popular launcher in Russian that replaces the home screen, changes icons, layouts, animations and much more. The application combines a balance between incredible performance and highly customizable, while the launcher is easy to use and has many additional functions.

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.

5. GO Launcher

Launcher apps have been an integral part of Android for a long time. If you don't like the way your home screens look, you can simply download an app to change almost everything on your system. There's no doubt that Android launchers have a significantly more diverse set of features than any other genre of apps, and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let's take a look at the best!

Action Launcher 3
(downloads: 2143)
Action Launcher 3 has long been a favorite of our readers and the app deserves a place on this list. It comes in Android design, but with some interesting features. Some of these include Quicktheme, which uses the resulting background to define theme accents, tailor a unique look, there's Quickpage, a kind of hidden home screen that can take you anywhere, and much more. The application has a long history and is famous for its stability and regular updates. You can also follow the developer's work on his page.

Apex Launcher
(downloads: 753)
Apex Launcher has been in the market for a long time and remains one of the most iconic launchers for Android. Similar to Action Launcher, it retains the look and feel of vanilla Android with some extra features thrown in for extra customization. These include changes to transition animations, scrolling settings, and even a scrolling dock where you can store many icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with a huge selection of themes available on the Google Play Store, and the launcher also supports icon packs. This is a fairly stable application that can run on almost any device.

Buzz Launcher
(downloads: 545)
Buzz Launcher is a very popular launcher, which is characterized by a variety of themes. Buzz Launcher uses something called Homepacks and allows you to customize not only your home screen theme, but also change your home screen entirely. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations, which means you can play with the app all day and still have tons of options to check out. Besides the theming, you get a solid launcher, but it can be difficult to set up, so be prepared for that.

CM Launcher
(downloads: 833)
Despite the name, CM Launcher is actually not related to CyanogenMod. Applications developed by one developer with CM Security, which graces the list of the best antivirus programs for Android now. The application tries to create as small a footprint as possible, it boot file weighs only 2 MB and uses a minimum system resources. It is lightweight, fast and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security, so the launcher has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we understand that not everyone wants it, but it's a pretty good option otherwise. There's also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and time of day.

GO Launcher FX
(downloads: 770)
GO Launcher is one of the most popular launchers for Android, with over 100 million downloads to date. All this is probably due to the simplicity and wide possibilities thematization. The app comes with a fairly basic set of features that allow for minor customization, but most main feature Thematization remains. GO Launcher FX launcher app offers tons of themes, you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It's an easy to use app that works great, even if some people think it's a bit overpriced.

Google Now Launcher
(downloads: 384)
Google Now Launcher is a launcher for Google and Android fans. It's essentially a launcher powered by built-in Google Now. It is distinguished by its simplicity, integration with Ok, Google, HOTWORD, translucent theming elements and much more. It's not an overly powerful or customizable launcher, but it is slim and fast decision, and the built-in Google Now will delight fans of this function. This is an excellent program that uses a lot of resources, and Nexus owners will especially appreciate it.

Launcher 8
(downloads: 390)
Launcher 8 is a unique solution because it has nothing to do with Android. In fact, the only purpose of this feature is to make your phone look like Windows Phone. Using the launcher, you can convert your widgets into Windows style Phone (Live Title – Live Tile) and get an experience very similar to Windows Phone, but on Android based. The launcher also comes with a bunch of other features that make it a very good choice.

Lightning Launcher
(downloads: 905)
Lightning Launcher is not the best popular app on the list, but the launcher carries the highest rating. This is an Android application that is quite easy to launch. The application strives to use some of your device's resources, but sparingly. The feature set is fairly sparse but includes some powerful features including unlimited home screens, the ability to add icons anywhere and organize them the way you want, while the low hardware consumption is a nice feature on older devices. This launcher is definitely worth a look if you need something light and fast.

Next Launcher 3D Shell
(downloads: 540)
Next Launcher is one of the most unique Android launchers on this list. The launcher is also developed by the guys from Go Launcher, so they have something in common. Next Launcher 3D Shell uses scrollable home screens, meaning you can see a scrolling ribbon on the right side, it allows you to quickly switch between home screens. There is also a unique set of icons, themes, unique widgets (downloaded separately), and those who pay for the application will receive much more. You can also buy the app cheaper after using the demo version.

Nova Launcher
(downloads: 532)
It's hard to find something significantly better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova draws on the good old days and remains not only relevant, but one of the best launcher apps for Android. Nova offers a long list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the appearance of apps, support for icon packs, themes, and much, much more. The app is also updated quite quickly, which means that any errors are resolved very quickly. The launcher also comes with the ability to create backup copy and restoring your home screens, in case you decide to upgrade to a new phone.

Smart Launcher 3
(downloads: 409)
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique launcher for Android. It offers one home screen with a great set of features and buttons arranged in a flower pattern. The idea is to provide access to applications quickly, using as few resources as possible to keep the device running smoothly. The launcher features home screen notifications, tons of available themes, security features and password-protected apps, and even plugins. The launcher may seem simple for some users, but it is a very powerful and excellent working application.

Solo Launcher
(downloads: 394)
Solo Launcher positions itself as a DIY solution for those who would like to have more control. The launcher uses Material Design 2.0, which means you get the most modern design possible. Moreover, you get a huge number of settings with which you can make the launcher work exactly as it should. Solo Launcher also comes with theming, gesture controls, clock/weather and many other features. This launcher is definitely worth your attention, it is fast and customizable.

Themer: Launcher
(downloads: 758)
Themer is a launcher in which almost everything can be configured. This app works just like Buzz Launcher where you download a theme and it changes almost everything on your home screens. Each of these is then individually customizable, giving you virtually unlimited combinations of themes to work with. Themer developers offer their application completely free of charge, which attracts many users. This is a powerful solution that supports icon sets and also comes with an integrated Zooper Widget.

Yahoo Aviate Launcher
(downloads: 226)
Aviate Launcher has gained significant popularity. The app started out as a launcher with a handful of developers, long before it was acquired by Yahoo! a few years ago. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements that try to deliver you required applications, when you need them, based on location and time of day. The app also comes in a sleek and simple design, along with a Smart Steam solution that's reminiscent of Google Now. This is a powerful launcher that quickly gains momentum. This is also a completely free solution.

Z Launcher from Nokia
(downloads: 864)
Nokia's Z Launcher is the last solution on our list, and it is also an exceptionally minimalist launcher. It includes one home screen, an app tray, and an area where you can do searches. This is a unique premise that is great for those users who prefer minimalism and functionality, without excess. The launcher is still in beta, but it already works surprisingly stable and decent.