What a launcher. The best functional launchers for the Android system. Nova Launcher is the best Android launcher in Russian

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Buying new Android device, be it a smartphone or a tablet, we are happy 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 they come to our aid special applications(themes), so-called Launchers, which allow 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.

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.

Currently, there are 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 Google directory Play.

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. In CM-Launcher you can find many popular topics, 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 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 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.

5. GO Launcher

Launchers are used to organize and interact with applications on Android. Which usually consists of a series of home screens where we can organize application shortcuts, widgets and so on. Every phone comes with a launcher, but not all launchers are convenient; an endless number of third-party launchers from the Google Play Store come to the rescue.

Let's take a look at the list of the best launchers for Android in 2019! I would add Google Pixel Launcher to this list if it had support for at least several smartphones.

It is one of the most popular launchers for Android, and its slogan is FAST.

Action Launcher is defined as a smartphone management tool that quickly gets what you need done so you can focus on what really matters, like spending hours on games and VKontakte.

Main features:

Quick Menu: For quick access to all your apps and widgets
Quick Theme: Depending on the theme you choose and the desktop image you set, the launcher customizes its appearance, including overall design, colors, background, folders, Google search bar, menu and more
An original concept for using widgets in Android
Full tablet support

Apex Launcher

Apex Launcher has been around for a long time and remains one of the best launchers for Android in Russian. Like Action Launcher, its main goal is to customize the appearance of Android and add several useful features. Among the possibilities are such as changing the transition animation, scrolling, you can even make the dock panel scrollable with big amount icons Apex Launcher also has a large number of themes. The app has changed significantly in 2018. Now it looks more modern.

ADW Launcher used to be in my ranking of the best launchers for Android 4.4 and higher, until the developer stopped updating it. However, with the release of ADW Launcher 2, it was obvious that I would add it back to the list. The launcher has received an updated interface, which would be better suited on naked Android. There are shortcuts for quick launch applications, many settings, extensions and others modern functions. He also has one of best features working with widgets. It took an honorable third place among the elite launchers for Android. You can download it for free or buy yourself an extended pro version for 219 rubles.

AIO Launcher is very different from most launchers for Android. It changes the standard home screen to an information list. It shows the latest SMS and missed calls, media player, system information (RAM, battery, memory, etc.). In addition, it shows news, exchange rates, VKontakte messages and much more. The paid version has integration with Telegram and widgets from other applications. AIO Launcher - shows that the interface can be radically different from the usual Android and still be effective. Most of the features in the app are available for free. Full version It costs reasonable money - 159 rubles.

Evie Launcher is a relative newcomer to the launcher family, especially next to legendary launchers like , but Evie is much lighter and faster and also has gesture support.

First of all, like many recent launchers, Evie has gesture support for opening applications and interacting with your smartphone. One of Evie's popular gestures is to double-tap the screen to put the phone into sleep mode, and there is also an instant phone lock or timer lock gesture. There's even a launch gesture Google Now, just like Google Launcher did.

Evie is highly customizable and you can change the desktop grid. and turn gestures on and off as needed.

Microsoft Launcher is not a new launcher. The application replaced Arrow Launcher. Microsoft renamed the application in mid-2017. The app is integrated with many Microsoft services, including the calendar, mail app, notes, and has direct integration with Windows computers. It is possible to customize and manage gestures. After the rebranding, the launcher was returned to beta version. However, this is an excellent launcher and is especially suitable for those who want to better integrate their smartphone with a Windows PC, there is a Russian language.

How could one not add to this list the good old Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, this launcher has been around for many years. However, this does not prevent it from remaining relevant, in demand and one of the best free launchers for Android in Russian. It has a wide range of customization options that include gesture support, the ability to customize the app's appearance, support for icon packs, themes, and much, much more.

The app is updated at a breakneck pace, meaning bugs are quickly fixed and new features are constantly being added. The application can create backup copy desktop settings, then you can restore from it or transfer the settings to another phone. If you don’t know which launcher to choose, I recommend trying this one.

Smart Launcher 5

Smart Launcher 5 - has many more settings than Avite, but it is still considered a smart launcher with original algorithms that will sort application icons into categories. The main advantages of this launcher are worth noting: low energy consumption, multiple themes and lock screens, security, and so on.

Lawnchair launcher

Lawnchair launcher is one of the new launchers for Android. This project is open source code. It mimics much of the look and feel of Pixel Launcher. Also has many of the same features as Pixel Launcher. For example, support for icon packs, Android shortcuts Oreo and notification dots. There is integration with Google Now (with an additional free plugin). The application is still in beta. However, it works better than most launchers. Distributed free of charge without advertising or internal purchases.

Lean Launcher is another one of the new launchers for Android. It has a healthy dose of Android minimalism and support for popular, new features. Including notification dots, application shortcuts, icon shapes, Google Now, etc. The app also has color changing features, double tap settings and more. The launcher is relatively new, which is why there are some minor bugs that the developers promised to fix. But even considering the newness of the application, it is still very good. It is distributed completely free of charge, at least at the time of compiling this list.

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 completely closed operating system(programs gain 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 almost all owners used push-button phones Nokia. 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?

Once you download and install the desired 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 “Home Screen” subsection - 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, social network shortcuts will constantly hang on your desktop. 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 lies in a well-implemented constructor, with which you can easily create own topic. 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 perform other 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.

This includes replacing shortcuts for most pre-installed 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 situated in 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 very beautiful theme, but also one that is dedicated to some holiday, game or film.

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.

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 added for additional settings. 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 of 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 of 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 functional solution is to make your phone look like Windows Phone. Using the launcher, you can convert your widgets to the Windows Phone style (Live Title) 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 the scrolling ribbon on 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 backup and restore your home screens, in case you decide to upgrade to 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 save normal work devices. 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.

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 taste.

Plus, such apps allow you to have the same interface you're used to even if you bought a new phone - just restore your settings backup 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 packages of icons and themes, of which there are about a thousand (look for it on Google Play), application interface settings, an unread message counter, additional scrolling effects and much more. Another feature - 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 won't open the app list, but will only show your favorite apps, as well as quick settings like 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's designed to be highly customizable with a few extra features, like hiding the Google search form, status bar, and even the dock, which 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 standard interface Android will become One Launcher. When creating it, the developer (one BJ) was inspired by latest versions iOS is a 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 when 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 best result with the least amount of costs.

Take a few minutes to explore what this launcher has to offer and you will be truly amazed. 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 frees up your smartphone's RAM immediately after you click 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 the interface of your device 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. Besides standard features, 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 updating 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 an unlimited number of your own widgets and place them anywhere, even on the top bar (where the search bar is) or on the bottom bar (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, add to main screen unique labels with your own signatures. 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 small in size and has 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 added high performance and the 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 dark theme. It applies to appearance 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've 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.