The best Android launcher in Windows style. The best functional launchers for the Android system. The best launchers for Android

The application management system on many devices (both Android-based and other operating systems) is characterized by low functionality and inconvenience to use - there is no way to quickly delete applications, move them in the device’s memory, or launch them without pauses and freezes.

To easily and effectively interact with all applications on your device, you will need a launcher - a special program that can interact with any application file, launching, deleting, interrupting or moving it.

How to choose the best and most suitable launcher for Android - this is discussed in this material.

Choice

Many factors play an important role when choosing such an application.

First of all, this is the degree of load on the operating system and the hardware component of the device.

It is not advisable to install a launcher that will take longer to launch than the applications themselves due to the fact that the phone does not support it.

The same can be said about applications that take up too much space on the device - they not only launch slowly, but are also unstable.

Also, when choosing this software It is important to pay attention to its functionality and ease of use.

The table below shows the comparative characteristics of all the programs presented in the material, making it even easier to choose between them.

Table 1. Comparative characteristics of the main launchers for Android

Name	License	Platform	Impact on the graphical shell operating system	Operation stability	Functional
Nova Launcher	Paid/ Free	Android	Optional	High	Wide
Go Launcher Ex	Free	Android	Very significant	High	Wide
Buzz Launcher	Free	Android	Significant	High	Sufficient
Action Launcher	Free	Latest versions of Android	Not significant or significant as desired	Sufficient	Wide
Microsoft Launcher	Free	Android, Microsoft	Very significant	Sufficient	Sufficient
C Launcher	Free	Android	Almost completely absent	High	Very wide
Solo Launcher	Free	Cross-platform	Almost completely absent	Very high even on weak devices	Sufficient
Smart Launcher	Free/	Android	Very significant	Normal	Wide
Next Launcher	Free/	Android	Not significant	Normal	Wide
APUS Launcher	Free	Android	Significant	High	Sufficient

Taking these characteristics into account, you can make the optimal and most informed choice.

Nova Launcher

Functional and quite easy to use, a functional launcher that gives the user complete control over the contents of his device.

It has wide functionality and combines all the innovations found in similar programs from other developers.

It is distinguished by sufficient stability of operation and a very wide range of settings and scope for customization.

In general, the application is suitable for those who like to customize the functionality of programs “for themselves,” as well as for those who are accustomed to the traditional shell design from this developer.

The presence of the most interesting innovations and features that are available in the software of other developers;
Another advantage is the wide scope for customization;
Wide range fine adjustments functionality.

New programs always focus on latest versions operating systems, many programs do not reach users with older versions of Android at all. This launcher, which works only on new versions of the operating system, was no exception;
May “fly out”;
Not very convenient controls.

Here's what users who still say were able to start using the program:

“A good functional application usually works well. However, recently it began to sometimes “fly out” for no reason, and besides, it is not very convenient to open it.”

Microsoft Launcher

This launcher was originally designed to work on mobile devices with the corresponding operating system.

And although this type The operating system never became quite popular and in demand; some programs developed for it were rewritten and received a second life, since their use began.

The software works stably and has sufficient standard functionality for working with files, the same as the applications described above.

Integrated with Microsoft services, which is convenient for fans of programs from this developer. For example, you can view data from Outlook, Office, etc.

This convenient integration system is the main advantage of this application;
Another plus is that it’s easy to get used to when switching from Microsoft to Android;
Fairly stable work.

The traditional Microsoft tiled design, which most users find inconvenient;
Despite the fact that the influence of this launcher on the standard Android shell is quite significant;
Causes some applications to crash.

Users who have been using such an application for some time, they say the following:

"A stable, functional launcher with wide range settings. But Last update"corrected almost no errors in his work."

C Launcher

A simple launcher with a nice design, not overloaded with unnecessary details.

It is distributed free of charge and works stably even on not very powerful devices.

Its distinctive feature is the ability to track the user’s actions on the phone in order to provide him with contextual clues in the future. This is quite convenient and greatly simplifies and speeds up the operation of the phone.

Low load on hardware and battery;
Not a large amount of occupied memory;
Availability of context clues;
Very wide functionality.

There is a very large number of advertising blocks, compared to other software in this top, which sometimes interfere with the normal operation of the device;
Illogical grouping of labels;
Lags on very weak devices.

Users who have already gotten acquainted with the application leave the following reviews:

It works stably on any device, even outdated ones, and in this regard it is the leader among all the programs listed above.

It has minimal impact on the software shell and has almost no icons of its own - for this reason, it may appeal to fans of the Android menu.

Has some beautiful animations. Equipped with gesture control functions. Does not have a significant impact on the internal settings of the phone or the operation of other applications.

Its advantages include:

Lightness, speed and stability;
Almost complete lack of influence on standard interface devices;
No visual signs of the presence of a launcher.

Relatively limited functionality. But such a narrowing was a necessary measure to achieve light weight of the software and its speed. However, the functionality allows you to perform all the basic functions;
Not too significant an impact on the menu;
Sometimes it doesn't save widget updates.

Users speak out about the 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 Android interface, badges, 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 preinstalled on all Nexus models manufactured by Google. At the same time, users Google smartphones Nexus celebrate high performance work with smartphones, quick access to widgets and applications, as well as the ability to flexibly customize the interface and design using the Google Now Launcher program.

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 the help of Nova Launcher you can upload your settings to Google Drive. This way you can create backup copy 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 thoughtful features and a lot of additional settings, which you can install and make custom. Thus, you can replace 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

Market Android tablets is growing at an unprecedented pace. Along with it, the number of new owners of these devices is growing. And for some of them the tablet will be the first Android device, which falls into their hands.

Therefore, for those of them, as well as for those who are not satisfied with the branded Android shell, I want to present an overview of the best Android launchers designed to work on tablets.

For those who are encountering the concept of “Launcher” (or Launcher) for the first time, I advise you to read this article. In short, this is the application that is responsible for working with desktops on the tablet screen, launching applications from the list, working with shortcuts and widgets, and much more necessary for everyday work with the device.

Some tablets already have alternative launchers installed on them by the manufacturer. This is, for example, Touchwiz - which Samsung installs on its devices.

But today we will talk about launchers from third-party manufacturers, which can be found in the application store Google Play.

So, the best launchers for Android tablets.

The main goal of the creators of Action Launcher Pro was to get easy and quick access to applications installed on the tablet. That's why main feature This launcher is an application tray that slides out from the left side of the screen.

The panel can be pulled out using a sliding gesture with your finger from left to right across the screen, or using a special button located in the upper left corner of the desktop. If you create multiple desktops on your tablet, the application drawer can only be accessed using this button.

In the application drawer, programs are arranged in alphabetical order, and you can quickly navigate to the desired application using the alphabetical panel located on the right side of the program list. Once you find the application you want, simply tap on it to launch it. The application panel will disappear into place.

Interestingly, Action Launcher Pro doesn't use the app drawer to add apps to your desktop. Instead, a more familiar dialog menu is used.

To access frequently used applications, recently visited web pages or contacts, there are special function"Covers", but I haven't found a way to configure them.

In addition, the Action Launcher lacks what we are all familiar with since the early days. Android versions, dock for shortcuts and applications. Application shortcuts can be grouped. To do this, simply drag one icon onto another, after which you will be able to set a name for this group of applications.

Apex Launcher is somewhat reminiscent of the previous ADW.Launcher in appearance. The program does not provide step-by-step instructions on its functions and settings when first launched. As in ADW.Launcher, after a long tap on the shortcut, a pop-up menu of options appears in Apex Launcher.

Application groups in this launcher can be renamed after long pressing on it. In addition, when a group is open, you can rename it by clicking on the name.

When you move app shortcuts and widgets around on your desktop, existing icons will move to the sides to make room. Start buttons Google search And voice search This launcher has the most inconspicuous ones - and I especially liked this.

Like ADW.Launcher, this launcher has a dock panel at the bottom of the screen, on which you can also place groups of applications.

To obtain full access To access all the features and animation modes, you will have to purchase the paid version of the application, Apex Launcher Pro, which costs $3.99.

Chameleon Launcher for Tablets

The only launcher that was created exclusively for tablets, Chameleon Launcher, lives up to its name. The main idea of this application is that its appearance can change depending on the environment.

The desktop in this launcher is completely at your disposal for widgets. Applications are nestled in the dock at the bottom of the screen. When you launch Chameleon Launcher for the first time, you will be given step-by-step instruction for setting up widgets.

The application dock is scrollable and flanked by a desktop selection button and an application tray button. Unlike other launchers, each desktop has its own application dock.

Despite its original idea - the possibility of changing appearance applications depending on your location (for example, home or work), the program is currently a little damp. Applications sometimes spontaneously disappear from the dock, and widgets take quite a long time to update when changing desktops.

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 them include, for example, Quicktheme, which uses the resulting background to determine the accents of the theme, customize the unique design, there is Quickpage, a kind of hidden home screen, which 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 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 the most important feature is the theming. 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 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 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.

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 gesture to launch Google Now, just like Google Launcher had.

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 a backup copy of your 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.