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Chances are, you look at the home screen of your phone more than almost any other screen on your device. It should look good, but still be functional. Sometimes, the default launcher just doesn't cut it for what you want to accomplish. We did a guide of the best launchers back in September 2013, but we thought we would update things with some of the newer launchers. Without further adieu, here are a few different launchers that provide the best experience for everyday use, in our opinion.
Google Now Launcher
The Google Now Launcher comes standard with Google Experience KitKat devices, but recently Google made it available in the Play Store. The big draw with Google's launcher is that Google Now is always accessible by swiping to the left-most screen. Besides easy Google Now access, it's just like your typical default launcher – no frills or special effects, no custom icon or theme support, just widgets, apps, and shortcuts. A simple, down-to-the-bone experience.
With Google Now continuing to improve and becoming more and more part of Android, and even Google's framework, this launcher offers the extremely useful service with just an easy swipe.While technically this launcher is just for Google Play Edition and Nexus devices, you can get around that by following the steps we've outlined.
Play Store Download Link
Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher is the oldest of the launchers on this list, as well as the most customizable. With this third-party launcher, you can make your device look like a stock device, or you can change it up and make it look like something unique. You can customize virtually everything – from icons, to animations, to grid size, to speed, and much more. In addition to the customization options, it's fast, light-weight, polished, and frequently updated. Themes are a big part of the launcher, and as a result, there are hundreds of different downloadable themes, both in the Play Store and other sources online. Not only do icons change on the home screen, but they also change in the app drawer, making for a very streamlined and clean look.
There's a premium “Prime” version if you want more features, but the free version should do just fine for most. The Prime version does have some nice features however, like the ability to hide apps from the drawer and display unread counts by apps icons.
Play Store Download Link (Free)
Play Store Download Link (Prime)
Aviate Beta
Aviate is a very interesting option, and the first dynamic launcher on this list. Aviate is a “smart” home screen tool that automatically adjusts as you go through your day. The layout on the home screen is extremely simplified, with areas for automatically categorized apps. Those grouped apps change as your day goes on, based on your location and the time. For example, if you're at the gym, your device will display shortcuts to fitness apps, if you're at the airport, you will see travel related apps,and if you're at the office, you will get productivity apps, etc.
Aviate really makes you use your phone to its fullest potential. If it realizes that you don't have a popular useful app that relates to something you do or somewhere you go, it'll suggest you download that app. Aviate was bought recently in a publicized deal by Yahoo, so we're probably going to see the launcher evolve quite a bit in the near future. It has already been updated to allow custom icon packs, a much requested feature.
There's good and bad news about its availability. The good news is that it is absolutely 100% free, but the bad news is that the launcher is currently invite-only, which you can request after downloading the app.
Play Store Download Link
EverythingMe Launcher
EverythingMe is another dynamic launcher, like Aviate, but that's not to say they are the same. EverythingMe began as a customizable launcher in which you could speak to your device, and get suggestions on apps based on what's your mind. The launcher still has those options, but it has evolved into a lot more. Like Aviate, EverythingMe adapts based on the time of day and your location, but not just with apps. For example, in the morning, the app will provide the weather for you, along with news headlines, or any other apps you check in the morning. When you get to work, your appointments will appear, along with productivity apps.
EverythingMe is a great option for those who want an automated experience as well as want to try to explore new apps. It's free in the Play Store.
Play Store Download Link
Themer Beta
If you like the idea of having your home screen look uniquely awesome, but don't want to spend time customizing it yourself, Themer was created just for you. For over a year now, expert home screen designers have been creating themes for Themer that anyone can use, regardless of their customization savviness. The designed home screens are complete with icons, wallpapers, widgets, and more useful tools. Some of the themes are true pieces of art that you can incorporate on your own device.
While you can choose a preset theme, that doesn't mean you can't customize the theme . You have tons of options to do what you want with the theme and make it your own. Themer isn't a dynamic launcher like the previous two options, which is something you might have to consider giving up for looks. It's free in the Play Store.
Play Store Download Link
We want to know what you think. What's your launcher of choice? Is it one we outlined above, or is it one that we missed? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts.
Can’t abandon Launcher 8! My #1 Launcher on the list. Why couldn’t see it? Android phone with an experience of WP style, it’s even more customizable than Windows phone. Adorable!
I wanna try comet 3d launcher for my htc one max.,but can’t download it from playstore because it is not compatible with my device??!!!?. dunno y.,
Are you want launcher?
You guys never tried CM launcher? I had a slow Samsung Galaxy Nexus and wow did that ever speed things up. I kept it and honestly its Google now just better in my opinion.
Except Google now launcher, all launchers you introduced says either it is not compatible with my GALAXY tab S or not available in my country Japan.
Dodol is the best ever
Dodol launcher is very nice. Tried all the others, but Dodol is a keeper.
Smart launcher is the best!
Where is Buzz??
I was a long time user of GO Launcher but got fed up with them pushing out stuff I can’t opt out of. I tried Everything Me, and while I find the idea of it interesting, it is not for me. I tried Nova when I was still a GO user and find it lacking. I’m currently using both Google Now Launcher and KK Launcher. While I like Google Now for its simplicity, I crave customisation, and KK Launcher is almost a clone of Google Now, with customisation.
buzz is best
Already tried all launcher.. Nothing to compare with Smart Launcher. Try it.. you will never pissed off!
Love apex
I’ve used Go Launcher forever…don’t see a need to change.
Love aviate, however my battery which normally lasts a full day or more would only last a few hours. Big bummer.
Lucid Launcher is awesome, and very, very speedy! I love the Google Now Launcher and Everything Me too. Right now I’m using Aviate and I always check out the new themes as they are uploaded on Themer.
Had themer for 2 weeks, it was cool for a while but felt like a toy really fast. Other than nice themes it doesn’t hold water. Got everythingMe after I saw it on a friend’s phone, couldn’t be happier with it!
Themer by far has been my favorite launcher. Tons of premade themes to choose from. Easy to customize from scratch or modify a premade theme. Good support and helpful developers, designers and users. A great youtude channel to walk even new users through not only the basics but some more advanced options.
While the idea of launchers like Aviate and EverythingMe are appealing they just don’t fit with my life, for some this might be a great option.
Have tried at least three on this list and about 4 others. For me, none have the versatility and customization capability of Nova launcher. Others do one out two things really well, but nova does many things well. Some of the others are nice but…….
Keep up the good work.
Themer is the best. More than one hundred of divers themes, all them ready to use. All them awesome!
Never used any of those launchers, but I’m using Dodol Launcher now and I adore it. Way faster than Homee (that crap kept bugging my phone). Plus, it highly customized – there’s a bunch of themes available at the Play Store.
TRUNHTHIN@GMAIL.COM
How could you forget Action Launcher! My #1
I recommend “Buzz Launcher” , like “Themer” but great:-).
Also I like Aviate for work time. And for landscape-mode I have Nova or Apex, they’re almost the same.
I used the Nova Prime for a long time and it’s great, but Buzz is the best .
Nova was good, but the developer hasn’t updated it in a long time. It is now a battery drainer. Aviate & the Everything Me launchers are JOKES, pure trash! Themer is ok as for ADW, not a chance. Google Now launcher, I would still consider it as beta, but it is a contender, the rest are (excluding Google) are pretenders! Why was there no mention of the best launcher? APEX is by far more Superior than any of the mentioned launchers!
APEX and Nova are pretty much the same from I’ve seen. I’m invested in Nova – no need to change.
“jokes” “pure trash” Hardly the expressions of a serious review.
A look into the Beta program on Google+, shows a concerned and connected group of dedicated developers attempting to work to create a launcher which is so much more.
I’m proud to be part of this program, even if it’s just to point out a problem here and there.
action, lucid … my favorites
ADW EX has been the best since CM started and its all you’ll ever need.