And the best part is, the look of your device can be customized the way you want. Though there are a number of launchers available in the Play Store, choosing The One can be quite a task. So here we have compiled a list of seven cool Android launchers that will definitely give you an amazing experience.
1. Nova Launcher
An old and trusted player, Nova is simply brilliant. It offers a lot of customizing options, to the extent that you can make the Nova launcher resemble the Pixel launcher! The default look of the Nova Launcher is quite basic, with only three folders – Google, Create, Play on the home screen and the Gmail widget on the left. Evidently, users want more and all the action is hidden in the Nova Settings. Once you open the settings, you see a plethora of options that can be customized as per your need. From the way you want your desktop to look, to the way you want your home button to function, Nova has you covered for everything. Other features include customizing the app drawers, folders, night mode settings, dock settings, etc. It’s available for free in the Play Store and the Prime version can be bought for as low as $0.99, due to ongoing discounts.
2. Action Launcher 3
Action launcher 3 bundles a lot of powerful features like quicktheme, quickbar, shutters, etc. You can choose different backgrounds for the search box, quickdrawer or the quickpage. The quickbar can also be customized based on what you would like to have on your search bar. One of the amazing features is that you can select the look of the app icons. Presently you can choose from Lollipop, Marshmallow(Beta) or Pixel styles. Basic features like folder customization, icon style, display, quickbar are available in the free version. However, many of the features like shutters, Pixel Launcher, quicktheme are available only in the Pro version. The free version is good to use, but expect to see some annoying banner ads. As they say, when the product is free, you are the product.
3. Google Now
A fast, light and a simple app from Google, Google Now is pretty much what the stock android launcher looks like. Its USP is that it comes integrated with the Ok Google hot word. The launcher is straight-forward, with a whole screen dedicated to Google Now. As the Google search bar is accessible from every home screen, creating a reminder or searching for a map location can be done without touching the phone. The app drawer features the app list sorted alphabetically (known as the A-Z list). The most used apps can be viewed in the app suggestions. So if simplicity is your mantra, then this launcher is worth a try.
4. Apex Launcher
Apex Launcher is another well-known launcher that has been there for quite some time now. Similar to Nova, Apex offers an diverse customization options. The basic version comes with a Google folder and the Apex settings and menu icons with five scrollable screens. This app lets you customize most of the GUI. You can sort and style the app icons, set the number of dock pages, home screen grids, etc. Another feature is setting the action for the home button. A paid version is also available with many more customizing options.
5. Go Launcher Z
Go Launcher Z provides a colorful user experience coupled with amazing transition effects. This launcher has over 200 million users worldwide and continues to be a favorite. The app offers tons of themes, wallpapers, games and an easily accessible app center. The app drawer is segregated into 3 categories – All, Games and Service. Go Launcher Z also comes with an iOS-like uninstall feature for the apps. Overall, it has many controls and widgets, and tasks appear as soon as one long-taps on any app. A simple swipe up shows the news items, recent apps, top sites, etc. If you are a fan of colors and animation effects then you’ll love this one.
6. Arrow Launcher
Arrow from Microsoft, aims to bring a sleek look on its maiden launcher. The look differs from most of the popular launchers and seems more organized. It lets you fully organize the home screen and keep apps based on the usage. The default screen includes a folder for Google and the Play Store icon alongside the date/time widget. The home screens are divided into contacts, reminders (powered by Wunderlist), documents and the recent call log. A swipe down reveals the Google search widget along with the default Google apps. A swipe up brings the control center which has the widgets for Flight mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Unlike the other launchers, there isn’t much scope for customization in this one. So, if you are looking for an organized, fuss-free and easy-to-setup launcher then you could give this a shot.
7. Pixel Launcher
Pixel Launcher is the new launcher from Google, and available only for the US users. Instead of the Google search bar, it has a search widget known as the Pill. It also features circular shaped icons and folders and a revamped app drawer. A simple swipe up would reveal the A-Z list of apps. Though the app isn’t available for download in countries other than the US, we have a safe apk file, in case you want to try it out.
So, What’s Your Launcher?
There are lots of launchers out there and undoubtedly most of them offer a host of things. But the seven in our list are great not only feature-wise but also light on memory. If you ask me, I’m a Nova girl… it just works! What about you? The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
