• Download the coolest launchers for Android 1.6. The best functional launchers for the Android system. What is a launcher

    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 such 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
    NameLicensePlatformImpact on the graphical shell of the operating systemOperation stabilityFunctional
    Nova LauncherPaid/

    Free

    AndroidOptionalHighWide
    Go Launcher ExFreeAndroidVery significantHighWide
    Buzz LauncherFreeAndroidSignificantHighSufficient
    Action LauncherFreeLatest versions of AndroidNot significant or significant as desiredSufficientWide
    Microsoft LauncherFreeAndroid, MicrosoftVery significantSufficientSufficient
    C LauncherFreeAndroidAlmost completely absentHighVery wide
    Solo LauncherFreeCross-platformAlmost completely absentVery high even on weak devicesSufficient
    Smart LauncherFree/AndroidVery significantNormalWide
    Next LauncherFree/AndroidNot significantNormalWide
    APUS LauncherFreeAndroidSignificantHighSufficient

    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 of fine-tuning functionality.
    • New programs always focus on the latest versions of 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 appropriate operating system.

    And although this type of 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 a wide range of settings. But the latest update did not fix almost any bugs in its operation.”

    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 absence of impact on the standard device interface;
    • 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

    (14 )

    When we buy a new Android device, be it a smartphone or a tablet, we are satisfied with everything, but time passes, the appearance becomes boring and we want something new. But what to do if you are still far from buying a new gadget, but want to update the appearance right now? Then special applications (themes), the so-called Launchers, come to our aid, allowing you to completely change the appearance of your Android device.

    What is a launcher

    If you don’t know what a launcher is, then we will try to explain it to you in simple words. Literally, translated from English, Launcher means launcher (launch something), in this case we are talking about launching applications in the Android system.

    Launcher for Android (launcher, launcher) is a graphical way of designing the appearance of the operating system, which includes the desktop, menu, widgets, icons, lock screen, etc.

    Currently, there are many different launchers that can be downloaded from the 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.

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Find and select the desired launcher from the list.
    3. In the menu that opens, click “Delete”.

    Difference between launcher and theme

    Are the launcher and theme the same thing? Many people, out of habit, call launchers “themes” that were on old phones from 2000, which is not entirely correct. The difference between a launcher and a theme (skin) is that the launcher can add additional features, change the desktop and application menu. But a theme can be part of the launcher and already change broader areas, for example, it can add a general style to the system, change the color of icons, change the appearance of settings, notification shades, and so on.

    The best launchers for Android

    Now that you know what a launcher is and how to change it, it’s time to introduce you to the 5 best launchers from the Google Play catalog.

    1.CM Launcher 3D

    Small, fast, smooth and secure launcher for Android in Russian. Become the designer of your Android, change the interface of your smartphone, decorate icon packs, themes and live wallpapers to your own taste. You can find many popular themes in CM-Launcher, such as “Hello Kitty”, “Shrek”, “Kung Fu Panda”, “Madagascar”, etc.

    Features and Benefits:

    1. Over 10,000 free 3D themes, 2D icon packs, live wallpapers, contact themes to customize your phone interface.
    2. Security - Hide and lock apps to protect your privacy.
    3. More efficient - Fast search, smart app sorting and phone booster will make your life more efficient.
    4. The 1-Tap Boost feature will speed up your phone and make it even easier and faster to use.
    5. 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:

    1. Improved App Market, with a comfortable browsing experience using an improved and simplified interface.
    2. Easy and fast memory clearing with one click.
    3. Easily search for apps sorted by category or frequency of use.
    4. Linked wallpapers allow you to link your desktop with the desktop of your significant other or friend.
    5. Install new and amazing HD wallpapers for your home screen. Share your favorite images with APUS users around the world.
    6. 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:

    1. Collections of built-in wallpapers and themes.
    2. Quickly search through contacts, applications and the Internet.
    3. An accelerator widget with the ability to automatically terminate unnecessary processes.
    4. Clock widget with weather forecast.
    5. New applications - the launcher itself will recommend what may be interesting to you
    6. Yandex.Zen - the smart feed will automatically 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:

    1. Fast and smooth operation.
    2. Support for choosing themes.
    3. Customize the desktop, menus, icons, gestures, and so on.
    4. Infinite scrolling.
    5. Data backup/restore.

    5. GO Launcher

    31.03.2018 11:00:00

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

    Launcher Features:

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

    A launcher is a third-party application that allows you to simulate various interfaces, and sometimes even ways of user interaction with an Android device. If you are tired of the usual smartphone shell, then our material, designed to find out which application deserves the title of the best launcher for Android 2018-2019, will come in handy!

    In our opinion, a launcher vying for a place in the top must meet the following requirements:

    • Change the device interface - icons, backgrounds, interaction process;
    • Do not slow down the system;
    • Minimum advertising;
    • Preferably free.

    All kinds of launchers can be found in the “Personalization” section of the Google Play store, and now we will introduce you to those that we personally liked.

    #10 - Solo Launcher

    An extremely popular launcher with over 100 million downloads. The developers say their main goal is to increase the performance of the device, and they managed to cope with this task. Built-in cache and memory cleaning significantly speeds up work and saves free space on your device. Visually, the application also has many advantages - the widest collection of themes and wallpapers, widgets and other goodies will help make your smartphone as comfortable as possible for you personally.

    #9 - Smart Launcher

    The key advantage of this shell is its extremely careful attitude to the smartphone’s resources - the memory and battery feel much better under its control. Wide possibilities for customizing the device using visual tools will help make your smartphone unique, and advanced security settings will make the information stored on the phone inaccessible to prying eyes.

    An important detail is the constant contact of developers with users, which results in an attentive attitude to the wishes of the audience - you yourself can offer an idea that you are so lacking when using the gadget. In addition to advertising, there is paid content.

    #8 - CM Launcher

    This launcher will appeal to fans of animated 3D desktop themes - there are more than ten thousand of them here. Moreover, each new user can become an interface designer himself and create his own themes, wallpapers or icons. This shell has achieved great success in the field of security - it presents such advanced functions as a photo of an intruder, protection against theft, hiding applications and others.

    The developers did not forget about performance - you can speed up your phone with one touch. The application also adds a wide range of tools to those already available on the phone - a flashlight, a calculator, brightness adjustment and much more.

    #7 - Evie Launcher

    Finally, we have an ad-free shell. If you prefer conservative and laconic interface designs, then do not pass by this launcher. This feature also has a great effect on the speed of the system, which is important. The intuitive interface greatly simplifies navigation within the device, which is suitable for people who are not so familiar with smartphones.

    The customization options grow with each update, and they come out quite often and significantly improve an already noteworthy program.

    No. 6 – Hola Laucnher

    A simple but powerful launcher that covers all areas vital for your device. This includes faster work with cleaning the phone, economical consumption of battery power, and much more. This shell will definitely please gamers - during the game, the launcher monitors inactive applications and frees up RAM by disabling them.

    The Omni Swipe feature allows you to switch apps without returning to the home screen, which is a great time saver. The number of built-in themes and functions responsible for the security of the smartphone and the data on it is also quite large.

    No. 5 - Yandex Launcher

    Launcher from the Russian IT giant. It is difficult to single out just one feature of this shell, but one way or another it changes the user’s interaction with the device in each component. Useful widgets like an accelerator or a clock with a built-in weather forecast will help you use your gadget with even greater comfort, and the Yandex.Zen personal assistant will recommend interesting publications in Russian and help you pass the time profitably.

    A similar operating algorithm, based on machine learning, is used by the prompter responsible for recommending applications for downloading. You can also take part in testing new versions of Yandex.Launcher and advise developers on this or that solution. Unfortunately, this shell is not without advertising.

    #4 - Apex Launcher

    Stylish launcher with deep shell personalization capabilities. A regular participant in various ratings and nominations, Apex allows you to customize your workspace in the most comfortable way, which is not always possible to achieve in the basic shell from Google.

    The excellent capabilities for fine-tuning the security of the device are extremely highly appreciated by people who need to protect data when using a smartphone. The absence of advertising helps to avoid negative emotions from using the application, and therefore it simply has no disadvantages.

    #3 - Go Launcher EX

    This shell focuses on visual changes to the interface and achieves amazing results in this field. The internal store gives you the opportunity to purchase truly unique and amazingly designed interface themes. An important advantage is also the minimal weight of this application, which in turn significantly increases performance by manipulating the RAM and internal memory of the smartphone.

    #2 - Google Pixel Launcher

    Designed specifically for Google smartphones, this launcher greatly facilitates cooperation with them. By providing quick access to branded search from the desktop, the shell makes web surfing easier and more enjoyable than ever. Personalizing information in the form of smart cards will make the phone different from others. An interesting feature is the ability to control the application menu using gestures.

    A large amount of information displayed on the screen, from the weather forecast to the latest news, will help you stay up to date even with a fleeting glance at the screen. It is strictly recommended for all those who were not satisfied with the original interface of Google models. There are no advertisements or paid content.


    Finally, we have reached the top of our ranking, where the new version of the legendary Nova Launcher is located. The possibilities for customizing the workspace here are truly endless - absolute freedom in choosing icons, widgets, desktops and the arrangement of elements on the screen.

    Unfortunately, the full functionality of the shell is available only in the paid version of Nova Launcher Prime, but believe me, the features available there are worth every ruble invested in them.

    If you are reading this, it means you were interested, so please subscribe to our channel on , and for one thing, give it a like (thumbs up) for your efforts. Thank you!

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

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

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

    The best launchers for Android in 2017

    Google Now Launcher

    If you want to get a clean and unique interface design for your Android smartphone, then you need to download Google Now Launcher. This program is pre-installed on all Nexus models manufactured by Google. At the same time, users of Google Nexus smartphones note the high performance of their 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, that if you download this application, you will not receive advanced features, additional options and modified themes, since most of 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 for your Android smartphone. Using Google services, you can synchronize your smartphone with a Bluetooth keyboard.

    But still remember that the free version does not have such wide options for setting up an Android smartphone. Therefore, to expand them, you will have to pay accordingly.

    How to download Google Launcher?

    Google Play Market.

    Nova Launcher

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

    This launcher allows you to set custom icons and custom wallpapers in one click, and with Nova Launcher you can upload your settings to Google Drive. Thus, you can create a backup copy of the new layout and theme, and then upload it to a cloud service, and if necessary, restore the backup copy 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, as well as many advanced settings that you can set and customize. 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.

    One more thing: 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