15 best Android launcher apps of 2015

Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!

• The best Android apps of all time!
• The best Android weather apps and widgets!

---

Action Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Apex Launcher

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.

Get it now on Google Play!

---

Buzz Launcher

[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

CM Launcher

[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

GO Launcher EX

[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Google Now Launcher

[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Launcher 8

[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Lightning Launcher

[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have42

---

Next Launcher 3D Shell

[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Nova Launcher

[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Smart Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Solo Launcher

[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Themer: Launcher

[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Yahoo Aviate Launcher

[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Z Launcher by Nokia

[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Wrap up

If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!

• The best wallpaper apps you should definitely check out!
• The most gorgeous Material Design apps for Android!
• Or you can check out all of our app lists here!

15 best Android launcher apps of 2015

Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!

• The best Android apps of all time!
• The best Android weather apps and widgets!

---

Action Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Apex Launcher

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.

Get it now on Google Play!

---

Buzz Launcher

[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

CM Launcher

[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

GO Launcher EX

[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Google Now Launcher

[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Launcher 8

[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Lightning Launcher

[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have42

---

Next Launcher 3D Shell

[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Nova Launcher

[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Smart Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Solo Launcher

[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Themer: Launcher

[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Yahoo Aviate Launcher

[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Z Launcher by Nokia

[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Wrap up

If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!

• The best wallpaper apps you should definitely check out!
• The most gorgeous Material Design apps for Android!
• Or you can check out all of our app lists here!

15 best Android launcher apps of 2015

Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!

• The best Android apps of all time!
• The best Android weather apps and widgets!

---

Action Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Apex Launcher

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.

Get it now on Google Play!

---

Buzz Launcher

[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

CM Launcher

[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

GO Launcher EX

[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Google Now Launcher

[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Launcher 8

[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Lightning Launcher

[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have42

---

Next Launcher 3D Shell

[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Nova Launcher

[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Smart Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Solo Launcher

[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Themer: Launcher

[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Yahoo Aviate Launcher

[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Z Launcher by Nokia

[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Wrap up

If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!

• The best wallpaper apps you should definitely check out!
• The most gorgeous Material Design apps for Android!
• Or you can check out all of our app lists here!

15 best Android launcher apps of 2015

Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!

• The best Android apps of all time!
• The best Android weather apps and widgets!

---

Action Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Apex Launcher

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.

Get it now on Google Play!

---

Buzz Launcher

[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

CM Launcher

[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

GO Launcher EX

[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Google Now Launcher

[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Launcher 8

[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Lightning Launcher

[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have42

---

Next Launcher 3D Shell

[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Nova Launcher

[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Smart Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Solo Launcher

[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Themer: Launcher

[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Yahoo Aviate Launcher

[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Z Launcher by Nokia

[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Wrap up

If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!

• The best wallpaper apps you should definitely check out!
• The most gorgeous Material Design apps for Android!
• Or you can check out all of our app lists here!

15 best Android launcher apps of 2015

Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!

• The best Android apps of all time!
• The best Android weather apps and widgets!

---

Action Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Apex Launcher

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.

Get it now on Google Play!

---

Buzz Launcher

[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

CM Launcher

[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

GO Launcher EX

[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Google Now Launcher

[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Launcher 8

[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Lightning Launcher

[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have42

---

Next Launcher 3D Shell

[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Nova Launcher

[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Smart Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Solo Launcher

[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Themer: Launcher

[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Yahoo Aviate Launcher

[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Z Launcher by Nokia

[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Wrap up

If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!

• The best wallpaper apps you should definitely check out!
• The most gorgeous Material Design apps for Android!
• Or you can check out all of our app lists here!

15 best Android launcher apps of 2015

Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!

• The best Android apps of all time!
• The best Android weather apps and widgets!

---

Action Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Apex Launcher

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.

Get it now on Google Play!

---

Buzz Launcher

[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

CM Launcher

[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

GO Launcher EX

[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Google Now Launcher

[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Launcher 8

[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Lightning Launcher

[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have42

---

Next Launcher 3D Shell

[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Nova Launcher

[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Smart Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Solo Launcher

[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Themer: Launcher

[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Yahoo Aviate Launcher

[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Z Launcher by Nokia

[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Wrap up

If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!

• The best wallpaper apps you should definitely check out!
• The most gorgeous Material Design apps for Android!
• Or you can check out all of our app lists here!

15 best Android launcher apps of 2015

Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!

• The best Android apps of all time!
• The best Android weather apps and widgets!

---

Action Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Apex Launcher

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.

Get it now on Google Play!

---

Buzz Launcher

[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

CM Launcher

[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

GO Launcher EX

[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Google Now Launcher

[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Launcher 8

[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Lightning Launcher

[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have42

---

Next Launcher 3D Shell

[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!

---

Nova Launcher

[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!

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Smart Launcher 3

[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!

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Solo Launcher

[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!

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Themer: Launcher

[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!

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Yahoo Aviate Launcher

[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!

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Z Launcher by Nokia

[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!

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Wrap up

If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!

• The best wallpaper apps you should definitely check out!
• The most gorgeous Material Design apps for Android!
• Or you can check out all of our app lists here!

5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week! – Android Apps Weekly

Welcome back to Android Apps Weekly! Let’s check out the big headlines from the last week:

• In perhaps the saddest news we’ve reported on in a while, the mobile-centric Humble Bundles are coming to an end. The service will still have apps in their regular Humble Bundle deals and as individual sales, but no more bundles with just mobile games. It was a staple event covered by this show for years and we’re sad to see it go.
• In a surprising move, Google Play removed the famed Tasker application from the Play Store for an alleged permission that would ignore battery optimizations such as Doze Mode. What’s funny is the app had no such permission in the main version although it was present in the beta version. In any case, the app has been restored to the Play Store and is available right now.
• The season of acquisitions continues this week as Pandora picked up Rdio for a cool $75 million. Rdio was circling the drain and was in the middle of declaring bankruptcy when Pandora stepped in and took over. We don’t know how this will affect Pandora, but we’ll know for sure sometime in 2016.
• Pushbullet announced a new pro version of their popular application. It’ll cost you about $5/month or $40/year. What’s new? Pretty much nothing. The pro service is being criticized not because it’s charging money, but because it’s not giving anyone anything new. The same old Pushbullet now costs money and the free version is now a stripped down version. It’s available now if you’re interest.
• Starting in early 2016, the Google Play Store will start letting users know if an application has advertising. This will be placed in the app listing right alongside the in-app purchases label to let everybody know. It should start rolling out Monday, January 11th.

For even more Android apps and games news, don’t forget to check out this week’s newsletter. There you’ll find a wealth of app info that we didn’t have time or space for here. If you’re so inclined, you can sign up using your email address and we’ll send it to you every week!

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Samsung+

[Price: Free]
Samsung released a new application this week called Samsung+. This is a customer service oriented application that connects you with reps to help you solve problems with your Samsung devices. The app also features tutorials on how to use Samsung’s features, exclusive promotions for other products, and some device maintenance features. It’s completely free but, as you may have guessed, it’s for Samsung device owners only.
Get it now on Google Play!

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Lifeline 2

[Price: $2.99]
Lifeline 2 is the latest release in the Lifeline franchise. For those who don’t know, Lifeline 2 is a text-based RPG where you embark on a quest as a woman trying to save her lost brother and avenge her dead parents. Choices you make will affect the game and either keep the main character alive or kill her. It’s quite good for a text-based game and it works really well with Android Wear. There are also no in-app purchases and also beware for early release bugs.
Get it now on Google Play!

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Horizon Chase

[Price: Free / $2.99]
Horizon Chase is a retro style racing game that is a self-labeled ode to the racing games of old. With this one, you’ll get all kinds of racing fun with retro graphics and old school game music to round out the experience. It’s a lot of fun and the game is free to demo with the pro version being unlockable as an in-app purchase. There’s a peculiar and hilarious bug on Marshmallow where you have to give the game permission to run, but otherwise it’s a lot of fun.
Get it now on Google Play!

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Pool

[Price: Free]
Pool is a new photo sharing application from Mediafire. Yes, that’s Mediafire the popular file sharing service that most of us have used before. The application itself allows you to share photos with friends and family. Think of it like a private Instagram mixed with Google Photos. It’s not quite as robust as either of those applications, but it is young and has a ton of potential. It’s also totally free to use, at least for now.
Get it now on Google Play!

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Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee

[Price: $4.99]
Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee is one of the more hotly anticipated games of 2015. It’s an action-adventure platformer where you must do all kinds of weird stuff to obtain the last can of caviar. It’s a really goofy game with decent graphics and one of the better controls schemes we’ve seen in this genre. It also has no in-app purchases and, so far, rave reviews on Google Play. It should be compatible with most current devices but do check out the hardware requirements before buying!
Get it now on Google Play!

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Wrap up

If we missed any great Android apps and games news, releases, or updates, tell us about them in the comments.Thanks for reading and we’ll see you next week!