Launcher application for android phone. The best functional launchers for the Android system. Main parameters for comparison

There are more than enough free launchers for Android. The presence of many options in Android presents us with a choice problem, so let us solve this difficult problem for you. In the end, it's easier to choose between top three than between thirty, right?

We've compared Android launchers in the past, but good paid apps aren't always meant for good ones. free apps... In addition, the functionality of Android apps has changed a lot since then.

Today, if you want to make changes to Android without paying a penny, check out the following list of the best launchers. They are all excellent, so you can't go wrong with any of the suggested ones.

Note: All of the following launchers have been tested for Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini.

- arguably the most popular launcher ever decorated Play Store... Created and managed by TeslaCoil Software, this beautiful app is the dream of any power user. In almost every web article dedicated to Android overview, one can observe the highest ratings for its capabilities, and interest is growing every day.

This is confirmed by our review of Nova Launcher's capabilities in 2012, when we concluded that it was the best launcher available at the time. Three years later, even with increased competition, we tend to think that Nova is the main contender.

What makes Nova Launcher so unique?

The main feature of Nova is its close attention to user settings. It offers a variety of customization options that you can adjust to create the screen format you want, including multiple home screens, different icon sizes and grid layouts, subgrids for more flexibility, icon padding, and more.

Nova is also making changes to the Drawer app. The icon sizes and grid layout are also adjustable here, and you can optionally go to the general view of the list. This is not the end of the story, Nova also provides more options for drawing widgets, grouping them by the application for optimal organization.

It doesn't matter if you are dealing with the main screen, or the Drawer application, you have unlimited possibilities to scroll the page over and over. You can also change the animation settings as you switch between them.

The presence of folders on the home screen allows you to group icons in order to save space and optimize the organization. Almost any object (labels, folders, tabs, etc.) on the main screen changes the color palette.

Finally, the docks have undergone significant changes. The dock, located at the bottom of the main screen, has a wide range of different visual options such as background appearance and icon design. Nova's capabilities allow you to independently scroll anywhere from 1 to 5 dock pages from the home screen.

While the free version of Nova is quite acceptable, you might want an improved version of Nova Launcher Prime ($ 2.20) with a full set of the following options: screen and icon operations, unread items, custom tabs and folders in the Drawer app. hidden apps, more visual effects.

It is one of the oldest free launchers that do not lose their relevance to this day. It's funny, but Apex Launcher is often compared to Nova Launcher with the reference that they are largely similar in terms of quality, however, the latter received the lion's share of fame and recognition. This does not mean that Apex is a Nova clone or something like that. It has its own quirks, its nuances, and its own reasons for convincing you that Apex can actually be better than the highly acclaimed Nova. I reviewed Apex in 2013 and since then my opinion has not changed: this launcher is a real beast!

What makes Apex Launcher one of the best?

The first thing of interest is the range of sizes available for home screen grids. Many launchers, including Nova, limit you to approximately six rows and six columns, but Apex allows you to expand the borders to ten rows and ten columns, respectively. For a small screen, this is a clear limitation, however, it is absolutely amazing for large phones and tablets.

Apex also has separate settings for the Portrait and Landscape grids, meaning you can optimize the screen layout in terms of how you hold your device. Other home screen features include endless scrolling, transition visuals, and a few other stylish tweaks.

The Drawer app settings are great, with Portrait and Landscape layouts available, but Apex offers something like that in its free version what Nova can only offer commercially: hidden apps. Apex allows us to hide all those apps that we never directly load from Drawer, thus reducing clutter.

Is the paid option in Nova another Apex freebie? It's about home screen gestures. Actions can be characterized by the following five gestures: constrict, move up, move down, double tap, hold. A total of 15 different actions are available.

And of course, you get themed controls like icon pack, color palette, folders to organize, different drawing styles, launcher skins, and so on.

All of the above makes Apex a top-notch launcher, but if that's not enough for you, please note the upgrade to ($ 200) for a number of benefits such as draw folders, unread paragraphs, additional gestures, additional effects transition, and even support for themes designed for launchers like ADW, Go or LauncherPro.

Due to its popularity in the Play Store, it is very shameful that it is often not mentioned in the context of free launchers for Android, and after all, it is really really good. In fact, at the time of this writing, I must say that this is my favorite launcher for both smartphone and tablet.

The developer has several other applications under the dodol brand, including keyboard, calendar, phone, file explorer, screenshot manager and several others. But of them all, the launcher is arguably the best.

What makes dodol Launcher one of the best?

My personal appeal to dodol was due to its characteristics. Over the past few years, I have tested numerous launchers on my device and while some of them (such as Nova and Apex) have performed well, none have been as fast as this one. Yet dodol is not only fast, but also has a ton of characteristics.

Like Nova and Apex, dodol supports custom home screen grid layouts, and dodol goes further, offering a range of 3x3 to 12x12 on-screen icons. Icon sizes, labels, color palette, shadows and edges are also customizable. Folders help organize the entire process.

The dock at the bottom of the screen can have up to five pages, each page containing from 1 to 7 icons. Iconic and style indicators are customizable. As with the home screen, the Drawer app is customizable in a variety of ways, with the ability to hide apps and / or labels from the list.

In terms of aesthetic changes, dodol comes with a theme shop that stores tons of user-submitted and user-generated changes. Browse the Top as well as the Dodol's Pick categories for tons of high quality themes and wallpapers.

Gestures are also available: move up, move down, do it with two fingers, hold, double tap. They are all tied to one of eight possible combinations. Unlike the aforementioned launchers, dodol also comes with a cleaner app that manually frees up RAM. What I really love dodol for is that it doesn't have any investment, it is really free, with no additional commercial version available. No ads or annoying screen. This launcher actively competes with Nova and Apex, being initially the winner in this battle.

What do you prefer?

In case the above three launchers did not meet your expectations, or you are looking for something less traditional, then check out Aviate, Buzz Launcher and Action Launcher.

The Aviate Launcher is showing positive momentum, changing throughout the day to meet your goals. Buzz Launcher is really great and you can choose from about 60,000 base themes. Action Launcher is characterized by minimalism and speed, as well as an arsenal of tempting options.

What free launchers do you remember? Are there any that have gone unnoticed? Think it would be better to shell out a few dollars for a quality paid launcher? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

31.03.2018 11:00:00

Despite all the technological bells and whistles of the latest versions operating system Android, one of its characteristics has remained unchanged for 10 years. This software platform has an open source code, 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 stuffing of the operating system. At the same time, 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 popularity rating of skins for Android. The launcher has won its excellent reputation due to the simplicity and convenience of functions that 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 will: create an infinite number of desktops, change the number of programs in the dock bar, color schemes systems, font, animation and more. You can and install any third-party icon sets.

Many users believe that this is the fastest launcher for Android, which contains a huge variety of 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 shell themes. By using Google service Play, you can find tens of thousands of options to give the Android OS a personal look.

A convenient and practical launcher with an interesting social function. With it, you can see the most interesting and popular topics that other users have created. Having chosen what you like the most, it is enough to press one command, and the shell will be installed on the smartphone.

Not only the appearance of the system is changing - the applications, widgets and utilities included in the system are automatically downloaded. If you want, you can work and independently make the theme of your dreams, and then indulge your vanity, 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 novelty in the collection of launchers is rapidly gaining popularity among Android users... Interesting and stylish updates appear in the theme assembly every day.

Launcher features:

• Spectacular 3D transitions for screens
• Easy settings management
• Intelligently sorting apps into folders
• Convenient panel quick access for main control buttons
• Customizable desktop widgets
• Hide important applications
• A separate tool to clean up memory and speed up your smartphone
• Energy saving

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

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

The shell is based on a tagging system. The utility outputs to main screen all smartphone functions in one large list of text widgets. Here and out on system settings, and 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 that can be installed in a matter of seconds.

The options are really incredible and most of them are works of art. Of the minuses, one can note a slight slowdown on not very powerful devices.

Before you change the launcher to android, know that Themer "eats" more resources than the standard Android interface.

Launcher with a very nice and well-designed interface. It significantly speeds up the work with the operating system. So, for example, by clicking on the menu button, a window pops up, from which you can quickly go to applications, widgets, settings or change the wallpaper. It turns out something akin to the "Start" key in Windows.

Especially noteworthy is the ability to hang widgets in a separate menu, moving out from the right edge of the screen. There they are always at hand, but at the same time they do not irritate the eyes and do not clog the screen - a very elegant solution.

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

I got into our review of launchers for Android and an official product from Google.

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 the screen saver for the desktop and customize the widgets.

The program looks nice and works well. It will be a great free option for those who are tired of the complex configuration and crashes of other launchers.

Wonderful Yandex launcher for android, which will be especially useful for those who actively use Russian search engine and its additional services - mail, maps, "Disk", etc. Very impressive 3D desktop interface and well-designed appearance.

All Yandex services and widgets are conveniently organized in the shell. As a result, you can quickly switch between your mail, read news, weather and more. The settings for the widget are not so many, so you won't be able to make it completely personalized. However, most will not need it.

Next Launcher is completely different from Android and no other OS. It is admirable - it seems to be the most beautiful launcher for android.

The elements of the system are made in HD quality, three-dimensional and interactive, a wide variety of gestures are supported. It is possible to select the slope of the display 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 insanely interesting, and it's worth downloading it at least to play a little with it. Before you install the launcher on Android, be aware that it will consume a lot of resources.

This was a review of the best Android launchers. As you can see, each of them has its own advantages, so it's probably difficult to say unequivocally 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 run faster. However, there are other ways to overclock your device. You can read more about this in our article.

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

For simple and effective interaction with all applications on your device, you need a launcher - a special program that can interact with the file of any application, launching, deleting, interrupting or moving it.

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

Choice

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

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

A launcher that will run longer than the applications themselves due to the fact that the phone does not "pull" it to install is impractical.

The same can be said for applications that take up too much of the device - they are not only slow to launch, but also unstable.

Also when choosing such software it is important to pay attention to its functionality and usability.

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

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

Nova Launcher

A functional and fairly easy to use, functional launcher that provides the user with full control over the contents of his device.

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

Differs in sufficient stability of work and a very wide range of settings and room for costomization.

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

• The presence of the most interesting innovations and "chips" that are available in the software of other developers;
• Also the advantage is the wide space for costomization;
• Wide range fine tuning functional.

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

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

“A good functional application usually works fine. However, in recent times sometimes it began to "fly out" for no reason, and besides, it was not very convenient to open it. "

Microsoft Launcher

This launcher was originally designed to run on mobile devices with the appropriate operating system.

And although given type the operating system did not become sufficiently popular and in demand, some programs developed for it were rewritten and got their second life, since their use began.

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

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

• Such a convenient integration system is the main advantage of this application;
• Another plus is the simple addiction when switching from Microsoft to Android;
• Quite stable work.

• Traditional Microsoft tiling that most users find uncomfortable;
• Despite the fact that the influence of this launcher on the standard Android shell is quite significant;
• Crashes some applications.

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

“A stable, functional launcher with wide range settings. But Last update did not correct almost any mistakes in his work ”.

C Launcher

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

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

A distinctive feature of it is the ability to track user actions on the phone in order to give him contextual prompts in the future. This is quite convenient and greatly simplifies and speeds up the operation of the phone.

• Low load on hardware and battery;
• Small amount of occupied memory;
• The presence of contextual hints;
• Very broad functionality.

• A very large, compared to other software in this top, the number of ad units, which sometimes interfere with the normal operation of the device;
• Illegal grouping of labels;
• Lags on very weak devices.

Users who have already become familiar with the application, leave such reviews:

It works stably on any, even outdated, devices, and according to this indicator 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, fans of the Android menu may like it.

Has several beautiful animations. Equipped with gesture control functions. Does not significantly affect the internal settings of the phone or the operation of other applications.

Its advantages include:

• Lightness, speed and stability of work;
• Almost complete lack of influence on the standard interface of the device;
• Lack of visual signs of the presence of a launcher.

• Relatively narrowed functionality. But such a narrowing was a necessary measure to achieve a low weight of the software and its performance. Nevertheless, the functionality allows you to perform all the basic functions;
• Not too significant influence on the menu;
• Sometimes does not save widget updates.

Users speak out about the launcher

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

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

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

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

But today we will talk about third-party launchers that can be found in the store Google applications Play.

So, the best launchers for Android tablets.

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

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

In the application bar, programs are listed alphabetically, and you can quickly navigate to the desired application using the alphabet bar located on the right side of the list of programs. Having found desired application, just tap on it to start it. At the same time, the application bar will hide in its place.

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

To access frequently used applications, last visited web pages or contacts, there are special function"Covers", however I have not found a way to customize them.

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

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

Groups of applications in this launcher can be renamed after a long press on it. In addition, when a group is open, you can rename it by clicking on the name.

When you move application shortcuts and widgets on the desktop, existing icons will move to the sides to free up space. Launch buttons google search And the voice search for this launcher is the most inconspicuous - and I especially liked it.

Like ADW.Launcher, this launcher has a dock bar at the bottom of the screen, on which groups of applications can also be placed.

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

Chameleon Launcher for Tablets

The only one of all launchers that was created exclusively for tablets - Chameleon Launcher, lives up to its name. The main idea behind this app is that its appearance can change depending on the environment.

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

The application dock can be scrolled and flanked by a desktop selection button and an application bar button. Unlike other launchers, each desktop has its own application dock.

Despite its original idea - the ability to change the appearance of the application depending on your location (for example, at home or at work), the program is currently slightly damp. Apps sometimes spontaneously disappear from the dock, and widgets take a long time to update when changing desktops.

Install the best launcher for Android Is a way to make your smartphone or tablet faster, more functional, more stable and more beautiful. For most smartphones from well-known manufacturers, there are preinstalled skins, but their attractiveness due to stereotypes raises questions. In this case, the use pure android also inconvenient due to limited functions. There are many different launchers in the brand store with a wide range of functions and the possibility of personalization.

Nova Launcher

Launchers for Android 2017 are headed by Nova due to optimization and availability of all necessary functions missing in a clean system.

The shell is unique due to a number of features:

• highly optimized for fast work.
• the ability to fully control the appearance of all elements on the desktop.
• change between vertical and horizontal orientation in the application directory.
• the presence of beautiful animations for user actions.
• built-in night mode.
• backup and restore functions.
• the ability to import popular topics.

The app has free and paid modes. The standard version contains all the necessary tools, and the premium mode allows you to control your smartphone using special gestures and provides the ability to hide system programs.

GO EX Launcher

According to 5 million users, GO EX is the best launcher for Android 2017. It has been in the lead for several years now. The peculiarity lies in a wide range of applications that go beyond the standard understanding of the word "shell". They not only supplement the system, but replace the system, preinstalled programs.

Some users feel overwhelmed various functions, and due to unwillingness to understand, questions may arise. The developers have foreseen and relatively simple model desktop, which excludes the presence of a variety of widgets. The presence of themes can transform the shell into an unrecognizable look. The changes even apply to system applications.

The shell offers to install and use smart gestures and widgets for a faster and better smartphone experience. You can set the wallpaper in HD. Fashionable design and freedom of action ensure the popularity of the launcher.

Yahoo Aviate

There is definitely a place for Yahoo Aviate in the category of the best launchers for Android in Russian. Previously, the development of the launcher was carried out by a little-known and small startup. The launcher was distributed by means of access keys. Over time, Yahoo bought the program, converted it to its own style and provided it to open access... The concept consists in compiling and configuring a list of programs for individual needs.

The program is based on variable data: time of day, statistics, locations, etc. to compile a list of applications that a person needs most. Ideal processing has not yet been achieved, but in most cases the determination is correct.

For example, at home, entertainment is displayed, an alarm clock and notes are displayed at night, work time- mail. Many settings for the correct display will help the program understand what you need right now.

In addition to the main characteristic, special widgets, personalization methods, settings, etc. are built in here.

Buzz

Free launchers for Android in Russian is about Buzz. The shell focuses on customization and the ability to create your own style in all areas of work. There are no add-ons for applications and specific programs for advanced users in the shell. Everything is done with the beauty and creative execution of the device in mind. Installation of widgets and related elements takes place in one click.

The program has many opportunities to use the developments of other users and self-made designs.

Google Start

Previously, the company was not represented in the field of launchers and undeservedly lost its position; over time, Google entered this niche and started distributing its own software. There is nothing surprising for users here, the services in the set are quite standard by the standards of Google, most of them belong to this company. Here you can find Mail, YouTube, Hangouts, Maps, Office, and more.

Everything is done quite simply, no frills. For an ordinary user, the functionality is sufficient to the full, but there is no need to think about more. For users with a desire for excess or demanding consumers, the program turns out to be insufficiently functional.

Most applications are already present in the stock or proprietary shells of manufacturers. The smallest changes ensure better performance and more space.

There are dozens of launchers in total Google play and many of them are unique in their own way. We looked at some of the best representatives from different areas and for different user requirements.