Beautiful launcher for Android in Russian. Choosing the best Android launcher

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

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

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

Choice

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

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

It is not advisable to install a launcher that will take longer to launch than the applications themselves due to the fact that the phone does not support it.

The same can be said about applications that take up too much space on the device - they not only launch slowly, but are also unstable.

Also, when choosing this software It is important to pay attention to its functionality and ease of use.

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

Table 1. Comparative characteristics main launchers for Android
Name License Platform Influence at graphical shell operating system Operation stability Functional
Nova Launcher Paid/

Free

Android Optional High Wide
Go Launcher Ex Free Android Very significant High Wide
Buzz Launcher Free Android Significant High Sufficient
Action Launcher Free Latest versions of Android Not significant or significant as desired Sufficient Wide
Microsoft Launcher Free Android, Microsoft Very significant Sufficient Sufficient
C Launcher Free Android Almost completely absent High Very wide
Solo Launcher Free Cross-platform Almost completely absent Very high even on weak devices Sufficient
Smart Launcher Free/ Android Very significant Normal Wide
Next Launcher Free/ Android Not significant Normal Wide
APUS Launcher Free Android Significant High Sufficient

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

Nova Launcher

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

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

It is distinguished by sufficient stability of operation and a very wide range of settings and scope for customization.

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

  • The presence of the most interesting innovations and features that are available in the software of other developers;
  • Another advantage is the wide scope for customization;
  • Wide range of fine-tuning functionality.
  • New programs always focus on the latest versions of operating systems; many programs do not reach users with older versions of Android at all. This launcher, which works only on new versions of the operating system, was no exception;
  • May “fly out”;
  • Not very convenient controls.

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

"Good functional application, usually works fine. However, in Lately It sometimes began to “fly out” for no reason, and besides, it’s not very convenient to open it.”

Microsoft Launcher

This launcher was originally designed to work on mobile devices with the corresponding operating system.

And although this type of operating system never became quite popular and in demand, some programs developed for it were rewritten and received a second life, since their use began.

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

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

  • In such convenient system integration is the main advantage of this application;
  • Another plus is that it’s easy to get used to when switching from Microsoft to Android;
  • Fairly stable work.
  • The traditional Microsoft tiled design, which most users find inconvenient;
  • Despite the fact that the influence of this launcher on standard shell Android is quite significant;
  • Causes some applications to crash.

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

"A stable, functional launcher with wide range settings. But the latest update did not fix almost any bugs in its operation.”

C Launcher

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

Renders minimal impact on shell software and has almost no icons of its own - for this reason, it may appeal to fans of the Android menu.

Has several beautiful animations. Equipped with gesture control functions. Does not have a significant effect on internal settings phone and other applications.

Its advantages include:

  • Lightness, speed and stability;
  • Almost complete absence influence on the standard device interface;
  • No visual signs of the presence of a launcher.
  • Relatively limited functionality. But there was such a narrowing necessary measure to achieve light weight of the software and its performance. However, the functionality allows you to perform all the basic functions;
  • Not too significant an impact on the menu;
  • Sometimes it doesn't save widget updates.

Users speak out about the launcher in the following way:

“Over time they stop updating installed widgets. And then you have to restart the launcher. Apart from this, he pleases with stable work.”

Application management systems for smartphones running on operating systems Android systems differ in low functionality and ease of management. Therefore for fast work With applications, you will need a launcher - a program that operates files with the ability to use a wide range of functions. How to choose the best launcher for Android in 2018 - this will be discussed in this review article.

Launcher selection

There are various factors to consider when choosing this application. One of them is the level of consumption of system and hardware resources of the smartphone. You also need to pay attention to its functionality, which determines ease of use. The article below lists the best launchers for Android OS in 2018.

Best options

From the variety of programs in Play Store We tried to select the best options.

A functional and easy-to-use launcher that allows the smartphone owner to fully control any type of file. It allows the user to see all the icons of the applications used. The program is distributed free of charge.


The launcher is capable of completely changing the internal design of the smartphone, so it is ideal for those who find the standard Android OS shell inconvenient. Disadvantages - a significant amount of memory occupied and an increase in the level of power consumption of the smartphone. In general, the launcher allows you to quick setup functionality and method of application management.

A feature-rich application that features big amount popular innovations. The launcher is stable in operation, has a wide range of settings and opportunities for customization. It is ideal for those who prefer to customize applications “for themselves.”


The application has many modern features that are found in the programs of many popular developers. Disadvantage: the launcher is designed for installation on smartphones with the latest version of Android OS. This application is suitable for those who spend fine tuning functionality of the programs at your own discretion, while monitoring latest updates OS.

Yandex.Launcher

Popular option main feature which is voice assistant. Alice is built into the shell itself, making it easy to interact with. The system is flexibly customizable (from wallpaper to changing icons or the entire theme). You can install widgets. Integration with Yandex services on high level because of the proprietary launcher.

It is worth noting that the product is regularly updated and receives new features. Great option for everyday use.

The application allows the user to apply several types of optimization of the smartphone operating system, including graphic design. The launcher is characterized by stable operation and functionality, making it possible to produce standard set actions with files.


It allows you to select the best option those that were created by developers or users due to the presence of an element of social interaction. Although some users negatively criticize the interference with work social functionality applications. Overall, the launcher is indispensable for those who want to use the best smartphone design option without extra costs time.

The application works stably, there is basic functionality for operating files. The launcher is integrated with Microsoft services, which is convenient for fans of programs from this developer; you can use Outlook, Office, etc.


Disadvantages are the inconvenient standard Microsoft tiled design, as well as the load the launcher puts on the Android OS shell. Therefore, the application is optimal primarily for those who want to use integrated Microsoft services.

A fairly simple application with a beautiful design that does not load the smartphone’s operating system. It is distributed free of charge and always works reliably even on “weak” mobile devices. The main distinguishing feature of the launcher is the ability to track all user actions on the smartphone in order to provide useful context clues. The level of consumption of system and hardware resources is low.


Flaw - a large number of advertising blocks. In general, the application is optimal for users looking for a simple launcher with wide functionality and the presence of contextual hints.

Go Launcher Ex

Although the program is not in " pure form” launcher, it is capable of creating an entire independent ecosystem inside the smartphone. IN standard package It comes with a launcher, locker, calendar, browser, weather notification application, etc., which interact well with each other. The launcher is stable in operation and has wide functionality for managing applications.


Disadvantage - many additional programs and their tight interaction, so components cannot be installed selectively. This application is suitable for users who use GOMO Limited programs, due to the fact that the launcher was created by this development company.

EverythingMe Launcher

The application is a fully functional assistant for using a smartphone, capable of sorting, processing and searching for the necessary data. The program organizes applications into folders and displays icons important contacts to the desktop, and also gives recommendations about new software. The launcher has a “Forecast Panel” that launches various functions and programs, focusing on the time of day and the current location of the user.


Main disadvantages – a small amount of settings, load on RAM and restarting the application after any changes in the settings. But overall, the launcher is a wonderful functional assistant.

A launcher is one of the most powerful means of customizing the shell for a tablet or smartphone, but you need to figure out what it is, because everyone uses it, but only a few can define it.

What is Launcher?

A "launcher" or "launcher" is something built into Android or downloaded from Google Play an application designed to conveniently launch other programs. It acts as an analogue of the desktop in Windows, and its name comes from the English to launch - translated as “launch”. A unified form of pronunciation has not yet been developed in the Russian language, so some pronounce “launcher”, while others pronounce “launcher”.

But launchers are not only a component of the Google system; they are even used in games. For example, there is a Minecraft launcher for Android. It is designed to launch the necessary modifications of the game. But the block launcher for Android is not unique in its kind; there are many analogues, not for Minecraft, but for other games.

It is impossible to choose the best launcher; there are dozens of them. The most useful and successful ones will be discussed below.

Pixel Launcher

This is a proprietary application from the search engine, exclusively created for the line Google smartphones Pixel. It can be installed on devices from other manufacturers. It is distinguished, first of all, by ideal optimization and simplicity. It almost never lags, because it was created by the OS developers for complete integration with their services.

Pixel Launcher lacks a rich settings menu, but has everything you need for quick access to the functionality of your smartphone. The application menu opens after swiping up the dock panel. The usual menu button, which is often built into other Android devices, was removed altogether, thanks to this there was extra space for the icon. Horizontal grid of desktop and list installed programs holds 5 icons, which is 1 more than the launcher Google Now, developed for Nexus line devices (they were replaced by Pixel). But the company did not give up another “trick” - Google panels Now. It is still located on the left desktop and is a tab with the following set of cards:

  • weather;
  • reminders;
  • news relevant to the user;
  • doodle panel;
  • search line.

On the main screen there is a button Google Search and a weather icon. Tapping on the second one takes you to the extended Google weather window. Clicking on the first shortcut instantly launches the search bar; no other launcher does this so quickly.

The version for Android O, which is already available, added expanded notification icons above program icons; other Android launchers do not have this.

Nova Launcher

The most popular launcher. Everyone loved it for its excellent balance of simplicity, number of settings (for example, it can be made exactly like Pixel), functionality and speed. The developers are trying to be the first to integrate the latest developments into it - both their own and those borrowed from Pixel Launcher.

There is plenty of room for fans of customization to roam here. Literally every panel is customizable:

  • desktops and everything on them;
  • application menu (you can even create tabs for easy sorting);
  • folders (on the desktop and in the program list);
  • flipping animations;
  • dock bar panels;
  • application icons;
  • Gestures are supported and can be assigned custom actions.

Among the recently introduced features, a special place is taken by Google integration Now. But for now, this requires installing Nova Google Companion and activating it in the settings. The panel can then be accessed in the same way as on Pixel Launcher.

Notification badges are present and work with all software on the phone. It is proposed to choose the style of their display, for example, numeric or dynamic. The TeslaCoil Software team doesn’t give up and quick settings when holding the shortcut for a long time. It works exactly like on the Google launcher, but with the Sesame Shortcuts add-on you can customize the pop-up menu yourself quick action. This is a unique, useful feature, because not all developers adapt their software to the long-press mechanics. We have also now opened the ability to search for any information on a smartphone, just like the iPhone works (search the Internet, applications, contacts, SMS).

Holo Launcher

Ideal solution for weak smartphones, where is the quantity random access memory does not exceed 2 GB. The application is lighter than other Android launchers, so it will not overload the system and contribute to unloading other software from memory.

The aspect of interface settings is not revealed here as in Nova, but this is the price to pay for the ease and absence of even minimal slowdowns. Externally, the solution looks like the same Nova, but with a reduced set of capabilities. Although all the basic ones are present and work as expected. You can still adjust the desktop, the application menu, there are even notification badges, but not for all programs, and a long tap on the application icon will display a pop-up menu of quick actions.

Action Launcher

A fairly customizable launcher, almost not inferior in this parameter to the development of TeslaCoil Software. His distinctive features- Huge potential for customizing gestures. You can set them to launch applications, make calls, interact with the system, etc.

The program menu and widgets have also been rethought here. In addition to the standard mechanics for interacting with them, there are also alternative ones, such as, for example, calling a list installed applications swipe to the center from the left frame of the screen. Widgets can be launched by swiping up on the application icon. But that is not all. Moving your finger from the right frame of the display pulls out the widget panel. It can be completely filled with them, saving space on your desktop.

The search bar at the top of the screen is also customizable; you can hang on it additional functions, and not just searching on the Internet.

Bottom line

Android launchers are represented by dozens of applications, but it is impossible to mention them all in article format. Here we talked about the most famous and progressive ones, which differ sharply from each other in certain characteristics.

If the task is to choose the best launcher for Android, it is worth installing each of the ones mentioned above for testing.

To summarize, we can draw the following conclusion.

Pixel Launcher - for those who want perfect job without having to dig into the settings.

Nova Launcher - stable; the most technologically advanced, functional, rapidly developing and highly customizable launcher for Android in Russian. But it consumes a lot of memory if it works with modifications.

Holo Launcher - simple, lightweight, with basic set functions.

Action Launcher is customizable, with extensive capabilities for working with gestures and widgets.

There are more than enough free launchers for Android. The many options available in Android present us with a problem of choice, so let us solve this difficult problem for you. After all, it's easier to choose between three best, than between thirty, right?

We've done Android launcher comparisons in the past, but good paid applications are not always provided for equally good ones free applications. In addition, the functionality of Android applications 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. All of them are excellent, so you can't go wrong by choosing any of them.

Note: All the following launchers have passed test check on Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini.

is perhaps the most popular launcher to ever grace the Play Store. Created and controlled by TeslaCoil Software, this beautiful application is every power user's dream. In almost every web article dedicated to Android review, one can observe the highest assessments of its capabilities, and interest is growing every day.

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

What makes Nova Launcher so unique?

The main feature of Nova is its close attention to custom settings. She offers various parameters settings you can adjust to create the screen format you want, including multiple home screens, different size icon and layout grids, subgrids for more flexibility, icon padding, etc.

Nova is also making changes to the Drawer app. Icon sizes and grid layouts are also adjustable here, and you can go to general appearance list. It doesn't stop there, Nova also provides more ample opportunities to draw widgets, grouping them by application for optimal organization.

And it doesn't matter whether you're dealing with the Home screen or the Drawer app, you have unlimited options for scrolling the page over and over again. You can also change animation settings as you switch between them.

Having folders on the home screen allows you to group icons to save space and streamline organization. Almost any object (labels, folders, tabs, etc.) on the main screen changes color palette.

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

While the free version of Nova is quite acceptable, you may want the upgraded version of Nova Launcher Prime (RUR 220) with full set the following options: screen and icon operations, unread items, custom tabs and folders in the Drawer application, hidden apps, more visual effects.

It is one of the oldest free launchers that has not lost its relevance to this day. It's funny, but Apex Launcher often compared to Nova Launcher with the reference that they are to a large extent similar in terms of quality, but the latter has received the lion's share of fame and recognition. This doesn't mean that Apex is a Nova clone or anything like that. It has its own characteristics, its own nuances and its own reasons to convince you that the Apex may actually be better than the highly acclaimed Nova. I reviewed Apex in 2013, and my opinion hasn't changed since then: this launcher is a real beast!

What makes Apex Launcher one of the best?

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

Apex also has individual parameters settings for grids with Portrait and Landscape mods, meaning you can optimize the screen layout in terms of how you hold the device. Other home screen features include infinite scrolling, visual effects transitions and a few other stylish tricks.

The Drawer app's settings are great and Portrait and Landscape layouts are also available, but Apex offers something similar in its free version What Nova can only offer commercially: hidden apps. Apex allows us to hide all those applications that we never directly download from the Drawer, thereby reducing clutter.

Does it paid option in Nova another Apex freebie? It's about about home screen gestures. The actions can be characterized by the following five gestures: narrowing, moving up, moving down, double tap, holding. There are a total of 15 different actions available.

And of course, you get themed controls like icon sets, color palettes, folders for organization, 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, consider upgrading to (RUR 200) for a number of benefits such as drawing folders, unread items, additional gestures, additional effects transition, and even support for themes designed for launchers like ADW, Go or LauncherPro.

Due to its popularity in Play Store, which is a shame, is often not mentioned in the context of free launchers for Android, but it is really, really good. In fact, at the time of writing this, I have to say that this is my favorite launcher for both smartphones and tablets.

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

What makes dodol Launcher one of the best?

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

Just like Nova and Apex, dodol supports custom home screen grid layouts, and dodol goes further by offering a range of 3x3 to 12x12 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 can be customized as desired. 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 general list.

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

Gestures are also available: move up, move down, do it with two fingers, hold, double tap. All of them are tied to one of the possible eight combinations. Unlike the above launchers, dodol also comes with a cleaner app that manually frees up RAM. What I really love about dodol is that there are no investments, it is truly free, without an additional commercial version. 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 three launchers above didn't live up to your expectations, or you're looking for something less traditional, then check out Aviate, Buzz Launcher, and Action Launcher.

The Aviate launcher shows positive dynamics, changing throughout the day to suit 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.

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

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

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

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

The best launchers for Android in 2017

Google Now Launcher

If you want to get a clean and unique interface design for your Android smartphone, then you need to download Google Now Launcher. This program comes pre-installed on all Nexus models that are released by Google. At the same time, smartphone users Google Nexus note high performance working with smartphones, fast access to widgets and applications, as well as the ability flexible settings interface and design using Google programs Now Launcher.

Worth noting what if you download this application, then you will not receive advanced features, additional options and modified themes, since for the most part the functionality of the program is paid, although some people prefer a simpler layout, and thus they are quite satisfied with the Free version of this application.

Result: You need to use Google Launcher if you need high stability of your Android smartphone. Using Google services, you can synchronize your smartphone with a Bluetooth keyboard.

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

How to download Google Launcher?

Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher is very popular program, which offers many options for desktop animation, folder views and changes to the Android interface.

This launcher allows you to set custom icons and custom wallpapers in one click, and with the help of Nova Launcher you can upload your settings to Google Drive. This way you can create backup copy new layout and theme, and then upload it to cloud service, and if necessary, restore the backup directly from the cloud, which will allow you to simplify your work with installing themes and customizing your smartphone.

Result: If you want to tweak part of the interface, then the Nova launcher will help you deal with it.

One more moment Note: Please note that you will have to pay $4.99 to unlock more advanced features of this app.

How to download Nova Launcher?

You can download this launcher from .

Action Launcher 3

Action Launcher is a launcher app that comes with a ton of smart features and a lot of additional settings, which you can install and make custom. Thus, you can replace icons and icons of traditional applications, change quick buttons on the main menu, change appearance interface and make customization. What’s even more attractive about this program is that it contains a database of a huge number of icons, settings, themes, and features that will suit you one way or another.

Of course, the advanced features of Action Launcher 3 require a paid upgrade to the version "Plus" but at the same time the price is quite reasonable.

Result: If you are bored with the usual design of your Android smartphone, then you need to download Action Launcher 3 and start customizing your smartphone.

Another: You won't have to pay for the features of Action Launcher 3 every time if you update it to version "Plus", but keep in mind that if you change your smartphone, you will need to buy the Plus version again.

How to download Action Launcher 3

You can download this launcher from .

Video: The best launchers for Android