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The best launchers for Android. The best launchers for Android: free and paid shells in Russian

Do you want to update the interface of your Android smartphone or tablet? Try one of these best launchers.

Updated July 2017: " Best launchers for Android" have been redesigned and expanded into three categories. I also deleted Google Now Launcher since it was removed from Google Play Store.

Launchers are used to organize and interact with applications on Android. Which usually consists of a series of home screens where we can organize application shortcuts, widgets and so on. Every phone comes with a launcher, but not all of them are convenient; an endless number of third-party launchers from the Google Play Store come to the rescue.

IN previous version article, I tried to select several of the best launchers, but not all my readers agreed with me, since everyone has their own vision of convenience, I have my own, you have yours. Therefore, I decided to divide the best launchers for Android into three categories, I hope this time you will agree with me.

The best lightweight launchers without settings

Are you someone who doesn't want to bother with big amount bells and whistles? You just want to post your most popular apps on the main desktop and maybe a couple of widgets? You need fast launcher, easy to install, which does not require serious configuration, and these two free launchers for you.

Best Launcher: Evie Launcher


Evie Launcher is a relative newcomer to the launcher family, especially next to legendary launchers like , but Evie is much lighter and faster and also has gesture support.

First of all, like many latest launchers, Evie has gesture support for opening apps and interacting with your smartphone. One of the popular gestures from Evie is double tap screen to put the phone into sleep mode, there is also a gesture to instantly lock the phone or lock the timer. There is even a gesture Google launch Now, just like Google Now Launcher.

Evie is highly customizable and you can change the desktop grid. and turn gestures on and off as needed.

Second place: Arrow Launcher


You would think that if Microsoft is going to bring its launcher to Android, it will be a launcher that will be the same as on Windows Phone... but you are wrong. Arrow Launcher is not like Windows Phone, and if you don't see any prompts to sign in to OneDrive when you try to create backup copy Arrow Launcher, you'd probably never guess that it's one of Microsoft's products.

is a launcher focused on a clean home screen, an organized page for widgets and maps, and quick access to applications. Arrow is easy to set up and very fast. It's not quite as simple as Evie, but it remains easy installation, especially if you have Account Outlook for work or school, which can be linked to email distribution e-mail and calendar.

The best launchers with a lot of settings

You need full control above the desktop of a smartphone? Want to install more than just an app grid and a couple of widgets? Want your home screen to look and function the way you want? Then you need a launcher with a lot of settings.

Best Launcher: Nova Launcher


Nova Launcher turned 5 years ago, and this launcher has become one of the best. The reason is simple: Nova's combination of innovation, convenience and cleverness is unparalleled. Nova makes your phone look better than the Pixel and TouchWiz, or the Galaxy S8, and it does it with ease.

Main features of Nova:

  • Fast and smooth launcher operation
  • Theme support
  • Customize most controls: desktop, menus, icons, grid, gestures, dock, etc.
  • Improved work with widgets
  • Infinite scrolling
  • Data backup/restore

Deputy: Action Launcher 3


It is one of the most popular liners for Android, and its slogan is FAST.

Action Launcher is defined as a smartphone manager that quickly does what you need it to do so you can focus on what really matters on your phone: spending hours playing games and Netflix.

Main features:

  • Quick menu: for quick access to all your applications and widgets
  • Quick Topic: Depending on the selected topic and installed image desktop launcher configures its appearance, including general design, colors, background, folders, search bar Google, menus and more
  • An original concept for using widgets in Android
  • Full tablet support

The best smart launchers

Don't want to customize the launcher? Do you want to run a program that will learn what applications you like and customize your desktop? Then you need a smart launcher, and fortunately there are such ones, they will study your preferences and agree to customize your smartphone.

The Android operating system is fully customizable. You can literally do anything with it! Want to completely change the appearance of the system? Install some original launcher. This will immediately change your smartphone experience. The best launchers will be discussed in this collection.

Until the mid-2000s, change the menu mobile phone was impossible unless you had programming skills. But with the advent of the most popular devices from Siemens and Ericsson, the engineers of these companies introduced the ability to download themes. But in in this case only the appearance of the icons and the menu background changed, whereas with the release of the operating system Android systems Full-fledged launchers began to appear.

Nowadays this word means an application that can completely change the system interface. Depending on the installed launcher the desktop can be in the form of a carousel, an office cabinet or some kind of shelves where all applications are sorted by their types. But the most important thing is that the best launchers add some functionality that is simply not present in the firmware by default. The most relevant use of such applications is on smartphones with old version Android. In this case, the device must be equipped with a sufficient number random access memory, since any launcher for Android is highly dependent on it.

Price: Free

Do you really like to experiment by installing a large number of applications and games? You've already started to get confused different programs, forgetting what they are intended for? Then Yahoo Aviate Launcher is created just for you. After installing the launcher, all applications in the menu will be divided into categories. And the smartphone will learn to predict your desires - shortcuts to exactly those programs that are required in the main screen will be displayed. this moment. To do this, the automation monitors the time and GPS chip readings. For example, before going to bed, “Calendar” and “Alarm Clock” will be located on the main screen. And the clients' labels will be there all weekend social networks. At work, you can’t do without the presence of Gmail or some other email client.

There is also a panel with widgets, which slightly resembles Google Now. With its help, you can configure the above-mentioned modes of your activities, because the launcher is not omniscient; first you need to teach it your daily routine.

It may not be the best launcher, but it is definitely very original. It's so smart that when you visit the post office, a package tracking app appears on the screen! The only regret is that not everything can be customized. Because of this artificial intelligence sometimes makes mistakes, producing results that are not what you expect. This can only be cured with time - gradually Yahoo Aviate Launcher begins to understand your daily routine. Another drawback is that it cannot be used on tablets. Distributed by this application for free.

Price: Free

This is not the original, but the most customizable launcher. After installing it, you will see what is familiar to everyone Android users menu. But as soon as you gain access to the settings panel, you are literally drawn into the world of customizing desktops, menus, notification panels and other interface elements. Everything can be changed! It also supports import and export functions - this allows you to return to the interface you created when purchasing a new smartphone. All settings in Nova Launcher are described in Russian, so understanding them will not be difficult.

To give you an idea, here is just a short excerpt from the list of features of this launcher:

  • Creation and full customization dock bar;
  • Setting up folders;
  • Selecting the capacity of the desktop (the number of icons it contains);
  • Changed the appearance of most icons;
  • Choice of design for any screen orientation;
  • Change the scrolling speed of the application menu and desktop;
  • Assigning commands to different gestures;
  • Implementation of a counter for unread notifications.

But there are no miracles in the world. You can get access to full functionality only by purchasing the Nova Launcher Prime version, which now costs 300 rubles. This is the only drawback of this application.

Price: Free

Many have heard about smart assistant Google Now. This special option Android operating system, which regularly provides weather forecasts, sports results, interesting news and other information related to your life and work. The trouble is that Google Now is not being implemented in all smartphones. If you are also deprived of this useful function, then we suggest you correct the situation by installing Google Start. This is another one free launcher. However, with it you will not change the interface of the operating system; here you will find the familiar Android shell 5.0 Lollipop, which has a traditional flat design.

The main advantage of this launcher is the maximum simplicity of the interface. This is especially true for those smartphones where the menu was previously very overloaded unnecessary elements. And, of course, there is Google Now, which provides various tips, focusing on visits to certain sites, as well as on your search queries. Another advantage of the shell is the low requirements for RAM and battery capacity. As for the disadvantage, it lies in the minimal customization of the interface - you cannot even change the number of icons that fit on the desktop.

CM Locker

Price: Free

This application cannot be called a full-fledged launcher. The fact is that it only changes the lock screen interface. But she customizes it 100%! If you install CM Locker, you can place any application you use most frequently on your lock screen. Also, this creation of the developers can take pictures of a person trying to unlock a smartphone. This allows you to find out who tried to use the device without your knowledge.

The launcher has several built-in styles that change the location of the clock, date, picture with weather information and background image. But it’s much easier to customize the lock screen yourself - this way you can achieve a completely unique effect. Of course, the application allows you to go to the camera in one click - this is also one of its advantages. CM Locker can also close other applications on its own. On some smartphones this increases the duration battery life on standby for two hours! Well, as for the shortcomings... There are simply none. You can only complain about slowdowns while entering the unlock code. But such problems only appear on budget devices with weak components.

Cobo Launcher: Easy Beautify

Price: Free

And this is perhaps the best launcher for those who really like to change the appearance of the system. If in the previous considered applications this process has a certain complexity, then in Cobo Launcher Easy Beautify everything is implemented as simply as possible. However, you shouldn’t expect too much customization from this launcher. First of all, it is intended to replace icons, wallpaper, lock screen, date widget and some other interface elements.

You can configure all of the above manually, but it is much easier to use specially prepared themes. All of them are downloaded from the Internet. Themes are sorted according to various motives - some are dedicated to holidays, others to love, others to nature, and so on. With such a wide selection of styles, you want to change the design of your desktop and lock screen almost every day. You can download the launcher completely free of charge. It has no serious shortcomings, if you forget about the already mentioned not the most high level customization. Most of all, the launcher is liked by girls who don’t want to tinker with the settings to change the theme, trying to understand what’s what.

Summarizing

Any of the above launchers should delight every smartphone owner. However, you may have already noticed that they are all very different from each other. Cobo Launcher does not introduce unusual properties to the system interface, but it allows you to change the appearance of the desktop and lock screen in just a couple of clicks. Fans of complete customization should please. No Google Now will be completed by a shell that will resemble the interface of smartphones from the Nexus series. CM Locker only modifies the lock screen. Well, it will help deal with the rubble installed applications, sorting them into categories.

In short, all that remains is to decide what you need the launcher for. And run to Google Play by clicking on one of the links above!

The proprietary shell installed by the smartphone manufacturer can become boring at some point. Then launchers come to the rescue. They often offer absolutely new interface, which can also be customized. In short, in this article we will try to find the best launcher for Android. To do this, we will look at ten best apps of such a type.

If iOS is completely closed operating system(programs gain access to only a small part of it), then this cannot be said. Talented and smart developers can change the interface of a “green robot” almost radically. That is why it is easy to find dozens of different launchers on Google Play. What can such applications do?


The launcher's task is to change the interface of the operating system. These are something like those that almost all owners used push-button phones Nokia. But the theme only changes the design of the icons, and the launcher for Android changes absolutely everything - from the location of these very icons to the design of the desktops themselves. And the best launcher for Android will definitely allow you to customize it for yourself - for this it provides numerous settings. Many applications of this kind are not designed for one interface - they offer hundreds or even thousands additional topics, sometimes even the users themselves create them!

How to install and change the launcher

When you download and install the right application, all that remains is to launch it. After that, it will automatically take you to the section where you select new launcher. You only need to activate it. But what if you want to return to your previous shell? Option one: remove the launcher in a standard way. If you want to save it on your device, then you need to go to the settings of the launcher itself. There you will definitely find the item “Use default launcher”, in which you must select your previous branded shell.

You can also change the launcher for Android through the operating system settings. To do this, go to the subsection " Home screen"- all installed shells and launchers are located there.

Nova Launcher

This is the best free launcher for Android if you love experiments. The fact is that it is Nova Launcher that has the greatest means of customization. You can change and customize absolutely everything here! This allows you to get new sensations from using your smartphone every day. It is also one of the few launchers that can import and export settings files. It turns out that you can transfer the interface you created to a new smartphone without any problems.

The settings of this launcher are made in Russian. The application allows you to separately customize the design of the operating system for vertical and horizontal orientation display. As mentioned above, all interface elements can be customized. You can even choose the scrolling speed of the application menu! You will also have the opportunity to configure certain commands for different gestures. The problem with Nova Launcher is that by default the functionality of this application is not as wide as we would like. Full functionality is provided only by the Prime version, and for it they ask for about 300 rubles. However, such a rich set of possibilities is worth it.



Yahoo Aviate Launcher


Have you installed hundreds of different applications on your smartphone? Have you already started to get confused about them? Then you need to download the best launcher for Android, which has the most convenient sorting of programs. It is Yahoo Aviate Launcher. Many other launchers sort application shortcuts alphabetically. But you probably don’t remember the names of some programs - searching for them regularly takes some time. Well, in the launcher from Yahoo programs and games are divided into their own categories. This launcher can also predict user actions. Let's say night is approaching - in this case, the Alarm Clock application is displayed on the desktop. On weekends, social network shortcuts will constantly hang on your desktop. The launcher also relies on GPS chip readings. And all this is easily customizable using a special panel with widgets!

Of course, artificial intelligence is capable of making mistakes here. But the longer you use the launcher, the less often it will do this. But it’s difficult to forgive another shortcoming of the launcher. The fact is that this product refuses to work adequately on the tablet.

Solo Launcher

This program uses the style Material Design, invented by Google a few years ago. At the same time, she offers larger number interface settings than the bare Android operating system. In total, the user is offered thousands of different themes and wallpapers. The lock screen can also be changed using Solo Launcher - this is done with plugins. There is also a special panel with current news- to access it you need to swipe to the right on the main desktop.

Of course, this launcher also has some disadvantages. The most important of them is the presence of a so-called accelerator. It clears the cache and permanent memory. Allegedly. In fact, all this works through the stump deck. However, no one forbids you to forget about this functionality - no one forces you to use it. But the presence of advertising can sometimes be annoying, but the application is free.


C Launcher


Many launchers significantly load the system, which is why the user experiences regular slowdowns. Fortunately, there are exceptions to the rule. These include C Launcher. It's fast, free and convenient. The application contains a wide variety of topics. It also has a built-in DIY feature. It lies in a well-implemented constructor, with which you can easily create own topic. It is also important that all the settings here are translated into the great and mighty Russian language.

An important feature of C Launcher is the ability to hide private applications from prying eyes. This program can also clear the cache, save battery power, and do other things. useful actions. At least according to the developers. In fact, all these functions are required only on very low-power smartphones, which Lately There's less and less left. Overall, this has to be the best Android launcher of 2017. But don’t think that there isn’t even advertising here - the creators make money with its help.

Hola Launcher

Another fairly recent project. It's hard to say whether this is the best launcher for Android in 2017 or not. We'll just note that it's remarkably similar to a couple of other apps we've reviewed. There is also a function to clear the cache, increase battery life and manage applications. But the list of available topics here is completely different. The interface settings are also slightly different. But they cannot be called particularly rich - it cannot be said that this launcher will provide you with something completely new and amazing. But the project is young, so it still has a long way to go.

With this launcher you can experiment. The fact is that a convenient theme designer is available here. The application has been installed by more than 100 million people. Its distinctive feature is its adequate performance even on very old versions of the Android operating system. The only thing that can be annoying here is advertising, although it is implemented in the most unobtrusive manner.

Atom Launcher

This is one of those launchers that adds functionality to the system in the form of launching a specific application using a gesture. It also significantly changes the system interface. Including replacing the labels of most preinstalled programs. The user is provided with numerous widgets that display the weather, time, favorite contacts, and also provide the opportunity to clear RAM.

The launcher's features include smart folders and a dock bar. The latter is a small panel containing up to 20 favorite applications, which the user has access to at any time. It is very comfortable! As in some other launchers, here you can hide any applications so that friends and other people who get their hands on your smartphone won’t see them. Atom Launcher can run on the Android 4.0.4 operating system and its newer version. The launcher itself is free, but not all the content inside it is offered to download and run for free.

EverythingMe Launcher


Some launchers for some reason disappear from , and then return there a few years later. EverythingMe Launcher - good for that example. The developers of this application have worked out the bugs and presented users with a high-quality product. This launcher changes the interface of the operating system beyond recognition. It also provides the user with the ability to create smart folders, all applications within which are automatically sorted.

The main feature of the launcher is the multifunctional notification panel. It displays all the main events in an understandable form. At the same time, it, like all other elements of the launcher, can be customized in detail. The application also introduces a so-called forecast panel into the interface. It, like Google Now, focuses on your actions, showing all sorts of tips. For example, in the morning, shortcuts to news programs appear in it. A missed call or train schedule may also be displayed there. Of course, the panel does not start working ideally right away, but after a few days of using EverythingMe Launcher. In short, if you choose the best launchers for Android in Russian, then this application should definitely be on the list! It is distributed free of charge, but some content inside can only be unlocked for money. But there are no advertisements here!

Launcher for Android Google Start


If you have used a smartphone from the Nexus series, then you are aware of the existence of the so-called bare operating system. Do you want to achieve the same result on another device, but don’t want to experiment and reinstall the firmware? Then download Google Start. This is the simplest launcher, distributed free of charge and without advertising. It makes the interface similar to how it appears in “nexuses” and “pixels”. Also built in is a full-fledged Google Now - a service with tips, which is accessed by swiping your finger from left to right on the main screen.

Overall, the launcher doesn't provide anything unusual. On the contrary, it significantly simplifies the interface. After installing it you will receive standard menu applications (about which the owners Xiaomi smartphones may not even suspect). They are sorted into alphabetical order, but the latest running programs are in a separate line, the top one. This launcher works on operating systems starting from Android 4.1.

Cobo Launcher: Easy Beautify

If you are one of those people who want to change the appearance of icons and other interface elements every day, then you need to install Cobo Launcher on your smartphone. The fact is that on other launchers this process may seem complicated, which is why you quickly abandon this idea. And in Cobo Launcher everything is very simplified. Here the topics change once, twice, three times, and their number exceeds all reasonable limits!

What's the catch? The only problem is that this application cannot change the interface beyond recognition. It changes wallpaper, icons, lock screen, date widget and some other interface elements. But in general outline It still remains clear that Android is installed on the smartphone. It should also be noted that the themes in the corresponding store are sorted into categories. Thus, you can easily find not only very beautiful theme, but also one that is dedicated to some holiday, game or film.

Who will like this launcher for Android the most? Perhaps for those people who don’t want to delve into numerous settings. Here the themes change literally in a couple of finger movements, which will delight many. The launcher is distributed to free of charge, but inside you may encounter advertisements.

Apex Launcher


It's scary to think how many years Apex Launcher has been around. This application was one of the first to try to change the appearance of the Android operating system. Since the release of the first version, the program has been improved several times. At one time, some experts admitted that this was the best launcher for Android 6.0. However, the application does not do anything special. In fact, it is engaged in eradication branded shells. That is, it provides the user with something similar to stock android. But at the same time, the launcher has a sufficient number of settings. They help, say, change the number of icons displayed on one screen. Also here you can change the animation of flipping through desktops. Support is also available here third party themes, thanks to which you can change wallpaper, icons and other elements of the familiar interface.

What is the main advantage of Apex Launcher? Perhaps the least load on the system. Many experts note that compared to other launchers, this application consumes minimal RAM. It turns out that to use this program It’s possible even on weak smartphones. And it’s also impossible not to note complete absence advertising. Moreover, the application can be downloaded absolutely free. But there is also a fly in the ointment. Only in paid version you can find the most useful settings and functions. For example, after installing it, a notification counter will be displayed on the icons, and the system will learn to open certain applications after special gestures. Well, as you might guess, the Pro version has much more animations and various effects.

Summarizing

Now you are familiar with the top ten best launchers for Android. To be clear, this is just our opinion! And this is not a hit parade - you shouldn’t assume that the most cool launchers. Which one is the best? Only you can answer this question. Each of the described applications is good in its own way - their functionality is often strikingly different. What launcher do you use? Share your opinion in the comments.


06.08.2017 14:52:00

The main beauty of the Android OS is its openness. For example, the user can change its appearance if he is not too lazy to download a launcher for Android, which will change the display of the desktop and interface. Of course, most are content with the standard operating system interface. However, if you go into the fascinating world of launchers, you can make many interesting discoveries for yourself. So, let me introduce you to the top 8 launchers for Android.



Our top of the best launchers for Android is headed by the famous Nova Launcher. It's simple and very stable program, which allows you to fine-tune the appearance of the system. The developers, however, did not add unnecessary bells and whistles. The shell is based on the standard appearance of Android 4.4. However, almost any of its elements in the Nova product can be changed at your discretion: create an infinite number of desktops, change the number of programs in the dock bar, color schemes systems, font, animation and much more. You can also install any third-party icon sets.



Next on the list is the launcher for Android Go Launcher. It's beautiful, comfortable and fast program, which simply contains great amount various settings.

Gesture control is supported, including for launching programs. The launcher has a very rich ecosystem, there are many widgets designed specifically for it.

Especially worth mentioning is the number of themes for the shell. On Google Play you can easily find thousands of paid and free options, by browsing through which you can find the perfect Android look to suit your taste.



Another great launcher that differs from the first two in the simplicity of its settings. There is also a certain social element - for example, you can view the most popular topics, made by other users, and apply them to your phone with one click. Installing the launcher on Android is very fast.

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



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

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

Before you change the launcher to Android, be aware that Themer “eats” more resources than the standard one Android interface. The program also lacks Russification.



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

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

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



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

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

The program looks beautiful and works well. She'll be great free option for those who are tired of complex settings and crashes of other launchers.



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

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



Next Launcher is completely unlike Android or any other OS. He inspires admiration - it seems to be the most beautiful launcher for android.

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

In general, the launcher is incredibly interesting and it’s worth downloading if only to play with it a little. Before installing a launcher on Android, be aware that it will consume a lot of resources. Other disadvantages include the fact that downloading a 3D launcher for Android from Google Play will cost 525 rubles.

What do you think is the best launcher for Android?