Maybe something for the Pixel phones? I’ve been using ADW for a long time now, and was wondering what some frequently used launchers are. (I used Cyanogen for a long time, too.)
There are lists all over the internet, but I’m interested in what the Lemmy crowd likes. Thanks!
Edit: Thanks guys - a few of these were on my radar, some I hadn’t heard of or seen in the Play/f-droid lists. Having the reasons why you like each of them helps me figure out what I want from a launcher (for instance, the purchase of Nova by a company known for its data collection is a big turn-off even though it seems loved) - since you guys laid out some pros and cons of a bunch of launchers, it gives me a better picture!
Edit 2: You guys, this is a great resource for figuring out which launchers look like something worth trying (for me), and which ones are in the stores but not what I’m looking for. Without just trying them all, that is… And considering that I hadn’t even heard of all of them…
This has been a huge help for me, and I hope some others out there got something out of the post! I should be replying to everyone, but I’m not … Sorry. But I did read everything and have already started compiling a list in my head, and started tagging and categorizing. And those who included screen shots and links and lists and opinions and FOSS alternatives/forks - they helped! This whole thing helped!
I use KISS nowadays, simple, if I need to open an app, I search it; no need to look for it on the home screen. More than enough for what I do on my phone.
That said, I need to give a shout-out to TUI Launcher. I love the amount of customization it gives you plus the terminal-esque functionality. I’d have probably stuck with it if only it had the search menu that KISS has since I want to see my icons again.
I’ve been using the Arc Launcher for years now, purely for the reason that it looks rad as FUK. Probably better functioning launchers out there, but Arc Launcher looks cool lol
I’m on Pixel 5 and my vote is Niagra! It’s utterly unique among launchers, most of which are more or less the same but with different customizations. It’s difficult to say what makes Niagra better for me, but now that I’ve gotten used to it (not easy but worth it) all the samey launchers just feel so much worse.
What makes it unique?
The layout and navigation. Instead of a grid of apps, it’s a linear list. There’s a homepage of favorites, and a full list below that. I’ve configured mine so the full list is sorted by the first letter, then by usage within a letter if that makes sense. On the side of the screen, there’s a list of letters you have apps in, and you can quickly navigate the full list by hovering over those letters. I don’t think I’m describing it well, but it’s free with some premium features so I implore you to try it yourself.
I use nova launcher. Idk if it’s the best one tbh because I’ve never needed to try another. It’s allowed me to easily replicate my favourite menu I had back on my HTC onem8 for the past several years and move it to new phones whenever I need to without any issues, so I guess I like the high customizability in that sense, and how easy it is to set up and use. You mentioned that the company that acquired it it’s a turnoff for you so I guess it’s not a very helpful suggestion, but the app itself has very few permissions on my phone and I don’t think that any permissions are actually necessary, though don’t quote me on that. But it just has files and media allowed and hasn’t ever asked me for more. As far as I’m aware the same team and original creator are still the ones working on Nova, and they’ve said they won’t let the launcher start tracking people without permission. They’ve said users will be able to opt out of any new features, and any data collection involved will be optional. So unless things change drastically in the future I have no reason to stop using the launcher. I know when people hear it was acquired by an analytics company they automatically turn away, but imo analytics are only an issue if they’re forced. If I’m allowed to opt out then I’m fine with it. But some people aren’t willing to tolerate even that, so I guess it depends on where you stand regarding that.
Smart Launcher. The app drawer is set up like my Palm Pilot (tabbed categories). Over the years it has added more features but the only gesture I really use is double tap to turn off the screen.
Nova was my first third party launcher but SL has an easier set up for the same effect (for my case).
I use Niagara Launcher, because it’s minimal and quite comfy.
EDIT: The latest update (that I just applied) has put a lot of the features I use (custom font, battery percentage) behind a paywall. I will be looking for alternatives.
I mean if you really like it why don’t just give the devs some support?
10€ per year or 30€ for a one time payment seems a bit steep for a launcher, especially when it is more on the slim side feature wise
+1, Niagara is really good, it’s clean and fast.
I’ve used ton of diffefent ones over the years but always come back to Nova
Ruthless launcher! Came from a Pixel to Samsung and can’t deal with their UI. Ruthless allows mostly replicating the Pixel look I’m used to.
Probably not very helpful for you on a Pixel, but maybe it helps someone else :)
Nova, but the devs sold out and are VERY aggressive towards the community if they question the motives of the new owner, so if I wasnt so ingrained in it, I probably wouldnt recommend it.
Oh man, I had no idea about that.
I’ve been using Nova for something close to a decade now I think. I just toss it on my new devices and move on, it’s done what I wanted for ages (mostly for the adjustable grid, but I’m sure there’s some features it has that I’ve stuck with that I just feel are default at this point, stock launcher just feels weird).
It was that aggressiveness that persuaded me to finally dump Nova - I saw people (including myself) asking perfectly reasonable questions a d the responses were not at all encouraging.
I tried a few other launchers, and eventually settled on Total. It’s a bit fiddly, and takes a while to set up but it’s VERY customizable. I really like it.
I still use NOVA but it is the version before they merged in the buyout stuff. One day it might break but it’s the best option for me right now.
One feature I haven’t found on any other launcher is the ability to use both folders and tabs in my app drawer. In Nova I have my app drawer in 3 tabs. Apps (ones I use daily), games, and everything else. On top of that I like to use a few folders in the main app page to collect things like all my home automation apps, food apps, work apps, etc.
Lawnchair came closest a couple years ago but could only do tabs or folders but not both.
Lawn Chair
Hi, fellow Lawnchair user, I’d like to add to get the version from their website, not the Play Store.
Use aurora store to bypass playstore. Apk mirror also hosts a mirror.
This is the way
Lawnchair for the win, it’s just ridiculously good. I used to use AIO launcher, but I like lawnchair’s widget support more
Yes it’s great
I’m on Pixel already is there any point to me getting Lawnchair? I can’t tell from the website exactly what makes it worth getting.
There are a lot more customization options in Lawnchair compared to Pixel Launcher so that’s one.
Well it respects your privacy, its FOSS, its very lightweight and fast.
Niagara. Beautiful and efficient. Truly a step above other launchers.
The simplicity is lovely.
Niagara users unite! I was on Nova for years until the ‘troubles’. Niagara is a solid replacement, if very different.
I use Niagara now and absolutely love it, although it took some getting used to. It’s very much minimalistic compared to Nova (I used Nova for many years before Niagara, but switched when they were bought).
+1 for Niagara.
Used Nova for years. But after the sale, I quickly said goodbye to it. Niagara is so strong that I don’t even miss Nova.
I agree with this completely.
Is there a FOSS alternative to Niagara?
Kiss launcher is kinda like it
I’ve tried it before, I think I just went back to Niagara after a few minutes, I’ll try it again.
Kiss takes a while to get used to, but once the apps in your history start getting sorted correctly (mine is by “accessed frequently”), you barely need to search for apps anymore. All your most used apps accessible in 2 clicks.
Also try Kvaesitso
Discreet Launcher user here. I wanted something that would remove everything from the main screen and Discreet Launcher was it. I looks nice with Arcticons too.
KISS Launcher, it’s dead simple and just what I need.
It clears all the clutter from my screen, I can search for any app I want without trying to remember where I put it on my homepage, and it has a history for quick access that’s really handy.
