1d ago

What launchers do you all reccommend?

I just need it to have icon pack support. I don't want anything weird or innovative, just basic (so things like pie and kiss are out)

neo launcher is buggy and hasn't been updated in 2 years, same with lawnchair, and neither of those have widgets working currently. the stock graphene os launcher has zero customization, fossify launcher doesn't support icon packs. ideally Foss, but whatever at this point. bonus points is it supports private space. Thanks guys

39 comments

I am currently using Smart Launcher and I love it, especially because how you can categorize your apps in tabs.
Here are the screenshots, but my layout is of course a bit more customized, because I like things more compact, since it's easier to access my apps this way.

I actually really like samsungs default oneui over everything I tried, but thats for tablets specifically, dex classic is pretty cool for larger tablets using keyboards.

I used to use Nova, but after it was acquired and started getting sketchy, I switched to Niagara and never looked back. Not FOSS, but there's no other launcher like it.
- I still use Nova, but I blocked it from updating. I will need to switch eventually, but I've been very happy with it.

How have you not realised that you haven't actually said anywhere that you mean launchers for Android? I seriously don't understand how this happens, you haven't posted this in an Android-specific community. The only reason people know what you mean is because you mentioned other Android launchers. This is like walking into the centre of a city and shouting about some very specific thing without even trying to mention what it's about. Only the people who are familiar with it will know what you're talking about. How are you this dumb?
- holy shit calm your horses

I've been using Lynx Launcher for a couple of months after being ultimately unsatisfied with the FOSS options I tried. I like how it's different from a stock home screen but not too different.
Here's a screenshot of what my main screen looks like, to give an idea.

Launchers?
Like rocket or granade?
- I’m with stoy. WTF are you all talking about?
  
  They're talking about application launchers for Android devices, the same category of system component that the Start Menu in Windows and the big app grid in OSX are. You can change your application launcher pretty easily on Android and some Linux systems.
- Trebuchet
- Potato

Lawnchair isn't outdated. The last beta release is 6 months old and the last nightly build based on Android 15 is 5 days old.
https://github.com/LawnchairLauncher/lawnchair
- Yes, all the work on Lawnchair happens on that branch. I don't think you're actually supposed to use the old one.

Friends - how big of a deal is it to switch launchers to test another one? I'm on Nova and happy, but I want to leave. If I switch and don't like it, can I switch back and keep my old settings and stuff?
- yeah, if you keep the app and just change default launchers, it all stays.
  
  Awesome, I'll give some of the ones in the thread a shot!

µLauncher --> Github, F-Droid

The last lawnchair beta came out a few months ago. It's been running really stable for me and I would recommend it.
https://github.com/LawnchairLauncher/lawnchair/releases
- I found it too limited and broken. For example, the app names don't work when you increase the rows/columns, you can only use the default number if you want icon titles.
  When I was trying different numbers of rows/columns, it would wipe all the apps I added each time I changed it.
  Widgets are buggy and can crash the launcher.
  Honestly, I think the only people who suggest this launcher are people who only use default settings. I need lots of customization.
  
  I haven't had that experience at all, and I an one to customise all the settings.
- +1
  
  +2 I used to love Nova but after the sell out I went looking for FOSS launchers and Lawnchair has provided the best alternative so far but it lacks a bit in personalisation options in comparison.

I'm still on Niagara, it's not foss but it's quite nice
- Niagara for the win! Developers also realize that not everyone loves Google, so it's possible to get the apk from their website, for both the free and paid version. For those who don't like subscriptions, they also offer a one-time payment! 😁
- I love Niagara! The biggest problem is, if I have to do something with someone else's phone, it sucks because it's really hard navigating the default launchers if you're used to Niagara.
- +1 for Niagara. Sad that it's not FOSS but it's very much to my liking and really has helped me to reduce my unintended app use. But it's not for everyone.

I use Nova, and it's pretty standard. Very similar to the Google launcher in function but supports icon packs and other useful features.
- yeah I liked Nova, just not a fan of it not being Foss. Might have to go back tho

I found Kvaesitso to be a pretty good launcher. Simple, clean, with it's fair amount of optimisation and a great use of the app drawer

Maybe Smart Launcher ? Haven't used in a long time , not sure if it'll fit all your needs , but seems conventional enough

I don't want anything weird or innovative, just basic (so things like pie and kiss are out)
Are we thinking about the same KISS? Because "nothing weird or innovative, just basic" is kind of the core philosophy of this launcher
https://github.com/Neamar/KISS
- yeah this ones search based tho. I wand all my apps on the home screen,
  also I hate how the app menu is where its a list rather than a grid
  
  How about Kvaesisto? It's search-based but has a row of favourites on the home screen then you pull down and can have as many favourites as you want, also supports icon packs.
  
  I tried it once years back. Thought it's weird, but gave it a try anyway. Now I can't use "stupid" default launchers and KISS is first thing to set up in new phone :-D

I tried many launchers but keep getting back to Niagara,it's fast, simple and easy to find app you're looking for

I like Square Home. It looks like the old Metro UI (lots of tiles), and has nice large touch targets. And it supports widgets.
It isn't foss, sadly.

Hyperion is boring, but is close enough to a pre-enshittification default android launcher as it gets (read: before the Google assistant integration).

39 comments