Hey hey, thanks for watching my round-up of launchery shenanigans, and please do let me know of any you think are worth including in the next update! (And please ignore any scammy Telegram nonsense in the comments...)
Been using the Niagra launcher forever now, It's simple and quick. Allows me to do just what I want to do on my phone and allows me to be focused. This is coming after I've used loads of other launchers. It takes a bit of time to get used to if you're coming from the traditional launchers.
Tbf it doesn't even take much time to get used to, I've installed it on my mum's phone and she was using it with no problems in one day. I've recently had to change phone cuz my touchscreen broke and I felt impaired without Niagara, it's just so fast compared to normal drawers it's insane
Been using Smart Launcher for about 7 years now. It has just the right amount of customisation without being overwhelming. And the ability to categorise apps is lovely.
Yup I been using smart launcher since like version 2 or 3 when I had my galaxy S3. Bought pro back then too and it did apply to all of the upcoming versions too as I update to them across different phones using the same google account and if it doesn’t just tapping restore pro or ensuring the unlocker app is downloaded from the play store does the trick for me. I love the auto categories drawers/pages and having ability to create folders on the main page to stick in my most used favorite apps.
I put the big launcher one in my grandma's phone. Is just awesome. She was getting quite stress by not being able to use her new smartphone. After the launcher, BOOM! was all gone! It helped her so much you just can't believe. I indicate for everyone that have a similar condition
I've been using the Microsoft launcher for about a year now. The most thing I love about it is the daily changing wallpapers which is the only reason why I still use it.
Square launcher is really neat, but needs a way to back up theme settings so it can be easily changed or reloaded if changed too much from a great setup
This is such an awesome list! I was using default + nova on most of my phones. After this video, I installed Square Home and Smart Launcher 6 on a couple of my phones. Loved them a lot! Got the full versions of both. Can't thank you enough for this list!
Been using niagara launcher for many years now. Never felt I needed to change that's how good it is. I also use icon pack studio to make matching icons with my wallpapers. Highly recommend that combo!
I have tried many launchers in the past (and still do now), but my favorite for more than 2 years is Smart launcher 6, combined with Shortcut Maker to create folders that are opened by a double-tap gesture, it's a neat way to keep my apps within reach.
Unfortunately all the launcher you can install, you can't use the navigation bar with gestures, only the shitty navigation bar with three buttons you can use!
@@gabotoror yup, in MIUI for instance, the gestures are immediately disabled when you use a third-party launcher, they only work with the system launcher. But I use FNG, the triggers are much more responsive and configurable than the default ones, and although you lose some animations, I don't care much about that. This way I can use my favorite launcher
@@Jesko.2005 Ok man, I have the Xiaomi Pad 5 and the shitty Pocco M3 pro 5g and unfortunately I can't install launcher, because I can't use the navigation bar with gestures on these shitty garbage Xiaomi products! The MIUI is the worst and the most shitty garbage software, and I'm so disappointed with this trash garbage MIUI software! I think the Realme is the best company for the phones and tablets, fantastic and cheaper phones with great specs and amazing Realme UI software! Never go for shitty Xiaomi and Pocco phones or tablets, because they all sucks and are bullshit trash garbage products🤮🤮🤧🤧
Another launcher people may want to check-out is the new Tabs Launcher. Its unique feature is that it let's me organize my home-pages in tabs. This makes it quick and easy to get to what I am looking for (I have lots of apps). Its free and has no ads.
I've tried most Android launchers, except for the newer ones. My default launcher is Nova Launcher Prime. It's rock solid, works as advertised. No bugs, no lags, butter smooth. One of its best features is that I can assign gestures to each individual home screen app Icon. For example, I've assigned an upward gesture on the Nova Launcher Icon to open my default browser (Brave). A downward gesture opens my file manager. I've assigned similar gestures on all five icons on my default home screen page. This allows for a cleaner, less cluttered home screen. Anybody who hasn't tried Nova, I can't recommend it enough. Even app critics go absolute ga-ga when they talk about Nova.
Yeah, the gestures on icons (including "hold") make it unlikely I'll go with anything else. I'm in China and can access the four main uses for Alipay (which is used for all my money transactions) just by holding the icon.
I like the swipe in icons feature, this way you can have the file manager icon, and if you swipe up it opens an alternative file manager, and the same if you swipe down. I have my chrome icon, if I swipe up it opens firefox, if I swipe down, it opens Chrome canary. I just miss the stackable widgets
The problem with Android 12 and 13 is that gestures don't work properly with any launcher other than stock. I wish Google would fix this one day, but with each iteration of Android they just remove more and more useful stuff, like accessing the Android/Data folder in Android 13.
oh i doubt. as they removed the overscan dev tool and i cannot find any alternative to that tool so 3rd party gestures are and will be broken in the near future at least. so 3rd party cannot directly control the gesture pane without root access. coz i tried literally everything i could to get rid of that gesture bar at the bottom. no use
@@francisnike7545my friend has a Google Pixel 6 Pro and both of the issues I mentioned are true for that phone too. Also tested this on Honor and Asus, same thing.
@@alice_agogo ironic that huawei OS is still android, but without google stuff google services basically. android is open source any anyone even you can just pull up the code and do whatever you want with it. google android is not something that google "gives" to anyone out there, you can very much use android without anyones permission for whatever, whats more android is and modified version of the linux kernal/operating system.
I've only got a few that I find myself using. Niagara is the ONLY launcher outside of the Nova 8 beta that makes gesture navigation not look and feel like ass. The other launcher I use would be AIO launcher. It's a unique take on a home screen. Offers material you support, and you can have access to all of your things on one screen that scrolls up and down. If gestures were better supported it would be my go to for sure
This is my problem, too. Navigation gestures on launchers are buggy and glitchy. I always find myself going back to the default launcher after a few minutes, because it's just terrible.
From one Brit to another, I love your humour 😆 More money for crisps is always a good thing! Thanks for all your hard work on this, and everything else you do!
Tried loads of launchers in the past, always gone back to Nova Launcher Prime. I still have my old Samsung Galaxy S2 (in perfect condition I might add) stuffed in a drawer somewhere around here with Nova installed. When I bought the Pixel 7 Pro I installed it on that too, but then decided to just try stock, and now I don't use any 3rd party launchers. I love it as it is. weird :) - but now you've got me thinking about trying other launchers again ffs haha
It seams that the 'put the display to sleep' with double-tap on the screen doesn't work with Nova 7. Is there a way to work around this other than to use the power button for it? Thanks.
smart launcher is the best one, it has all the right customizations, not too overwhelming, very aesthetic, and smoooth. been using it for like 1 year and honestly (after trying lots of launchers like nova, lynx, niagara...etc) it's the one that stood out to me!
I recommend Hyperion Launcher, it works perfectly on Android 12 and 13. It is very light and has all the features you may need in a good launcher. Although it has some extra paid features, the free version is more than enough and has NO ADVERTISING.
Using AWD launcher from android 2.3 and while migrating from phones just transferring configuration, it simply does everything I like and need, one of the apps that I really recommend to use.
I am using Before Launcher, which is basically Minimalist, except the app time usage measuring feature. Same principle of limiting distractions, but with the advantage that the pro version is a one time payment (I think it was around 8eur)
This is such a helpful video for someone like myself that is using android after 16 years of iPhone. Don't get me wrong, my iPhone's have never let me down and it'll stay tucked in my desk in case I need it for something, but I'm super excited to do a deep dive in to android and have been using an S23 Ultra for about a month now
For some reason no one mentions Launcher 10. I've been using it since I had to switch to Android some years ago (yes, I was one of the happy Nokia Windows Phone users). It's simple yet configurable, you can change icons, add widgets and the Windows phone style app menu is, in my opinion, probably the best... but no one mentions it...
Hi! Thanks for this video, I was hoping you'd mention the Niagara launcher! Boy oh boy, I absolutely love this launcher and it's my current Launcher! 😍😍
Been using Nova since the LG g flex(which is when I found out about launchers) . I've tried others and nothing compares in my opinion. And I think I paid for the premium version for $4 way back.
from my point - Microsoft Launcher was 1st one that was just... stable. Rest of them (and I checked most from this list) always had strange freezing so I couldn't use it for more than couple of days.
Samsung nailed it with one UI, I don't think it's possible to make a launcher that gives you that good of a user experience. It's one of the main reasons why I am considering switching to Samsung if I stay in the android ecosystem.
Great video! Although I did not try all the launchers you mention, my personal favourite is Before launcher. The main reason I prefer a third party launcher over stock Android is that in most cases it gives the opportunity to lock the homescreen. I think it is strange that this cannot be done in stock. Cannot imagine that I am the only one who has the homescreen constantly messed up by unintended actions
The Big Launcher is something I have been looking for, as I have older relatives who still use flip phones and refuse to upgrade to a modern smart phone because the flip phones are simple and easy to use for them as some have eye sight issues and some are sad to say tech illiterate.
My favorites are clearly Nova Prime when I'm feeling like fiddling and customization but when I'm not, like tbh is most of the time, I just use Niagara pro with a nice icon pack (my all-time fav is "ENIX" btw) and Sesame integration. Niagara is simple, fast, looks good and gets the job done, I love it!
It seams that the 'put the display to sleep' with double-tap on the screen doesn't work with Nova 7. Is there a way to work around this other than to use the power button for it? Thanks.
I have the Nova launcher but I prefer the stock pixel laucher because of the animations which are much smoother than a third-party laucher whose open-close app animations are inconsistent
I have a Pixel 6 Pro Android 13 Dec 22 Update + Early Jan 23 update (small) and I HAVE TO!!! use Nova cause 1 - its the best of these and 2 - Google are absolutely unable to give a fuck about not having 10 icons taking up the entire screen! Damn, just give us the option to make icons smaller and more grid to position them. I wouldn't use nova otherwise. I just install it and make icons smaller.
@@iPhonenaire Oh yeah. Tnx. Still, it's not small enough and less grid then the nova. Even turned all the way to smallest, it's still bigger then what I use with nova.
Nova has always been my go-to but I recently decided to give launchers another go & reinstalled it on my S23+ but it seems to negatively impact my battery.
The number of people yearning to customize their android is dwindling. Also Nova is becoming more complex in term of settings. But yeah, it's free and I like it. I'm currently on NOVA 8 PRIME, side loaded. I like fiddling around everyday.
I've been running Microsoft Launcher since the Arrow Launcher Beta days. I really like the idea behind the minimalist launchers and should probably try one.
Awesome video, but all these launchers cause more inconveniences than advantages for the simple reason that they can't truly replace the stock launcher. It sucks that Google has blocked such an important feature.
@@Natsukashii1111 Lot of issues in replacing the stock launcher in many phones... for example nova launcher gesture doesnt work on many xiaomi devices, and on my iqoo neo 6 phone the nova launcher keeps changing back to default launcher even after setting the default launcher to nova.
not sure what phone you have, but I have a Pixel phone for work running Android 12 and a Galaxy as my daily driver with Android 13/ One UI 5 and have been using 3rd party launchers for years with no problems.
My previous phone developed a nasty problem where every launcher (including the stock one) crashed repeatedly and immediately on startup. The only exception I found was the Microsoft launcher, which worked flawlessly and extended the life of my phone by at least a year (before carrier shenanigans forced me into another phone).
@@TheArchmage100 Definitely use what works best with your phone. I don't actually like some parts of Microsoft launcher, but it will always have a place in my heart for saving my phone (at least for a few months)
@@benjaminmiddaugh2729 I agree. Btw I just installed the Microsoft launcher again after our conversation 😄 Can't stop myself from installing it, It's that amazing. And it's not lagging like before in the same smartphone that I'm using. Guess the devs made some tweaks finally.
Hi Chris, firstly, thanks for the great reviews you post - breath of fresh air, as someone else below said. But I also wanted to say thanks for not using ridiculous thumbnails! I'm so sick of the elastic-faced idiots that put up a thumbnail with a title of 'The fascinating world of Jacob Rees-Mogg' alongside a picture of them looking as if the cat just crapped on their lunch. Whilst some might say that is exactly the look generated by anything to do with Rees-Mogg, it pisses me off to the extent that I simply go through and select 'Don't recommend channel' for each of those gurning dickheads. Thank you for not being one of them!
Lucid Launcher and Lightning Launcher are the only ones I use because they work well with Kustom (KLWP) vertical wallpaper scrolling. A lot of these launchers don't offer vertical homepages. People tell me to use gestures but that's not an instant smooth transition. Still waiting for someone to build a full Kustom (KLWP) Launcher.
I like Olauncher. I'm a nova launcher supporter since forever but I need a minimalist one for my pixel 7 and though Niagra was neat I just couldn't go without swiping to see my Google now or paying that steep lifetime price
Weird question, but does anyone else on a Samsung phone get a "screen flashing" when they try to switch apps using a custom launcher? It's why I only use the stock default Samsung launcher. I would definitely prefer Olauncher or Smart Launcher but the stupid flash/glitch when changing apps always annoys me (I enable the bottom-three-button-navigation which I believe causes the issue sadly. Anyone who uses gesture navigation won't have any issue.)
I used to use nova launcher and go launcher a lot 10+ years ago. Especially the themes with go launcher. I also did a lot of research and trying out to use a the smallest launcher I could find for a couple really low ram phones I had. I tried going back through my entire app list on the play store but I either missed it or its no longer available. Been years. But on top of that. Oh the hacking, mods, tweaks, roms, and system customization back in those days. It's quite sad actually. It seemed like things were going to be amazing for many years to come, but it was short lived. Lock downs, restrictions, and greed took over it all. What was once on the rise is just over priced slabs. Where now we lose things or they barely advance. Just useless greed machines hiding under the guise that we've peaked, things can't be done, or every little feature costs an arm and a leg to include. And then every thing they take away or skimp out on there is someone there to defend them for it. The demand is to high and they've become to complacent and money hungry. Yay we get brighter screens, processors that score higher benchmarks, and the same camera as before but it works 500% better with our new software spell.
I'm right there with you buddy. Miss the old days when Android was largely for enthusiasts and we could really go to town molding our phones into something amazing. I also totally agree that we have essentially peaked. And Google has become ever more restrictive with what apps can do (Tasker hasn't been able to toggle wifi for years now. WTH??) I suspect things won't change significantly now until we have widespread wearable AR displays (I'm being serious) at which point it becomes a completely different animal.
@@al201103 Its very disheartening. And speaks for many aspects of today's society well beyond just phones. However I don't think we peaked. Far far from it in fact. That's just an easy excuse. So many things could have advanced further for the last 6 ish years. Where as many things since then have slowed to a crawl, been removed, or gone backwards. From features, implementations, charger ports, storage, speakers, call volume, reception, durability, cameras, connectivity, authentication, uniqueness, ports, size, battery, on and on. The screens are brighter, soc stronger, and more "magic" camera tweaks. Zoom lenses however improved because they had more headway for improvement. The only thing ever actually advancing for years are prices going up and up. Apple "borrows" more tech from others and others "borrow" greedy controlling tactics. Becoming a vicious cycle between all of them.
Whenever I see a review of the MS Launcher, the images in the video always look like a typical Android phone. I've been using the MS Launcher for a few years and have the Dock (the bottom set of icons that appear in all Home Pages) set to ten icons from left to right and can open up to two more additional sets of ten, for, in my case, a total of 30 apps. (The maximum number is 12 per row or a total of 36 icons in the Dock.) Also the App Tray can be highly configured as well. Most videos don't do this launcher justice.
Same. I have tried lots of launchers and was using Smart Launcher for a couple of years, but that has performance/ battery problems now. Plus, they add features and make you buy the feature packs after you already bought a license earlier. The MS Launcher is just great. The feed, searching, configurability and most of all the dock. It just ticks all boxes for me and I have been using it for a couple of years now.
Nova launcher prime gets a huge sale every year Christmas and I mean huge. 2021 Christmas it was 10 INR ($0.12) and this one it was just 5 INR lol. The discount will vary country to country but nonetheless it will get a huge discount so if you're planning to get it now just wait a year and use a mod of the launcher with premium unlocked till then
Only reason I'm not using Nova launcher is that it doesn't support the smooth Android 13 animations while launching or closing applications and interaction with widgets
Been using Total Launcher since 2015, and never changed back. While people are saying how customizable Nova launcher with third party addon like KWGT or KWLP, they still feels like using a full set of non-editable Rainmeter skins to me, and editing them would require you to edit the whole skins... Total Launcher however can be very complex, yet very simple at the same time, the key is imagination and how creative one can be to relive that imagination. Best part of it is, whenever you feels like wanna change only one aspect of the skins, you can change them one by one, without having to enable editing for all of them. It feels like rainmeter skins that are editable/edit-friendly. Also, if you are using Total Launcher, I recommended you to back up your already done skins using Titanium Backup. I've changed tons of phone during all these years, and using titanium backup, i pretty much cloned my launcher settings, skins and everything included, into my new phone, without any problem.
Am on the Smart Launcher Pro since many years and certainly don't regret using & paying for it. The categories/ topic based drawers certainly help quickly finding stuff when one has many apps.
Hey hey, thanks for watching my round-up of launchery shenanigans, and please do let me know of any you think are worth including in the next update! (And please ignore any scammy Telegram nonsense in the comments...)
I'm not falling for those scammers, I only fell in love with you.
hehe ... sure 🙏👍sir
Please include a link to the anime backgrounds you use in your videos. Also shout out to Action Launcher 3, my go to.
I think Ratio Launcher is not free, its only free for 7 days
Hey navigation gesture is not working properly with nova launcher
How to fix that ?
As someone who occasionally uses launchers I can tell you this must have taken FOREVER to test these launchers and make the video. Thanks, Chris!
Been using the Niagra launcher forever now, It's simple and quick. Allows me to do just what I want to do on my phone and allows me to be focused. This is coming after I've used loads of other launchers. It takes a bit of time to get used to if you're coming from the traditional launchers.
Tbf it doesn't even take much time to get used to, I've installed it on my mum's phone and she was using it with no problems in one day.
I've recently had to change phone cuz my touchscreen broke and I felt impaired without Niagara, it's just so fast compared to normal drawers it's insane
Isn't the minimalist launcher a better choice for the effects you mentioned?
@@veysel8081 I agree but it takes away the ability to set wallpapers,Which I hate.
*Niagara Launcher* is my absolute favorite launcher of all time. So grateful it exists.
ze only downside of it iz u cant set a picture az an icon for a specific app
Iam currently using it, it's too simple and makes us use the device less
Also a big fan of Niagara, I've been using it for maybe a year and couldn't go back now.
Definitely one of my favourites too, so good if you're easily distracted!
Weak promotion
Been using Smart Launcher for about 7 years now. It has just the right amount of customisation without being overwhelming. And the ability to categorise apps is lovely.
Yup I been using smart launcher since like version 2 or 3 when I had my galaxy S3. Bought pro back then too and it did apply to all of the upcoming versions too as I update to them across different phones using the same google account and if it doesn’t just tapping restore pro or ensuring the unlocker app is downloaded from the play store does the trick for me. I love the auto categories drawers/pages and having ability to create folders on the main page to stick in my most used favorite apps.
Smart launcher is fun and one of most easy to handle just love it
Same here but using APUS Launcher since 2014.
same been 5 years too
Which one?
I put the big launcher one in my grandma's phone. Is just awesome. She was getting quite stress by not being able to use her new smartphone. After the launcher, BOOM! was all gone! It helped her so much you just can't believe. I indicate for everyone that have a similar condition
Many thanks for including Before Launcher -- zero ads, private and no subscription chaos.
As a person with Android (Go Edition) You just blessed me
I've been using the Microsoft launcher for about a year now. The most thing I love about it is the daily changing wallpapers which is the only reason why I still use it.
Square launcher is really neat, but needs a way to back up theme settings so it can be easily changed or reloaded if changed too much from a great setup
This is such an awesome list! I was using default + nova on most of my phones. After this video, I installed Square Home and Smart Launcher 6 on a couple of my phones. Loved them a lot! Got the full versions of both. Can't thank you enough for this list!
You like simplicity
Been using niagara launcher for many years now. Never felt I needed to change that's how good it is. I also use icon pack studio to make matching icons with my wallpapers. Highly recommend that combo!
Can't go back to oneui now even if it got a lot better and faster.
Love icon pack studio too! I use it with nova though.
square home user here, love it, i miss my lumia, there are still some thing's i would like to be different but it's better than the stock launcher
Been a Nova Prime user for about 7 Years now.
Absolutely love how they have refined the experience so far.
Lawnchair 12 receives regular updates, available for download on their webpage. Has material you integration and is very stable.
I have tried many launchers in the past (and still do now), but my favorite for more than 2 years is Smart launcher 6, combined with Shortcut Maker to create folders that are opened by a double-tap gesture, it's a neat way to keep my apps within reach.
Unfortunately all the launcher you can install, you can't use the navigation bar with gestures, only the shitty navigation bar with three buttons you can use!
Totally!! SmartL6 the best 🔥
@@gabotoror yup, in MIUI for instance, the gestures are immediately disabled when you use a third-party launcher, they only work with the system launcher. But I use FNG, the triggers are much more responsive and configurable than the default ones, and although you lose some animations, I don't care much about that. This way I can use my favorite launcher
@@thimpap4564 that's only with xiaomi phones
@@Jesko.2005 Ok man, I have the Xiaomi Pad 5 and the shitty Pocco M3 pro 5g and unfortunately I can't install launcher, because I can't use the navigation bar with gestures on these shitty garbage Xiaomi products!
The MIUI is the worst and the most shitty garbage software, and I'm so disappointed with this trash garbage MIUI software!
I think the Realme is the best company for the phones and tablets, fantastic and cheaper phones with great specs and amazing Realme UI software!
Never go for shitty Xiaomi and Pocco phones or tablets, because they all sucks and are bullshit trash garbage products🤮🤮🤧🤧
I used Ratio Launcher when it first launched, really solid launcher and I loved having all my messaging threads under one section
Another launcher people may want to check-out is the new Tabs Launcher. Its unique feature is that it let's me organize my home-pages in tabs. This makes it quick and easy to get to what I am looking for (I have lots of apps). Its free and has no ads.
I've tried most Android launchers, except for the newer ones.
My default launcher is Nova Launcher Prime. It's rock solid, works as advertised. No bugs, no lags, butter smooth.
One of its best features is that I can assign gestures to each individual home screen app Icon.
For example, I've assigned an upward gesture on the Nova Launcher Icon to open my default browser (Brave).
A downward gesture opens my file manager. I've assigned similar gestures on all five icons on my default home screen page.
This allows for a cleaner, less cluttered home screen.
Anybody who hasn't tried Nova, I can't recommend it enough. Even app critics go absolute ga-ga when they talk about Nova.
Me too!
Yeah, the gestures on icons (including "hold") make it unlikely I'll go with anything else. I'm in China and can access the four main uses for Alipay (which is used for all my money transactions) just by holding the icon.
So nav. gestures are super smooth on nova? I heard of lag issues with galaxy phones when it came to using gestures with 3rd party launchers
I like the swipe in icons feature, this way you can have the file manager icon, and if you swipe up it opens an alternative file manager, and the same if you swipe down. I have my chrome icon, if I swipe up it opens firefox, if I swipe down, it opens Chrome canary. I just miss the stackable widgets
I've been using Smart Launcher for almost as long as I've had smartphones.
Have had a pro license on it for a long time as well. It's incredible
The problem with Android 12 and 13 is that gestures don't work properly with any launcher other than stock. I wish Google would fix this one day, but with each iteration of Android they just remove more and more useful stuff, like accessing the Android/Data folder in Android 13.
oh i doubt. as they removed the overscan dev tool and i cannot find any alternative to that tool so 3rd party gestures are and will be broken in the near future at least. so 3rd party cannot directly control the gesture pane without root access. coz i tried literally everything i could to get rid of that gesture bar at the bottom. no use
We should all move to Huawei's OS. Google is too big and too evil now.
I think this depends on your device Manufacturer not Google.
Two companies i know are guilty of this is Samsung and Xiaomi
@@francisnike7545my friend has a Google Pixel 6 Pro and both of the issues I mentioned are true for that phone too. Also tested this on Honor and Asus, same thing.
@@alice_agogo ironic that huawei OS is still android, but without google stuff google services basically. android is open source any anyone even you can just pull up the code and do whatever you want with it. google android is not something that google "gives" to anyone out there, you can very much use android without anyones permission for whatever, whats more android is and modified version of the linux kernal/operating system.
Just got a Pixel 7 and loaded it with Nova straight away. Had it on my last phone too.
I've only got a few that I find myself using. Niagara is the ONLY launcher outside of the Nova 8 beta that makes gesture navigation not look and feel like ass. The other launcher I use would be AIO launcher. It's a unique take on a home screen. Offers material you support, and you can have access to all of your things on one screen that scrolls up and down. If gestures were better supported it would be my go to for sure
This is my problem, too. Navigation gestures on launchers are buggy and glitchy. I always find myself going back to the default launcher after a few minutes, because it's just terrible.
Kiss is stand for “keep it super simple” (and another one) really like it
I am using Smart Launcher 6. Loved it more than Nova. Got it in 0.6$. Lifetime deal. 😎
Been using Nova Prime for years. I've gotten so used to it that I honestly can't change at this point.
Same. Nova plus KLWP plus Tasker - I'm sorted. That said, Total launcher looked interesting....
@@al201103 yeah it does. I'll probably try it for a week or two and go back to Nova.
From one Brit to another, I love your humour 😆 More money for crisps is always a good thing! Thanks for all your hard work on this, and everything else you do!
Been using nova launcher for 5 years, no complaints. Absolutely love it.
Tried loads of launchers in the past, always gone back to Nova Launcher Prime. I still have my old Samsung Galaxy S2 (in perfect condition I might add) stuffed in a drawer somewhere around here with Nova installed. When I bought the Pixel 7 Pro I installed it on that too, but then decided to just try stock, and now I don't use any 3rd party launchers. I love it as it is. weird :) - but now you've got me thinking about trying other launchers again ffs haha
Ha, tbf Nova is an absolute classic, sometimes you've gotta go old school...
Nova has been bought out by a data collection company called Branch.
It seams that the 'put the display to sleep' with double-tap on the screen doesn't work with Nova 7. Is there a way to work around this other than to use the power button for it? Thanks.
Been using nova for years but recently I've started using Niagra and I'm loving it !
smart launcher is the best one, it has all the right customizations, not too overwhelming, very aesthetic, and smoooth. been using it for like 1 year and honestly (after trying lots of launchers like nova, lynx, niagara...etc) it's the one that stood out to me!
Yeah I bought the paid version of it, and it is absolutely worth it, it is smooth and doesnt crash and very easy to use. Absolute banger.
I'll check it out
I recommend Hyperion Launcher, it works perfectly on Android 12 and 13. It is very light and has all the features you may need in a good launcher.
Although it has some extra paid features, the free version is more than enough and has NO ADVERTISING.
Been using the Microsoft Launcher for several years and see n o reason to change. Does a great job.
m using crisp launcher and totally happy with it
Using AWD launcher from android 2.3 and while migrating from phones just transferring configuration, it simply does everything I like and need, one of the apps that I really recommend to use.
0:45 Do launcher slow down your device or affect your battery?
I am using Before Launcher, which is basically Minimalist, except the app time usage measuring feature. Same principle of limiting distractions, but with the advantage that the pro version is a one time payment (I think it was around 8eur)
This is such a helpful video for someone like myself that is using android after 16 years of iPhone. Don't get me wrong, my iPhone's have never let me down and it'll stay tucked in my desk in case I need it for something, but I'm super excited to do a deep dive in to android and have been using an S23 Ultra for about a month now
That's sick
Enjoy the phone that's what I want too or Pixle 8 Pro
KISS launcher is my absolute favourite for years. It's so damn simple and usable - no other launcher had beated it, imo.
KISS is wonderful. No more icons, ever.
I love it's search functions... It's so powerful
O launcher is the one I've been using for months. Totally free and clean.
Always was, still is and always will be the best.. Nova launcher!! Good day to you Sir Spirty Bollox 😊
I'm so glad to finally see Total Launcher on a best launcher list. I've been using it since android 4 and I've loved it.
For some reason no one mentions Launcher 10. I've been using it since I had to switch to Android some years ago (yes, I was one of the happy Nokia Windows Phone users). It's simple yet configurable, you can change icons, add widgets and the Windows phone style app menu is, in my opinion, probably the best... but no one mentions it...
I use Niagara for my phone just because it's so fast and light.
Absolutely worth the $15
Hi! Thanks for this video, I was hoping you'd mention the Niagara launcher! Boy oh boy, I absolutely love this launcher and it's my current Launcher! 😍😍
Been using Nova since the LG g flex(which is when I found out about launchers) . I've tried others and nothing compares in my opinion. And I think I paid for the premium version for $4 way back.
Yes Nova is certainly the most customizable but Pear launch is much simpler, lighter, and easier to set up. More should give it a shot.
Definitely a good 'un!
Oooof! Square home looks amazing!
from my point - Microsoft Launcher was 1st one that was just... stable. Rest of them (and I checked most from this list) always had strange freezing so I couldn't use it for more than couple of days.
I've always used Nova and Go launcher
Samsung nailed it with one UI, I don't think it's possible to make a launcher that gives you that good of a user experience. It's one of the main reasons why I am considering switching to Samsung if I stay in the android ecosystem.
One UI is good, but it gets boring, and it's not always convenient
@@badatsomerhing its boring unless you use good lock
@@jamestribie3387 i have core sadly
Very boring
I need a more detailed launcher one with good customizations
@@TechTechmartin have you tried square home?
You have Makoto Niijima as your wallpaper, I see you're a man of culture as well.
Great video! Although I did not try all the launchers you mention, my personal favourite is Before launcher. The main reason I prefer a third party launcher over stock Android is that in most cases it gives the opportunity to lock the homescreen. I think it is strange that this cannot be done in stock. Cannot imagine that I am the only one who has the homescreen constantly messed up by unintended actions
Never had issue of moving my stuff but nova Launcher can also lock your home screen AFAIK, and I bet total, lawn hair and smart home too
The Big Launcher is something I have been looking for, as I have older relatives who still use flip phones and refuse to upgrade to a modern smart phone because the flip phones are simple and easy to use for them as some have eye sight issues and some are sad to say tech illiterate.
My favorites are clearly Nova Prime when I'm feeling like fiddling and customization but when I'm not, like tbh is most of the time, I just use Niagara pro with a nice icon pack (my all-time fav is "ENIX" btw) and Sesame integration. Niagara is simple, fast, looks good and gets the job done, I love it!
It seams that the 'put the display to sleep' with double-tap on the screen doesn't work with Nova 7. Is there a way to work around this other than to use the power button for it? Thanks.
I absolutely adore the notification filter in Minimalist. Traps a set for review at leisure without completely denying them.
I have the Nova launcher but I prefer the stock pixel laucher because of the animations which are much smoother than a third-party laucher whose open-close app animations are inconsistent
I have a Pixel 6 Pro Android 13 Dec 22 Update + Early Jan 23 update (small) and I HAVE TO!!! use Nova cause
1 - its the best of these and
2 - Google are absolutely unable to give a fuck about not having 10 icons taking up the entire screen!
Damn, just give us the option to make icons smaller and more grid to position them. I wouldn't use nova otherwise. I just install it and make icons smaller.
@@ancientslav4863 well I solve it by changing the display size to smallest, the icons are smaller that way
@@iPhonenaire How? What do you mean naje smaller?
@@ancientslav4863 system display settings and tweak the display size to smallest
@@iPhonenaire Oh yeah. Tnx. Still, it's not small enough and less grid then the nova. Even turned all the way to smallest, it's still bigger then what I use with nova.
AIO launcher should be on the list, for people who prefer a data-centric homescreen.
Infinitely customisable, and has frequent updates and fixes.
Nova has always been my go-to but I recently decided to give launchers another go & reinstalled it on my S23+ but it seems to negatively impact my battery.
Comparing Nova to syphillis classic rememorable Tech Spurt statement, keep up the good work
Why is the nova Launcher so unpopular?
The number of people yearning to customize their android is dwindling. Also Nova is becoming more complex in term of settings. But yeah, it's free and I like it. I'm currently on NOVA 8 PRIME, side loaded. I like fiddling around everyday.
I personally run The blackberry launcher, and I love it. been using it since my Priv and now I use a S21+ and still using it.
I've been running Microsoft Launcher since the Arrow Launcher Beta days. I really like the idea behind the minimalist launchers and should probably try one.
Whats the name of microsoft launcher
@@peterbugs1 Microsoft Launcher is the name.
The only thing that made me click on your video was the sweet red background that you have on that phone! It looks amazing! Nice video too!
Cheers Spurt! Always on the look for new launchers, but always revert back to nova! Been my number one for well over a decade now
It's a proper banger, always worth returning to, like your most cosy pair of pants
Lynx Launcher is what I switched to and it feels pretty nice, might even get the pro version of it.
Awesome video, but all these launchers cause more inconveniences than advantages for the simple reason that they can't truly replace the stock launcher. It sucks that Google has blocked such an important feature.
How come they cannot replace the stock Launcher? Never heard of someone not being able to do that
@@Natsukashii1111 Lot of issues in replacing the stock launcher in many phones... for example nova launcher gesture doesnt work on many xiaomi devices, and on my iqoo neo 6 phone the nova launcher keeps changing back to default launcher even after setting the default launcher to nova.
not sure what phone you have, but I have a Pixel phone for work running Android 12 and a Galaxy as my daily driver with Android 13/ One UI 5 and have been using 3rd party launchers for years with no problems.
What launcher is that on 0:35 ??
My previous phone developed a nasty problem where every launcher (including the stock one) crashed repeatedly and immediately on startup. The only exception I found was the Microsoft launcher, which worked flawlessly and extended the life of my phone by at least a year (before carrier shenanigans forced me into another phone).
I absolutely loved Microsoft launcher. But surprisingly, It lags like hell in my Samsung galaxy m52 5G. Which is why I don't use it.
@@TheArchmage100 Definitely use what works best with your phone. I don't actually like some parts of Microsoft launcher, but it will always have a place in my heart for saving my phone (at least for a few months)
@@benjaminmiddaugh2729 I agree. Btw I just installed the Microsoft launcher again after our conversation 😄 Can't stop myself from installing it, It's that amazing. And it's not lagging like before in the same smartphone that I'm using. Guess the devs made some tweaks finally.
Makoto wallpaper
A man of culture i see
Hi Chris, firstly, thanks for the great reviews you post - breath of fresh air, as someone else below said. But I also wanted to say thanks for not using ridiculous thumbnails!
I'm so sick of the elastic-faced idiots that put up a thumbnail with a title of 'The fascinating world of Jacob Rees-Mogg' alongside a picture of them looking as if the cat just crapped on their lunch. Whilst some might say that is exactly the look generated by anything to do with Rees-Mogg, it pisses me off to the extent that I simply go through and select 'Don't recommend channel' for each of those gurning dickheads. Thank you for not being one of them!
Lucid Launcher and Lightning Launcher are the only ones I use because they work well with Kustom (KLWP) vertical wallpaper scrolling. A lot of these launchers don't offer vertical homepages. People tell me to use gestures but that's not an instant smooth transition. Still waiting for someone to build a full Kustom (KLWP) Launcher.
KLWP is the BOMB!
Ratio Launcher is not free. it got monthly sub.
Use apk duh
I like Olauncher. I'm a nova launcher supporter since forever but I need a minimalist one for my pixel 7 and though Niagra was neat I just couldn't go without swiping to see my Google now or paying that steep lifetime price
Ooppss.. ratio launcher is not free 😢
What u mean free for me
It's free
Can someone please tell me is it free or not 🤔😢
This may sound dumb but which one is the one in the beginning? Where you swipe diagonally?
Another vote for Niagara here. Tried it on a Nothing Phone (1) and immediately upgraded to the paid version.
How much does Niagara launcher pays for such promotion? It's everywhere
Weird question, but does anyone else on a Samsung phone get a "screen flashing" when they try to switch apps using a custom launcher? It's why I only use the stock default Samsung launcher. I would definitely prefer Olauncher or Smart Launcher but the stupid flash/glitch when changing apps always annoys me (I enable the bottom-three-button-navigation which I believe causes the issue sadly. Anyone who uses gesture navigation won't have any issue.)
I used to use nova launcher and go launcher a lot 10+ years ago.
Especially the themes with go launcher.
I also did a lot of research and trying out to use a the smallest launcher I could find for a couple really low ram phones I had. I tried going back through my entire app list on the play store but I either missed it or its no longer available. Been years.
But on top of that. Oh the hacking, mods, tweaks, roms, and system customization back in those days.
It's quite sad actually. It seemed like things were going to be amazing for many years to come, but it was short lived. Lock downs, restrictions, and greed took over it all. What was once on the rise is just over priced slabs. Where now we lose things or they barely advance.
Just useless greed machines hiding under the guise that we've peaked, things can't be done, or every little feature costs an arm and a leg to include.
And then every thing they take away or skimp out on there is someone there to defend them for it. The demand is to high and they've become to complacent and money hungry.
Yay we get brighter screens, processors that score higher benchmarks, and the same camera as before but it works 500% better with our new software spell.
I'm right there with you buddy. Miss the old days when Android was largely for enthusiasts and we could really go to town molding our phones into something amazing.
I also totally agree that we have essentially peaked. And Google has become ever more restrictive with what apps can do (Tasker hasn't been able to toggle wifi for years now. WTH??)
I suspect things won't change significantly now until we have widespread wearable AR displays (I'm being serious) at which point it becomes a completely different animal.
@@al201103 Its very disheartening. And speaks for many aspects of today's society well beyond just phones.
However I don't think we peaked. Far far from it in fact.
That's just an easy excuse. So many things could have advanced further for the last 6 ish years. Where as many things since then have slowed to a crawl, been removed, or gone backwards.
From features, implementations, charger ports, storage, speakers, call volume, reception, durability, cameras, connectivity, authentication, uniqueness, ports, size, battery, on and on.
The screens are brighter, soc stronger, and more "magic" camera tweaks. Zoom lenses however improved because they had more headway for improvement.
The only thing ever actually advancing for years are prices going up and up.
Apple "borrows" more tech from others and others "borrow" greedy controlling tactics. Becoming a vicious cycle between all of them.
You should fix Lynx's timestamp in the description from 1.31 to 1:31
Whenever I see a review of the MS Launcher, the images in the video always look like a typical Android phone.
I've been using the MS Launcher for a few years and have the Dock (the bottom set of icons that appear in all Home Pages) set to ten icons from left to right and can open up to two more additional sets of ten, for, in my case, a total of 30 apps. (The maximum number is 12 per row or a total of 36 icons in the Dock.)
Also the App Tray can be highly configured as well.
Most videos don't do this launcher justice.
Same. I have tried lots of launchers and was using Smart Launcher for a couple of years, but that has performance/ battery problems now. Plus, they add features and make you buy the feature packs after you already bought a license earlier.
The MS Launcher is just great. The feed, searching, configurability and most of all the dock. It just ticks all boxes for me and I have been using it for a couple of years now.
APUS Launcher is a great launcher. I have been using it permanently since 2014. Now I have shifted to Microsoft Launcher temporarily.
Nova Launcher > anything else
except it sold out to a data analysis company.
Stock or die.
@@arkylnox so
The app drawer doesn't work on my Samsung ultra 24
I'm happy to see Niagara here. I've been using it for over half a year at this point and it's one of the best I've tried yet.
Isn't Lawnchair v2 basically an abandoned project?
Total Launcher getting some love makes me happy I
insane customization!
What the wallpaper or launcher at 0:20
Former IOs 15 Launcher by Luu Tinnh has got stunning 100 Mio Playstore downloads, how do it perform? Any users here? Any security concerns?
Oh great, i was just thinking about a new launcher, the mind-reading algorithm got wicked! Cheers, mate
the reason lawnchair hasn't been updated in a while is because they are working on lawnchair 12 that isn't on the play store
Nova launcher prime gets a huge sale every year Christmas and I mean huge. 2021 Christmas it was 10 INR ($0.12) and this one it was just 5 INR lol. The discount will vary country to country but nonetheless it will get a huge discount so if you're planning to get it now just wait a year and use a mod of the launcher with premium unlocked till then
I can't move away from KISS. It's that amazing !
Hey man please tell where you get those awesome wallpapers from please
Does launcher affect mobile performance or battery life?
Only reason I'm not using Nova launcher is that it doesn't support the smooth Android 13 animations while launching or closing applications and interaction with widgets
I'm back after 4 years for your latest Nova Launcher. I copied your setup back then. Thanks!
LOVE UR VIDS , and its great that a big tech youtube creator exist that doesn't only talk about flagships.😀
Been using Total Launcher since 2015, and never changed back.
While people are saying how customizable Nova launcher with third party addon like KWGT or KWLP, they still feels like using a full set of non-editable Rainmeter skins to me, and editing them would require you to edit the whole skins...
Total Launcher however can be very complex, yet very simple at the same time, the key is imagination and how creative one can be to relive that imagination.
Best part of it is, whenever you feels like wanna change only one aspect of the skins, you can change them one by one, without having to enable editing for all of them. It feels like rainmeter skins that are editable/edit-friendly.
Also, if you are using Total Launcher, I recommended you to back up your already done skins using Titanium Backup. I've changed tons of phone during all these years, and using titanium backup, i pretty much cloned my launcher settings, skins and everything included, into my new phone, without any problem.
Am on the Smart Launcher Pro since many years and certainly don't regret using & paying for it. The categories/ topic based drawers certainly help quickly finding stuff when one has many apps.
Definitely prefer Nova Launcher over syphilis.