I am a fan of KISS, a rather simple launcher. It is also a search-based launcher.
this post was submitted on 01 Jul 2025
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I'm still using Nova as it's so feature-rich. I've had 0 problems with it, but I had no idea people were dropping it. Also had no idea it for bought out either, so maybe it's time to look into using another launcher instead...
I'm also on Nova for now, but I disabled the updates. You can never be too sure once a project changes hands like that.
I really like nova, I just want customized icons with no text, which for some reason nothing else will do. search based is pointless to me, I barely have one screen of apps... nova is fine for this but I did block it from all network connections after the sale happened
I use whatever the stock launcher of the ROM is...
I am a full screen gestures user and for me the 3rd party launchers are broken since A12, or probably before that, even with usage of the GestureNavContract API they are still not smooth enough for me...
With that said, if you are rooted you can get away from that limitation with Lawnchair and quickSwitch, or if you use navigation buttons you are gold with almost all the launchers I'd say.
I'm currently trying fast draw, it was in fdroid π€·ββοΈ
Kinda like smart launcher where you set up categories along the bottom, can select a widget at the top. I miss being able to search for a specific app but it's usable.
I'm a Nova refugee, and I've been satisfied with Lawnchair as a replacement. It isn't as feature rich, but it hits the key notes.
Edit: Lawnchair site: https://lawnchair.app/
Same. It doesn't do crazy fancy things, and just works. But then I've long since given up on my phone doing any fancy things. I'm fine with it being boring. The only thing I want is folders on the main screen and a couple widgets.
I second this, just be sure to backup your settings if you upgrade, it likes to forget things on upgrades I've noticed.
I'm ootl, what happened to Nova? I have it on my old phone.
I think it's been bought by a shitty spyware company who swore that they will not be mining your data. I bought it many years ago and that made me switch to Kvaesitso.
Development of Nova went to shit after it was bought out, too. I dropped it when some major bug I now forget the details of was introduced and my reports went ignored for a full year.
I still have it and I can't get off it because my whole flow depends on a feature that no other launcher seems to have.
I have all my apps in folders, but the folders when tapped will launch the first app in the folder. If I swipe up on them the folder opens.
So for exameple I have what looks like a Camera icon. If I tap it Camera opens as expected, but if I swipe up on it all my photo related apps are there. It allows me to keep a simple easy to use home screen but then all my apps are grouped underneath. It's awesome and the best feature Nova ever made.
Action Launcher had that before nova, both went to poop sadly
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Same, also a Nova refugee using Lawnchair.
One thing I don't like though, is if you change the homescreen grid size it destroys everything and you have to start over with your homesdreen icons.
Niagara:
Niagara user here, I think it's worth every penny, and it's so cheap, and the developer is very receptive. It's a very simple purchase.
I've tried it but it doesn't click for me. I can be more efficient with a normal launcher.
Niagara Launcher did teach me how to improve my setup: if something isn't important enough to be on the one and only home screen, it goes in the drawer. No more arranging folders for apps I rarely use.
I agree with the philosophy.
If you want to have an aneurysm, I present to you my setup from when I was deep into ingress:
Oh wow any more jpeg? Sorry the screenshot is very old and apparently Google has decided this would be the only copy.
That's really nice and clean! I think I will give Niagara a try.
What icon set are you using?
It's a built-in one called "sticker"
...FINE.. guess I'm going to try Niagara again because this looks so clean. .... But i'm not happy about it. (they type from a samsung, JKJK this looks dope and yeah ima give it another go)
Also been using it for years. Love the unique interface. Wish they'd do more substantial updates than those seasonal icon packs though, especially given the amount of income they must have from subscriptions.
I bought a lifetime license because I definitely do not need another subscription in my life but tbh the free version is completely fine
I've been using it for years now. Simple, elegant and stable.
It has my vote.
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i been trying folder luancher also on fdroid
I would suggest Octopi Launcher. Started using during the alpha and switched back and forth between it and Nova. But now I am fully on Octopi. I really like the widget stacking, now I just have one page homescreen. The dev recently implemented drawer categories and tags. The dev is active and listens to feedback on the subreddit.
I'm using ADW Launcher EX 1.3.4.0 which is about a decade old now.
I've used NOVA launcher for like a decade
I'm also a nova refugee after loving it for years. Currently using Before. It's list based that functionally makes me use search a lot. But it's quick, clean and while not particularly feature rich. It does have a lot of personalization and customization, such as setting any font type ya can download.
I renamed all my apps to what they are actually used for. Where? is maps, What? is my to do list, Huh? controls my hearing aid.
KISS Launcher.
https://f-droid.org/packages/app.cclauncher/
Itβs basically a FOSS rewrite of OLauncher. It gets regular updates.
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Neo launcher does everything I need it to
Have you remembered Charles' present?
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Kvaesitso has drained less than 3% of my battery every day for the last week. > 20% sounds like an unusual amount of drain
I like Kiss.
I like Smart Launcher. It's freemium, but I think the paid version is really nice.
My ideal launcher would be a mix of Smart Launcher with the addition of the app list from Niagara.
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i've been on smart launcher since checks purchase history 2013, and while it's still the best ux i've found, they have been doing some scummy shit over the years, like move features from the paid version into "content packs" that cost extra.
when you mention 2013 I got flashback I thought this was the launcher I used to use because it sounds familiar. But after remembering the name no, it wasn't. I used to be very obsessed with go launcher ex back then.
I think I used to see smart launcher a lot back then but I forgot what's that about. I think I never tried smart launcher.
but nowdays I just use lawnchair and never really customize my phone like I used to.
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This is the launcher I use. I love the app drawer categories.
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I so much wish there was a replacement for the now abandoned ADW Launcher (both 1 and 2). I am currently stuck on Nova now.
ADW 1.3.3.9/1.3.4.0 still works fine, at least till android 12 :)
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