Andy Walker / Android Authority
Nova Launcher users have been left high and dry following the devastating news that it will no longer receive updates. You can continue using the launcher until it becomes unusable — many of our readers plan to do just that, according to a recent survey — but it’s wise to have a backup plan in mind. Many developers are now courting disgruntled Nova users with their alternatives, but one app in particular really stands out for me: Lawnchair.
With Nova’s future in doubt, what launcher are you turning to next? 6556 votes Niagara 29 % Lawnchair 17 % Action Launcher 6 % Hyperion 7 % Smart Launcher 14 % Octopi 10 % Kvaesitso 6 % Something else 12 %
Pixel Launcher, but better
Andy Walker / Android Authority
There was a time when I craved the myriad options Nova Launcher offered. Recently, however, I’ve prioritized simplicity and minimalism to boost productivity. Lawnchair, while providing plenty of customization options, largely adheres to the design principles set by the Pixel Launcher. In fact, Lawnchair describes itself as a “supercharged version” of Google’s launcher. You get all the features of the stock Pixel Launcher experience, with additional toggles and switches to customize the home screen. This lightweight base keeps things familiar and predictable, making the launcher feel fast, especially compared to Nova.
For years, Nova Launcher has felt sluggish, with noticeable animation hitches, especially on newer Android versions. This was one reason I switched to Kvaesitso. I see none of these issues with Lawnchair’s latest version. Despite being in beta, it is swift and smooth. Opening the app drawer, activating search, switching screens, and long-pressing icons to activate context menus are quick and jitter-free.
Nova vs. Lawnchair: Battle of the niche features One limitation with Lawnchair is the inability to recreate a full Nova Launcher setup. Those wanting to port their setups directly will need to look beyond Lawnchair. However, I don’t see this as a problem. It offers a chance for long-time users to reevaluate and improve their setups.
Lawnchair 15 has many unique features, and one with potential is Caddy. This app drawer layout automatically groups similar apps into folders. Currently labeled as beta, it’s not yet complete but shows promise. For those who don’t want to rely on search, Caddy makes it easier to find productivity, music, news, or photography apps. Some apps may be uncategorized or misplaced, but it’s a feature worth watching. If you prefer the standard app drawer layout, an experimental setting expands the grid option to 20×20. That’s pretty excessive, considering Nova’s limit is 12×12, but it’s a boon for those who run widget-heavy home screens devoid of icons.
Andy Walker / Android Authority
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