GoKawiilAndroid Authority ranks seven popular third-party Android launchers
A reviewer at Android Authority tested seven widely used Android launchers—including Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, Lawnchair, Hyperion Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, Smart Launcher, and Niagara Launcher—and ranked them from worst to best. The ranking was based on design, performance smoothness, feature sets, customization options, and how actively each app's developer pushes updates. Nova Launcher, once considered a top choice, was placed last in this particular ranking.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The comparison highlights that stock launchers from Google, Samsung, and Motorola still restrict how much users can personalize their home screens, such as preventing removal of certain search bars or news feeds. This pushes customization-minded users toward third-party alternatives, and reviews like this one could influence which apps gain or lose popularity on the Play Store. The reader poll included in the piece also suggests Smart Launcher and Nova Launcher remain the most widely used among this audience, even as rankings shift.
- Seven launchers—Nova, Action, Lawnchair, Hyperion, Microsoft, Smart, and Niagara—were ranked from worst to best.
- Stock Android launchers from major manufacturers still limit customization, driving interest in third-party apps.
- Nova Launcher, despite its past reputation as a top pick, ranked last in this particular evaluation.
Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-10-30
Published there as: “I tested the 7 most popular Android launchers — here’s my ranking”
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