Best Android Tablet Launchers for Customization
Android tablets offer a versatile platform for personalization, allowing users to tailor their devices to suit their preferences. One of the most significant ways to customize an Android tablet is by changing the launcher. A launcher manages the home screen and app drawer, providing a wide range of customization options. Here are the best Android tablet launchers for customization, highlighting their unique features and benefits.
1. Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher is one of the most popular and highly customizable launchers available for Android tablets. It has been a mainstay on the Play Store since its release in 2012 and continues to be actively updated by its developers. Nova Launcher offers a standard Android launcher layout with a basic app drawer and multiple home screens, making it easy to navigate and customize.
Features of Nova Launcher
- Customization: Nova Launcher is incredibly versatile and feature-packed. It allows users to change icon packs, customize the app drawer, and apply various home screen effects.
- Backup and Restore: The launcher includes a neat backup feature that lets users easily restore their home screen setup on a new device or after a factory reset.
- Gestures and Animations: Purchasing Nova Launcher Prime unlocks additional perks such as gestures, app drawer groups, and the ability to hide apps. It also supports animations and effects that can enhance the user experience.
- Compatibility: Nova Launcher is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Google Pixel and Motorola smartphones, as well as Samsung and OnePlus devices.
Why Choose Nova Launcher?
Nova Launcher is a top choice for many users due to its extensive customization options and seamless integration with various devices. Its clean look and snappy animations make it an excellent option for those who want a premium home screen experience without overwhelming them with too many features.
2. Microsoft Launcher
Microsoft Launcher is designed for users who are familiar with Microsoft products. It offers a clean and simple interface that is different from the typical grid-based layout of most Android launchers. This launcher includes Microsoft Glance, Bing Search, and other Microsoft features, making it ideal for those who use Microsoft apps.
Features of Microsoft Launcher
- Customization: Microsoft Launcher allows users to customize various aspects of the home screen, including icons, feeds, gestures, home screen layouts, docks, and more.
- Integration: With Microsoft accounts, users can access all their Microsoft app data in the Glance feed.
- Backup and Restore: The launcher supports backing up and restoring settings, which can be shared with someone or transferred to a new device.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: It is compatible with both Android and Windows devices, making it a great option for those who use multiple platforms.
Why Choose Microsoft Launcher?
Microsoft Launcher is a good choice for those who are already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. Its clean interface and integration with Microsoft apps make it a seamless addition to any Android tablet. The ability to customize various aspects of the home screen also makes it highly versatile.
3. Niagara Launcher
Niagara Launcher is another highly customizable option that stands out for its simplicity and elegance. It is designed to provide a clutter-free home screen experience while still offering ample customization options.
Features of Niagara Launcher
- Minimalist Design: Niagara Launcher boasts a minimalist design that is easy on the eyes and efficient in use.
- Customization: Users can customize the layout of their home screen, including the size and placement of icons and widgets.
- App Drawer: The app drawer is automatically sorted by categories, making it easy to find apps quickly.
- Notification Shade: The notification shade is also customizable, allowing users to personalize their notification experience.
Why Choose Niagara Launcher?
Niagara Launcher is ideal for those who prefer a clean and minimalistic design. Its simplicity does not mean it lacks customization options; rather, it provides a balanced approach to personalization. The automatic sorting of apps in the app drawer makes it very user-friendly.
4. Hyperion Launcher
Hyperion Launcher is designed for users who want a launcher that blends the simplicity of the stock Android launcher with some of the best features from other custom launchers. It seamlessly integrates custom icons, dock and desktop styling, color and font adjustments, and lock apps.
Features of Hyperion Launcher
- Customization: Hyperion Launcher offers extensive customization options, including custom icons, dock styling, and color adjustments.
- Google Feed Integration: The launcher includes an optional Google Feed integration so users can swipe left from the home screen to catch up on the latest news and updates.
- Regular Updates: Hyperion Launcher is actively developed and sees regular feature and maintenance updates.
- Free App: The app is free to download and does not show ads, although some features require an upgrade to the Plus version.
Why Choose Hyperion Launcher?
Hyperion Launcher is a great choice for those who want a balance between simplicity and customization. Its regular updates ensure that users get the latest features without compromising on performance. The free app status without ads makes it an attractive option for many users.
5. Smart Launcher 6
Smart Launcher 6 is a themer's dream, offering a wide range of customization features that align perfectly with the screen size of your device. It automatically sorts apps into categories like Media, Games, Utilities, Internet, etc., making it easy to find what you need quickly.
Features of Smart Launcher 6
- Automatic Sorting: The app drawer automatically sorts apps into different categories, and users can create custom categories as well.
- Icon Pack Studio: The Icon Pack Studio tool allows users to take icon options even further.
- Customization: Users can place items on their home screen without worrying about fitting them into a grid.
- Widgets and Gestures: The launcher includes custom interactive widgets and supports gestures for enhanced one-handed use.
Why Choose Smart Launcher 6?
Smart Launcher 6 is ideal for those who want a highly customizable home screen experience. Its automatic sorting of apps in the app drawer makes it very user-friendly. The inclusion of custom interactive widgets and gesture support adds to its appeal.
6. Total Launcher
Total Launcher is designed for users who crave extensive customization and unique layouts. Unlike some launchers that completely overhaul the home screen, Total Launcher lets users tweak every aspect to their liking.
Features of Total Launcher
- Extensive Customization: Total Launcher offers more customization options than most Android launchers, allowing users to make their phone look exactly how they want it to.
- Community Themes: Users can grab community themes from the Play Store, which can be used to create insane layouts that otherwise might take days to replicate.
- Steeper Learning Curve: While it has a steeper learning curve compared to other launchers, Total Launcher provides a highly configurable nature that makes it stand out.
Why Choose Total Launcher?
Total Launcher is perfect for those who want the most extensive customization options available. Its ability to tweak every aspect of the home screen makes it highly versatile, although it may not be the best option for everyone due to its complexity.
7. Square Home Launcher
Square Home Launcher is designed for Windows Phone enthusiasts who want to bring back the familiar tile experience on their Android tablet. It embraces a bold, grid-based layout filled with live tiles, which is different from the typical app icon layout of most Android launchers.
Features of Square Home Launcher
- Tile-Based Layout: The launcher uses a tile-based layout similar to Windows Phone, providing a unique and familiar experience for users.
- Live Tiles: The tiles can display live information such as weather updates, news, and more.
- Customization: Users can customize the layout and appearance of the tiles to suit their preferences.
Why Choose Square Home Launcher?
Square Home Launcher is ideal for those who miss the tile-based layout of Windows Phone. Its live tiles provide real-time information, making it a practical choice for those who want a dynamic home screen experience.
8. Action Launcher: Pixel Edition
Action Launcher is a close rival of Nova Launcher, offering a feature-packed home screen experience inspired by the Google Pixel Launcher. It includes an optional pull-out widget drawer and a secondary pull-out app drawer for the most-used apps.
Features of Action Launcher
- Pixel-Inspired Design: The launcher takes inspiration from the Google Pixel Launcher, providing a clean and minimalist design.
- Customization: Users can customize the layout of their home screen, including the size and placement of icons and widgets.
- Widget Drawer: The optional pull-out widget drawer allows users to hide items like weather widgets until they are needed.
- App Drawer: The secondary pull-out app drawer is useful for hiding frequently used apps.
Why Choose Action Launcher?
Action Launcher is perfect for those who want a clean and minimalist design inspired by the Google Pixel Launcher. Its customization options and additional features like the pull-out widget drawer make it a versatile choice.
9. FLauncher
FLauncher is a minimal and easy-to-use third-party launcher that is designed for those who are sick of the advertisements that infest Google TV/Android TV. It offers a simple and clean interface that is perfect for those who want a clutter-free home screen experience.
Features of FLauncher
- Minimalist Design: FLauncher boasts a minimalist design that is easy on the eyes and efficient in use.
- Customization: Users can customize the layout of their home screen, including the size and placement of icons and widgets.
- App Drawer: The app drawer is automatically sorted by categories, making it easy to find apps quickly.
Why Choose FLauncher?
FLauncher is ideal for those who want a simple and clean interface without any clutter. Its minimalist design and automatic sorting of apps in the app drawer make it very user-friendly.
Finding the Right Launcher
Choosing the best Android tablet launcher depends on individual preferences and needs. Nova Launcher offers extensive customization options and a clean look, making it a top choice for many users. Microsoft Launcher is ideal for those who are already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, providing a seamless integration with Microsoft apps. Niagara Launcher stands out for its simplicity and elegance, while Hyperion Launcher offers a balance between simplicity and customization. Smart Launcher 6 is perfect for themers, offering automatic sorting of apps and custom interactive widgets. Total Launcher provides the most extensive customization options available, although it may have a steeper learning curve. Square Home Launcher is designed for Windows Phone enthusiasts who want to bring back the familiar tile experience. Action Launcher offers a clean and minimalist design inspired by the Google Pixel Launcher, while FLauncher provides a simple and clutter-free home screen experience.
Ultimately, the best launcher for you will depend on how much customization you want and what features are most important to you. By exploring these options, you can find the perfect launcher to make your Android tablet truly personalized to your needs.
