Nova Launcher alternative
As of 19 Oct 2026, 8 Android apps can take over from Nova Launcher. Your apps stay. Start with Niagara Launcher.
A vertical list home screen. One-handed, no hunting
One list, one thumb. Your home screen becomes calm, and the apps you use most stay under your thumb.
Hand-checked 22 Oct 2026.
The things people use Nova Launcher for, and which alternatives do them today. Hand-checked against each maker's own pages.
| Feature | Nova Launcher | Niagara Launcher | Lawnchair | Smart Launcher 6 | Kvaesitso |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace the home screen | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Icon packs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gestures | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Search apps and settings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works without an account | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Optional | ✓ |
Source: each maker's website, read by a person on 22 Oct 2026. "—" means not offered, as far as the maker says.
8 launchers you can set as the home app. Sort by any column.
| App ▼ | What it does | Price | Updated ▼ | Min Android ▼ | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Niagara LauncherBit Pit |
A vertical list home screen. One-handed, no hunting | Freemium | Hand-checked 17 Oct 2026 | — | website |
µLauncherJosia Pietsch |
A distraction-free, minimal homescreen for Android | Free | 25 Jun 2026 | Android 5.0+ | F-Droid |
Victoria Launcheradelmonte |
An Niagara Launcher alternative — a minimal, list-based home screen | Free | 12 Oct 2026 | Android 8.0+ | F-Droid |
Smart Launcher 6GinLemon |
A home screen that sorts apps into groups so the drawer stays tidy | — | Hand-checked 17 Oct 2026 | — | website |
OlauncherTanuj M. |
Minimal launcher app with daily new wallpaper | Free | 19 Sept 2026 | Android 7.0+ | F-Droid |
LawnchairLawnchair |
A home screen that looks like a Pixel, then lets you change the rest | — | Hand-checked 17 Oct 2026 | — | website |
KvaesitsoU. N. Owen |
A search-focused, free and launcher for Android | Free | 17 Sept 2026 | Android 8.0+ | F-Droid |
KISS LauncherMatthieu Bacconnier |
Blazingly fast launcher focused on search | Free | 3 Jul 2026 | Android 5.0+ | F-Droid |
A launcher is just the home screen. Your apps, photos and accounts stay where they are.
Pick one from the table. Keep Nova Launcher for now.
Settings, Apps, Default apps, Home app. Pick the new one.
Search, icon packs and gestures should feel right. Switch back the same way if you want Nova.
Start with Niagara Launcher if you want one list under your thumb. Lawnchair if you want the Pixel look with more control. Smart Launcher 6 if you want the drawer sorted for you.
No. A launcher is the home screen. Apps, photos and accounts stay. Widgets you placed on Nova stay on Nova until you add them again.
Yes. Settings, Apps, Default apps, Home app. Pick Nova Launcher.
Yes. Niagara, Lawnchair, Smart Launcher 6 and Kvaesitso all take icon packs.
No. Niagara, Lawnchair and Kvaesitso work without signing in. Smart Launcher can use an account for backup.
