BEST launcher?

[seinx]

What launcher do you use and why? How does it differ from the rest?

Right now I use Apex and while I love the themes and customization options, I'm not sure if it's the best one out there. I've tried GO as well as others, and there are way too many ads and junk.

 

[ItnStln]

I use Nova Launcher. So far I've had no problems with it.

 

[ryker002]

I use Nova Launcher. So far I've had no problems with it.

Second, Nova Prime if you are willing to spend the money. Its really fast compared to other launchers.

 

[JJones1210]

I use Nova Prime. Much faster, and more options, than any other launcher.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

 

[JvKintheUSA]

Nova Prime for me. Used Apex Pro before,and is very similar to Apex. I like how you can pull down the notification bar by swiping anywhere on the screen.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[syeroc]

I use TSF Shell. A little pricy but absolutely gorgeous launcher. Very smooth. And it works well on both my SGS3 and N7.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[KreepyKen]

Nova Prime. I tried it. I loved it. I kept it. Works flawlessly for me.

 

[MangoPowah]

Nova Prime. Fast and functional.

 

[robinto]

I have Nova, is it worth $4 for the prime upgrade, I love the free version and would throw them $2 just to show, how much I like it, but but I want more for $4...

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Android Central Forums

 

[rong21]

Nova Prime here. Disliked Go Launcher and Touchwiz. Never tried Apex

 

[arriflexFL]

Can anyone give me a little information on how a different launcher changes the experience from touchwiz?

Do you need to root your phone to change the launcher?

 

[KreepyKen]

Can anyone give me a little information on how a different launcher changes the experience from touchwiz?

Do you need to root your phone to change the launcher?

Nope. No rooting necessary. Different launchers basically just let you make changes to the user interface that TouchWiz won't allow. For instance, I use Nova Prime because I like to have multiple and scrollable dock pages. I have three dock pages that contain folders of apps. I use the docks instead of regular home pages for the most common apps I use. Then I can populate the home screens with widgets. But really, the possibilities are endless. I think most of the popular launchers have YouTube videos done either by the developers or people conducting reviews. Check those out for some ideas of what they can do.

I'd suggest looking into a few launchers and checking out the ones you think seem the nicest. I'd recommend Nova. There is a free version you can test to see if you like it. Other popular ones are Apex (very similar to Nova), GoLauncher (be careful, they're a Chinese company and there have been grumblings about how they mine data...it's a good launcher, though, with a TON of themes available), ADW, and LauncherPro (not really in development any more). Zeam is another one, but it's really simple. Oh, and Action Launcher seems to be a really popular new one (good developer).

No one can tell you what the "best" launcher is because your criteria for what makes a launcher great won't be the same as everyone else. Just try a few and see what you like.

Good luck!

 

[Lanhoj]

My favorite is Nova Launcher for the simple reason that it's the only one that supports GLOBAL Badge Notification (those little red #'s) because once you get use to them you can't go without em!

Here's how--> http://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=199709

ADW & Apex are good too, but without GLOBAL Badge Notifications (because SMS, GMail, Calls aren't enough!) they just don't cut it for my uses.

 

[delly86]

i use go launcher

 

[smooth4lyfe]

Nova is the best! Easy to use, fast, and awesome

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 Boyyyyyy!

 

[bigstormgirl]

Nova prime for me. Upgraded to prime because I like to see badges on my email and text.

 

[MachoDonut]

Nova Prime here too. Among other things already mentioned, I love using gestures instead of buttons. That said, other launchers can do that too. Nova is just my preference.

 

[rong21]

might try Apex this weekend if I get bored just to see what the differences are between it and Nova

 

[Uncle Reemus]

Nova Prime, here. I played with several others and love the Nova.

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[warrencoles]

Why not try out Linpus Launcher. It delivers more ways to launch applications within one tap, as well as the most number of free transition effects of any launcher. You can even choose to have a different transition effect for your Home pages and App drawer.

It also has a Quick Launch Panel - This is an additional shortcut panel. In setting easily set to launch from top, bottom or either side.