I'd take this opportunity to encourage people who enjoy a free app to pay for the ad-free app, or just donate some money to the developer if they give the option. It's usually only $1-2, and it'll help that dev out, and hopefully motivate him or her to keep making more apps that you'll like.
Another great paid app is Nova Launcher Pro. My favorite home screen replacement on Android. Every time I explore a new one, I always come back to Nova.