Alternatives to Action Launcher

Android home screen launcher with quick themes and Pixel-style features. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Action Launcher.

  • Nova Launcher

    The long-established customisable Android home screen replacement.

    FreemiumProprietaryAndroid

    Nova Launcher is also freemium and closed source, with a broader set of home screen customisation options and layout backup, though development slowed after the Branch acquisition.

  • Lawnchair

    Open-source Pixel Launcher alternative with Material You theming.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    Lawnchair is free and open source, bringing Pixel Launcher behaviour, Material You theming, icon packs and grid options, but stable builds can lag behind Android releases.

  • Smart Launcher 6

    Launcher that sorts apps into categories and matches your wallpaper.

    FreemiumProprietaryAndroid

    Smart Launcher 6 sorts apps into categories automatically and matches the wallpaper, with a search bar calculator, though several features need the paid Pro version.

  • Neo Launcher

    An open-source, customizable Android home screen launcher derived from Omega Launcher.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    Neo Launcher is a free, open-source home screen based on Launcher3 code with many customization options, but it has no official homepage beyond its repository.

  • Niagara Launcher

    Minimalist one-handed launcher with a list-based home screen.

    FreemiumProprietaryAndroid

    Niagara Launcher replaces the icon grid with a one-handed list and inline notifications, which is a notable habit change, and icon packs require the paid Pro upgrade.

  • Kvaesitso

    Search-focused Android launcher that searches beyond installed apps.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    Kvaesitso is free and open source under GPL-3.0 and centres on one search box covering apps, contacts, calendar and files instead of a themed home screen.

  • KISS Launcher

    Tiny search-first Android launcher under 250 KB.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    KISS Launcher is free, GPL-3.0 and under 250 KB, but it is search-first with no icon grid and offers little visual customisation.

  • Olauncher

    Minimal text-only launcher built to reduce screen time.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    Olauncher is free, open source and text-only, aimed at reducing screen time, with no widgets, folders or icon customisation by design.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.

  • Launcher

    Widget-based iOS launcher for quick access to apps, contacts, and shortcuts.

    FreemiumProprietaryiOS