Alternatives to KISS Launcher

Tiny search-first Android launcher under 250 KB. 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 KISS Launcher.

  • Kvaesitso

    Search-focused Android launcher that searches beyond installed apps.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    Kvaesitso keeps the search-first approach under GPL-3.0 and extends search to contacts, calendar, files and web sources, adding tags and a calculator.

  • Olauncher

    Minimal text-only launcher built to reduce screen time.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    Olauncher is also free, GPL-3.0 and tiny, but it replaces search-first use with a minimal text-only home screen aimed at reducing screen time.

  • Niagara Launcher

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

    FreemiumProprietaryAndroid

    Niagara Launcher is closed source and freemium, using a one-handed list-based home screen with inline notifications, and icon packs need the paid Pro upgrade.

  • Lawnchair

    Open-source Pixel Launcher alternative with Material You theming.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    Lawnchair is open source and restores a Pixel-style icon grid with Material You theming, icon packs and grid customisation without root.

  • Nova Launcher

    The long-established customisable Android home screen replacement.

    FreemiumProprietaryAndroid

    Nova Launcher is closed source and freemium with extensive home screen customisation and layout backup, though gestures need the paid Prime upgrade.

  • Smart Launcher 6

    Launcher that sorts apps into categories and matches your wallpaper.

    FreemiumProprietaryAndroid

    Smart Launcher 6 is freemium and closed source, sorting apps into categories automatically, with a search bar that doubles as calculator and converter.

  • Neo Launcher

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

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    Neo Launcher is a free, open-source Launcher3-based home screen with many customization options and a conventional layout.

  • Action Launcher

    Android home screen launcher with quick themes and Pixel-style features.

    FreemiumProprietaryAndroid

    Action Launcher is freemium and closed source, with Pixel-style features and Quicktheme colours that follow the wallpaper, some locked behind a paid unlock.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.

  • Launcher

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

    FreemiumProprietaryiOS