Screenshots: Five Android home screens that are better than the default

Introduction

If you’re an Android user seeking the absolute best\r\nexperience for your device, you might be inclined to toy around with your home\r\nscreen. Why? Because there could be aspects of the default you find inefficient\r\nor that don’t offer you enough power and control. If you want more from your\r\nAndroid device, you’re in luck… even on the home screen front. The Google\r\nPlay Store offers a number of solid home screen replacements, each offering a\r\ndifferent approach and in some cases, a wildly different feature set.

Here are five outstanding candidates, ready to take over\r\nyour device. Let’s look at what each has to offer.

Note: This gallery is also available as an article.

Smart Launcher 3

Smart Launcher 3 also allows you to hide apps from the app\r\ndrawer and integrates the lock screen into the launcher. Accessing the app drawer\r\nis but a right swipe away, revealing the handy app drawer categories (which you\r\ncan customize). The Pro version of Smart Launcher 3 adds widget support and\r\ngestures. It’s an in-app purchase that will run you $3.99 USD.

ZenUI Launcher

The quick search feature also allows you to perform Apps,\r\nContacts, Frequently Used, and Trending searches. Wand wth a quick swipe\r\nupward, you can manage your home screens widgets, home, wallpapers, themes,\r\nscroll effects, and much more. ZenUI is free and ready to install from the\r\nGoogle Play Store.

Go Launcher

From within the Go Launcher settings you can customize the\r\nscreen, the App Drawer, transitions, icons, fonts, gestures, app locks, and\r\nmuch more. And Go Launcher includes a quick menu (three vertical dots in the\r\nbottom center) that gives you access to various settings apps. One caveat\r\nregarding the free version of Go Launcher: Ads. I highly recommend you give Go\r\nLauncher a try and if you like it, drop the $5.99 for the ad-free Prime version. That version also adds a number\r\nof premium features, such as more transitions/animations, secure app lock,\r\nwallpaper filters, side dock, and additional gestures.