Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
Resources
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Newsletters
  • Resource Library
  • Forums
  • Sponsored
Go Premium
Popular Topics
  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
  • Project Management
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
View All Topics
Go Premium
Microsoft

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

By Jack Wallen February 2, 2016, 3:24 PM PST

Image
1
of 4

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

Introduction

Image: iStockphoto.com/WimL

Introduction

If you’re an Android user seeking the absolute bestrnexperience for your device, you might be inclined to toy around with your homernscreen. Why? Because there could be aspects of the default you find inefficientrnor that don’t offer you enough power and control. If you want more from yourrnAndroid device, you’re in luck… even on the home screen front. The GooglernPlay Store offers a number of solid home screen replacements, each offering arndifferent approach and in some cases, a wildly different feature set.

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

Note: This gallery is also available as an article.

Image: iStockphoto.com/WimL
Smart Launcher 3
Smart Launcher 3
Screenshots: Five Android home screens that are better than the default

Smart Launcher 3

Smart Launcher 3

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

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

ZenUI Launcher

ZenUI Launcher

The quick search feature also allows you to perform Apps,rnContacts, Frequently Used, and Trending searches. Wand wth a quick swipernupward, you can manage your home screens widgets, home, wallpapers, themes,rnscroll effects, and much more. ZenUI is free and ready to install from thernGoogle Play Store.

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

Go Launcher

Go Launcher

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

  • Microsoft
  • Software
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

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

    Your email has been sent

Share: Screenshots: Five Android home screens that are better than the default
Image of Jack Wallen
By Jack Wallen
Jack Wallen is an award-winning writer for TechRepublic, The New Stack, and Linux New Media. He's covered a variety of topics for over twenty years and is an avid promoter of open source. For more news about Jack Wallen, visit his website jackwallen.
  • Account Information

    Contact Jack Wallen

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of Jack's content

Daily Tech Insider

If you can only read one tech story a day, this is it.

TechRepublic TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on X
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on YouTube
  • TechRepublic on Pinterest
  • TechRepublic RSS
Services
  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • Careers
Explore
  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Editorial Policy
  • Legal Terms
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
CLOSE

Create a TechRepublic Account

Get the web's best business technology news, tutorials, reviews, trends, and analysis—in your inbox. Let's start with the basics.

Already registered? Sign In
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

* - indicates required fields

CLOSE

Sign in to TechRepublic

Not a member? Create an account
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

Lost your password? Request a new password

CLOSE

Reset Password

Please enter your email adress. You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Check your email for a password reset link. If you didn't receive an email don't forgot to check your spam folder, otherwise contact support.

Back to login
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Welcome. Tell us a little bit about you.

This will help us provide you with customized content.

No thanks, continue without
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Want to receive more TechRepublic news?

Newsletter Name
Subscribe
Daily Tech Insider
Daily Tech Insider AU
TechRepublic UK
TechRepublic News and Special Offers
TechRepublic News and Special Offers International
Executive Briefing
Innovation Insider
Project Management Insider
Microsoft Weekly
Cloud Insider
Data Insider
Developer Insider
TechRepublic Premium
Apple Weekly
Cybersecurity Insider
Google Weekly
Toggle All
No thanks, continue without

You're All Set

Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from our team. To ensure any newsletters you subscribed to hit your inbox, make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts list.

Back to Home Page
×