Android Launchers That Improve Phone Speed

Back in 2022, I participated in an Android Authority poll that asked Android users if they preferred the stock launcher or a third-party launcher—and the results were eye-opening. Most people didn’t realize how much their default launcher was holding them back until they made the switch.

Every Android phone comes with a launcher from the manufacturer, but the truth is, not all of them are optimized for performance. I’ve used phones across multiple phone brands, and honestly, some home screen implementations felt laggy and slow, killing the overall user experience.

What really stood out in that poll was how many users were craving faster, more responsive performance from their devices, and how switching to a launcher from the Google Play Store made a noticeable difference.

A third-party launcher can totally transform your experience by offering distinguishing features like advanced controls, custom gestures, and deeper app management, creating a more smoother and optimized system.

From my experience testing several launchers, the key is finding one with tight continuity and a polished implementation—some launchers just “click” with the OS better than others.

When a launcher has been developed with speed in mind, it’s not just about flashy themes; it’s about shaving milliseconds off animations, improving performance, and giving the user a snappy feel every time they unlock their screen or swipe an app drawer. It’s no wonder these launchers are becoming more popular, especially among tech-savvy users looking to bypass the sluggish defaults provided by manufacturers.

Top 8 Android Launchers To Speed UP Your Phone

1. Microsoft Launcher

When I first tried Microsoft Launcher on one of my Android devices, I didn’t expect much—it looked like a traditional-looking option at first glance. But after setting it as my default and exploring its unique features, I realized how sleek and efficient it truly is.

What sets it apart is how developers at Microsoft have taken the simplicity of a home screen and added a productive twist to it. From frequently used apps to recent photos, and even your to-do list, everything is right where you need it—without crowding the space.

I especially appreciated how swiping from the side gives quick access to calendar, sticky notes, and widgets, making multitasking incredibly fluid. The landscape mode support is another uncommon but very handy feature, especially on larger phones or tablets.

Switching from my current launcher to Microsoft Launcher was surprisingly easy to set up, and the selection of home-screen apps was intelligently highlighting the most used ones. A clean screenshot alone doesn’t do it justice—you have to feel the responsiveness when navigating through menus.

It’s now one of the highest-rated launchers on the Google Play Store, and that’s no coincidence. The balance of productivity tools and a simple interface shows Microsoft’s understanding of what Android users really want: speed, accessibility, and design that supports daily tasks without lag.

Once I selected it as my go-to launcher, I never looked back.

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2. Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher has been my go-to launcher for years, and for good reason—it blends speed, functionality, and deep customization like few other third-party launchers can. Found easily on the Google Play Store, its millions of downloads and solid 4.4-star rating from countless reviews speak volumes about its performance. Right after installing the app, I noticed how responsive the interface became; even basic tasks like tapping, swipe actions, or opening the app drawer felt faster and smoother.

The subtle polish in transition animation, the ability to change the scroll bar color, and smooth support for landscape mode all contribute to a clean, sharp user experience.

The beauty lies in how customizable everything is. You can tweak your home screen by adjusting the icon size, widget size, or even altering the app grid layout to match your style or habits.

Power users, like myself, often unlock Nova Launcher Prime (a worthy buy at $4.99) to get powerful gestures and more advanced tweaks that elevate everyday phone use. Compared to many launchers I’ve tested, Nova strikes a rare balance between minimalism and control—it doesn’t overwhelm, yet it gives you every tool to make your Android feel truly yours.

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3. KISS Launcher

If raw performance and minimalism are what you’re after, KISS Launcher is easily one of the best in class options available for Android users who value speed and simplicity. Based on the keep it simple stupid design principle, it offers a lightweight footprint—just 250 kilobytes for the installer, which is almost unheard of.

I first came across it through its official website while searching for a way to speed up an older phone, and I was amazed how a lightweight launcher could offer such a smooth, clean experience. It doesn’t waste memory, preserves battery life, and works flawlessly even without internet access.

Its intuitive UI removes clutter by focusing on search-first navigation, skipping the traditional app drawer in favor of a streamlined interface.

What I really appreciate is how it simplifies access to your most used tools—auto-selecting favorite apps based on usage, letting you pin apps to the home screen, and even sorting them in reverse alphabetical order if you prefer.

Even though it’s only a few megabytes once fully installed, it can replace any bloated installed app launcher without missing a beat. Plus, being open source, it gives you that extra transparency and trust. For older or underpowered Android devices, this is the kind of lean solution that just works—no bells, no fluff, just pure function.

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4. Lynx Launcher

Lynx Launcher might not have the same name recognition as Nova, Microsoft, or KISS, but in my experience, it’s one of the most intuitive and fast launchers I’ve used, especially for those who want something minimal yet modern. It blends traditional design with clever implementations that prioritize usability and speed.

What really stood out for me was how automated and clean the selection process was—favorite apps and favorite contacts were automatically selected, so I didn’t need to waste time organizing. Simply swiping right on the home screen gives you instant access to widget access, your contacts, and quick call or text options.

It’s the kind of integration that just plain works, and speeds up daily interactions with your phone.

What impressed me most was the customizable layout that didn’t overwhelm. Compared to other launchers, Lynx keeps things light without sacrificing function or style. You can easily adjust your favorites, change app views, and enjoy a visually pleasing interface without lag or clutter.

It’s simple, polished, and fast—qualities that many Android users often look for but rarely find all in one place. Whether you’re coming from the complexity of Nova or the minimalism of KISS, Lynx offers a surprisingly balanced middle ground.

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5. Smart Launcher 6

I started using Smart Launcher 6 when I was looking for a minimal, fluid launcher that didn’t compromise on speed, and it genuinely surprised me. One of its best positives is the auto-sorted app drawer, which organizes apps into categories like Communication, Internet, and Games—automatically.

It made navigating faster than the usual grid-heavy layouts, and the search function is both responsive and smart. On the home screen, everything is clean, and widgets integrate well. Landscape mode is fully enabled, which is great for wider devices or tablets.

There’s also thoughtful calendar integration, which lets you see your next appointment without opening another app.

One feature that really stood out to me is the swipe right access to a built-in news feed powered by Microsoft Start, offering content from historically reliable news outlets. It’s surprisingly appealing for casual consumer use—quick headlines, weather, and reminders all in one glance. Compared to other launchers I’ve used, the flow of the phone’s UI with Smart Launcher feels intuitive and just works without the bloat.

That said, while the overall experience is fantastic, there are a few odd quirks—for example, the customization options are limited in the free version, and you’ll need the paid version for deeper customizing.

Now, here’s where the negatives come in: the pricing model may be a problem for some. The paid version starts at $4.49 per month, $8.49 per year, or a lifetime license at $20.99. While it’s not necessarily expensive for what it offers, many might hesitate unless they’re fully committed.

Still, for anyone serious about streamlining their Android and open to checking out a launcher with smart layout logic and useful daily tools, Smart Launcher 6 is worth a try—especially if you value speed with a hint of personalization.

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6. Niagara Launcher

When it comes to Android launchers that truly feel like they were built with the user in mind, Niagara Launcher is one of the simplest solutions—and yet surprisingly the most effective. Its mission is clear: strip away all extraneous elements and leave you with a fast, fuss-free home screen experience.

I installed it on my secondary phone—a mid-range Android—and immediately noticed how light and responsive everything felt. The vertical menu that replaces the traditional app grid is smartly designed for one-tap access to your most-used apps, with the rest organized in a scrolling app list that slides effortlessly along the edge of the screen.

But what truly sets Niagara apart is the way it adds an ergonomic twist to every interaction. Whether you’re swiping from the left side or right side, everything is designed for convenient thumb reach, even on larger-screen Android devices like a tablet or foldable.

You can add a supercharged folder that combines apps and widgets, and the topmost row is reserved for swipeable, at-a-glance views—like the built-in info widget that shows current weather, upcoming event info, and battery level all in one place.

I especially loved the pop-up agenda panel, which lets you check your agenda without ever leaving the launcher.

One of my favorite efficiency-oriented features is how active notifications work. Instead of cluttered banners, the app’s icon subtly displays pending alerts, which you can interact with, respond to messages, or even dismiss—all from the launcher itself. And if you’re juggling multiple things, you can stack multiple Android widgets in a way that keeps everything accessible but minimal.

Even the smart search system, which activates when you swipe upward, works like magic—accurately pulling results from apps, contacts, and system tools without delay.

It’s impressive how Niagara manages such cutting-edge optimizations in a free version, while still offering an optional Pro upgrade at $10-a-year or a $30 lifetime unlock for advanced options like built-in calendar and weather widgets.

For someone who wants a launcher built around daily usability, screen-space efficiency, and clean design, this is a standout choice that makes the most of every pixel.

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7. Square Home

If you ever admired the clean aesthetic of Windows Phone, Square Home brings that nostalgic, tile-centric setup right into the Android ecosystem—but with more workflow power and flexibility. I tried it out on a secondary phone while experimenting with layout-focused launchers, and its content-packed home screen instantly caught my attention.

The organizational system is clever, turning your screen into a grid of customizable tiles, each one acting as an app shortcut, widget, or an action like toggling Wi-Fi or launching productivity apps such as Google Drive, Docs, or Sheets. You can arrange columns, icons, text, and backgrounds to create a system that’s not just functional but also visually sharp.

What makes Square Home uniquely efficient is its smart use of gestures, custom shortcuts, and dynamic navigation. Each tile can become a three-dimensional cube that reveals related shortcuts when you swipe in a specific direction—for example, swiping left on a Docs tile might bring up associated Sheets, while swiping up on a Maps shortcut could show saved locations.

The actions and options this launcher gives for configuring each block are impressive, allowing deep personalization of style, color, and screen facing orientation. Even features like triggering commands with a shake feel surprisingly intuitive once enabled.

While the core version is free, unlocking advanced features like tile effects and deeper integration comes at a fair price—either a $2-a-year premium subscription or a $5 lifetime key. It’s less about mimicking Microsoft Launcher and more about translating the best of the Microsoft platform into something fresh and practical for Android.

For users seeking a functional, fast, and visually organized layout, especially fans of tiled interfaces, Square Home offers an unexpected blend of beauty and speed.

8. Before Launcher

Before Launcher is a true gem for those who crave simplicity and a distraction-free home screen that boosts productivity without unnecessary clutter. When I first installed it on my phone, I was impressed by its minimalist and no-frills approach—it ditches icons and visual noise in favor of a text-based list of your most frequently accessed apps.

The primary panel is incredibly clean, letting you seek out only what you need. The creators of this launcher claim it can help you engage with your phone 40% less, and from my own use, that number actually feels real. There’s no flourish, just fast access to installed programs, clean notifications via the notification drawer, and a thoughtful filter for low-priority notifications.

Even with its barebones style, Before Launcher doesn’t skimp on smart options. You still get tools for customizing your appearance using custom gestures, label system, or even an optional custom folder layout. If you’re someone who likes to hide apps or tailor what you view daily, those settings are all tucked in without compromising the clean design.

While the core version is free, the $6 Pro upgrade unlocks advanced features that enhance its stripped-down aesthetic while keeping everything basic and efficient.

Conclusion

In a world where every tap and swipe counts, choosing the right Android launcher can dramatically improve your phone’s speed, usability, and overall user experience. From the sleek productivity of Microsoft Launcher, the deep customization of Nova, and the ultra-light efficiency of KISS, to the ergonomic design of Niagara and the retro-modern Square Home, each launcher offers a unique blend of features tailored for performance and personal workflow.

Whether you’re a minimalist seeking focus with Before Launcher or someone who values smart automation like in Smart Launcher 6, these tools prove that with the right setup, your device can be faster, cleaner, and far more efficient than its default launcher ever allowed.

Frequently Ask Questions

Which launcher makes your phone faster?

Among the best Android launchers available today, Nova Launcher stands out as the most fast, sleek, and highly customizable option that balances both appearance and performance. I’ve personally used it across multiple devices, and its minimal performance impact is noticeable right from the start—no slowing down even with heavy utility customizations applied. Whether you’re tweaking your home screen layout or fine-tuning animations, Nova ensures a fluid experience that consistently improves responsiveness without sacrificing style.

How do I increase the speed of my Android phone?

To speed up your Android device, start by restarting your phone regularly—this simple step clears temporary cache and can instantly boost responsiveness. Then, identify and clean up apps that run heavy in the background, especially those causing your device to lag with unnecessary background activity. From my own troubleshooting experience, using a lightweight launcher and managing permissions helps reduce strain on resources, allowing your system to operate faster and more efficiently without constant manual intervention.

Does launcher affect phone performance?

Yes, the launcher you use can directly influence the performance of your Android device, especially when it comes to responsiveness and how smoothly your system runs. I’ve found that switching to a well-coded launcher with smart optimization features can significantly boost both perceived and actual system speed—particularly on mid-range or older phones. Lightweight launchers not only reduce system strain but also streamline interactions, making every tap and swipe feel faster and more efficient.

Which launcher uses less RAM?

Among the best Android launchers optimized for low CPU usage and low RAM usage, I’ve consistently found Nova Launcher and Nova Launcher Prime to offer the best balance between features and performance. However, for even lighter alternatives, Holo Launcher, Smart Launcher Pro, and APUS Launcher are excellent choices, especially on older devices where every megabyte matters. While CM Launcher 3D, ADW Launcher, and Arrow Launcher offer unique aesthetics, they still maintain solid efficiency, making them practical picks for users wanting a sleek experience without draining system resources.

What increases phone speed?

One of the most effective ways to increase phone speed is by restarting your device regularly, which closes unnecessary apps and processes running in the background, thereby freeing up vital system resources so everything can run faster. Additionally, clearing the cache, including temporary files and cached data that have accumulated over time, can significantly reduce lag that tends to slow down your phone. Personally, I’ve found a routine cache clear not only improves responsiveness but can also solve minor bugs and memory delays almost instantly.