Head-to-head · Android Launchers
Microsoft Launcher vs Lawnchair
Microsoft Launcher leads on 0 checks, Lawnchair on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMicrosoft Launcher · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresLawnchair · 5 of 5
Microsoft Launcher scores higher on our rubric for android launchers: 9.1 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
Microsoft Launcher is the better fit for android users wanting a familiar, free launcher. Lawnchair is the better fit for open-source users who want Material-themed customization.
- Microsoft Launcher fits best
Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher
- Lawnchair fits best
Open-source users who want Material-themed customization
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Side by side
| Feature | Microsoft Launcher 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Lawnchair 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #1 in Android Launchers | #7 in Android Launchers |
| Best for | Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher | Open-source users who want Material-themed customization |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Built for | Solo | Solo |
| Features Microsoft Launcher 2/5 · Lawnchair 5/5 | ||
| App drawer | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Gesture controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grid customization | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Backup and restore | ✓ | ✓ |
| App search | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Icon customization | Advanced | Advanced |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Microsoft Launcher replaces an Android device’s default home screen with a customizable layout for apps and useful information. It suits Android users who want to adjust their home screen while keeping calendar and to-do information close… Read the review → |
Lawnchair is a free, open-source home app for Android, based on Launcher3 and aimed at people who want more control over their home screen. It brings Pixel Launcher features together with Material 3 Expressive theming, which follows… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Microsoft Launcher — where it wins
- Import layouts and back up or restore setups locally or in the cloud
- Customize icons, wallpapers, themes, and home-screen gestures
- Show calendar and to-do information in a personalized feed
Where it doesn't
- Requires Android 7.0 or later
- Available only on Android
- Email is the listed support channel
Lawnchair — where it wins
- Material 3 Expressive theming follows wallpaper and system colors
- Searches apps, contacts, and web results from the home screen
- Backs up and restores launcher settings and home-screen layouts
Where it doesn't
- QuickSwitch Recents integration requires root access
- Feature availability may differ between Play Store and other builds
- Development builds may involve performance trade-offs or additional issues
- Microsoft Launcher9.1/10 · Free plan
A free Android launcher with layout tools, gestures, and calendar and to-do information.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict → - Lawnchair7.7/10 · Free plan
A customizable Android home app with search, backup, and optional root-based Recents integration.
Visit LawnchairFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update