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Head-to-head · Android Launchers

Microsoft Launcher vs Mint Launcher

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Microsoft Launcher #1 in Android Launchers 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit Microsoft
Mint Launcher #2 in Android Launchers 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Xiaomi

Microsoft Launcher leads on 0 checks, Mint Launcher on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 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 featuresMicrosoft Launcher · 2 of 5

Microsoft Launcher scores higher on our rubric for android launchers: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Microsoft Launcher is the better fit for android users wanting a familiar, free launcher. Mint Launcher is the better fit for android users who want a free, simple launcher.

  • Microsoft Launcher fits best

    Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher

  • Mint Launcher fits best

    Android users who want a free, simple launcher

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Microsoft Launcher 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Mint Launcher 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.7
Ranking #1 in Android Launchers #2 in Android Launchers
Best for Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher Android users who want a free, simple launcher
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Mobile
Platforms Android Android
Support Email Email
Features Microsoft Launcher 2/5 · Mint Launcher 0/5
App drawer Not checked yet Not checked yet
Gesture controls ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Grid customization Not checked yet Not checked yet
Backup and restore ✓ (best) Not checked yet
App search Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Icon customization Advanced Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Customize layouts, resize icons, and choose transition effects
  • Automatically categorize apps and search the app drawer
  • Group, move, uninstall, or hide apps from the launcher
Cons
  • Requires Android 7.0 or later
  • Available only on Android
  • Email is the listed support channel
  • Google Play listing limits availability to some devices
  • The listing shows its last update was August 4, 2020
  • Offers less depth in backup, gestures, and advanced customization
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 →

Mint Launcher is Xiaomi’s free Android home-screen launcher for people who want a more organized screen without paying for a launcher. It offers customizable layouts, resizable icons, third-party app icons, and selectable transition…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft LauncherAndroid Launchers 9.1Free plan
  2. Mint LauncherAndroid Launchers 8.7Free plan

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

  • Mint Launcher — where it wins

    • Customize layouts, resize icons, and choose transition effects
    • Automatically categorize apps and search the app drawer
    • Group, move, uninstall, or hide apps from the launcher

    Where it doesn't

    • Google Play listing limits availability to some devices
    • The listing shows its last update was August 4, 2020
    • Offers less depth in backup, gestures, and advanced customization
  • Microsoft Launcher9.1/10 · Free plan

    A free Android launcher with layout tools, gestures, and calendar and to-do information.

    Visit MicrosoftFull verdict →
  • Mint Launcher8.7/10 · Free plan

    A straightforward free launcher for home-screen tweaks and organized app access.

    Visit XiaomiFull verdict →

More comparisons

All android launchers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update