Head-to-head · Android Launchers
Microsoft Launcher vs Niagara Launcher
Microsoft Launcher leads on 0 checks, Niagara Launcher on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 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 featuresNiagara Launcher · 4 of 5
Microsoft Launcher scores higher on our rubric for android launchers: 9.1 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
Microsoft Launcher is the better fit for android users wanting a familiar, free launcher. Niagara Launcher is the better fit for people who prefer a streamlined, list-based home screen.
- Microsoft Launcher fits best
Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher
- Niagara Launcher fits best
People who prefer a streamlined, list-based home screen
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Side by side
| Feature | Microsoft Launcher 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Niagara Launcher 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #1 in Android Launchers | #4 in Android Launchers |
| Best for | Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher | People who prefer a streamlined, list-based home screen |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Support | ||
| Built for | Solo | Solo |
| Features Microsoft Launcher 2/5 · Niagara Launcher 4/5 | ||
| App drawer | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Gesture controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grid customization | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| 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 → |
Niagara Launcher replaces the standard Android home screen with a scrolling app list and a wave alphabet for quick navigation. It is aimed at personal smartphone users who prefer a less crowded starting point, while still wanting app… 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
Niagara Launcher — where it wins
- Wave alphabet and search make apps quick to find
- Notifications support direct replies from the home screen
- Backup and restore covers favorites, folders, icons, and settings
Where it doesn't
- Free version has limited customization
- Widget stacks are limited to four widgets
- Available only for Android
- Microsoft Launcher9.1/10 · Free plan
A free Android launcher with layout tools, gestures, and calendar and to-do information.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict → - Niagara Launcher7.9/10 · Free plan
A streamlined Android home screen built around searchable, wave-alphabet app access.
Visit NiagaraFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update