Head-to-head · Android Launchers
Microsoft Launcher vs Nothing Launcher
Microsoft Launcher leads on 0 checks, Nothing 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
Microsoft Launcher scores higher on our rubric for android launchers: 9.1 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.
On icon customization, Microsoft Launcher gives you Advanced where Nothing Launcher offers Basic.
Microsoft Launcher is the better fit for android users wanting a familiar, free launcher. Nothing Launcher is the better fit for nothing users who prefer its design and widgets.
- Microsoft Launcher fits best
Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher
- Nothing Launcher fits best
Nothing users who prefer its design and widgets
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Side by side
| Feature | Microsoft Launcher 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Nothing Launcher 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #1 in Android Launchers | #3 in Android Launchers |
| Best for | Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher | Nothing users who prefer its design and widgets |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Microsoft Launcher 2/5 · Nothing Launcher 2/5 | ||
| App drawer | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Gesture controls | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Grid customization | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Backup and restore | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| App search | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Icon customization | Advanced | Basic |
| 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 → |
Nothing Launcher brings the Nothing OS home-screen design to supported Nothing devices. It is aimed at people who want Nothing’s visual style, bespoke widgets, and home-screen controls rather than a general-purpose launcher for Android… 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
Nothing Launcher — where it wins
- Bespoke Nothing widgets and a recognizable visual design
- Max Icons, Max Folders, and home-screen grid customization
- Hidden-apps page and Private Space access in the app drawer
Where it doesn't
- Requires Nothing OS 2.5.0 or newer
- Intended for supported Nothing OS devices, not all Android phones
- Icon customization is basic
- Microsoft Launcher9.1/10 · Free plan
A free Android launcher with layout tools, gestures, and calendar and to-do information.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict → - Nothing Launcher8.2/10 · Free plan
A free, Nothing-focused launcher with distinctive widgets and customizable home screens.
Visit NothingFull verdict →
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All android launchers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update