Head-to-head · Android Launchers
Microsoft Launcher vs Nova Launcher
Microsoft Launcher leads on 0 checks, Nova Launcher 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 featuresNova Launcher · 5 of 5
Microsoft Launcher scores higher on our rubric for android launchers: 9.1 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
Microsoft Launcher is the better fit for android users wanting a familiar, free launcher. Nova Launcher is the better fit for android power users who want launcher customization.
- Microsoft Launcher fits best
Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher
- Nova Launcher fits best
Android power users who want launcher customization
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Side by side
| Feature | Microsoft Launcher 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Nova Launcher 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in Android Launchers | #6 in Android Launchers |
| Best for | Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher | Android power users who want launcher customization |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Support | Email, Community | |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Microsoft Launcher 2/5 · Nova Launcher 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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| 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 → |
Nova Launcher replaces an Android device’s home screen with controls for customizing the home screen, app drawer, dock, folders and icons. It is aimed at people who want more control over launcher layout and app organization, including… 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
Nova Launcher — where it wins
- Adjust the home screen, app drawer, dock, folders and icon appearance
- Search across apps, contacts and other services
- Back up and restore launcher setups
Where it doesn't
- Prime is required for gestures, app hiding and notification badges
- Prime yearly and lifetime purchases have different feature descriptions
- Designed for Android; it has no listed non-Android platform
- Microsoft Launcher9.1/10 · Free plan
A free Android launcher with layout tools, gestures, and calendar and to-do information.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict → - Nova Launcher7.8/10 · Free plan
A flexible Android launcher with broad layout controls and optional Prime features.
Visit Nova LauncherFull 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