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Head-to-head · Android Launchers

Microsoft Launcher vs Smart Launcher 6

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 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
Smart Launcher 6 #5 in Android Launchers 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Smart Launcher

Microsoft Launcher leads on 0 checks, Smart Launcher 6 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 featuresSmart Launcher 6 · 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 #5.

Microsoft Launcher is the better fit for android users wanting a familiar, free launcher. Smart Launcher 6 is the better fit for users who want automatic app categories and widgets.

  • Microsoft Launcher fits best

    Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher

  • Smart Launcher 6 fits best

    Users who want automatic app categories and widgets

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 ↗ Smart Launcher 6 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 7.9
Ranking #1 in Android Launchers #5 in Android Launchers
Best for Android users wanting a familiar, free launcher Users who want automatic app categories and widgets
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Mobile
Platforms Android Android
Support Email Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo Solo
Features Microsoft Launcher 2/5 · Smart Launcher 6 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
  • 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
  • Automatically groups installed apps into categories
  • Fluid Grid System arranges icons and widgets
  • Configurable gestures, hotkeys, and PIN-protected app hiding
Cons
  • Requires Android 7.0 or later
  • Available only on Android
  • Email is the listed support channel
  • Available only for Android
  • Pro features are sold as in-app purchases
  • Fluid Grid System does not verify adjustable row or column counts
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 →

Smart Launcher 6 replaces an Android device’s home screen with a customizable launcher. It is aimed at people who want installed apps sorted automatically, along with device search and flexible icon and widget placement. Its free plan and…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft LauncherAndroid Launchers 9.1Free plan
  2. Smart Launcher 6Android Launchers 7.9Free 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

  • Smart Launcher 6 — where it wins

    • Automatically groups installed apps into categories
    • Fluid Grid System arranges icons and widgets
    • Configurable gestures, hotkeys, and PIN-protected app hiding

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only for Android
    • Pro features are sold as in-app purchases
    • Fluid Grid System does not verify adjustable row or column counts

More comparisons

All android launchers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update