Head-to-head · Android Launchers
Mint Launcher vs Nova Launcher
Mint 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 scoreMint Launcher · 8.7/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresNova Launcher · 5 of 5
Mint Launcher scores higher on our rubric for android launchers: 8.7 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Mint Launcher is the better fit for android users who want a free, simple launcher. Nova Launcher is the better fit for android power users who want launcher customization.
- Mint Launcher fits best
Android users who want a free, simple launcher
- Nova Launcher fits best
Android power users who want launcher customization
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 | Mint Launcher 8.7/10 Visit ↗ | Nova Launcher 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.7 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Android Launchers | #6 in Android Launchers |
| Best for | Android users who want a free, simple 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 | |
| Features Mint Launcher 0/5 · Nova Launcher 5/5 | ||
| App drawer | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Gesture controls | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Grid customization | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Backup and restore | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| App search | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Icon customization | Not checked yet | Advanced |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | 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 → |
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
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
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
- Mint Launcher8.7/10 · Free plan
A straightforward free launcher for home-screen tweaks and organized app access.
Visit XiaomiFull verdict → - Nova Launcher7.8/10 · Free plan
A flexible Android launcher with broad layout controls and optional Prime features.
Visit Nova LauncherFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Microsoft Launcher vs Mint Launcher
- Microsoft Launcher vs Nova Launcher
- Mint Launcher vs Nothing Launcher
- Mint Launcher vs Niagara Launcher
- Mint Launcher vs Smart Launcher 6
- Mint Launcher vs Lawnchair
- Mint Launcher vs Hyperion Launcher
- Nothing Launcher vs Nova Launcher
All android launchers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update