Head-to-head · Android Launchers
Niagara Launcher vs Nova Launcher
Niagara 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 scoreNiagara Launcher · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresNova Launcher · 5 of 5
Niagara Launcher scores higher on our rubric for android launchers: 7.9 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.
Niagara Launcher is the better fit for people who prefer a streamlined, list-based home screen. Nova Launcher is the better fit for android power users who want launcher customization.
- Niagara Launcher fits best
People who prefer a streamlined, list-based home screen
- Nova Launcher fits best
Android power users who want launcher customization
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Side by side
| Feature | Niagara Launcher 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Nova Launcher 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #4 in Android Launchers | #6 in Android Launchers |
| Best for | People who prefer a streamlined, list-based home screen | Android power users who want launcher customization |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Support | Email, Community | |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Niagara Launcher 4/5 · Nova Launcher 5/5 | ||
| App drawer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gesture controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grid customization | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Backup and restore | ✓ | ✓ |
| App search | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Icon customization | Advanced | Advanced |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
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
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
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
- Niagara Launcher7.9/10 · Free plan
A streamlined Android home screen built around searchable, wave-alphabet app access.
Visit NiagaraFull 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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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update