Head-to-head · Android Launchers
Nova Launcher vs Lawnchair
Nova Launcher leads on 0 checks, Lawnchair 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 scoreNova Launcher · 7.8/10
- Free planboth
Nova Launcher scores higher on our rubric for android launchers: 7.8 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
Nova Launcher is the better fit for android power users who want launcher customization. Lawnchair is the better fit for open-source users who want Material-themed customization.
- Nova Launcher fits best
Android power users who want launcher customization
- Lawnchair fits best
Open-source users who want Material-themed customization
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Side by side
| Feature | Nova Launcher 7.8/10 Visit ↗ | Lawnchair 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.8 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #6 in Android Launchers | #7 in Android Launchers |
| Best for | Android power users who want launcher customization | Open-source users who want Material-themed customization |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Integrations | 1 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features Nova Launcher 5/5 · Lawnchair 5/5 | ||
| App drawer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gesture controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grid customization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Backup and restore | ✓ | ✓ |
| App search | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Icon customization | Advanced | Advanced |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
Lawnchair is a free, open-source home app for Android, based on Launcher3 and aimed at people who want more control over their home screen. It brings Pixel Launcher features together with Material 3 Expressive theming, which follows… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
Lawnchair — where it wins
- Material 3 Expressive theming follows wallpaper and system colors
- Searches apps, contacts, and web results from the home screen
- Backs up and restores launcher settings and home-screen layouts
Where it doesn't
- QuickSwitch Recents integration requires root access
- Feature availability may differ between Play Store and other builds
- Development builds may involve performance trade-offs or additional issues
- Nova Launcher7.8/10 · Free plan
A flexible Android launcher with broad layout controls and optional Prime features.
Visit Nova LauncherFull verdict → - Lawnchair7.7/10 · Free plan
A customizable Android home app with search, backup, and optional root-based Recents integration.
Visit LawnchairFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update