Head-to-head · Android Launchers
Smart Launcher 6 vs Nova Launcher
Smart Launcher 6 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 scoreSmart Launcher 6 · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresNova Launcher · 5 of 5
Smart Launcher 6 scores higher on our rubric for android launchers: 7.9 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.
Smart Launcher 6 is the better fit for users who want automatic app categories and widgets. Nova Launcher is the better fit for android power users who want launcher customization.
- Smart Launcher 6 fits best
Users who want automatic app categories and widgets
- Nova Launcher fits best
Android power users who want launcher customization
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Side by side
| Feature | Smart Launcher 6 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Nova Launcher 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #5 in Android Launchers | #6 in Android Launchers |
| Best for | Users who want automatic app categories and widgets | Android power users who want launcher customization |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android | Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Community |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Smart Launcher 6 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 | 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 → |
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
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
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
- Smart Launcher 67.9/10 · Free plan
Smart Launcher 6 pairs automatic app categories with customizable Android home screens.
Visit Smart LauncherFull 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