ADW Launcher review
A flexible Android launcher for users who want detailed home-screen control.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ADW Launcher 2 is an Android home-screen replacement for users who want more control over how apps, folders, widgets, and shortcuts are arranged. Its audience is primarily individual Android users and small teams managing personal devices, rather than organizations seeking a desktop command launcher. The focus is customization: users can configure home-screen and app-drawer layouts, apply themes and icon effects, create gestures, and tailor folder behavior.
ADW Launcher 2 is available as a free download with in-app purchases. Its feature set goes beyond basic wallpaper and icon changes. App search and indexed app-drawer scrolling support faster navigation, while icon badges, secondary shortcut actions, and configurable folders add practical controls. The widget system is a notable strength: users can import, edit, create, and share custom widgets, with templates available for widgets and layouts. A backup manager also supports importing launcher data from other launchers.
The main fit is Android home-screen customization, especially for users who value visual control and detailed interaction options. The product is mobile-only and does not provide cloud synchronization, so it is less suitable for people who need settings to follow them across devices. Its final version is identified as a September 14, 2018 release, which may matter to buyers seeking an actively evolving launcher. Choose ADW Launcher 2 for a broad set of local customization tools; choose another option if current development, cross-device synchronization, or desktop support is central to the decision.
ADW Launcher pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Configurable screens, folders, gestures, themes, and icon effects
- Custom widgets support importing, editing, creating, and sharing
- App search, indexed scrolling, and launcher-data backup management
- Where it doesn't
- Available only on Android mobile devices
- No cloud-sync capability is listed
- The final version was released on September 14, 2018
ADW Launcher fact sheet, pricing and score →
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