Pear Launcher review
A free Android launcher with configurable drawers, dock controls, gestures, and backup.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Pear Launcher replaces the Android home screen with controls for layout and navigation. It suits people who want to shape their app drawer, desktop grid, icons, dock, and gestures rather than keep a default launcher layout. A free version is available, while Pear Launcher Pro adds expanded drawer folders, app-drawer groups, more gesture options, and badge customization. It is a focused fit for personal Android customization, not a cross-platform launcher choice.
Drawer and desktop controls are its clearest strengths. The drawer can use folders and vertical, paged, or sectioned styles, with search, sorting, predicted apps, and direct scrolling. Desktop options cover grid, indicators, labels, wallpaper behavior, and margins; icon packs and normalization add another layer of control. Dock customization and an optional dock search bar keep frequently used navigation settings within the same launcher. This breadth should appeal to users who want several ways to organize and reach apps, though people who prefer a minimal set of controls may find the range unnecessary.
Pear Launcher also includes configurable swipe, double-tap, and page-edge gestures, plus backup and restore for layout and Pear settings. Pear Now Companion enables optional Google Now integration. The free version covers core customization, while Pro is the relevant choice for drawer groups, folders holding more than 10 apps, badge customization, two-finger swipes, and proximity or shake gestures. Choose Pear Launcher if drawer structure and dock behavior are priorities on Android; look elsewhere if Android is not your platform or those specific controls are not worth a paid upgrade.
Pear Launcher pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Choose vertical, paged, or sectioned app-drawer styles
- Adjust desktop grids, dock controls, icons, and search
- Back up and restore layout and Pear settings
- Where it doesn't
- Available only on Android
- Pro features require a paid license
- Proximity and shake gestures are limited to Pro
Pear Launcher fact sheet, pricing and score →
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