Considering that some extra trackers were just added in this company's first release, it doesn't seem like it's going to be great.
this post was submitted on 21 Jan 2026
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Damnit! Thanks for the heads up.
I used to love Nova Launcher, but I just can't trust it anymore. There are too many open source options that are getting close enough without having to worry about them spying on your behavior.
As someone still using Nova, got a suggestion for me?
My top customizable FOSS launchers:
Kvaesisto
Search-based with native-themed widgets and app drawer. Lots of integrations, reliable, and my personal daily driver.
Lawnchair
Drop-in replacement for Pixel launcher with some friendly features. Very active development.
Ion Launcher
Automatic app folders by category and decent customization options.
Einstein Launcher
Highly customizable and built from scratch. It's under 3MB and already pretty capable, although it's a young project and still in alpha
Hyperion or Lawnchair are ones that I see people switching to. I just went back to stock.
I like Lawnchair.
Agreed - I switched to lawn chair after being on nova for 10 or so years.
I've been using Niagara Launcher, it's a completely different style of launcher that I think fits more in line with how we hold and interact with smartphones. I don't think I can ever go back to the traditional app icon grid layout style launcher.
I tried it for a half day, and really struggled with how different it is. Any thoughts on that? I don't always search for an app by name in Nova, often I go by the autopilot of where it lies on my home screen
I've used Nova for many years, then I switched to Niagara. Like you know where your apps are on grid style launchers, you know which letter locates which app on Niagara. You dont need to search for an app, just draw with your thumb across the letters.
Second on Niagara. Great integration and flow, I paid for the lifetime version. Moved back to regular android for now but it's waiting in my app drawer for my inevitable return
Niagara is great. I need to buy a full license one of these days.
Revert to a version of nova launcher from a few years back.
All the features I needed from it were finalised years ago, so why update?
The usual nebulous comments like "bug fixes and performance improvements" in the changelogs isn't really a strong reason for me.
That's one of my long running pet peeves, actually. Having your changelog be the exact same bullshit, alongside updates every two days for as long as i've used the product, really don't inspire any sort confidence in a product.
If you're using Graphene, you can disable network access entirely. I'm still in the market for something new, though.
I don't like Lawnchair, unfortunately. I'll check out KISS as someone suggested. I bought Pro Launcher years ago, but didn't use it... Maybe I can stay this time.
I love Niagara personally, or if you're in need of even more minimalism then indistractable is amazing
I was recommended Lawnchair for my use case, but I’m not sure it’ll fit. It’s completely free so worth a shot.
Octopi is the closest one to Nova and is being very actively developed.
Lawnchair did it for me, but just a home screen and app drawer with folder support is all I want or need. Simple, non-flashy nor battery hungry, and easy to use.
I tried Lawnchair and liked it. Except for I could not find the 'infinite scroll' functionality (going from first page to last page and back), which annoys me to no end if it's not there. So, i am still on Nova.
Settings (long press blank space on home screen) -> Home screen -> Infinite scrolling toggle.
Ah, so i will try it again one of these days. Thank you!
I miss the folder gestures.
I wish there was a launcher that came close to Nova. The main feature I miss is swiping on icons to launch different apps or intents. That and the scrollable dock.
I have since moved on to Lawnchair, but it isn't quite 1 to 1 replacement.
I will always shoot to use open source where I can. And I suppose I have to live with some od the limitations and missing features for now.
I could continue to use Nova, and just block internet access like I used to; but that feels like a step back on terms of privacy than just using something more privacy conscious.
Guess it's time for a replacement. Any recommendations on a launcher that supports gestures on an icon Right now, when I swipe up, on my email icon, it opens Signal, swipe down, it opens SMS, and Email, when I just press it
Can't seem to find any other launcher that does something similar
I moved over to lawnchair, there's a couple things I cant seem to do here that I could before, but fuck it, at least I'm not on nova anymore
Honestly i would just be happy with the short press launch/swipe up open folder option, I like using folders that dont look like folders.
I think its the same gesture function
It is, I just meant even if thats the only part another launcher replicates I would be fine with that.
Smart Launcher has this. Except with smart Launcher it has swipe up/down/left/right for different apps so one icon can launch five apps
I moved away from Nova when it last changed owners - there are so many other options that I enjoyed trying the different ideas for what a launcher could be.
fossify launcher is my preferred kind of launcher
Even if this does end up being a good thing, it's too far too late. Considering that they've been without a maintainer for over two years now, I jumped ship.
I've literally been using Nova Launcher for almost 14 years. I know I used it a while before I bought Nova Prime.
I swear they better not mess it up.