This Android launcher made my home screen fun again - and I'm using the free version

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I've used a lot of Android home screen launchers over the years (such as Octopi Launcher and AIO Launcher ), so many that I've lost count. I've used highly minimal ones, those that try to do too much, and everything in between. But one thing that most home screen launchers lack is a touch of whimsy.

I want my phone to at least be slightly enjoyable to use; otherwise, it's just another piece of soulless tech I need to get through my day.

Ergo, I set out to find a home screen launcher that could add even the slightest bit of fun. That search led me to Mango Launcher , and boy, am I glad I found it.

Mango Launcher is listed as "minimal and fast," but I would argue that while it might be minimal, it's certainly maximal in the joy department. I like to think of Mango Launcher as "unbloated with a touch of joy."

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What brings Mango Launcher this joy? For one thing, physics. With certain themes (such as the ready-made Floating theme), the app icons tumble around as you move your home. Switch from portrait to landscape mode, and the icons tumble to the side, which is not only cute, but it also makes those icons easier to reach when holding your device with one hand.

How much fun can an Android home screen be?

First, I am using the free version of Mango Launcher, which includes features like: Premade themes, physics, favorite apps, three different app list layouts, folders for both home and drawer, frosted glass, accent colors, icon customizations, font selection, notification badges, and tons of options. You can access the options by long-pressing the home screen and then tapping Mango Settings.

You can also add/remove your favorite apps here (which will show up on the home screen).

For $10/year, you get the Pro version, which adds widgets, custom themes, community themes, auto-change wallpaper, custom gestures (including split-screen gestures), scribble (draw symbols on the screen to open an app, website, or run a device action), speak to open apps, digital well-being, and more.

The feature set in Mango Launcher blows away most launchers and will have you playing around with customizations for some time. Since I adopted Mango Launcher as my default, I've found myself constantly fiddling with the settings to tweak it to perfection.