Top 7 Android TV Launchers to Enhance Your Experience Now
Enhancing your Android TV experience can be as simple as switching to a more customizable and feature-rich launcher. Here are the top 7 Android TV launchers that can transform your viewing experience.
1. ATV Launcher
ATV Launcher stands out for its extensive customization options, making it a favorite among users. You can add various widgets to your home screen, such as weather, time, and specific app widgets. It also supports D-Pad optimized navigation, allowing for easy interface navigation. Key features include:
- Custom Backgrounds: Set custom backgrounds, which is not possible with the stock interface.
- Widget Customization: Customize row height, widget scale, and more.
- Pro Version: The Pro version adds support for Android TV boxes like Nvidia Shield TV and mini-PCs.
2. Primal TV Launcher
Primal TV Launcher is ideal for those who want to bring their TV to life with high-quality backgrounds. It offers:
- 4K and 8K Backgrounds: A huge collection of high-quality images, including Bing Daily wallpapers.
- Layout Editor: A built-in layout editor to place apps anywhere on your home screen.
- Custom Home Screen Styles: Add different home screen styles, each with its unique set of apps.
- Minimalist Appearance: A clean look with just a clock on the home screen, but you can add extra widgets for news, sports, and weather.
3. HALauncher
HALauncher is known for its modern UI and intuitive use. It offers:
- Recent Apps and Search: Features like recent apps and search functionality.
- Ad-Free Experience: No ads, making the experience smoother.
- Lightweight: It is the lightest among the tested launchers, ensuring it doesn’t slow down your Android TV.
4. Ugoos TV Launcher
Ugoos TV Launcher provides a clean user interface and a unique experience. Key features include:
- Clean Interface: A very clean and user-friendly interface.
- Customization Options: Offers various customization options, though not as extensive as some other launchers.
5. Home Screen Launcher for Android TV
This launcher is essential if you want to set a default launcher on your Android TV, especially if other launchers haven’t updated their framework. It allows:
- Setting Default Launcher: Enables you to set a default launcher, which some other launchers may not support.
- Easy Installation: Available on the Android TV Play Store and can be installed without hassle.
6. Sideload Launcher
Sideload Launcher is perfect for users who need to access sideloaded apps. It offers:
- Access to Sideloaded Apps: Allows you to open apps that are not available through the official Play Store.
- Customization: While not as feature-rich as others, it provides essential customization options.
7. FLauncher
FLauncher is another option that provides a unique set of features. Although less detailed in public reviews, it is known for:
- Customization Options: Offers various customization options, though specifics are less documented compared to other launchers.
- User Interface: Provides a different user interface experience, which some users might prefer over the stock launcher.
Tips for Choosing the Right Launcher
When selecting an Android TV launcher, consider the following:
- Customization Needs: If you want extensive customization, ATV Launcher or Primal TV Launcher might be the best choice.
- Performance: If you prioritize a lightweight and ad-free experience, HALauncher is a good option.
- Ease of Use: For a clean and user-friendly interface, Ugoos TV Launcher could be ideal.
- Default Launcher Setting: If you need to set a default launcher, Home Screen Launcher for Android TV is essential.
- Sideloaded Apps: For accessing sideloaded apps, Sideload Launcher is the way to go.
Installation and Setup
To install and set up a new Android TV launcher:
- Download and Install: Find the launcher on the Google Play Store and install it.
- Set as Default: Navigate to Settings > Apps > Default App and select the newly installed launcher to set it as your default home app.
I did want to install my favorite ugoos launcher again on a new box. However, can not find a website to download from and it is not in the Playstore.