Apps & services

Shown as proof that an alternative Android app store with over 800,000 apps can exist without Google.

Huawei's in-development OS could be fast and run Android apps, but it lacks Google services and faces strong opposition from Google.

His number one pick: the best compromise between light, fast and customisable, and what he'd recommend for most people.

Offers huge customisation, which may be too much for some, but is a great launcher if you invest the time.

The overhauled Arrow Launcher, with strong phone-to-PC syncing and a smooth high performance mode.

A simple, one-handed launcher for people who find the fancier options too much.

Not a launcher but a live wallpaper app with so much functionality it nearly acts as one, with presets for instant setups.

A returning veteran launcher that is fluid, up to date and hugely customisable.

His number one pick, a much-improved launcher with exclusive wallpapers, a newsfeed and deep customisation.

An odd single-vertical-feed launcher that makes some settings quicker to reach.

One of the best launchers on Android, built around getting things done in a swipe or two.

Offers lots of control but looks laughable out of the box; good with time.

Not the neatest and has an intrusive ad, but the swipe-up widgets and wallpapers are good.

A light, snappy launcher for lower-end phones that is clean with an icon pack but offers limited control.

A seriously amazing Pixel-inspired launcher that is deeply customisable, fast and clean from install.

Fast launcher similar to Mint, with a customisable dark mode and colour grouping.

A great concept for minimising distractions, with no icons and battery savings on OLED in the pro dark theme.

One of his favourites: different from Pixel style, clean and practical, with fast access to everything.

Second place: polished and slick with refreshing attention to detail, vast customisation and long-press commands.

The absolute king of customisation with one huge scrollable page, but rough looking out of the box.

Beautiful and needs the least work to look good, though app sorting made some mistakes.

Looks good and is customisable, but stability is a concern and an update wiped his layout.

A free Pixel-inspired launcher with the important features and an optional Google feed plug-in.

A Pixel-style launcher whose themes and Smart Unread notification feature set it apart.