AIO Launcher is one of the coolest minimal Android launchers I've used - and it's free

Tech Home Tech Services & Software Operating Systems Mobile OS Android AIO Launcher is one of the coolest minimal Android launchers I've used - and it's free A minimal Android launcher can simplify your phone interactions, but simple doesn't have to mean boring. Written by Jack Wallen, Contributing WriterContributing Writer July 28, 2026 at 5:16 a.m.

PT Written by Jack Wallen, Contributing WriterContributing Writer July 28, 2026 at 5:16 a.m. PT Jack Wallen/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET key takeawaysAIO Launcher is an information-centric Android launcher.It's minimal, but can also be maximal.AIO Launcher is free, or there's a Premium version.

I've tested so many Android launchers that they eventually started looking similar. Many of these tools were variations on a worn-out theme, and on occasion one would rise above the rest (as was the case with Octopi Launcher). But every once in a while, I long for a launcher that gives me a minimalist feel, without stripping away the entire feature set.

I've searched high and low for such a launcher. It took me long enough, but I finally found what I've been looking for: AIO Launcher.Also: How to clear your Android phone cache (and give it a serious speed boost)The official website describes AIO Launcher as such:AIO Launcher is not an ordinary home screen.

It does not have colorful icons, excessive animation, or a wide variety of themes. Instead, AIO Launcher uses screen space to show you the most important information.I would add that AIO Launcher also shows you information in a pretty cool way.

And although the tool might not have an abundance of themes, what it does have is as good-looking as any theme on any Android launcher I've used.So long as you deem minimal as good-looking (as I do).What is AIO Launcher?

This is one unique and groovy launcher. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETImagine if instead of having the typical app drawer, notification, shade, and icons on your home launcher, you were presented with information (such as storage space and battery percentage) and quick access to features you need, such as timers, frequent apps, your mailbox, tasks, news feed, calendar, and more.With AIO Launcher, all that information is at your fingertips (or thumb, if you use your device one-handed).

This launcher is ideal for those who want their home screen to be more informative than simplistic. Even after only a few minutes using AIO Launcher, I decided it had to be my default (after only having purchased the full version of Octopi Launcher a couple of weeks ago).Also: How to turn on Private DNS Mode on Android - and why it's a must for securityThe difference between AIO Launcher and more standard launchers is that AIO is focused more on accessing information and less on apps.

To that end, you can't pin apps to the home screen. You can, however, swipe left or right within the Frequent apps widget to view categories, such as Social & Communication and Productivity.A full list of installed apps can be accessed by swiping right from the left edge of the display.

Instead of an app drawer, you have an app sidebar. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETYou can also open the phone dialer right on the home screen, which is a handy feature (so long as you know the phone number you're calling). This dialer comes in handy when you know the phone number you need to dial.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETAlso, you can access a widget's options by swiping the widget to the right. Tap the gear icon in the menu that appears and configure the widget as needed.From that same menu, you can remove a widget that you don't want.

Also: Changing these 10 settings on my Pixel phone greatly improved the user experienceYou even get access to Quick Tiles, which are listed under Control Panel. I love this feature because I can quickly swipe with my thumb and tap the Flashlight icon to turn it on. This launcher gets better and better.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETThe only thing I've yet to do is connect AIO Launcher to my Google account. I want to make sure I can trust the launcher enough before I make that leap.Custom widgetsAnother cool feature is the ability to create your own widgets via scripts.

Before you get too excited, this feature is really only for advanced users who also know how to script in LUA.Also: The 3 types of people who will excel in the AI agent era, according to tech leadersTrust me, you won't be diving into creating your own scripts any time soon (unless you're a developer). However, you can select to add widgets from the list of pre-written scripts and even peruse the script store to find more.

As well, you can add a script, open its menu (with a right swipe), and then use AI to refine the script. That's impressive. For example, I added the dice-roll script (which presented two ten-sided dice) and then used AI to refine it for Dungeons & Dragons.

My script is ready to run. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETHow fun is that?Who is AIO Launcher for?

If you pref