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

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Mango Launcher is as fun as Android gets.
• This highly customizable launcher offers tons of features.
• There’s a free version and a Pro version ($6.99/yearly or $24.99 lifetime).

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.

Mango Launcher features

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.

For $6.99/year (or $24.99 lifetime), 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.

I haven’t had this much fun on my Android phone in a long time.

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In fact, until I started using Mango Launcher, I never had app launchers on my screen (other than those in the “dock”). With Mango Launcher (and the Floating theme), I love seeing those launchers tumble around. It also happens to make it easier to open my apps, without obstructing whatever wallpaper I’ve chosen for my phone.

As far as the Android App Drawer is concerned, it behaves as you would normally expect; only the layout of the app icons will vary, depending on the theme you choose. However, you can change that layout (regardless of theme) in Settings > Drawer > App List Style, where you can choose from List, Grid, or Mosaic. 

The Notification Shade is exactly how you would expect. The one thing I wish you could do with this launcher is customize this feature. Unfortunately, you can’t, and it does stand out. You’ve created this gorgeous custom theme, but when you pull down the Notification Shade, it’s that same old boring shade you’ve dealt with all along. Why not apply the frosted glass feature to this as well?

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What more can I say about Mango Launcher, other than it’s one of the most delightful apps I’ve installed on my Pixel 9 Pro in some time. If you’re looking to give your Android phone a kick of fun, look no further than this home screen launcher. The second you start customizing this baby, you’ll find the smile may not leave your face for some time.