1. Ugoos TV
The most popular launcher for Android TV is arguably Ugoos TV.
The user interface marks a significant break from the Android TV launcher that you’re used to using. On the left-hand side of the screen, you will see a scrolling wheel that lets you browse through broad categories (for example, All Apps, Internet, Games, Options, and so on.).
There are nine categories in total. Any apps that fall under the highlighted category will appear on the right-hand side of the screen for you to select and open.
Ugoos TV has nine different themes and supports customizable backgrounds, customizable icons, and adaptive remote controls.
Download: Ugoos TV (Free)
2. TvHome Launcher
If you have a smart TV from Samsung or LG that runs either TizenOS or webOS, the layout of TvHome Launcher will be instantly familiar. Indeed, if you want to recreate the smart TV experience, TvHome is one the best Android TV launchers you’ll find.
All of your apps are displayed along the bottom of the screen in a minimalist single line. You can scroll through the list using the left and right buttons on your Android TV remote control. The background image is customizable.
TvHome Launcher is also notable for its minimal drain on your system’s resources. If you have a cheaper, underpowered Android TV box, this launcher is definitely worth checking out.
Download: TvHome Launcher (Free)
3. Simple TV Launcher
Simple TV is another minimalist Android TV launcher.
There are six spaces for apps on the main screen. You can choose the apps that appear in the slots. If you need to access your complete list of apps, click on the corresponding icon in the upper left-hand corner.
In the lower right-hand corner, you’ll find an icon that lets you jump directly into your Android TV’s settings menu.
Simple TV Launcher is open source—you can find the source code on GitHub. If you have sufficient time and knowledge, you can use the launcher as the basis for your own creation.
Download: Simple TV Launcher (Free)
4. HALauncher
In the introduction, we mentioned that the current version of the native Android TV launcher has irked many users. It’s not as easy to use use or as aesthetically pleasing as the previous iteration.
Alas, if you would like to roll back to the older visuals, you’re in luck. The HALauncher app closely mimics the previous design; you’ll find your apps in one row and your games in another.
HALauncher also has one massive benefit over the official launcher: it supports sideloaded apps on its home screen. That means you won’t need to use a fiddly workaround to access sideloaded apps on your Android TV box.
Lastly, like many of the other launchers on this list, HALauncher lets you add your own background image.
Download: HALauncher (Free)
5. UNICA TV Launcher
UNICA TV Launcher introduces its own design and visuals, but that’s not the main reason you should install it.
This launcher is especially worth trying if you typically use a remote with a D-pad to control your Android TV box. UNICA TV has D-pad-optimized navigation.
You will see your Android TV apps displayed in four columns. For easier navigation, you can add apps to custom categories. The categories are accessible via the shortcuts on the bottom of the screen.
There’s also a most-used apps section for quick access to your favorite content, as well as custom wallpapers.
UNICA TV Launcher is free for 14 days. However, after that you will need to purchase a full license for a few dollars if you want to customize categories and remove the nag screen.
Download: UNICA TV Launcher (Free)
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