The best Android TV and Google TV launchers in 2026
A launcher replaces the TV’s home screen. The good ones remove sponsored rows, load faster and let you arrange apps your way. Here’s how the main options compare and how each one takes over the Home button.
Short answer
Projectivy Launcher is the most customizable launcher you install on the TV itself. TVHomeX is the easiest if you want to set up and redesign the TV from an iPhone, with 12 layouts and app cleanup built in. CleanYourTV’s launcher suits people already using its computer-based debloat. FLauncher is a minimal open-source option. On Google TV, check how each launcher becomes the default, because Google TV has no setting for it.
Quick comparison
| Launcher | Set up from | Becomes Home by | Extras | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projectivy Launcher | The TV | Accessibility override or ADB | Deep customization, wallpapers, icon packs | Free, premium option |
| TVHomeX | iPhone | ADB home activity + Home role | 12 layouts, app cleanup, storage tools, phone remote | Free, Pro option |
| CleanYourTV launcher | Computer + AI assistant | ADB during setup | Apple TV-style look, debloat lists | Free, open source |
| FLauncher | The TV (sideload or store) | ADB or manual | Minimal, open source | Free |
| ATV Launcher | The TV | Manual / ADB | Classic Android TV look | Free, pro option |
Projectivy Launcher
The long-time favorite for an ad-free Google TV. It is installed from Google Play on the TV, has extensive layout and wallpaper settings and can override the Home button through an accessibility service. Some users reported in 2026 that a Google TV update stopped the automatic override on certain devices.
TVHomeX
TVHomeX takes a different approach: you install and configure the launcher from your iPhone. Pick from 12 layouts (minimal, large tiles, cinema, glass dock, scenic, dashboard, sidebar, quiet clock, mosaic, spotlight, bookmarks, app shelves), reorder or hide apps and send your own photos as wallpaper. The same app turns off preinstalled apps and clears storage. Once installed the launcher runs on its own with the TV’s remote.
CleanYourTV launcher
CleanYourTV installs a small Apple TV-inspired launcher as part of its computer-based debloat. Since October 2026 the community has built many alternative launchers on top of it.
FLauncher and other minimal options
FLauncher is an open-source, lightweight launcher popular with people who sideload. ATV Launcher recreates the older Android TV look. These suit you if you want something simple and don’t mind setting Home manually.
How a launcher becomes your home screen
Classic Android TV lets you pick a home app in some menus, but Google TV doesn’t. Launchers use one of these:
- Accessibility override: watches for the stock home screen and opens the launcher instead.
cmd package set-home-activityover ADB (Android 10+), checked with a real Home press.- Home role (Android 10+), granted over ADB.
- Disabling the stock launcher after a replacement works, the most complete but the most invasive.
Step-by-step: change the default launcher on Google TV.
Questions people ask
What is the best launcher for Google TV without ads?
Projectivy is the most customizable on-TV option. TVHomeX is best if you want to set up from an iPhone and clean up apps at the same time.
Do launchers slow down the TV?
A lightweight launcher usually makes the TV feel faster, because the stock home screen loads many content rows and images.
Can I go back to the original home screen?
Yes. Remove the override, restore the home activity or re-enable the stock launcher. TVHomeX has a one-tap restore.
Official sources
Written and checked by BiHai Song, developer of TVHomeX and TVRemoteX