# Kiss Launcher

29 Hacker News commenters recommended Kiss Launcher and 4 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 2 of 13 months; owners who said how long report a median of 6 years (8 owners).

**Verdict:** A minimal Android home screen that replaces app icons with a search line, praised for reducing distraction and being light and open source. Critics say it offers only one screen for widgets and lacks expected polish.

## Why people recommend it

- Minimal, does only what's needed (5 comments): "Does exactly what I need from a launcher, nothing more, nothing less." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46698606)) "It is the perfect combination of minimal and power-user friendly." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46699191)) "Simple and does the job. No distractions." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46687734))
- Search replaces icon grid, less distraction (7 comments): "ever since I moved to KISS, I haven't felt the need. It brings a level of intentionality by forcing you to search for the app you want to use." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46692294)) "I like the philosophy of search-based launcher. This way, if I don't actively search for an app, I won't be distracted into opening one" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46687597)) "it's 100% dynamic (never have to manage layout) and almost eliminates the chance of getting distracted when opening my home screen." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46694183))
- Fast and lightweight (4 comments): "Search line for everything is actually faster then browsing list of icons." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46688516)) "It's amazingly fast and does just what I need it to." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46696127)) "Available in F-Droid, small, light, fast." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46692244))
- Used for years without complaint (5 comments): "KISS launcher is excellent. I've been using it for years now and would never go back to any other style of launcher." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46687619)) "I have been using this launcher for longer than I can remember, perhaps 10 years now." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46692439)) "Oh, nice to see KISS showcased here :) I actually started the project 13 years ago" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46695552))

## What people warn about

- Only one screen for widgets (2 comments): "the only drawback would then be I only get one screen/desktop for adding widgets" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46701432)) "I always find myself missing widgets with KISS." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46688677))
- Lacks expected polish and familiarity (2 comments): "I do remember trying to replace it with KISS Launcher, but it just wasn't the same." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46933863)) "but then they miss the amount of expected polish" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46696385))

## Alternatives hackers recommend

- [Nova Launcher](https://hackerapproved.com/p/nova-launcher.md): 45 recommend
- [Lawnchair Launcher](https://hackerapproved.com/p/lawnchair-launcher.md): 27 recommend
- [Niagara Launcher](https://hackerapproved.com/p/niagara-launcher.md): 23 recommend
- [Octopi Launcher](https://hackerapproved.com/p/octopi-launcher.md): 15 recommend
- [Kvaesitso](https://hackerapproved.com/p/kvaesitso.md): 11 recommend

## Cite as

Hacker Approved, "Kiss Launcher", https://hackerapproved.com/p/kiss-launcher/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).