I’ve used vanilla Android for a decade and I regret not installing this launcher sooner

I’ve been a fan of stock Android for over a decade. It’s clean, reliable, and exactly how I like my phones—simple and free of unnecessary extras. Over a decade and multiple Pixel phones later, Vanilla Android just works for me.

But after so long, even stock Android started to feel a little too familiar. Every home screen looked the same, and I found myself craving something fresh. I’ve always loved the look of Windows Phone, so much so that I tried living with one in 2025. It turns out that the perfect Android launcher to bring that style back had been right there all along—and I regret not installing it sooner.

Why I avoided launchers for stock Android

Vanilla Android does everything you need, and more

When I switched over from Windows Phone to Android, I was already upset about having to give up a UI that felt much better than anything Android was offering at the time. However, over time, the Android user experience has significantly improved, and as I got more and more used to the stock Android experience, the way I use my phone changed around it.

I’ve tried plenty of launchers over the years, mostly to scratch the Android customizability itch I have. However, some of the best launchers I used simply added to the stock Android experience and didn’t change it drastically in any way. After my switch to Google Pixel phones and the Pixel Launcher that comes with them, I pretty much had everything I wanted from my phone’s home screen. Downloading and setting up an external launcher just didn’t make sense.

Additionally, most launchers require permissions that are rather invasive to function properly. It’s an app that interacts with your data and hardware very closely and hence, requires sensitive notifications by its nature. I’ve felt uncomfortable handing these permissions to any launcher I’ve tried in the past, including the Microsoft Launcher.

But launchers have come a long way since the early Android days, and there are some pretty good, secure launchers that you can use without worrying about permissions or your data being skimmed. And METROV is one of them.

Bringing Metro to Android

This launcher nails the Windows Phone look without feeling dated

METROV is a Windows Phone-inspired launcher that brings the old Metro aesthetic to Android without feeling like a cheap knockoff. You get the complete Windows Phone look, including the action center, without necessarily compromising on the features vanilla Android offers.

One of the most important aspects of the Metro theme is live tiles. METROV does this almost identically to how the original Windows Phone did. Weather tiles show current conditions, the calendar shows upcoming events, the clock updates constantly, photos flow in and out of the photos app tile, contacts flip constantly, and more. Your home screen will almost look alive with them.

When you glance at the homescreen as you go about your day, you’ll notice a lot more information without feeling overwhelmed. You can also pack a lot more app icons in the same space compared to the Android home screen layout. Bringing Windows Phone tiles back on Android is more awesome than you’d initially think.

These tiles can, of course, be resized to whatever dimensions you want. You can also rearrange them as you like, but don’t expect this to be similar to Windows Phone. The app forces the icons to be in a predetermined position, and unlike Windows Phone, you can leave blank spaces or put any icon anywhere you like, as it snaps to the nearest edge.

The theming system is also quite straightforward. You get your standard light and dark modes in addition to the choice of accent color. The app drawer is also exactly like Windows Phone and can be accessed by swiping left from the home screen. METROV doesn’t replace the stock Android notification shade, but gives you the option of swiping right from the home screen to access the Action Center with customization options, with a set of quick-access buttons for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other toggles.

Respectful design and fair pricing

It looks great, works smoothly, and doesn’t nickel-and-dime you

Another thing that I really appreciate about METROV is its design and pricing. The features and options are clearly laid out, and you don’t see any pesky ads in the free version. I would’ve liked to see some more features in the free section, especially live tiles. However, the app gives you a three-day free trial before you purchase a monthly subscription at roughly $1 or a lifetime purchase, which includes all new features and updates for $3.5.

The prices are subject to change based on your region, but it’s a small purchase that you have to make once to gain full access. The paid version includes the following features:

• Live tiles
• Action Center
• Widgets
• Ability to rename and hide apps
• Ability to blur wallpaper
• Hide tile labels
• Customize fonts and individual icons
• Windows Phone 7 theme

Most of these features, especially live tiles, can make the launcher significantly better than its free version. And that’s also one of the launcher’s biggest drawbacks. I can’t recommend it unless you purchase a monthly or lifetime subscription. A Windows Phone launcher doesn’t make sense until you have live tiles.

Thankfully, the price is fair for the amount of customization and features you get. Since this is also an app you’ll likely set and forget about, the fact that there’s a lifetime purchase option that doesn’t cost a bomb is nice to see. If you’re considering purchasing the full version, the lifetime subscription is a much better value.

Vanilla Android is good, launchers can make it better

Even the cleanest Android setup benefits from a fresh coat of personality

After using vanilla Android for well over a decade, it’s refreshing to be able to accurately use the interface I loved so much on top of an ever-improving Android OS. Vanilla Android is quite good, and getting more and more customizable by the day. However, if you want something that truly matches your aesthetic, a launcher is the way to go.

METROV isn’t perfect. The app is relatively new, and there are some pretty strong alternatives you can consider, like Launcher10 and Square Home, that bring a lot of the same functionality as the Windows Phone aesthetic. That said, METROV is one of the easiest, most lightweight, and cheapest Windows Phone-inspired launchers that lets you get up and running in no time.

If you’ve ever missed the Windows Phone aesthetic, or if you’re just tired of your phone looking like everyone else’s, METROV is worth your time and money. It offers a completely different way to interact with your phone, and makes your Android experience feel intentional, personalized, and genuinely beautiful.