# Essential Launcher — user reviews > 17 indexed App Store user reviews of Essential Launcher by Patrik Racskai, rated 4.52/5 from 31 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-launcher/id6590616999/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-launcher/id6590616999.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 25 · 4★ 3 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 3 ## Newest reviews (2 of 17) ### 5/5 — Simple and effective *2025-01-28* Lots of work was probably put it into the application to make it simple to use and configure for the end user and it just works. Does what it says it does. Would be 4 stars simply because the app will open first before launching the desired app. However, that seems to be a limitation that can't be overcome so I think 5 stars is deserved **Developer response:** Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! ### 5/5 — Yup!!! Locks out the apps you choose! *2024-09-15, version 1.0* Be more productive, be less distracted, be less addicted , some how it’s free?…… ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — not free literally at all *2025-03-21, version 2.1.5* The app is listed as free to bait you in but there is literally nothing you can do for free. This is a $6 app which imo is very fair, but ahould just be listed as a $6 app. ### 1/5 — Anonymized or not *2025-02-24* Data collection is data collection, regardless of whether it’s anonymous. Stop claiming “no data collected” when you implement data collection tools. I’m giving any app that makes these claims a 1-star rating because their privacy policy contradicts them. If it’s legitimate, you can easily include “data not linked to you” usage data or statistics in your privacy policy. Many other apps do this. Cut it out. **Developer response:** Thanks for your feedback! Our Privacy Policy clearly states that we collect anonymous usage data to improve the app experience, but this data is never linked to any personal identity. I’ve updated the App Store’s privacy settings to better reflect this, specifying that some usage data is collected for analytics but not linked to users. The update will be available soon. ### 4/5 — Equal to expensive alternatives *2025-07-08, version 2.1.6* I love this launcher. And for $6 lifetime? It’s great. It has the same structure as competitors’ but works better and with the right kind of customization. Text size, spacing, style is up to you. And the wallpapers are simpler and don’t show the dock. Even in light mode! The one thing I don’t like is how, even after paying, the widgets have “Launcher” in tiny text at the bottom. So you get the app list sandwiched between “Launcher” in tiny print. Takes away from the minimal design and intention. I would get it if you’re using it for free, but not after paying. Edit: Thanks to the dev’s response, I made the widget larger and the text (name of the app) is no longer visible. Thank you!! ### 4/5 — Equal to expensive alternatives *2025-06-26* I love this launcher. And for $6 lifetime? It’s great. It has the same structure as competitors’ but works better and with the right kind of customization. Text size, spacing, style is up to you. And the wallpapers are simpler and don’t show the dock. Even in light mode! The one thing I don’t like is how, even after paying, the widgets have “Launcher” in tiny text at the bottom. So you get the app list sandwiched between “Launcher” in tiny print. Takes away from the minimal design and intention. I would get it if you’re using it for free, but not after paying. **Developer response:** Thanks so much for your kind words and support! Regarding the “Launcher” text on the widgets: unfortunately, due to system limitations in iOS 17 and earlier, it’s not possible to remove the widget name — which is the app name — from the Home Screen. Starting with iOS 18, Apple allows widgets to be enlarged, which automatically hides the widget title. Thanks again, we appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us! ### 4/5 — Anonymized or not // *2025-02-28, version 2.1.3* Updated review. 02/28/25 I may not have been sufficiently clear in my previous statement at the very end that your privacy policy does not explicitly state “data not linked to you.” I was referring specifically to the Apple App Store information for this application. I see that’s now been rectified. Developers’ response is satisfactory, so I’ll give them a higher rating. Transparency is crucial for trusting business practices. Previous: Data collection is data collection, regardless of whether it’s anonymous. Stop claiming “no data collected” when you implement data collection tools. I’m giving any app that makes these claims a 1-star rating because their privacy policy contradicts them. If it’s legitimate, you can easily include “data not linked to you” usage data or statistics in your privacy policy. Many other apps do this. Cut it out. ### 5/5 — Love *2026-02-09, version 2.1.6* Love how direct tasks are now instead of getting lost in all the apps. May I suggest that when you click on the widget menu, maybe the essential launcher loading page could be turned into a breathing moment? ### 5/5 — Better than dumbphone app *2026-02-02, version 2.1.6* Huge props to it, only suggestion is adding a plain black meme screen on the app so when it flashes the launcher before starting the app it looks seamless. ### 5/5 — Lux *2025-08-26* Literally just a little bit ### 5/5 — Brilliant *2025-08-03, version 2.1.6* Downloaded was quick and easy to set up talking me through the whole way and even added a non supported add when I requested! Would reccomend to anyone looking to be more mindful with their phone usage. ### 5/5 — Simple easy access for mains *2025-03-27* Like keeping it on at work for maintaining one hand access for the essential functions. **Developer response:** Thank you for your review! We're glad to hear that Essential Launcher helps you maintain easy access to your essential apps at work. If you have any suggestions to improve your experience, feel free to share. ## Most praised reviews (5 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — app *2025-03-27* great app **Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback! We're glad you like Essential Launcher. If you have any suggestions for improvements, we'd love to hear them! ### 5/5 — Предложение *2025-03-06, version 2.1.4* Нашел на реддите тред разработчика. Приложение хорошое. Было бы классно увидеть в нем трекер привычек. ### 5/5 — Very Good *2025-03-01, version 2.1.3* Contacted developer to add an app. They replied within hours. Great response! ### 5/5 — Better than dumbphone app *2025-02-28* Huge props to it ### 5/5 — Awesome app *2025-02-24, version 2.1.3* Totally customizable. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-06.*