# Universal Launcher vs Essential Launcher

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Universal Launcher at none against Essential Launcher's 6. Universal Launcher also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). Essential Launcher's advantage is update cadence (every 11 days vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (36 vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Essential Launcher sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Universal Launcher asks for nothing beyond the download.

Universal Launcher holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Essential Launcher has 36 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Universal Launcher ships an update every 3 months, Essential Launcher every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Launcher | Essential Launcher |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-launcher/id6444726973/reviews)** | [4.6 (36 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-launcher/id6590616999/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **36** |
| Positive reviews | — | 88.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 44 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Agency Enterprise, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1234841330) | [Patrik Racskai](https://appshunter.io/developer/1728193737) |

## What reviewers say

### Universal Launcher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-launcher/id6444726973)

This app brings a command-line interface and custom shortcuts to your iOS device, mirroring the desktop experience. Access your digital world and boost productivity on the go with a minimalist design and seamless cross-device continuity.

**Highlights:** Sync custom desktop shortcuts, Lock screen widget access, Fast shortcut search, Minimalist interface, Cross-device task continuity, Mobile shortcut execution

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Essential Launcher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-launcher/id6590616999)

This app offers a minimalist home screen experience designed to reduce distractions and limit screen time. Customize your interface with only essential applications to promote focus and productivity.

**Highlights:** Minimalist home screen, Reduce distractions, Limit screen time, Customize essential apps, Clean, intuitive interface, Dark and light modes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Discounted | $0.99 | per month |
| Annual Discounted | $3.99 | per year |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Annual | $12.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Free | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Launcher free?

Universal Launcher is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Essential Launcher free?

Essential Launcher is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Universal Launcher or Essential Launcher?

Universal Launcher is rated higher. Universal Launcher averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Essential Launcher averages 4.6 from 36 ratings.

### Do Universal Launcher or Essential Launcher have ads?

Neither Universal Launcher nor Essential Launcher shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Universal Launcher or Essential Launcher?

Universal Launcher ships an update every 3 months, and Essential Launcher every 11 days. Most recently, Universal Launcher was updated on October 25, 2026 and Essential Launcher on October 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*