In a world where OTA updates come few and far between, Android users are constantly trying to find ways to refresh and customize the look and feel of Android on their devices. An icon change-up would certainly give any user a quick-fix without having to revamp the entire OS. Because of this, I’ve decided to compile a list of the most far-out, diverse, and sweet looking icon packs out there today.
First, what is an icon pack? Icon packs are packages of customized icons for an operating system which can be downloaded and installed, meant to replace the default icons on your OS. They can serve as a pretty neat way to show off your device to others, especially if you’ve got some crazy and wildly designed icons.
How does one go about getting an icon pack, you ask? Is there rooting or hacking involved? Sure, for some icon packs, you’ll need to root your device. But for most, a simple download and install is all that’s necessary. For some icon packs, you’ll need a third-party home-screen launcher. This can be done by simply installing a launcher such as Apex or Nova. If you need help installing your icon pack, there are plenty of instructional videos on YouTube with great information and tips. Lets get to this list shall we? Hit the break for my selections (in no particular order)
1. ‘Crysta Icons’ icons pack features a very nice suite of polished-looking icons for your device and is compatible with a variety of launchers, including Nova, Apex, ADW, Holo and more. For just $1.30, users get 65+ icons to choose from in the icon picker, two wallpapers, Jelly Bean compatibility, and icon mask support. Judging by the Google Play page for the application, the developer offers plenty of support if you’re struggling with setting up this icon pack on your device.
2. ‘Pushy Icon Pack’ icons pack is created by the same developer that designed ‘Crysta Icons.’ It’s available on the Play Store for the same price as ‘Crysta Icons,’ but it offers a ton more icons to pick from, standing tall at around 1,100. The icons have a circular theme to them, and seem to be quite a bit smaller than the default Android icons. It’s compatible with Apex, Nova, ADW, Holo, and more launchers. It supports icon masker, works on Jelly Bean devices, and comes with 2 themes. Definitely grab this icon pack if you’re into the theme— the low price is definitely worth all of the icons you’re getting in return.
3. ‘MIUI X5′ has a ridiculously large offering of over 1,400 icons with full HD quality for XHDPI devices. It’s compatible with Apex, Nova, ADW, Holo, Go Launcher, Atom Launcher, and more. They also note that they have some unique design elements specifically for Apex and Go Launcher, a new app drawer design, 4 wallpapers, and simple installation instructions. The design is pretty unique as all app icons feature rounded edges and have specific themes for different types of apps— for example, all shopping apps have a ‘bag handle’ image over the app icon. You’ll definitely get the bang for your buck from this one as it’s only $0.99!
4. ‘Colorful Theme’ offers a really nice looking minimalist theme with maximum effect, with over 840 unique icons to choose from and over 2500 icons themed. The developer definitely put a lot of thought into this icon pack, as each icon is brilliantly illustrated with gorgeous colors that stand out. It’s also compatible with all the major launchers. If you like this icon pack, definitely check it out as it’s only $0.99 in the Play Store.
5. ‘Snack Pack’ by developer Pure Designs did a really nice job with this icon pack. ‘Snack Pack’ offers some really nice minimalist, simple designs, but at the same time makes them pop out and easily catch your eye. Click on the link to the Play Store below to see what I mean. Personally, this is my favorite, especially because of how easy it was to set it all up and get the icons on my phone. The developer allows for icon requests and promises to get as many of them done as he can, adding icons through regular updates as well. The icon pack is compatible with all the top launchers too, including Apex, Nova, Go Launcher, ADW, etc. It’s $1.49 on the Play Store and it’s definitely worth the extra $0.50 for the top quality design you’re getting for all your icons.
Obviously we can’t list every great icon pack out there as there are hundreds, but here’s a list of honorable mentions that you may want to check out before deciding on the right icon pack for you.
Honorable Mention: Boom, Blawb, Aelous HD, Joker, Graphene Theme, Lustre Theme, Vivid Icon Pack
Got a favorite not mentioned above? Hit us up in the comments!
Come comment on this article: Best icon packs for Android [July 2013]
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