Android emulator is a software that emulates Android OS on Windows 10, Windows 11, or Mac OS. This emulator allows users to run virtual Android OS on their computers. Installing an Android emulator on your computer allows you to use Android Apps, Play Android Games, and test your Android Applications without Andan roid Phone.
This article will give you a list of the best Android emulators for PC and links to download all of these Android emulators for free. If you are thinking of running your favorite Android apps and games or testing your own Android Apps and lack the appropriate Android device, you must use An Android emulator on your PC.
Note: I highly recommend trying 3-5 emulators and sticking to the one you like most. Most emulators have bugs, performance issues, and even serious malware issues. So, based on your PC configuration, you should pick the emulator that works well with your PC.
Are you in a hurry? Can’t read our in-depth review? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered.
Our Expert Verdict
#1 Overall | #1 For Gaming | #1 For Developers |
---|---|---|
Bluestacks | Gameloop | Android Studio |
Free or 2/Mon | Free | Free |
Windows & Mac | Windows Only | Windows & Mac |
Although many Android emulators are on the market, not all of them function correctly. Here is a list of some of the best Android emulators for PCs, tested by me and accepted by millions of users. These top Android Emulators will help you achieve a fantastic Android user experience on your laptop or desktop.
1. Bluestacks
Bluestacks is the best Android emulator because of its high performance and stability. It is very popular and has been on the market for a while. Bluestacks App Player primarily targets gamers and developers creating apps and testing gaming content.
Bluestacks App Player Features
- Bluestacks is available for Mac OS and Windows 10 PC users, so you can run and play games on it regardless of your operating system.
- Most gamers prefer Bluestacks because it’s optimized for gaming and has the right proportion of features, such as power, processing, and graphics. It’s also quite easy to install and use.
- It features a built-in Google Play store that allows users to download games and apps quickly.
- The Bluestacks Android emulator also has an App store optimized for downloading games. The best part is that you can earn monetary benefits through its affiliate option.
Bluestacks Emulator System Requirements
Name | Bluestacks |
---|---|
OS Platforms | Windows 11, Windows 10, MAC |
Cost | Free |
System Requirements | 4GB RAM, Dual Core 2.3 GHz, 5GB Disk Space |
2. Nox App Player
Nox App Player is the best emulator for enjoying the whole Android experience. It’s smoother, stable, and fully optimized for games and apps. This emulator gives you the same gaming experience as a gaming console.
Nox App Player Features
- Nox is stable and works perfectly without crashes, unlike other consoles that can crush easily. This is because developers regularly update it to fix bugs.
- Like Bluestacks, it has a built-in Google play store to download apps and games.
- The Nox Player emulator offers several options: initiative keyboard mapping, multi-instance, and script recording, which provide the best gaming experience.
- You can choose how much CPU core, RAM, or FPS you want to allocate to the emulator with various customization options.
- Furthermore, it offers two graphics rendering modes, OpenGL and DirectX, which can be used when a game has compatibility issues.
- You can download Nox Emulator for free on both PC & Mac devices.
3. Gameloop
Do you want to get a grip on that Android game you like, but you lack the right hardware? Don’t worry! GameLoop has got you covered. As a Tencent Gaming Buddy product, the GameLoop android emulator focuses entirely on fusing mobile gaming with Windows 10 PCs.
- GameLoop acts as the official gaming utility for Tencent Games.
- It has been optimized and refined to easily play massive mobile games such as PUBG and Call of Duty.
- It brings fluid gameplay and controls with a PC’s Keyboard and mouse that matches Android devices’ touch controls.
- Although it supports non-gaming apps, it’s not as versatile for non-gaming apps as other emulators. Nonetheless, it delivers excellent results.
- Recently, GameLoop released its latest version of GameLoop 3.0 and its new beta testing version to the public.
- Not only does the new version provide exciting games for all players and exciting features, but it also solves most design and settings issues players might face when playing games.
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GameLoop has proven to handle mobile games on PC easily, making it a notable competitor to other mobile gaming emulators. So, go ahead and download the new version and have a fantastic gaming experience on GameLoop.
4. MEmu
MEmu is still new to the market, but it’s rapidly gaining popularity for its high performance—it’s giving competitors a run for their money. It solely targets Windows 11/10 PCs and focuses on gaming.
- With a simple installation process and several features, such as Keyboard mapping, Memu is efficient in gaming, just like Nox App Player and Bluestacks. You can install the emulator using the APK and test it by running it multiple times.
- Like other emulators, this one also features customization options for the RAM and CPU and supports a 4K gaming experience.
- MEmu emulator stands out because it supports Intel, Nvidia, and AMD chipsets. (very few emulators support AMD). The deep integration of the mouse and Keyboard allowed by the emulator results in to smooth gameplay experience.
- The only downside is its graphic quality, which is weak compared to other emulators. However, this doesn’t limit it from proKeyboard high-quality gaming experience. The emulator is updated regularly to fix bugs within its games and apps.
- The latest version of MEmu now supports a 64-bit Android emulator. This means MEmu can now play coded games with only 64-bit architecture, like arm64-v8a and x86-64. Such a game that requires 64-bitAndroidd is Lineage 2m by NCsoft.
- Note: Memu is not available for Mac.
- You can download the Memu free Android emulator on a Windows 10 PC.
5. Android Studio Emulator
Android Studio is the latest Android IDE, supported by Google’s Android system. It has incredibly versatile functionality and can start consumer apps quicker than computers. Consumers can reach superior output and perspective in their smartphone applications with more flexibility and a more comprehensive view. It facilitates limited memory high-definition games on the device.
Features
- Android Studio supports a Multifunctional Simulator with a good user experience and apps.
- It allows users to choose the style of the simulator window for an excellent user interface.
- It enables users to concurrently use various applications and grab screenshots while they are in the system.
- This simulator is founded on Java language and has high efficiency and features.
- Android Studio is the official Google simulator and is highly stable and well-designed.
- It offers too many alternatives beyond mobile device connectivity, such as checking software, high-definition gaming, etc.
Download the d Android Studio Emulator
6. ARChon
Last but not least, we have ARChon. ARChon is different from the emulators on this list. It’s unlike common emulators that you download and install as software independently. Instead, you install this emulator as an extension of Google Chrome.
- ARChon is also a bit more challenging to operate compared to other emulators.
- After you download the APKs you’ll use, you’ll need to download another tool to make these files compatible with and executable on Chrome.
- Despite the difficulties of using ARChon, the setup is only difficult initially.
- ARChon is decent for high-end games, but there are other better options if your primary purpose is for gaming.
- This emulator excels in using productivity apps since it is integrated into Chrome.
- ARChon is a great choice for Windows 11/10 users as it is a browser-based Android emulator.
Download Archon For Windows 10
7. Genymotion
If you are a developer looking for software to run various Android versions so you can test your app, Genymotion is your best bet. It is the best Android emulator for App development.
Some prominent emulators focus mainly on gaming, but Genymotion took a different path and focused entirely on Android development. This emulator features a design that assists app creators in testing their apps in a safe environment.
Features like plugins, tools, and support simplify the emulator’s installation process. Genymotion includes salient features like OpenGL and supports different versions of Android operating systems.
When you want to create a new virtual device, you must first log in to your Genymotion account. Once you have logged in, you will see a launch screen. You can select and download an Android device you want to emulate.
Genymotion is faster than Bluestacks because it’s developed on X9 architecture. If you have a powerful PC, you are in for a treat, as its performance translates into a rapid, virtual Android experience.
8. Andy Android Emulator
Andy is one of the oldest and most trusted emulators among users. Andy developers quickly upgrade the Android OS engine used in their Virtual OS emulation.
If Google updates the Android OS, Andy users will have the same version on their Windows 11/10 PC. Other developers generally wait months before updating their emulation engines.
Andy App is famous for its syncing capabilities between Windows 11 Operating System and Android mobile phones.
The best feature of Andy, an Android emulator for Windows 11, is that you can use your Android phone as a Joystick for your Desktop or PC.
This lets you use features like Gyro movements and touch combinations or multi-touch while playing games like Pubg Mobile or Call of Duty mobile.
You can receive your Instagram DMs, Whatsapp text messages, or Snapchat pictures directly on your home or work Computer.
9. Bliss OS
Bliss OS is quite different from all the above Android emulators. This software works as an Android OS for PC. You can install a Virtual Box or create a bootable USB drive. It runs well if you have a compatible system, so always be prepared with a backup of the current operating system.
10. Remix OS Player
Remix OS Player is an outdated Android emulator for PCs. It is a product of Jide Technology, a company owned by former Google employees. Remix OS Player is excellent for productivity apps but does not suit heavy gaming. Moreover, it is the only player that allows its users to play several games simultaneously.
Remix OS Player is known for providing the most personal Android interface on Windows 11/10 computers. The software also provides the primary mapping tool for Android games, including touch-handling systems. It helps players interact more effectively with the keyboard and mouse.
Remix OS Player Features
- Remix OS Player is a strong simulator designed to incorporate Android, which provides high compatibility in a free preview of Keyboardapps.
- It provides Google marshmallows and enables gaming platforms in high definition.
- It will allow Android programmers to automate Android or Chrome applications since it supports multi-window systems.
- Users should map various buttons to provide game programs with access control.
11. Phoenix OS
Among the latest Android emulators is Phoenix OS. It gives the games a whole new experience and improves the performance of the desktop. This implies that it best suits the productivity sector. Google Play services are available on Phoenix OS, though it is quite hard to update the facilities. You can get Phoenix OS from its web page for free.
Note: XDA developers run Phoenix OS forums, and it supports Android 7.1
12. Xamarin
Xamarin is similar to Android Studio. The main difference is that Xamarin can be integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio, which Android Studio cannot.
- Like Android studio, Xamarin has an in-built emulator app that can test the game.
- The emulator comes free for regular use, but companies must settle on the pricing for heavy usage.
- You can download the app from the Microsoft official website.
13. KoPlayer
Ko Player focuses on providing lightweight software with a lag-free gaming experience. This emulator is free, so you might see a few ads. It is easy to install and supports gamepad emulation and keyboard mapping.
KoPlayer was discontinued in 2019, so it’s better if you don’t use Koplayer Emulator.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about emulators.
Which is the best Android emulator for PC?
Bluestacks App Player is the best Android emulator for Windows 10 PC and Mac OS.
Which Android emulator is the fastest?
After testing many emulators for days, I can surely say that Gameloop and BlueStacks Android emulators are faster and smoother than all others.
Are Android emulators safe for PC?
Yes. Android Emulators are safe to download and use on a PC.
Is BlueStacks or NOX better?
I have tried both Bluestacks and Nox emulators. There is no significant difference, but BlueStacks is better than Nox.
Which Android emulator is best for low-end PC?
IUsingGameloop or Nox App Player for low-end Windows 10 PC. is recommended
Are Android emulators illegal?
Which is the best Android emulator for PC?
Bluestacks App Player is the best Android emulator for Windows 10 PC and Mac OS.
Which Android emulator is the fastest?
After testing many emulators for days, I can surely say, Gameloop and BlueStacks Android emulators are faster and smoother than all other emulators out there.
Are Android emulators safe for PC?
Yes. Android Emulators are safe to download and use on a PC.
Is BlueStacks or NOX better?
I have tried both Bluestacks and Nox emulators. There is no significant difference, but BlueStacks is better than Nox.
Which Android emulator is best for low-end PC?
It is recommended to use Gameloop or Nox App Player for low-end Windows 10 PC.
Are Android emulators illegal?
Yes. Android emulators are legal. Android OS is an open-source project. So, as long as you use the emulators for the right purposes, it is legal and safe.