Android emulators serve various purposes, from helping developers test apps to helping gamers play games on a big screen. Maybe you’re switching from iPhone to Android, or just want to try custom software on a computer. The possibilities with the best Android emulators for Windows and Mac computers are endless. Regular users may also long to experience the Android operating system on a Windows PC, complete with a mouse and keyboard.
Best android emulators for computers
The best Android emulators for computers presented in this list are all unique and serve their own purpose. Some are obviously better than the others, but each has a place on this list. You may find an emulator that suits your needs better.
BlueStacks
BlueStacks is the most popular Android emulator for computers. It’s the go-to for gaming and it’s ridiculously easy to set up. In addition to the Google Play Store, you have the option to download optimized apps from its own app store.
In terms of gaming performance, it outperforms other Android emulators. However, delays are still noticeable, especially on less powerful computers. That said, it is still one of the best Android emulators out there, especially if you are new to emulators.
Pros
- Easy to set up with no technical knowledge required
- Support for multiple accounts
- The best Android emulator for all use
Contras
- Doesn’t work well on low-end computers
- Needs at least 4GB of RAM to run smoothly
Nox Player
Nox Player specifically targets Android gamers. Although the emulator is great for running Android apps and enjoying the full Android experience, it is more suitable for playing massive games like PUBG or Justice League . It is one of the best Android emulators to play games.
The Nox Player allows you to map the keys of the keyboard, mouse and gamepad. You can even assign keyboard keys to gestures, for example mapping shortcuts or swiping right. You can also specify CPU and RAM usage in settings to get the best gaming results.
The Android emulator is based on Android 5 Lollipop , which might be a concern for many. While still free, the emulator comes bundled with unwanted software that users have described as “difficult to remove.” Several popular antiviruses have described Nox’s system files as suspicious.
Pros
- Multiple windows on one device
- Assignment of shortcuts on controls
- easy to root
- Awesome user interface
Contras
- Poor security protocols and dodgy unknown files
- Hangs when multiple windows are open
Gameloop
Game Loop, formerly known as Tencent Gaming Buddy, has recently entered the list of the best Android emulators for PC, thanks to exclusive support for Call of Duty Mobile. Before the release of COD, the Android emulator only supported PUBG and a bunch of game titles from the developer Tencent.
GameLoop is really dedicated to Android gaming, hence the lack of support for other Android apps. But the bright side is that GameLoop is one of the best Android emulators for Android games . You will immediately notice the lack of numerous good game titles, not to mention that the Gameloop Android emulator cannot be used to test and other Android applications.
Pros
- Excellent keyboard and mouse integration
- Official Call of Duty and PUBG Companion
- great performance
Contras
- limited to games
- Applications not related to the game do not run properly
MEmu (Windows)
MEmu is a relatively new app player compared to others. Launched in 2015, the MeMu Play is once again focused on gaming. In terms of speed, this Android emulator gives similar results to Nox and BlueStacks. One of the most important features of the MeMu Android emulator is its compatibility with AMD and Nvidia chips.
MEmu is currently based on Android Lollipop and works best with productivity apps. And if you feel like playing games like Ingress or Pokémon Go, this should be your choice. Overall, it’s the best Android emulator if you want to experience Android on a computer.
Pros
- Set your virtual location on Google Maps
- Supports both AMD and NVidia
Contras
- limited to games
- You need a decent PC
Android Studio
Android Studio is an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) from Google and is especially aimed at developers. It basically comes with a bunch of tools and plugins to help developers build and test their apps.
Android Studio has a built-in emulator but it has fewer features compared to Genymotion. The emulator is definitely not for general use and playing heavy games. Android Studio is difficult to configure, but at the same time it is the favorite of many developers.
Pros
- Official Google Emulator
- Regular updates
Contras:
- Complicated setup
- not to play
- You need a decent PC
Genymotion
Genymotion is not a casual Android emulator for PC; it is intended for developers only. The Android simulator allows you to test applications on a variety of virtual devices with different versions of Android. The emulator supports Android SDK and Android Studio. It even works on macOS and Linux.
Since Genymotion leans towards developers, it is packed with a bunch of developer-friendly features. And it may not be the right choice for people looking to try out Android apps on their PC.
Pros
- Support Android Studio
- Works on MacOS and Linux
- Run versions from Android 4.1 to 8.0
Contras:
- not for games
- Does not have Play Store
- Requires the installation of VirtualBox
Phoenix OS
Phoenix OS is one of the newest emulators on the market right now and it runs on x86 operating system. It can run Android 7.1 , which is quite rare as most emulators can only run older versions. It is good for both gaming and productivity due to its simple user interface.
As for gaming, it is capable of running HD games with high-speed performance. It also has multifunctional support for gamers. The emulator is ideal for those who have low-end PCs, as even then, it can run games at over 30 FPS.
Pros
- Low system requirements
- Simple user interface
