Android is a powerful OS that offers a complete package for smartphones with deep accessibility to mobile devices. You can use the Android OS to install third-party apps, change the UI, and adjust the look and feel of your phone.
The open source nature of the Android OS has made it the most popular mobile software, which has led to the development of many Android-based emulators for PCs.
You can use the emulator to run the Android ecosystem on Windows and Mac PCs for free. Responsiveness and ease of using mobile apps on the emulator depend on your system specifications. A good computer with the latest hardware can run high-end Android games on your PC.
Today, in this post, we list the best Android emulators for your computer to run Android apps and games.
Here are the best Android emulators for PC running Android apps on your computer.
Table of Contents
1. MEmu
MEmu is a popular Android emulator for Windows PC. You can play advanced games on your PC if your system has the minimum system requirements for memu players to work smoothly. The emulator offers some nice features that make playing the game on your PC easier.
MEmu allows for high keyboard mapping customization, making mobile game control requirements easy. The emulator can enable virtualization of your PC and provides great performance for integrated and dedicated graphics.
The best thing about the emulator is that it is compatible with Windows based on Intel, Nvidia and AMD.
Memu comes pre-installed with Google Play Store, so you can easily search for and install apps on your PC. It is also associated with an APK file in the Windows repository, and when you double-click on the file, the emulator will prompt you to install the app.
MEmu’s developers release updates regularly to add more features and fix issues with the app. This software helps the tight integration of the mouse and keyboard to make the game run smoothly.
Minimum system requirements:
- Intel, Nvidia or AMD CPU processor
- Windows XP / 7 / 8 /8.1/10
- Windows DirectX 11 or graphics driver with OpenGL 2.0 installed
- Hardware Virtualization Technology (Intel VT-x / AMD-V) must be enabled in BIOS.
- At least 2 GB of system memory
- At least 2 GB of free hard disk space
2. Gameloop
Most Android emulators for PC are universal and designed to simulate the Android experience on your computer.
However, Tencent’s Gameloop, who is also the developer of PUBG, has created an emulator designed specifically for mobile gaming on PC. Gaming Buddy can handle high-end games.
With Gameloop, you can’t get the feel of the original Android UI like you can on other emulators. The interface is simple with settings, controls, installed apps and a few additional settings to improve your gaming experience.
The emulator is very small compared to that emulator. Tencent Gaming Buddy is a game emulator for Windows specially configured to run games.
TGB allows you to download and play Android apps and games on your Windows PC. The emulator is optimized to run high graphics and high processor games on your PC without any issues. TGB provides keyboard mapping and cursor control along with mouse sensitivity and configuration. This makes TGB the best Android game emulator for PC.
As the emulator is always in development, there is a lot of room for improvement, so you can tweak your Buddy settings to improve your game’s performance.
You can set the resolution to SD (720p), HD (1080p) or 2K in the settings. You can also set the display quality to Auto, Smooth, Balance or HD.
Minimum system requirements:
- Windows 7 or later
- CPU: Intel’s Dual Core | AMD @ 1.8Ghz
- GPU: Native NVIDIA GeForce | AMD Radeon
- 3GB RAM
- 2 GB of free storage
3. Nox Player
Nox Player is the best Android emulator for Windows and Mac. The emulator is designed for gaming. Nox can handle high FPS games without complexity, and supports keypad, gamepad and script recording (which helps to record sequences on screen for later play).
It may take some time to get used to the controls, but once you get used to it, Nox Player will prove to be the best place to run Android apps and games on Windows or Mac.
You can customize the controls in the settings and even optimize the quality if your graphics are higher than your PC standard.
One of the most amazing features of Nox is that it comes with a rooted version of Android by default.
So, fully unlocked players get full access to Android.
Nox can be upgraded to Nougat. We recommend Nox, which is feature-rich and runs incredibly smoothly on your PC.
Minimum system requirements:
- Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10 and
- DirectX 9.0C
- Dual Core, AMD or Intel
- OpenGL 2.0 or higher
- 1.5 GB RAM
- 2.5 GB free hard disk space
4. Bluestack
BlueStacks is the most popular Android emulator for Windows and Mac. It is one of the most well-rounded emulators with a decent mix of power, graphics, and processing, which is the best of Android emulators for PC.
Using apps or playing games on BlueStacks makes the emulator run smoothly enough to play high-graphics games.
Although it is desirable for the PC to have good specs to handle the graphics. Nevertheless, BlueStacks Emulator is the best and most reliable Android client to play Android apps and games on Windows and Mac.
BlueStacks runs on the ‘latest’ Nougat version. BlueStacks claims to be 6x faster than smartphones.
The software has an advanced key mapping and control system that lets you manage your key controls with an all-new game control window.
You can also set your preferred manual control settings for a better gaming experience. You can also run other apps of your choice on the simulator.
Minimum system requirements:
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 or later.
- Processor: Intel or AMD processor.
- RAM: Your PC must have at least 2 GB of RAM.
- HDD: 5GB free disk space
- You must be an administrator on your PC.
- Latest graphics driver from Microsoft or chipset vendor.
5. Genymotion Cloud
Genymotion is an easy-to-use Android emulator designed to help developers test their apps. Genymotion allows you to run Android apps as virtual machines via the cloud.
Just log in and click Add on the main screen to select and download the Android computer you want to emulate.
Choose your device from a wide range of tablets and phones, available on different Android versions. Start the machine and finish.
Emulators run in the cloud: SaaS, PaaS, AWS, CGS, etc. So, all you need is an up-to-date and updated browser and good internet speed.
You can use the emulator as a virtual Android device and perform all functions as you would on a traditional mobile.
Genymotion’s interface is easy and intuitive. The problem, however, is that a powerful PC is required for the smooth operation of the VM.
Ideally, this app is perfect for gaming and product testing. The service is paid, but 1000 minutes is free. You can test your apps and games against different device conditions, including performance at different battery levels, Wi-Fi strength, data, GPS, Pixel, gyroscope, different storage levels, RAM, multi-touch, and more.
The VM provides a variety of tools and plugins for in-depth testing of your app.
Minimum system requirements:
- Microsoft Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10 (32 or 64 bit).
- macOS 10.9 or later.
- Linux Ubuntu 18.04 or later
- An OpenGL 2.0 capable video card with the latest drivers.
- Intel HD Graphics 4000 (2012), Nvidia GeForce 500 series (2011),
ATI Radeon HD 6000 series (2011). - 64-bit CPU with VT-x or AMD-V capability, enabled in BIOS settings.
- At least 2 GB of RAM memory.
- Screen resolutions greater than 1024 x 768 pixels.
- Free hard disk space: at least 100 MB.
- Your web browser has been updated.
6. Remix OS Player
Remix OS Player is optimized for games. In particular, you can map the keyboard buttons and control the game for all your convenience.
Developers have been looking for ways to improve the software that potentially favors games. The emulator does not support AMD chipsets and requires virtualization technology to be enabled in the BIOS.
The app has a very clean and fresh interface that appeals to users. The emulator has many customization options for game preferences to help users get the most out of Remix OS.
The interface of Remix OS is very fresh. Remix is the best platform for developers to test their apps. It is a very powerful emulator with a built-in play store.
Remix’s Game Toolkit gives you everything you need to play your favorite Android games on your PC. Remix OS Player is the only Android emulator that allows you to play multiple games at the same time.
It runs on Android Marshmallow unlike most others still stuck on Lollipop and below.
Minimum system requirements:
- 2GHz dual-core processor or higher
- 2 GB system memory.
- At least 8 GB of free hard drive space
- updated graphics
7. PrimeOS
PrimeOS is not an emulator by itself, but an operating system that boots itself up after creating a partition on your computer’s storage.
So when you boot your PC, Windows OS and PrimeOS, you will see dual boot option.
Prime OS’s interface is very clean and tidy, and with the power of Android, it feels like a desktop.
Developers bring all the basic elements of the Android ecosystem to the OS, along with desktop attributes such as start menu, taskbar, etc., providing a very fresh user experience.
Being an OS, it integrates very well with the system hardware, which is an advantage over emulator systems that have to react according to the system.
For games, there are some dedicated features like Decapro key mapping tool, custom control settings, dedicated game center for game management, CPU and GPU support tools and more.
The OS can run all hardcore games smoothly due to its deep coupling with the hardware. Installing on an EXT4 RW partition enables OTA support. It also includes Opengapps, so you don’t need to install it manually.
8. LDPlayer
LDPlayer is an emulator designed to play mobile games on Windows. Play the game with your keyboard and mouse.
The simulator allows simple and convenient operation even in multiplayer games. LD is compatible with many types of games, providing smooth control, stable and efficient operation.
You can run multiple games at once without terminating the process. Based on Android Lollipop. In addition to playing Android games on your PC, you can also access the Google Play Store along with the Google suite of mobile services for other apps.
Its versatile design and user-friendly settings make it one of the most recommended simulators for PC.
Features of LDPlayer:
- Optimized for mid-range devices.
- You can run heavy android games for free.
- High performance for maximum speed
- Smooth play and simple operation
9. AMIDuOS
AMIDuOS, commonly referred to as DuOS, is an Android emulator for PC. AMIDuOS running on the Lollipop version is one of the perfect emulator systems.
Before installing AMIDuOS, make sure “Virtualization Technology” is enabled in BIOS and Microsoft Net framework 4.0 or later.
AMIDuOS does not support Google Play Store, but there is an Amazon App Store and you can install APK files whenever you want.
The emulator can handle advanced games, but disappointingly lacks keyboard and mouse mapping capabilities. But if you want to play games, external gamepad support is available.
Another amazing feature of AMIDuOS is that you can install apps with root privileges and take full advantage of the emulator system.
DuOS is a paid platform with a 30-day free trial and $15. But the support and features it offers are worth buying.
Features of AMIDuOS:
- Android Lollipop
- Compatible with Android applications.
- Includes Amazon Appstore and APK support
- 3D Acceleration
- Compatible sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes for a complete phone experience
- Keyboard shortcuts within applications
- gesture control
Minimum system requirements:
- Windows 7/8/8.1/10
- Intel x86 CPU
- hardware virtualization technology
- OpenGL 3.0 or higher
- 2 GB RAM and 2 GB free hard disk space
10. ARChon
ARChon is not a traditional emulator system for PC. It’s actually a Chrome extension that can load APK files from the Google Chrome browser at runtime.
It’s not an easy emulator to run as you have to use a tool to change the APK file to be compatible with ARChon.
Also, support issues may prevent all APK files from running. If you want to run your app in Chrome using this extension, you have to do many more different steps.
Also, it can only handle the pressure of small APK files with no extra file size.
ARChon currently works on Android 4.4 and you can find the extension on Github.
To install the extension, download and unzip the ARChon runtime.
Now upload the file to ‘Unpacked Extensions’.
Settings -> Extensions -> Check ‘Developer Mode’
Once uploaded, enable ARChon and use twerk to change the APK file to make it compatible with Chrome.
11. KOPlayer
KOPlayer is a free and solid platform built on the kernel technology of the x86 architecture. It supports advanced features such as OpenGL and hardware acceleration. Provides a high-quality Android playback experience on the Windows platform.
The emulator supports multiple accounts, screen recording, gamepad and keyboard mapping for streamlined control. This app has built-in GMS support in the Google Play Store so you can safely download your favorite apps.
Minimum system requirements:
- Windows 7 or later
- CPU Dual-Core AMD or Intel CPU
- Graphics card – GPU that supports OpenGL 2.1
- HDD – 10 GB of free disk space.
- RAM: 2GB RAM
12. Android Studio
Android Studio is specifically aimed at developers who want to develop Android apps. A variety of customizable features are available to test your products.
Android Studio’s emulators are very complex and are best for developers who want to test their apps under different conditions such as signal strength, battery, storage capacity, RAM, CPU, GPU, etc.
This Android emulator is the official tool of Android which is too complicated for consumers due to its very small program. However, if you are a developer and want to experiment with apps for performance and usage, Studio is the best emulator for your PC.
It comes with features like APK Analyzer, layout tester, real-time error detection, code editing, and more.
Minimum system requirements:
- 64-bit distribution that can run 32-bit applications
- 3GB RAM
- 2GB HDD space
- Windows, Linux or Mac
- Minimum monitor resolution must be 1280×800.
13. LeapDroid
There are many emulators on the market, but LeapDroid stands out thanks to its incredibly fast emulation that allows you to run any high-end game on your PC.
Emulators focus on speed and performance. Leap offers very few customization options, and you can’t change resolutions or tweak in-depth parameters, except for typical Android settings.
All you have to do is install the program, sync it with your Google account, and start using it. LeapDroid, like most of its competitors, is a good emulator that runs a virtual machine in the background.
You can test and play games with fast speed and performance emulation.
14. YouWave
YouWave is one of the oldest emulators available and still works.
YouWave isn’t for gamers, but you can still play games with less RAM. The emulator is aimed at users who want to be productive and test with useful tools for developers.
Apps that require hardware sensors or use closed source APIs are not supported.
Minimum system requirements:
- Intel Pentium 1.6GHz CPU
- 2.0GB DRAM
- 500 MB disk space,
- Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
- Premium version requires Windows 64-bit and VT-x support.
15. Phoenix OS
With Jide’s Remix OS shutting down, Phoenix OS became software for the Android emulator environment, modified for Windows 10.
Developed based on Android 7.1, Phoenix OS offers many classic PC features that provide desktop, multi-window, mouse and keyboard support, while full support for Android games thanks to system-level compatibility.
Phoenix OS supports a variety of peripherals such as mice and keyboards, gamepads, and even docks.
Phoenix OS supports file categories, LAN access, universal search, mouse support, and drag-and-drop between windows. You’ll get Ethernet, app cloning, shortcut key support, and more.
Phoenix OS (x86) can run on devices with Intel x86 series CPUs. It can be installed on the hard disk for operation without affecting the original document system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best Android emulator for PC?
There are several Android emulators with different output goals. So, whether it’s for testing, gaming, or any other general purpose use, it’s a good idea to choose an emulation system that fits your goals.
What’s the best Android emulator for a low-cost PC?
BlueStacks and MEmu Cloud are ideal choices for low-cost PCs. You can also use the cloud-based Genymotion to run the Android system on your PC without any load on the system.
Are Android emulators legal?
Android emulators are just systems that are completely safe, legal, and built to run in third-party environments. Some Android emulators can steal your data, so it’s a good idea to choose a popular and reputable Android emulation system.
What is the best emulator for gameplay?
Most people use Android emulators to run apps and play games. The best Android emulators for smooth gameplay are on Gameloop, Bluetstacks, Nox and MEmu.
Are Android Emulators Safe?
Emulators are generally safe and are built in Android Studio. The emulator has been tested and can be safely used by simulating the original system. Some emulators try to inject malicious scripts, so it’s best to avoid them.
conclusion
The Android emulators listed above allow you to run and play Android apps and games for free on your Windows and/or Mac PC.
The responsiveness of the simulator depends on the hardware and software specifications of your computer system. If your PC can meet the basic specs enough, that’s fine.
Keyboard mapping and external gamepad support allow you to play games on your computer. As a developer, we recommend that you test your app under different mobile conditions.
