10+ BEST Android Emulators For Low End PC And MAC [Updated 2021 List]
Read This Informative Review Of Top Android Emulators You can Use In 2021 for an Enhanced Gaming Experience. Select the Best Android Emulator From This List:
What is an Android Emulator?
Android Emulator is an Android Virtual Device i.e. AVD which is designed to represent any particular Android device.
Windows Emulator can be used as a platform or environment to run and execute the Android application on the system. Its usage depends on the user’s needs and can be optional. It is useful to deploy the applications which are developed in users IDE without actually installing it in your system.
What Is Android?
Android is a Linux based Operating System (OS) that is open source and is used for mobile platforms like smartphones, tablets, etc. Android is a preferred OS because of the features like open-source, large developer and community reach, increased marketing, inter-app integration, reduced cost of development, higher success ratio, rich development environment, etc.
Why do we require Android Emulators when we have Android?
Android phones are useful, portable, and creative but when it comes to regular use or long hours of use at a time, it cannot match computers.
Here, the Emulator comes into the picture as it allows us to create a bridge between the user’s Android device and the computer’s strong resources. It helps in reducing the lags of Android games, allows users to get access to computer controls, and mainly allows the users to use all their smartphone features on the computer and a much bigger screen.
- The users get the same feel of their Android device on their computers.
- It will have a larger display thus have better controls to use applications in computers.
- Unlike Android phones, users don’t need to worry about battery life issues. They can use Android features in their PC with unlimited battery life
- PC provides the ability to use more applications at one time which is a very useful feature.
- PC’s are more powerful than the Android devices and can handle high definition games and videos at a decent speed. No performance issues associated with it in PC.
- Unlike smartphones PCs are more rugged and robust, so users use them for games and movies without the risk of getting damaged easily.
How Do Android Emulators Work?
Android Emulators work on the principle of complete platform virtualization for both hardware and software. The AVD manager helps the user to set up and do the configurations for virtual Android devices. It has information on device type, system image or Application Binary Interface (ABI) and verifies the configurations.
Android Emulator is known to mimic the device hardware. Now, post that, it helps in translating the ABI to match the host device. Then the user integrates it with the operating system and runs it like a program or application on their computers.
In some cases, the translation of CPU configurations are complicated and can be slow, so it is better to have the same guest and host CPU configurations.
Android Emulators are becoming more popular as they provide a good workaround for people who don’t have high-end Android devices with good configuration. They also provide access to all mobile applications from PC. Users can play multiple games at a time with good performance.
How to install Android Emulators to your PC:
Below listed links gives a detailed explanation to install emulators.
- Installing Android Studio – Android Emulators
- How To Install And Download Memu play Android Emulator On PC/Laptop and Mac 100 %
- Android Emulator for using APKs
List Of Top 14 Android Emulators
- BlueStacks
- Android Studio
- Remix OS Player
- Nox Player
- MEmu
- Ko Player
- Genymotion
- ARChon
- Bliss
- AMIDuOS
- AndY
- Droid4X
- PrimeOS
- Phoenix OS
Comparison Of Top 5 Android Emulators For PC And MAC
| Android Emulator | Rating | Performance | Open Source | Supported Platforms | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlueStacks | 4.6/5 | High | Yes | Android, Microsoft Windows, and Apple MacOs. | Gaming, as it offers custom key mapping for keyboard configurations. |
| Nox Player | 4.4/5 | Medium | Yes | Android and Microsoft Windows, MacOs. | Known for allowing multiple Windows on a single device. |
| Ko Player | 4.1/5 | Medium | Yes | Android, MacOs and Microsoft Windows. | Known for having no compatibility issues with other devices and having smooth gaming experience. |
| Genymotion | 4.5/5 | High | No | Android, MacOs, Microsoft Windows, and Linux. | Known for emulating devices with very slow internal storage. |
| MEmu | 4/5 | Medium | No | Android and Microsoft Windows. | Known for providing option of passing through sensor data like an accelerometer to Android for great gaming experience. |
#1) BlueStacks Emulator
DashBoard:
See the video on how to install BlueStacks in PC
BlueStacks is an American company that produces BlueStacks Android Emulator. BlueStacks was introduced in the market to push the mobile gaming boundaries.
It allows you to run Android apps and high definition games on the user’s system. It offers a unique platform that combines both traditional and digital advertising channels to maximize their capacity in a manner never done previously.
BlueStacks Facts:
In 2013, BlueStacks had a user application install base of 10 million which has provided access to around 1.5 million Android applications and games. It is continually growing and now has approximately 130 million users using it. BlueStacks was able to raise around $30 million in funds from companies like Samsung, Qualcomm Ventures, Andreessen-Horowitz, Intel and others.
Recommended Reading=>BlueStacks
Features:
- BlueStacks is one of the fastest mobile gaming platforms with the widest range of experience-enhancing options.
- It offers support for Android N on user’s systems with better graphics and also saves a lot of phone battery.
- It does not capture a lot of RAM and the installation process is quite user-friendly.
- It offers customizable gaming controls, simple and clean interface, allows the user to run multiple applications or games at a time.
Supported Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, and Apple Mac OS.
Price: It is an open-source. Its premium version comes for $24 per month.
Why BlueStacks Emulator?
- It supports almost all games and does not require a lot of RAM for processing.
- It offers custom key mapping so users can play mobile games with keyboard setup and show an impressive performance ratio.
- It is free of cost, can run multiple games simultaneously, sleek design and interface.
Cons:
- BlueStacks offers no control over home screen applications.
- The features, it offers, are reluctantly buggy in nature.
Website: Bluestacks Emulator
#2) Android Studio Emulator
See video to How To Install Android Studio On PC or MACOS
Android Studio is Android’s official IDE for the Android operating system of Google. It comes along with extremely flexible features and is capable of starting user’s applications way faster than real device.
Users can get the advanced performance and view of its mobile applications in a system with more freedom and a bigger view. It supports high definition games consuming low memory on the system. With Google’s brand, great reliability also comes with this emulator.
Features:
- Android Studio is a multi-functional emulator that comes with a good graphical user interface and features.
- It allows the user to set the emulator window theme as per their choice for a better user experience.
- It allows users to use multiple applications simultaneously and to take screenshots while using applications in the system.
- Based on Java language, this emulator comes with high performance and work functions.
Supported Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, and Apple Mac OS.
Price: It is an open-source.
Why Android Studio Emulator?
- Android Studio is an official emulator by Google, so it comes with strong reliability and good features.
- It provides too many options apart from accessing mobile applications on desktop like testing apps, high definition gaming experience, etc.
Cons:
- The premium version of the Android Studio emulator comes with a high price compared to other emulators in the market.
- The visual interface needs to be improved for the better gaming experience to the user.
Website: Android Studio Emulator
#3) Remix OS Player Emulator
See video to How To Install
Remix OS Player is an Android emulator for the Windows system that is known to offer the most immersive Android experience on the system. It also includes a key mapping tool phenomenon which helps the Android games with touch controlling schemes, so the user can play more efficiently with mouse and keyboard.
For installing this emulator, the user needs only a .exe file and directly runs the Remix OS Player.
Features:
- Remix OS Player is a powerful emulator built for AndroidPC system integration and provides good usability of Android apps in desktop view.
- It comes with marshmallow Android and supports high definition gaming systems.
- It is capable of allowing Android developers for app optimization of AndroidPC or chrome environment as it has multi-window support.
- Users can map any number of keyboard buttons to provide access control in gaming applications.
Supported Platforms: Android and Microsoft Windows.
Price: It is an open-source.
Why Remix OS Player Emulator?
- Remix OS Player emulator is highly recommended for productivity apps.
- It runs all the Android games in the latest versions of Android OS available in the market.
- Multi-functional as it supports simultaneously like using chat apps, internet browsers, office software, etc.
Cons:
- Remix OS Player emulator does not support all the games available in the market.
- It does not provide customizable themes for the user.
Website: Remix OS Player Emulator
#4) Nox Player Emulator
See video to How To Install
Nox Player is one of the famous Android emulators on PC. It is free and quite safe for use. It has compliance with GDPR and cares about the personal information of the user and protects it. It is fully optimized and is very stable for both gaming and applications. It also makes the use smoother.
Using Nox, users will have the same gaming experience as a system. It supports gamepad, keyboard, multiple instances running simultaneously, script recording, etc.
Facts about Nox Player:
Nox Player has been highly recognized by gamers and users around the world since it is launched in the market. Currently, Nox Player has been launched in more than 200 countries and areas around the globe, it has more than 150 million users currently, and is in one of the top position of the Asian market share.
It is believed that after the successful running of Nox Player, Company is planning to release its upgraded version with more premium features for the users.
Recommended Reading=> Nox Player Emulator
Features:
- Nox Player emulator has open keyboard mapping running with a single click, all gaming controls on gamepad, mouse, and keyboard.
- It allows running multiple functions to run at a time to enjoy more games at one time.
- It comes with a macro recorder to record the complex operations and can execute the script in one click.
- As it supports Android 7 which gives ultimate user experience and superior performance.
Supported Platforms: Android and Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, etc.
Price: It is an open-source.
Why Nox Player Emulator?
- It is an open-source and comes with upgraded Android versions support for the best gaming experience.
- It is very simple to root and allows multiple Windows on a single device.
Cons:
- Nox Player lags sometimes when too many windows are open simultaneously on a device.
- The user interface needs to be enhanced for better user experience.
Website: Nox Player Emulator
#5) MEmu Emulator
See video to How To Install
MEmu is one of the famous Android emulators. It is among the fastest open-source Android emulator for playing mobile games on desktop. It is known to provide great performance and an extreme user experience.
MEmu allows one to level multiple accounts for the same game or the user can play many games on one account simultaneously. It has more than 20 million users in over 200 countries and approximately 20 languages with continuous growth in progress.
Features:
- MEmu allows users to play free Android games and comes with many optimized graphics.
- It has a simple installation process that supports keyboard, mouse, and game-pad to play mobile games perfectly.
- It provides an option to develop a custom Android emulator or application distribution to meet the business requirements.
- It allows file sharing between the Android and Windows platforms. It also has fast APK installation by drag and drops feature.
Supported Platforms: Android and Microsoft Windows.
Price: It is open source and chargeable for the premium edition.
Why MEmu Emulator?
It has the option of passing through sensor data like an accelerometer to Android, so high definition games like Pubg or car racing can be played intuitively.
Cons:
- The UI can be improved for a better user experience like adding certain custom themes or so.
- It does not support all the games, so games lag when running on the MEmu emulator.
Website: MEmu Emulator
#6) Ko Player
See video to How To Install
Ko Player is one among the best Android emulator which allows the user to experience quality Android playing experience on the desktop. This robust and powerful emulator mainly focuses on providing a smooth and lag-free gaming experience for users.
If you don’t have an Android device still it allows enjoying features of Android on desktop. Any app present in the Google play store can be run on this emulator.
Features:
- Ko Player supports all the peripheral devices like keyboard, gamepad, mouse, microphone, camera to enjoy mobile-based games on desktop.
- It comes along with a built-in video recording feature that enables you to record any video and can watch back later at any time.
- It allows all the Android apps to run on a big screen of the desktop to enjoy a better gaming experience.
- Users can capture and share the gameplay with anyone they want.
- It has one key feature of the toolbar which provides quick access to features like screen capturing, volume adjustment, resolution, etc.
Supported Platforms: Android, Mac OS, and Microsoft Windows.
Price: It is an open-source.
Why Ko Player Emulator?
- It is simple and easy to use.
- Easy and quick download.
- Avoids compatibility challenges.
Cons:
- Ko Player does not provide custom options for the user to enhance usability as per own requirements.
Website: Ko Player
#7) Genymotion Emulator
See video to How To Install
Genymotion is a powerful and very easy to use Android emulator. It is specifically designed for supporting the application developers to test the products in a secure virtual environment.
It provides a lot of custom features for users to meet their requirements. It is capable of emulating 3000 plus virtual Android device configurations like screen size or Android versions. It has strong sensors, like GPS, multi-touch, etc.
Features:
- Genymotion is a multi-support Android emulator which speeds up testing, share live demos and can monitor performance across all devices.
- It has high definition pixel compatibility which shows your mobile app with great clarity on systems.
- It allows the user to forward gyroscope and multi-touch events from any Android device connected to the users’ desktop.
- It uses the desktop webcam as the video source to record screencasts of the virtual device of the user.
Supported Platforms: Android, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, and Linux.
Price: US $136 per year to the US $412 per year per user.
Why KO Player Emulator?
- It supports multiple operating systems.
- It can emulate devices with very slow internal storage.
Cons:
- The combined features of the Genymotion emulator sometimes make lag in Android application execution.
- It is not open source and comes with a high price per user.
Website: Genymotion Emulator
#8) ARChon Emulator
See video to How To Install
ARChon Android emulator is a famous emulator known for its flexibility. It is the first Android emulator that is capable of working in Google chrome browser. It is different from another Android emulator which is used to play games. It also works on chrome books.
It handles Android gaming very well on desktop. It is robust and efficient in executing mobile applications. Users need a chrome extension to run this emulator on their system.
Features:
- ARChon is highly secured and comes with Google’s reliability.
- As it supports chrome browser, so it makes it different from other emulators.
- ARChon runtime lets the user run an unlimited number of Android APK which are being created with chromes APK.
- It supports multiple Android applications in a single browser simultaneously.
Supported Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS and Linux.
Price: It is an open-source.
Why ARChon Emulator?
- ARChon emulator is one of its kind which does not require any tool installation and works perfectly on chrome browser with an internet connection.
Cons:
- The Android APK default files do not work directly as they first need to be converted into chrome compatible APK files.
- Installation is not easy and users have to follow certain guidelines to install it in chrome extension.
Website: ARChon Emulator
#9) Bliss Emulator
See video to How To Install
Bliss Emulator is an open-source and non-profit organization that works for maintaining open source projects. It is working mainly on the open-source OS which is based on Android which will have many customizations, security features, and options for users.
It also allows users to integrate Android applications on the desktop with a smooth experience. The most compatible Bliss variant as of now is Bliss ROM.
Features:
- Bliss Android Emulator mainly focuses on the design which includes many options for customizations and themes.
- It comes along with great execution performance and works hassle-free.
- It has some power saving options to reduce battery consumption thus increasing battery life.
- High-security features are added in the tool and updates are provided regularly.
Supported Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS and Linux.
Price: It is an open-source.
Why Bliss Emulator?
- Bliss Emulator now comes with Vulkan support present in the advanced menu which partially supports the sleep state means, CPU will be active during this period but activity drops down to null.
Cons:
- The taskbar is not functioning properly as such the navbar issue still exists.
- Sleep state is not working properly for the default options and many are UI can get restarted at the same time.
Website: Bliss Emulator
#10) AMIDuOS Emulator
See video to How To Install
AMIDuOS is an American Android Emulator developed in the United States. It offers seamless integration between an Android device and a system.
It comes with the full-screen regime, so if the user runs any game or application in the particular regime, the user will not be able to identify any difference between using an Android mobile or system, it is so great in use. It allows the user to share any files between the mobile and the computer device smoothly.
Features:
- AMIDuOS has a very quick setup of any application from Gmail, play store or Google plus.
- It comes with high performance and a lack of any limitations.
- It is compatible with all the new versions of Windows.
- It takes some space on a user’s hard disk but does not slow down the system.
- It only requires 2 GB of space on the system to run freely.
Supported Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS and Linux.
Price: It is an open-source.
Why AMIDuOS Emulator?
- AMIDuOS allows the user to run multiple applications at one instance without lag and supports most of the games in the play store.
Cons:
- AMIDuOS Emulator is based on an outdated version of Android.
- The application list to install the software is not available.
- It is only compatible with the Intel x86 processor.
Website: AMIDuOS Emulator