Best Android Emulator For Windows and Mac

Android Emulator for Windows and Mac

The best Android Emulator revamping your gaming experience for Windows and Mac operating system

Android Emulator for Windows and Mac
Android Emulator

Want to enjoy the ultimate Android gaming experience in your PC? Yes!!! Now it’s possible to enjoy full-on gaming experience on your full-screen PC.

There are tons of other advantages as well to run the android emulators in PC, as developers may want to test run the performance of their app before the national roll-out of the app.

You may want to feel the gaming experience with high system graphics on the full screen without relying on the battery life of their devices and using their keyboard and mouse. There are even more advantages using the emulator if you select the best one as per your requirement.

Android Emulator

Android Emulator uses an Android Virtual Device (AVD) to create an android like configuration without a physical android device. It bridges the gap between Android and Windows by creating a virtual Android environment on your PC.

Emulators were created to facilitate the execution of applications and programs from one device to another therefore, this functionality becomes even more important when most internet interactions take place on mobile devices. Today, this is the case most of the time.

The Emulator provides all the functions of a real Android device, you can operate messages, answer incoming phone-call, access Google Play Store and much more.

In this post, you will find the best android emulator available in the market-based on your use and system specification.

  1. Android Studio Simulator
  2. ARChon
  3. Bliss OS
  4. BlueStacks
  5. GameLoop
  6. Genymotion
  7. LDPlayer
  8. MEmu
  9. Nox
  10. Phoenix OS

Best Android Emulator for Windows and Mac

This post is created for users like you who are just curious to explore and knows a little about exploring all the android features in your PC.

1. Android Studio Simulator

When it comes to Emulator, very few of them can hold a candle to Android Studio. Android Studio Simulator is the default development console for android which makes it the best choice for developers.

  • Intelligent code editor
  • Provides robust static analysis
  • Build-in flexible emulator processor
  • Firebase and Cloud Integration
  • Eliminate tiresome tasks
  • Optimized for all Android device
  • Supports Kotlin

Android Studio Simulator
Android Studio Simulator

The best aspect of the Android Studio Simulator is that it is a fast and feature-rich emulator with a unified environment where you can test and develop all tools and frameworks of Android devices.

Basic System requirement for Android Studio

  • 64-bit processor
  • 2 GB HDD space
  • 3 GB RAM
  • Windows: CPU with UG (unrestricted guest) support
  • Monitor resolution 1280X800

This Emulator is best for a developer if you want to experiment with the App for performance, usage, and compatibility, 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.

Pros
  • Screen Recording
  • Supports Kotlin
  • Best for Android developers
  • External control customization
Cons
  • Complicated setup
  • Long-running time
  • Require high system graphics

Android Studio

2. ARChon

It’s an App Runtime for Chrome extension (ARC Welder) where you can run Android apps and games. It is not a usual Emulator for PC as you need to first load the APK files in the Google Chrome browser.

To make your APK files compatible with ARChon, you need to use the tools and some files to change your APK configuration. You need to perform a few additional steps to run ARChon on Chrome.

  • Processes the code natively in Chrome browser
  • Can run any Android app as Chrome OS app
  • Features no user-facing interface elements
  • Regular updates from the open-source community
  • 100% free with improved compatibility for many apps

ARChon Android Emulator for Chrome
ARChon Chrome Extension

The extension can only load Chrome OS apps thus, you are supposed to convert the files to this format using the ‘ChromeOS-app’ app that is built on the Node.js platform.

Basic System requirement for ARChon

  • 64-bit processor
  • 2 GB HDD space
  • 3 GB RAM
  • Windows: 7,8,10
  • Chrome latest version

ARChon currently works from Android 4.4 and the extensions can be found on Github. Install the extension and unzip it and load it manually as an ‘Unpacked extension” by going in settings.

Settings >> Extensions >> Tick the ‘Developer mode’

https://technicalclinic.000webhostapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/image-1.png
Pros
  • In-house Chrome
  • Extension
  • No need to download 3rd part software
  • Compatible with all Windows OS
Cons
  • Only works for Chrome OS apps
  • Require additional tools
  • Do not support all Android Apps

ARChon Download Guide

3. Bliss OS

Bliss is an Android Emulator that works as a Virtual Machine. It can function on your computer via a USB stick. The USB boot is a strong user option and is not suggested for light use cases.

  • Fully customizable emulator
  • Syncing all your apps
  • T-Mobile out of the box using rootless substratum
  • Supports Android 10
  • Can use performing boot from USB for VM
  • Powerful Android emulator for older PC

Bliss OS images
Bliss OS

Bliss operates as a Virtual Machine, the VM setup process is easy but involves a lot of steps if you have not made your own personal VM before adding to it, the USB installation process is more complicated, but your system will run Android natively from the boot.

Basic System requirement for Bliss OS

  • Graphics Card:NVIDIA/ GeForce 6100
  • 64-bit processor
  • 2 GB HDD space
  • 3 GB RAM
  • Windows: CPU with UG (unrestricted guest) support

This Emulator is best for a developer who is looking for a simple and most versatile Android OS for the older version of PC.

It comes with a unique feature like using it with a USB stick, customization control across all platforms, and many more. You can find more details about this on XDA-developers here.

Pros
  • Runs on newer version of Android
  • Easily compatible for older version of PC
  • Best for Android developers
  • Full customization control
Cons
  • Complicated setup
  • Long-running time
  • Might erase your system data

Bliss OS Download guide

4. BlueStacks

BlueStacks is one of the oldest and the most popular Android emulator for Windows and Mac. It is the most conventional first choice of all users when it comes to Android Emulator. It’s one of the heaviest emulator but the most versatile of all in the list.

BlueStacks is the most unbiased emulator having the perfect combination of graphics, power, and processing which makes it the most loved Android Emulator for gaming in PC.

  • Best suitable for high graphics game
  • Perform six times faster than a smartphone
  • Enabled with advanced key mapping and control system
  • Supports all latest Android version
  • Robust features with fully personalized game control option

Download Bluestacks Android emulator
BlueStacks

With more than 400 million users bluestack is one of the most favored Android emulator by all gamers and developers. It’s the most trusted Android emulator to experience all Android apps and games in your system.

Basic System requirement for Bluestacks

  • Intel/AMD Processor
  • Windows 7 and above
  • 5 GB HDD space
  • 2 GB RAM
  • Updated graphics drives with Administrator control

BlueStacks comes with the best unique features like gaming controls. shooting mode, macros, farm mode, smart controls, high FPS, high definition graphics, and utility which makes it the best Android emulator in the market.

BlueStacks Regularly releases updates to fix minor bugs and it also comes with the best customer support. It’s simple and user-friendly interface gives a big advantage over other emulators in the industry.

Pros
  • Smoothly runs high graphic games
  • Easy customization option
  • Best for Android gamers
  • High end performance while Gaming
Cons
  • Downloads might get stuck
  • Require high graphics
  • Might encounter with black screen when app crash

BlueStacks Install guide

5. Gameloop

Gameloop is an Android emulator by Tencent specially designed for Gamers. Tencent calls it as the official emulator for its games, like Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile.

Being specially designed as a gaming emulator, it is properly designed to run smoothly on low-end PC as well. Its interface does not resemble original Android UI but, it’s simple and easy to understand and control which improves your gaming experience.

  • Offers best in class flexibility and precision in mouse and keyboard control
  • Network Acceleration mode to improve the gaming experience
  • Interface with integrated game browser
  • Compatible with all latest Android version
  • Robust features with fully personalized game control option

Gameloop Android Emulator
Gameloop

Gameloop changes your PC into a game host for titles usually experienced on smartphones and tabs, thus you get access to games you wouldn’t usually be able to thus enhance your gaming experience with the more considerable display.

Basic System requirement for Gameloop

  • Intel/AMD i5 or above Processor
  • Windows 7 and above
  • 1.5 GB HDD space
  • 4 GB RAM
  • Updated graphics drives with Administrator control

Gameloop’s unique feature called has an integrated game browser, which helps you to download and install games from their library with one click. With high graphics resolution of your PC, you can run all the titles on HD graphics in ‘Smooth’ and ‘Balance’ setting option to improve the gaming experience.

Gameloop provides an intriguing feature by optimizing frames per second (FPS). This emulator also offers a social platform as they integrated user discovery support and build in friend lists to their interface.

Pros
  • Best optimize gaming experience
  • Allows file download
  • Social platform for gamers
  • Can perform live streaming while Gaming
Cons
  • Does not support third-party apps
  • Require high system graphics
  • Typically designed for Tencent games

Gameloop Install Guide

6. GenyMotion

GenyMotion is an emulator that is mostly for developers to test Apps If offers a cloud platform to run tests on Android apps as a virtual machine. It offers you to test your apps on various devices without owning them.

You can directly select the model from the range of options available with various android devices. The Emulator provides you to test your Android App and its compatibility with different phones and Android versions.

  • Robust and intuitive interface
  • Perfectly suitable for App development and product testing
  • You get 1000 mins free usage before paid service
  • VM offers multiple tools and features testing apps
  • Cloud-based Android Emulator running on SaaS, AWS, and PaaS

GentMotion Android Emulator
GenymMotion

As there are multiple options available to switch between virtual devices which makes it the most versatile Emulator for personal use. These Features are available in both PC and cloud. Even with the low configuration of your PC GenyMotion’s servers do all the work for us.

Basic System requirement for GenyMotion

  • Intel/Nvidia GeForce 500/AMD-V Processor / ATI Radeon HD 6000 series
  • Windows 7 and above
  • 1 GB HDD space
  • 2 GB RAM
  • Updated graphics drives and web browser

GenyMotion’s simple and powerful interface makes it the most lucrative emulator in the market. Many developers prefer this emulator as it gives a wide variety of device models to perform testing.

It runs efficiently in offline mode via the Windows app and on VM cloud through your web browser. The key factor about Genymotion is that you can easily integrate it with Android Studio on your PC and develop your app effectively on your choice of platform.

Pros
  • Testing apps on multiple android versions
  • Best for app developers
  • Advanced plugins for testing on cloud environment
Cons
  • Require high graphics
  • Not preferred for gaming
  • Require good internet connection

GenyMotion Install Guide

7. LDPlayer

LDPlayer is a robust emulator for gamers on Android Nougat 7.1. It offers you to play games on the full graphic resolution with many add-on features to enhance the gaming experience.

The dynamic interface of this emulator lets you fully control your Android games using a keyboard and mouse. LDPlayer offers a wide variety of games including multiplayer games.

  • Smooth and intuitive interface
  • Custom control which can be operated in your PC
  • Multi-instance – open several games simultaneously
  • Multi-instance sync -faster your re-rolls in Gacha games
  • Macros/Script – Manage your gaming automatically
  • High FPS/graphics – Enhance your gameplay

Android Emulator
LDPlayer

It is one of the most recommended Android emulator with Intrigue design which allows you not only for gaming but also to access Google Play store for other apps.

Basic System requirement for LDPlayer

  • Intel or AMD CPU Processor x86 / x86_64Windows 7 and above
  • 36 GB HDD space
  • 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics driver with OpenGL 2.0

LDPlayer’s dedicated app store for games is an additional resource having lots of other apps in it. The key feature of LDPlayer is using Virtualization technology from settings to enhance precision and accuracy in your gameplay.

It regularly gets updated to fix some minor bugs and to improve the gaming experience. In the latest update, LDPlayer has launched the performance of free fire to make it a lot easier to pull off the auto headshot.

Pros
  • Offers high compatibility to high graphics games
  • Can choose any virtual phone model
  • Robust gaming experience
Cons
  • Require high system graphics
  • Require good internet connection

LDPlayer Install Guide

8. MEmu

MEmu is one of the best Android Emulator for Windows PC that has recently gained a lot of attraction. This comes with tons of useful features that make gameplay more fun on PC.

It offers support for both Intel and AMD CPUs which gives great compatibility to users. This Android Emulator offers some exclusive features which are not available in any emulator in business.

  • Most popular Android emulator to enjoy an ultimate mobile experience
  • Fastest gameplay and super-fast frame rates
  • Enhance OpenGL and DirectX 3D rendering effect
  • The finest stunning images on larger screens
  • Built-in key mappings with perfect mouse and keyboard control
  • Simultaneously play multiple games on different instances

MEmu Android Emulator
MEmu

MEmu is one of the most loved Android Emulator which specializes in Android games. It is very easy to configure in your PC, you just need to install it and start gaming.

Basic System requirement for MEmu

  • x86/x86_64 Processor (Intel or AMD CPU)
  • 5 GB HDD space
  • 2GB of RAM (4GB for x64 system)
  • Latest Windows DirectX 11 / Graphics driver with OpenGL 2.0.

This emulator always ranks at the top of the list when it comes to Android emulator for games and also provides the best performance with the greatest compatibility and flexible customization.

It also transfers sensor data to Android, thus allowing you to play car racing like games spontaneously.  It’s also used for file sharing from Windows to Android. With fast app installation by drag and drop, it is one click system for creating, copying & deleting.

Pros
  • Easily operates high graphic games
  • Live streaming of TV shows
  • Best gaming experience
Cons
  • Require high internal system graphics
  • Numerous updates with minor bug fixing

MEmu Install Guide

9. Nox

Nox Android Emulator is another platform to play android games on your PC. Its core motive is to fully enhance the gaming experience. With its simple and sleek design, it can handle high graphic games without any lag. 

Nox offers gameplay optimization, smooth running of high FPS games, ability to modify the Android device’s build, fully compatible controls with the best robust interface which outperforms many other Android emulators for Windows and Mac. 

  • Superior performance with stable and smooth game-play
  • Compatible with all type of games
  • Flexibility to configure according to the requirement 
  • Finest image processing on larger screens
  • Record your game-play with a single click.
  • Simultaneously play multiple games on different instances

Nox Android Emulator
Nox

Nox is one of the most powerful emulators with lots of preloaded features to enhance your gaming experience. Like you can assign the function to swipe up to any button on the keyboard and use the same in a game without an actual hardware controller. 

Basic System requirement for Nox 

  • 2.2 GHz Processor (Intel or AMD CPU)
  • 5 GB HDD space
  • 2GB of RAM 
  • Latest Windows updated graphics drive.

Nox’s response speed and rendering speed is quick with no lag which makes is most loved emulator among gamers. It also comes with tons of features and lots of pre-installed apps.

Nox overcomes many emulators in ease of operating like it’s very tedious to root an emulator but on Nox, you can easily root with one toggle in the settings and everything will be managed.

That’s how simple and easy the Nox emulator for you.

Pros
  • Fully customizable controls
  • Compatible with all high end games
  • Record your gameplay/Macros
Cons
  • Might download some malware while installing
  • Slow Multi-Drive performance

Nox Install Guide

10. Phoenix OS

Phoenix OS is one of the classic Android Emulator with many features and also works with a plethora of android applications. Developed on Android 7.1, you can access every app and game from Google play store.

Phoenix OS is recognized for its great desktop-like gaming experience with multi-window switching and using multiple tabs at the same time. It also supports all the keyboard shortcuts with its classic interface thanks to great system compatibility.

  • Can perform multiple tasks with high efficiency
  • Keymapping feature using Octopus keymapping engine
  • Compatible with all type of games
  • Smart casting and shooting mode while gaming
  • Simultaneously play multiple games on different instances

Phoenix OS Android Emulator
Phoenix OS

Phoenix OS is designed based on internationally advanced chromium core which provides great hardware capabilities and improves performance. It comes with pre-installed apps which makes it easier and favorable to use.

Basic System requirement for Phoenix OS 

  • Intel or AMD x86 processor
  • 2 GB HDD space
  • 4 GB of RAM 
  • 8 GB storage in the USB drive
  • Latest Windows updated graphics drive.

Nox’s response speed and rendering speed is quick with no lag which makes is most loved emulator among gamers. It also comes with tons of features and lots of pre-installed apps.

Pheonix OS always keeps the security shield in the system background and has the flexibility to smartly allocate system resources to reduce the load from the system. It also regularly scans the background processes for ensuring the stability of system operation and to improve the performance.

Pros
  • Tons of inbuilt features
  • Fully optimized services
  • Sleak and classic interface
Cons
  • Lots of advertisements
  • Slow Low resolution gaming

Phoenix OS Install Guide

Conclusion

There are tons of Android Emulators available on Internet, the best way to select the one is by defining the requirement and use of emulator and them select the best emulator based on its interface and features.

Do let us know about your thoughts in the comment section below.

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