Android OS offers in-depth customization. Its open-source nature makes it a more preferred Operating System leading to the development of a lot of Android-based emulators for PCs. An emulator is a software that gives one computer system the ability to behave like another computer system with different OD environment. So, when we run smartphone Apps on a PC, the emulator enables the Windows to install apps that are built for the Android system.
So, you can run the Android OS on a Windows PC for free using emulators. However, the ease of using mobile apps on the emulators depends on the specifications of your PC. With a good PC, you can stimulate the complete Android ecosystem with an emulator. However, we shall be looking at the Best Android emulators that you can install for your PC.
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8 Best Android Emulators For Windows PC
When it comes to the use of emulators, we must understand why they are used in the first place. The most common use case is for gamers who use emulators on their computers to make gaming easier. Also, when it comes to app development, Android app developers would test apps on as many devices as possible. With the help of an emulator, they may get a feel of the games they have developed before launch. So what are the best Android emulators for your Windows PC? Well, here’s a list of 8 best Android emulators you can use on your Windows PC.
Android Studio’s emulator
Android Studio is specifically equipped with tools to help developers create apps and games for Android OS. The Android studio emulator is a default development tool for Android. It has a built-in emulator that can be used to test out an app or game. Although it takes a while to set up as it’s setup is rather complicated. This is why it isn’t recommended for use by regular people. Since it supports Kotlin, it’s excellent for developers.
- Free
- Recommended for developers
Bliss OS
Bliss is an emulator that can be installed via a virtual machine. It can also be run on your PC with a USB stick. However, the virtual machine install process is easier than the USB installation method unless you have not created a virtual machine before. The USB method allows you to run the Android natively as soon as the OS boots. Although Bliss is a super unique emulator, it will function well if your system is compatible. So you may consider a backup OS with the current one you have.
- Runs on Android Oreo
Bluestacks
BlueStacks is one of the best Android emulators for Windows however, it only covers gaming. The current BlueStacks after lots of updates is based on Android 7.1.2 which is Nougat. There is a promise of a BlueStacks 5 whose gaming engine will be based on Oreo. Also, BlueStacks is capable of running on any kind of Windows hardware, whether Intel or AMD. You also get other features such as key-mapping, multi-instance, and an AI-based gaming engine. So when you think of the best Android emulator on Windows, BlueStacks ranks amongst the best.
- Based on Android Nougat
- Compatible with Intel or AMD
MEmu Play
MEmu Play comes with a lot of useful features. It provides support for both Intel and AMD CPUs and can run on any windows version from windows 7-10. It is also capable of running multiple instances of apps and Android versions at the same time. Although its software is based on Android Nougat (7.1.2), it can run both Kit Kat (4.4), and Lollipop (5.0) by default. Amazingly, you have the three Android versions can run three different windows. It is great for both gameplay as well as general use.
- Based on Android Nougat, Kit Kat and Lollipop
- Compatible with Intel or AMD
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Nox Player
Nox Player offers a lot of features asides gaming. It tops other Android emulators on Windows. Although it is based on Android Lollipop 5.1.1, it’s Multi-Drive features allows you to run multiple Android versions up to Nougat using Multi-Drive feature. While it is hard to get root access with Bluestacks, however, you can get it easily with Nox Player just by enabling a toggle in your settings. Its features also include controller compatibility, optimized gameplay, enabled change of build on Android device.
- Based on Android Lollipop
- Capable of running multiple Android versions.
Remix OS Player
This emulator was developed towards improving gaming. Although it doesn’t support AMD chipset, its interface is clean and appealing. Also, to use Remix OS you have to enable Virtualisation Technology in your BIOS. Since it has a clean interface, it is suitable for testing apps. The Game Toolkit also comes with loads of customisation options that allows you to play multiple games at a time as well as suiting your gaming preference. Unlike other emulators, it runs on Android Marshmallow. It also needs a 2 GHz dual-core processor or better to run efficiently.
- Does not Support AMD Chipset
- Runs on Android Marshmallows
GameLoop
GameLoop used to be known as Tencent Gaming Buddy (TGB). It is an emulator designed solely for gamers. Tencent actually heralds it as the official emulator for games. It also features other games outside Tencent’s. It is great for game tests but not so compatible with developmental and productivity tests. Also, Gameloop comes with Play Store support, you get all the popular Android games with keymapping support and mouse.
- Play store support
LDPlayer
LDPlayer is optimized for gameplay. If you are looking for the Best Android emulator for Windows 10, then you shouldn’t go any further. The emulator has gain popularity due to its performance although it was recently launched. It works on AMD and Intel-powered PCs. It also runs on Android Nougat (7.1.2) and for improved performance and compatibility, you can use the Virtualization Technology which can be seen on the Settings page.
- Runs on Android Nougat
- Compatible with AMD and Intel-powered PCs
We hope you would have loved these Best Android Emulators for Windows PC. If you have any recommendation, then do let us know.
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Terry Ts