Android emulators have come as a friend in need. For app developers, it is making their work easy as they use it for testing apps. Gamers may like to use it to play games on their PC. While it has been doing wonders by helping, it can be quite difficult to handle because of its technicality.
We also know that there are numerous options available today. Hence, the one that suits your preference can be chosen. So how do you know which is the best? We’ve come up with a list of 7 best Android Emulators for PC after we tested a good set chunk available in the market. But before that, let’s take a look at where it has been used.
Android Emulator
3 Main Use of Android Emulators
1. Gaming
Android Emulators are majorly being used by gamers who want to play on PC. This way, they get to play their favorite games using a keyboard and mouse. They do not have to worry about the exhausting battery. The best part is, most of them are available free of cost.
2. App Testing
Android Emulators are second commonly being used by App developers for testing purposes. While testing an app, it needs to be tested on various devices to check the compatibility and behavior (of the app). Android Studio is the popular emulator that works best in testing applications.
3. Productivity
Android Emulators are also used for productivity. Though this is not used as commonly, but works well as a backup option. Basically, any gaming emulator works as a productivity emulator. If you are not technically sound, you can try ARChon and Bliss.
5 Free Best Android Emulators for PC
1. Android Studio’s Emulator
Android Studio comes with a set of tools to help application developers develop apps and games specifically for Android. You must know that the setting up of Android Studio is a little difficult and may take a long time. Hence it is not suggested for use at the gamer’s level. We believe it should not be a big deal for app developers. It also supports Kotlin.
Features:
It is Google’s official Android emulator
It gets regular updates from the developers
2. ARChon
ARChon does not work like any other traditional emulator. You basically install it as an extension on Google Chrome. What happens next? It then gives your Chrome browser the power to run Android apps and games. This one is also not an easy emulator. Further, you need to follow many more steps for this emulator to work. One impressive advantage is that it works fine with any operating system.
Features:
It is good for productivity apps
Since it gets installed as an extension to Chrome, it does not eat up your system memory.
3. Bliss OS
Bliss works via a virtual machine. It can also run on your PC through a USB stick. However, this option is not recommended, although it is definitely a power user option. Since you are installing a virtual machine, the overall process is quite easy. However, if you have not made VM before, it may be a little difficult for you. The USB power initiation makes Bliss a super unique emulator provided you can complete the process. It runs on the Android Oreo version.
Features:
It is an open-source and an ad-free emulator
It provides Substratum Theme engine support
4. Bluestacks
Bluestacks is one of the popular Android emulators. It is compatible with Windows and Mac systems. It is said to be the first Android emulator that worked well and gets regular updates to date. It is an apt emulator for gamers out there. As per the gamer’s review, the older version of Bluestacks was a little bloated at times. With the launch of Bluestacks 4, this issue was fixed. It’s one of the heaviest emulators on the block. However, it has the most better features than other emulators in the gaming industry.
Features:
It is easy to set up. Even if you do not have sound technical knowledge, you will be able to handle it.
It is an all-rounder Android Emulator
It also includes key-mapping
5. GameLoop
Earlier known as Tencent Gaming Buddy, GameLoop is a popular Android emulator for gamers. It is an official emulator for its games. GameLoop is not suitable for productivity or app testing. However, if you are a gamer, this one is a good emulator. Additionally, keyboard controls and the performance of the emulator is good.
Features:
It is an official partner for the ‘Call Of Duty’ game.
It delivers a great performance.
Excellent keyboard and mouse integration
6. MEmu
Another great emulator is the popular MEmu that performs well and is preferred by gamers. It provides support for AMD and Intel chipsets, and it is seen that developers often use AMD’s platform. It also allows multiple games and testing features making it welcoming for both gamers and developers. MEmu is also available for free.
Features:
It offers flexible customization (nav bar location, CPU#, device model, root mode, memory size, resolution, etc.)
It also allows mapping the keyboard and joystick to screen touch for a better experience
It allows GPS location simulation
You can share files between Windows and Android
It allows quick APK installation through drag and drops
7. PrimeOS
The last one on our list stands out differently in the Android emulator space. PrmeOS is basically not an emulator. You install it as a partition on your system, and it boots up running native Android. PrimeOS is essentially a gamer-focused Android experience. This one, too, is available for free.
Features
It includes a gaming center, access to most Android apps and games, support for mouse and keyboard.
It allows multitasking allowing you to watch videos and play games at a time.
Our Take
Most of these emulators work fine on Android Oreo and Android Nougat, which are old versions of Android. So, you need not rush for the latest version. Additionally, most of these emulators are available for free. Thus, making it easy for gamers on a budget.
Conclusion
While there is no shortage of emulators today, selecting the best one can be challenging. We hope with the list above, we’ve made it easy for you to make a pick. Additionally, we have tried many emulators, and the list above is sorted after months of testing. With our research, we think, If you are a developer or a gamer, there is an emulator available for both.
All you need to do is select as per your preference. We have many names to suggest to you. However, we want to leave it to you to select as there are so many good options available.
If you think we have missed out on any information that can be helpful for others, feel free to share your feedback.
Related Tags: Android Emulator
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