Android Emulators are used for various purposes. Ready to use the Best Android emulator that acts as a target device to execute and test our applications of an android device. The Best Android emulator provides almost all the functions of a simple gadget. It moreover states the location of the gadget and re-enacts the distinctive speed of the network. It even accesses the Google Play store, and much more. There are so many emulators available on the internet. However, a lot of them do not function well.
Do you want to use the best Android Emulator on PC? If yes, then you must check out these 15+ emulators tested & reviewed by the experts and millions of people. Which one should you choose that will be perfect. The best Android emulator for Mac will be able to run the Android operating system fast and perfectly just like they would run on a phone or tablet. No emulators at this point. IntelliJ has some lags in performance on M1 (because it is not native, and Intel built), but feels pretty usable. Yes, Android Studio and the M1 emulator are working. However keep in mind that sometimes Android Studio will start pushing to Swap massively about 1 hour of work in. Support for downloading the M1-based emulator was added to SDK Manager, so it's not necessary to go to the Github releases page to download a standalone.app anymore. In AVD Manager go to the Other Images tab as by default it doesn't show the ARM64 images. Android Emulator M1 Preview.
You may also like to read about: Best Websites To Watch Hindi Movies Online in 2020
In any case, Android emulation on PC is possible. If you want to run Android apps on Windows, here are the 6 best Android emulators for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (free and paid) and Mac you can use.
Contents
- 1 Best Android Emulators in 2020
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
Best Android Emulators in 2020
Here are the top 7 hand-picked Android Emulators currently available in the market which you can use for both iOS and Android. So, let’s get started.
1. Bluestacks
BlueStacks is one of the most potent emulators of all Android emulators. It works well with both Mac and Windows. It even gets real-time upgrades and works truly well. This emulator is mainly designed for gaming enthusiasts. It has numerous functions that make it superior. BlueStacks upscale its speed up to 6-8 times compared to its past adaptation, which is the speed of the major portable device. Its most recent version runs on a 64-bit processor of Android 7.1.2, which progresses the accuracy, and productive memory utilization.
Features:
- Supports keyboard mapping
- Runs on a 64-bit version of android 7.1.2
- Preset game controlling
- Replicate real-time action in multiple instances
- Allows the usage of several languages
- Smart control features
Pros:
- Easy to use for beginners
- Supports multiple accounts
- Offers high frame rates
- HD graphics
- Greater storage
Cons:
- Not suitable for devices with less RAM
2. Game Loop
GameLoop is one of the Best Android Emulators designed specifically for gamers. It came to the market with the name Tencent Gaming Buddy. The emulator can be downloaded effectively, and the games run very well. But, this emulator isn’t great for efficiency and development testing. This can be a completely reasonable conventional gaming emulator, and it facilitates a good collection of more up-to-date titles. The keyboard navigation and execution are pretty good.
Features:
- Supports multiple languages
- Equipped with an anti-cheat feature
- Selection of variable screen size
- Customizable graphic levels
- Compatible with Windows software
- Allows video streaming from two main channels-Nimo and nonolive
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Better visibility and observation
- Resist hacks and frauds
- Immersive gaming experience
- Customizable keyboard feature
- Avoid malware and viruses
Cons:
Lacks appropriate gaming titles
You may also like to read about: 7 Best Free VPN Apps For Windows
3. Memu Play
MEmu is another Android emulator, which is a well-known platform for gamers. One of the most apparent highlights is that it underpins both AMD and Intel chipsets. Most of the developers particularly consider AMD’s stage. It is quite similar to BlueStacks and such emulators. Its later modification includes smooth key-mapping together with the regular execution enhancements and bug fixes. It even runs impressively with various Android versions like Android Jam Bean, Pack Kat, and Candy.
Features:
- Supports AMD & Intel chipsets
- Allows multiple interfaces at a time
- Facilitates key-mapping
- Supports various languages
Pros:
- Well-designed interface
- Easy installation
- Provides powerful performance
- Multiple Android-kernels support
- Customizable settings
Cons:
- Sometimes it may have some bugs.
4. Genymotion
Genymotion is the kind of Android emulator that you should not miss out on. It functions really well with most of the Android apps and games, and with the most recent adaptation of the Android, it supports most of the latest apps and diversions. This emulator might have some bugs and issues, but they are fixable. It is compatible with Android Studio as well and also contains a great-looking interface. You will definitely appreciate your time on Genymotion.
Features:
- Provides plugins for Eclipse and Android Studio
- Available on Windows, OS X, and Linux also.
- Drag and drop installing feature
- Allow Android 2.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 emulations.
- Multi-touch interaction
- Compatible with Android SDK and Android Studio
Pros:
- Robust Environment
- Appealing design and interface
- Upgraded features like OpenGL and Hardware Acceleration function
- Faster than other android emulators (based on x86 architecture)
Cons
- Allows the users to install and configure VirtualBox separately
- Not equipped with Google applications.
- The free version is very limited.
5. Android Studio
Android Studio is another excellent Android emulator for Android applications. It provides users with a lot of tools that aid the developers in creating their apps and diversions, particularly for Android gadgets. It moreover gives a built-in emulator, which is used to check whether your app starts faster or not. But mainly, the developers use this emulator for gaming purposes. The design of the Android Studio emulator is very confusing, especially for beginners. It even supports Kotlin and is great for developers.
Features:
- Rich layout editor
- Supported by Google
- Based on the well-functioning IntelliJ IDEA
- Built-in powerful Gradle tool
- Compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac
- Allows GPU tracking feature
- Real-time regular updates
- Android debug bridge
Pros:
- Ability to test tons of API calls
- Automatic and replaceable references
- Extremely fast as compared to the previous versions
- Provides excellent support to integrate Google services
- Simulates the rotation and hardware sensors
- Support multiple devices
- 24/7 Google support
Cons:
- Uses a lot of memory
- Connectivity issues
- Sluggish on ARM version
You may also like to read about Best Free Screen Recorder Apps for Windows.
6. Bliss OS
Bliss OS is not like other android emulators. Rather, it is unique. This android emulator functions as an Android emulator for PC, which uses a virtual machine. Like a virtual machine, the downloading method turns out to be much simpler, but boring and conventional in case you never created your own virtual machine before. But, it’ll easily run on your device through a USB stick. However, the USB installation process might be a little cumbersome, but it lets your device run Android natively from the boot.
Features:
- Based on Android-x86
- Features AOSP Launcher 3
- Compatible with Linux and Android
- Offers multiple gamepads
- Additional security features
- Customizable settings
Pros:
- Robust performance
- User-friendly interface
- Tune battery consumption to an optimal level
- Aided with a desktop styled taskbar launcher
- Support ARM virtualization
- Fully open-source
Cons:
- Fewer features to support hardware.
- Not equipped for power users.
7. KO Player
KOPlayer is an Android gaming emulator that was mainly designed to deliver a free gaming thrill with a lightweight program. Due to its free availability, it has plenty of advertisements and pop-ups. It comes with keyboard mapping and gamepad emulation. It is based on x86 architecture, comes with advanced functions like OpenGL and hardware acceleration, which makes it more compatible than the other emulators. Moreover, this emulator may be a little buggy and makes it troublesome for the client to download the Android emulator on your device.
Features:
- Allows Multiple accounts
- Equipped with video-recording features
- Offers gamepad and key-mapping
- Compatible with a lot of applications
- Supports OpenGL and hardware acceleration
Pros:
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Inbuilt android marketplace
- Faster performance
- Infused with incredible video recording features
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Ad-supported
- Control mapping might be complicated for beginners.
- Sometimes the app may not run smoothly.
You may also like to read about Best Free Screen Recorder Apps for Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an android emulator? What does it do?
The Android Emulator simulates Android gadgets on your device so simply you can test your application on a wide array of gadgets and Android API levels without requiring to have each physical device. The emulator facilitates nearly all of the capabilities of a simple Android gadget.
You can simulate incoming calls and text messages. It indicates the location of the device, simulates distinctive network speeds, simulates rotation and other equipment sensors, allows access to Google Play Store, and serves many different purposes. For instance, you may transfer data instantly to the emulator instead of a device connected over USB.
Furthermore, testing android applications on emulators progress the speed and efficiency of the activity more than doing it on the real device. The Android emulator facilitates predefined configurations for some Android phones, Wear OS, tablets, Android TV devices.
2. What is the minimum requirement for the successful installation of Best Android Emulators on a device?
The Android Emulator includes additional requirements apart from the basic system requirements for Android Studio which are as follows:-
- SDK Tools 26.1.1 or even higher
- 64-bit processor
- Requires Windows- CPU with UG (unrestricted guest) support
- HAXM 6.2.1 or later (like HAXM 7.2.0 or more)
3. Which Android emulator is best for a very low-end PC?
Android Emulators usually require a lot of space to function smoothly. There are various lightweight android emulators suitable for PCs with two or 4GB of RAM and a below-average video card available on the internet like MEmu for gaming, Nox Player for multitasking and productivity. However, they might not be suitable in case of heavy usage. Preferably, in that case, Android Emulators like Bluestacks is highly recommendable as it requires PCs to be at least 8GB RAM, 32GB Free storage space, 4GB Graphic card to run nicely.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it can be said that all the emulators bring something unique and distinctive in themselves. Some are a little easier to operate while others are a bit complex and may even require the use of tutorials. But all of these emulators serve your purpose pretty much. The best android emulators in 2020 stated above are all that a user, especially a gamer ever wanted, because it brings tons of exciting features with itself. Now, I would end my statement by stating that Android Studio is the best featured on our list. However, some of them are free while others are paid, but they all are well-equipped with impressive functionality.
We’re all well aware about the capabilities of the Android platform. There are smartphones today that can compete with a wide range of technologies. However, what makes those devices really tick is the core Android platform. But what if you own an iPhone and still want to try out Android phone ? Well, you no longer have to purchase an expensive (or inexpensive) phone to find out. There are best Android emulator for Mac today that can help you run and bring full compatibility with all the features of Android (without owning one), while some even update their emulators with the latest version of Android.
With these Android Emulator For Mac, you can run apps for android, play games, and do pretty much anything like the Android device can (barring phone calls, obviously). Those are just the three main uses of a built in emulator. So we’re going to talk a bit about some of the most popular emulators out there. While some user friendly emulators are present here, we’re also going to talk about developer emulators that can help test out or run android apps and android games.
Instead of giving your only 5 best emulators, we are citing 7 on this post for cross platform. So let’s get to the best Android apps and games emulator for Mac.
Android Studio Emulator Not Working Mac M1
Best Android Emulator For Mac
1. ARChon
ARChon is a little different than most of our best Android emulators for PC or Mac in that this one is actually a Google Chrome extension. That’s right — no installing a program on your machine and wasting precious storage space! It is comparable to a virtual machine, virtual device or virtual devices.
Of course, it’s certainly not nearly as seamless as a native program, as it can take a bit of fiddling to get apps and mobile games to work. To use ARChon, once you have it setup in the browser, you’ll have to push or drag APKs to load the apps within the browser. It’s a nice, free program for those that want to be able to use an Android emulator wherever there is Google Chrome.
Not sure where to find APKs for ARChon? You can find many of them for free over at almost any Android APK repository. Some of our most trusted and favorites are APK Mirror or APK Pure.
Download it now:here
2. VirtualBox
Believe it or not, you can actually use VirtualBox to create your own Android emulator for Mac. Download VirtualBox on your Mac machine, and then set it up with the necessary ISO image from Android-x86.org. You’ll be able to create an efficient emulator that allows you to play almost any game or app within Mac.
As an added bonus, VirtualBox gives you a lot of control over how much resources and hardware you devote to it. That allows you to keep your overall machine running smoothly while still running your Android operating system emulator in the background. VirtualBox is free to use; however, it is recommended that you have at least 8GB of RAM on your machine if you want to run this one.
Download it now:here
3. KO Player
KO Player is a relatively new entrant in the emulators game and is one of the newer Android emulators on the list. It markets itself as a mid-market emulator that can run apps and multiple games comfortably. While the focus is mainly on games, this is a full blown Android emulator, so it can run pretty much any app on the Play Store as long as it is compatible with the Android version. The company’s website doesn’t mention which version of Android it’s running, but talks about a few popular apps and games that are compatible with KO Player (WhatsApp, Clash of Clans etc).
It also comes with features like gameplay recording, keyboard gameplay support, and comes with the Google Play Store pre-installed. It is said that about 99% of the Play Store apps are compatible with KO Player. The best part here is that KO Player is a free download, and can be snatched up directly from their official website. As with any free offering, expect some minor issues during usage. However, the app developers are pretty keen on offering a fresh and refined experience through bug fixes.
Download it now:here
4. Nox Player
This is yet another decent alternative for gamers. It comes with the ability to run android games, support joysticks and controllers (assuming your Mac supports actual hardware controller support). There is zero lag during gameplay or general usage, so you can be assured of a smooth performance. Among the list of features here is the ability to keep multiple accounts on Nox, which is handy if you want to use it on the family computer. You will find that the emulator is compatible with pretty much every popular game and app right now.
Further, the emulator is compatible with x86 as well as AMD processors, thus bringing a variety of devices under its compatibility list and access to most Android games. Like with KO Player, Nox allows users to record their screen and share it on social media as they please. It’s one gaming oriented emulator can be very handy for graphics heavy games available as well as strategy games like Clash of Clans and Fortnite (which will reach Android emulation shortly).
More importantly, it’s light on your computer, much like helping it run smoothly and devoid of lag. This is also a free offering with no hidden caveats. Nox also offers the keyboard mapping feature, so the user can play more efficiently with mouse and keyboard. If you are one of those mobile gamers, this one is for you as it is considered as the Android emulator for gamers.
Download it now:here
5. Bluestacks
Bluestacks is probably the most popular Android emulator currently available in the market, and with good reason. This app has served Windows and Mac OS users for a few years now, giving them a viable way using Android on their desktop. This isn’t an ideal setup for developers, though, as Bluestacks is marketed for the masses. This means there will be some lag when you operate, although it’s rapidly diminishing with each update. The recent version of Bluestacks was updated to Android Nougat, making it the freshest Android emulator out there. It’s too soon to tell if and when Bluestacks will update its offering to Android 8.0 or even 9.0 as the latest Android version, so it will have active updates nearly every month.
As it stands, if gaming and social media is your priority, Bluestacks is an excellent emulator to have as it aims itself at gamers. GameLoop is an Android emulator that is used as a gaming platform. It can run all the heavy games and even offer key mapping support, which has become a prerequisite with modern day Android emulators and can bring the better or for worse Android app and game on your Mac. With the added smart keymapping along with a customizable game support, this android emulator is mostly going to boasts a gamer experience.
Bluestacks official emulator is entirely free to download, but will require a subscription per month for continued usage.
Download it now: here
6. Genymotion
One of the newer emulators if you want to run Android on your Mac is Genymotion. We are now coming to the dev-friendly emulators out there. You won’t find all the bells and whistles that you probably see with Bluestacks, Genymotion lets you test out how an Android device and version would work with a particular app or supports Android operating systems. For example, you can have a Nexus 4 running Android 5.0 or an even older device running that version like Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Kit Kat(assuming it’s compatible).
Genymotion can let you run an emulator directly on your PC or on the cloud, which very few emulators out there can do. This means you can share the functionings of your app with the rest of the world without them having to download a dedicated emulator.
This is a game changer for developers who like to get opinions on their projects from the masses or close associates. Naturally, the android emulator for PC option is also present, so you’re free to use it the old fashioned way. This isn’t a free version offering for personal use, though, so be prepared to subscribe to one of Genymotion’s plans to reap the benefits of all the features mentioned above.
Download it now: here
7. Android Studio
Google’s very own Android Studio emulator also comes with an emulator you can download, although it’s significantly less flashy than a few commercial use emulators and actually run android natively. However, it is updated frequently with new features. This is designed specifically for budding and experienced Android developers to test out their apps before it is pushed to the Play Store. It works with both PCs and Macs, so neither platform is left out. It has all the tools to build and design your apps, while the emulator feature allows you to glance through your creation.
Android Studio Emulator Mac M1
Given the feature set, it is definitely not recommended for amateurs, as setting it up could take some time. Android Studio is a free download on both major platforms, and is a 880MB download for Macs. Though updating those services may take time, watch out for more active development in years with this productivity emulator.
Download it now: here
While these emulators offer a great experience for your Mac as it runs android apps/games like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG mobile, this may also create a negative effect on your device as the level use might increase, especially with the battery life. Running multiple emulators may affect your device operation as it depends on the operating systems and hardware.
Always test your apps or test apps on the emulator you install once you’ve downloaded them and see the emulators ability to run smoothly and see if it is usable as a productivity tool for PC and Mac. There are still best android emulators that you can discover around the web that can run an Android app or game. The installation process may take longer than expected, depending on various factors such as internet speed and the likes.
Android Studio Emulator Download
If you find another Android emulator or free android emulator that is actually a fairly decent, actually works pretty well and that suits your taste, feel free to use it as long as it runs well or work well, gets the work done or the emulators run properly. You can use emulators as a productivity tool for video loading or loading video. Just find one that supports this kind of function. You might be able to get the price free for personal use just like PrimeOS Remix OS player and other Android Studio S emulator or ldplayer android studio.