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Each application is designed to work with an operating system such as Windows or macOS for PC, or Android or iOS for mobile devices. At the same time, it is possible to turn a computer into a smartphone with the help of special programs that allow you to transfer the mobile world to the desktop. Let’s see what are the best Android emulators for PC, with the most popular software for this feature compatible with Windows and Mac PCs.
Android Emulators: What They Are and How They Work
Android emulators are computer platforms, programs with which you can recreate the Google operating system experience on your computer. Android is actually an open source project, so the code is available to everyone and can be used or modified at will. This is what companies like Huawei are doing with their customized versions of Android in the EMUI edition.
To use this mobile OS on your computer, you need to install the software, a program that allows you to simulate all Android functions in a virtual machine. Some systems allow you to use Android applications on a PC, and they are compatible with solutions for Windows and Mac computers, so you can, for example, play games on your smartphone on a PC.
You can also download applications directly from the official Play Store and use them on your computer as if they were desktop applications. Other software is aimed at developers as it allows you to create applications and programs for mobile devices directly from your computer, run error tests and create tools for the Google mobile operating system. We’ve put together the best Android emulators in this guide, with a careful selection of the most interesting options.
The best Android emulators for Windows PC
Most Android emulators are designed for Windows PCs, with many different options to choose from, some perfect for gaming, others also suitable for developers and testing mobile applications on the desktop. Here are the best programs.
BlueStacks
The best Android emulator is undoubtedly BlueStacks, by far the most used program with versions for PC with Windows and Mac. In particular, this software is free and doesn’t require any intervention to activate the dual boot feature, so you don’t have to manage two different operating systems. At the same time, the system is very easy to use, which makes it very versatile for various purposes.
BlueStacks has a community of over 400 million users and is especially popular for playing Android games, with over 1 million games compatible. Key features include customized game controls, high performance for improved mouse and keyboard responsiveness, MOBA mode, and a multi-instance option to run multiple games simultaneously.
LDPlayer
A great Android emulator for Windows PC is LDPlayer, a free program that is quick and easy to install. Unfortunately, it is only available in English and does not work on computers running macOS. The program is based on older versions of Android, but is frequently updated, so it works adequately for playing the most popular smartphone games.
The graphical interface is quite intuitive and of good quality, it is compatible with all major devices, there is also a multiplayer feature with multiplayer support. With LDPlayer, you can create different accounts, map controls to use the mouse and keyboard, and download applications directly from the Google Play Store.
Memu
To transport Android games to your computer, you can use Memu, a completely free program available for Windows. One of the advantages of this Android emulator without virtualization is the presence of an Italian version which is important for an optimal experience. The graphics are of good quality, with a fairly efficient integrated mapping for managing the periphery.
The system offers a number of interesting features, such as the option of 3D effects or monitoring the performance of the processor and graphics card. This platform is based on Android 7, and at the same time is regularly updated and provides good performance for Android games. With Mem, you can create multiple accounts and find millions of compatible titles.
GameLoop
One of the best Android emulators for video games by far is GameLoop, a software capable of handling many titles for smartphones, including Call of Duty, PUBG, and Free Fire. This program also offers a large number of the latest games, with a catalog that is always up-to-date with the latest news in the industry, as indicated on the relevant section of the official GameLoop portal.
The emulator is compatible with all PC controllers, from mouse to keyboard, is easy to install, and is available for Windows PCs. The Italian version is missing, in fact it is only offered in English, however the setup is quite simple and intuitive. It’s not very efficient for using Android apps, but great for video games from the Android catalog, with custom settings and very good performance.
NoxPlayer
Only available in English but compatible with both Windows and macOS, NoxPlayer is a lesser-known but equally good Android emulator, especially for using Android games on PC. The list of applications that work with this program is very long, with all major applications such as WhatsApp, Netflix, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube present.
The system is based on Android version 7, but supports any mobile game, with some versions specially made for that software. The download is free, though there are ads for featured apps. Features include multiple instances to play multiple titles simultaneously, device synchronization and virtualization support.
Phoenix OS
An Android emulator without virtualization is Phoenix OS, a true operating system that replicates the Google mobile program that can be installed on a computer in dual boot mode. In practice, it is an alternative OS, so you can run the software and have an Android simulation environment on your computer.
Phoenix OS can be installed on Windows and macOS machines, is free and quite lightweight, offers good performance and a modern, intuitive interface. The system is built on the basis of Android version 7, with an easy-to-use menu, while the installation can be done via a USB memory or a virtual machine.
Best Android Emulators for Mac
Some Android emulators are designed specifically for Mac, with dedicated and compatible versions that allow you to use Android applications on Apple’s macOS operating system. Here are the best of them.
BlueStacks App Player
The best Android emulator for macOS PC is BlueStacks App Player, which we have seen is also available for Windows. Downloaded by over 90 million people, this software allows you to use a wide variety of mobile applications on your Mac by creating a virtual copy of the Google operating system inside your Apple computer, with quick and fairly simple installation.
Notice the main menu that helps you navigate, with all the major functions in sight. A very interesting feature is the ability to sync Android applications with those on Mac to improve the experience and avoid collisions between the two systems. Response times aren’t always perfect, but there are plenty of options, such as multiplayer.
Andy OS
Andy OS emulator
Mac PC owners can use the Andy OS Android emulator to find all their mobile games on their macOS computer. The software is compatible with many applications such as WhatsApp, Snapchat and Instagram. You can sync your desktop device with your mobile device, get real-time app notifications and download apps from official stores.
Andy OS is available as a free download at no cost and supports many features such as a microphone, webcam, sensors, and gaming devices such as a PC mouse and keyboard. Control mapping, custom setup and even the ability to connect a wireless headset are available. There is no storage space limit, plus you can use your smartphone as a controller.
Droid4X
The best Android emulator for Mac for gaming is Droid4X, a software that is also compatible with the Google Play Store and available for Windows. With this application, you can record your screen, download applications from official stores, test your own applications, and synchronize functions precisely. The main application is in Android games on Mac, where high image quality and an appropriate response time are guaranteed.
With Droid4X you can connect all the main Mac controls, or you can use your smartphone as a gaming device, adapting the functionality to your needs thanks to the excellent settings program. There are many applications that can be integrated, both for gaming and entertainment in general, with the ability to download for free and install immediately.
Genymotion
One of the best Android emulators for macOS computers is Genymotion, with which you can recreate the virtual Google operating system environment for mobile devices on your Mac. Installation is quick and easy, and the program is compatible with Windows and Linux, although the Apple PC version is the most popular. It is mainly used by programmers for application testing and program compatibility.
This program uses SaaS (Software as a Service) cloud technology and is able to provide accurate data on many parameters and performance indicators. As it is a professional app, there is a fee that starts at $ 136 per year for the desktop version or $ 0.05 per minute for the cloud version. With this program you can simulate your own Android environment for testing Android applications on a Mac computer.
