People run Android emulators on their personal computers for varied reasons.
You may be an app developer trying to test your application prior to sending it out to your clients. If you’re a gamer, the emulators would allow you to use a keyboard and mouse when playing your Android game on PC. You can find android games on PC at BrowserCam.
On the other hand, you may want to install the Android emulator on PC just for the sake of it. Android emulation on PC has become easier than ever.
Whether you’re into gaming or want to use the apps for your use case development, here’re a few of the best Android emulators for Windows and Mac:
Top 5 Android Emulator Apps for Windows
- LDPlayer
Built to run Android Nougat 7.1, LDPlayer is an Android emulator for gaming. It’s packed with the usual gamer-oriented features. They include:
- Multi-instance
- Good keyboard mapping controls
- High FPS
- Macros
- Graphical support
Designed to receive active updates almost each month, the Android emulator is like no other. The various games it supports include:
- Clash of Clans
- Garena Free Fire
- Black Desert Mobile
The most recent versions of LDPlayer have been optimized for increased performance of each compatible game such as Free Fire.
The games become easier to pull off the automatic headshot, explaining its increased popularity among players of Free Fire.
- ARChon
This Android emulator for Windows isn’t a conventional emulator. It installs as an extension for Google Chrome, giving the browser the ability to run Android-based games and apps. However, this occurs with limited support.
ARChon isn’t an emulator that’s easy to run. First, install it as an extension to Chrome. Next, obtain APKs for loading. A disadvantage is that you may have to alter the APK using a tool to make it compatible.
Unlike many other Android emulators for Windows, this app involves a lot more installation steps to make it work. However, it’s compatible with all operating systems capable of running a Chrome instance.
The operating systems include:
- Linux
- Mac OS
- Windows, etc.
You can find detailed instructions on how to install and use ARChon on GitHub.
- Android Studio’s Emulator
Android’s default development console is the Android Studio. It’s built with a range of tools you’ll find handy as a developer to create games and apps for Android.
The development console also features a built-in emulator you can use to test the games or apps you’ve got under development. However, the installation is complex and may take a long time to finish.
Therefore, this Android emulator for Windows isn’t ideal for consumers or end users. But, developers can easily use it to test their games and apps.
The Android emulator also supports Kotlin case development. Designed for professional developers, the app isn’t ideal for non-developers.
- Bluestacks
Dubbed the most mainstream of all Android-based emulators for Windows, Bluestacks is popular among many users. It’s among the original app emulators that still get updated regularly.
Additionally, it’s compatible with Mac and Windows. Designed for mobile gamers, the emulator has been designed for compatibility with Android games. However, the app often feels somehow bloated.
In 2018, Bluestacks 4 was released into the market. It intended to fix the bloating issues. But, the results were mixed. Among the main features of this emulator include the key-mapping and settings features for installed games.
Although the new release made things a lot easier, the emulator is among the heaviest on the market. It’s also built with the most number of features for good or bad. The developer of Bluestacks also designed the MSI App Player for better emulating performance.
- MEmu
Designed for gamers, MEmu is a new kid on the block that’s increasingly becoming popular among players. It supports both Intel chipsets and AMD, with most working on the latter platform. However, most developers focus on AMD processor platforms.
The app is also compatible with Kit Kat, Jelly Bean, and Lollipop. For multiple testing features or games, you can run various instances of the app at the same time. Just like Bluestacks, the Android emulator for Windows is targeted at gamers.
Even so, you can also use it as a tool for productivity. The most recent update towards the end of 2019 included a smart key-mapping feature together with bug fixes and improvements on performance.
Conclusion
Choose the best Android emulator for Windows based on your unique needs. Ranging from Bluestacks to LDPlayer, there’s an emulator app out there for every need.
