6 best Android emulators for 2021
Android Emulators are becoming more and more popular with the increasing popularity of Android. From developers testing apps to gamers playing on a big screen, users long to experience the Android OS on a Windows PC, in addition to a mouse and keyboard.
The possibilities with Android Emulators are endless. Although BlueStacks has always topped the list of phone simulators for PC, others are picking it up at breakneck speed. So, here are the top Android Emulators for Windows PC:
1. BlueStacks
BlueStacks is probably the most popular Android emulator among Android users. The emulator is preferred for gaming and is ridiculously easy to set up. Other than the Play Store, you can download the enhanced BlueStacks apps from its app store. Although BlueStacks supports keyboard mapping, it is incompatible with gestures.
The main disadvantage of the BlueStacks emulator is that it gets slow down in productivity apps. Other than that, the sponsored ads make the emulator lose behind other best free Android emulators for Windows. The BlueStacks Android Emulator is currently based on Android 7 Nougat.
Price: Free / Premium $ 24
Why use BlueStacks?
- It is easy to install without any technical knowledge required
- Multiple accounts support
- Latest Android version
- Download it now from here π₯
2. MEmu
MEmu is a relatively new emulator compared to the others. Once again, MeMu Play, launched in 2015, is focused on gaming. In terms of speed, this Android emulator offers similar results as Nox and BlueStacks.
One of the most important features of the MeMu Android Emulator is its support for both AMD and Nvidia chips. It also supports different Android versions like Android Jelly Bean, Kit Kat, and Lollipop. While MeMu advocates for high-performance games, the graphics performance is relatively poor.
MEmu is currently based on Android Lollipop and runs top-of-the-line productivity apps. And if you are looking to play games like Ingress or PokΓ©mon Go, this should be your choice.
Price: Free
Why use MEmu?
- Key layout
- Set your virtual location on Google Maps
- AMD and NVidia supported
- Download it now from here π₯
3. Nox Player
Nox Player specifically targets Android games. Although the emulator works perfectly fine for other Android apps and has the full Android experience, it is best for playing huge games like PUBG or Justice League. The best part of Nox Emulator is that it is completely free and with no sponsored ads whatsoever.
Nox Player allows you to assign keyboard, mouse and gamepad keys. You can also assign keyboard keys to gestures, for example, assign a shortcut for swiping.
Also, you can select CPU and RAM usage in the settings option to get the best gaming results. If Android is your focus, Nox Player makes it easy to root a virtual device in less than one minute.
The only problem with Nox is that it puts a lot of load on the system. Hence, you cannot use many other apps. Another thing is that it is based on Android 5 Lollipop which might be a concern for you.
Price: Free
Why use Nox Player?
- Mapping shortcuts on controllers
- It's easy to root
- Download it now from here π₯
4. LDPlayer
Just like other emulators for Android games, LDPlayer focuses on providing a lag-free gaming experience with light software.
Powered by Android Nougat 7.1, it features the usual set of gamer-oriented features, including good keyboard mapping controls, multiple instances, macros, high fps, and graphic support. This is one of the few emulators on the list that gets active updates to improve compatibility.
It supports a wide range of games, including Garena Free Fire, In Us, Clash of Clans, and many more. In the latest releases, LDPlayer has improved League of Legends: Wild Rift's performance, providing preset keymaps for different heroes and other custom features. In addition to that, LDPlayer is also a good emulator to use TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.
Price: Free
Why use LDPlayer?
- Simple user interface
- Set up any Android device
- It is easy to operate
- Download it now from here π₯
5.Genymotion
Genymotion is not your Android Emulator; It is only targeted at developers. This Android emulator allows you to test apps on a variety of virtual machines with different versions of Android. The emulator is compatible with the Android SDK and Android Studio. Even works on macOS and Linux.
Since Genymotion leans towards developers, it is packed with many developer-friendly features. And it might not be the right choice for people looking to try out Android games.
Price: Free (trial) / Premium $ 136 per year.
Why use Genymotion?
- Supports Android Studio
- It works on MacOs and Linux
- Run versions from Android 4.1 to 8.0
- Download it now from here π₯
6. GameLoop
GameLoop, formerly known as Tencent Gaming Buddy, is an Android emulator for two players. In fact, it's a good idea for Tencent to call it the official emulator for its games, including Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile. Of course, it features games other than Tencent's, although its collection isn't as large as it can be.
The emulator is well downloaded and installed and the games we tested are running fine. This is not good for testing productivity or development. However, if you have trouble with FPS games for mobile devices alongside some titles, this is actually a fairly decent gaming emulator and boasts a good selection of newer titles. Additionally, the keyboard controls and performance are good.
Price: Free
Why use GameLoop?
- Android OS experience
- New file manager
- Good for productivity applications
- Download it now from here π₯
These are some of the best Android Emulators that you can run on Windows 10. Before installing any of the emulators above, it is important to note that these emulators are not completely bug-free and may be delayed from time to time. Also, the performance of these emulators depends on your computer's specifications.