The Android emulator allows you to run mobile applications on your computer. These can be games, social network clients, or other useful applications. Emulators are essential for gamers; they open the world of mobile gaming on PC with all the conveniences, including support for gamepads and large resolutions.
An emulator creates a virtual device that mimics the operation of a real one.
Developers can even simulate a specific device model if they need to fine-tune an app. You can set parameters such as OS version and screen resolution, connect Google accounts, etc.
The Best Free Emulators for Windows and Mac in 2024
| Windows: LDPlayer | |
| Mac: BlueStacks |
The selection includes all the best Android emulators, which have been tested and are working from the most popular to the lesser known.
LDPlayer
Platform: Windows.
Cost: free (premium subscription available).
LDPlayer is a fast emulator for running games. It allows you to install any apps from Google Play, and the developer XuanZhi works directly with the developers of popular apps.
The interface is divided into tabs and looks more like a web browser. Performance is the main advantage of this emulator. The developers add macros to make compatibility updates for every popular game.
For example, Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars and Garena Free Fire work best with LDPlayer because of constant optimization.
Pros:
- performance;
- large selection of applications;
- customizable interface.
Cons:
- closed source code;
- the basic version includes ads, which reduces performance.
BlueStacks
Platform: Windows, Mac.
Cost: free.
BlueStacks has long been considered one of the best Android emulators on PC, and for good reason. Now, it’s a full-fledged social network where you can livestream, chat, and find friends.
BlueStacks has a tabbed interface and supports installing games from its store or via Google Play. It also allows you to create macros and scripts, and many games have special features, like multiple summons at once for gacha games.
BlueStacks is the only emulator available in the cloud.
Pros:
- a full-fledged social network for gamers;
- many compatible apps;
- supports most processors;
- performance.
Cons:
- built-in advertising;
- telemetry;
- can clog the system with unnecessary files;
- intermittent crashes.
GameLoop
Platform: Windows.
Cost: free.
Initially developed by Tencent for PUBG: Mobile, GameLoop soon grew into a large platform with access to all the corporation’s games. The emulator is official, integrates with Tencent’s services, and allows you to download third-party apps from Google Play.
Compared to its counterparts, GameLoop has lower system requirements. This does not save you from performance problems on many components.
GameLoop’s optimization is poor; you may experience slowdowns and intermittent crashes. Customizing the program and using your scripts or macros will not work.
Pros:
- screen recording support;
- games can run in full-screen or multi-window mode;
- many options for fine-tuning the emulator;
- better support for PUBG: Mobile.
Cons:
- slows down on weak computers;
- difficulty installing third-party applications.
NoxPlayer
Platform: Windows.
Cost: free.
Nox is suitable for running any mobile application. However, you should not expect full compatibility—the developers did not create their app store. Instead, the gamer can handle the control settings and other nuances himself. The program allows you to record macros and change the controls, giving you an advantage in some games.
NoxPlayer’s minimalistic interface is similar to a regular Android desktop, with the same shortcuts and settings. The program runs on Android 12 and above.
Pros:
- lots of settings;
- you can open multiple games at the same time;
- macro recorder for complex actions;
- intuitive interface.
Cons:
- consumption of system resources;
- lots of ads during installation (something unwanted may be installed).
Memu
Platform: Windows.
Cost: freemium.
Memu is the best Android emulator for those who want to play car simulators. Because of the ability to simulate sensor data, such as accelerometer, Memu makes gameplay in racing easier.
Its windows can automatically scale, which is far from the complete list of features. There are three Android versions to choose from: 7, 9, 12. Advanced OpenGL and DirectX 3D support ensures high performance on most hardware. Multiple hotkey settings can be saved for each game. Memu can handle anything from testing to running demanding applications.
Pros:
- full support for most apps from Google Play;
- intuitive interface;
- performance.
Cons:
- built-in advertising;
- there will always be a few pre-installed advertising apps on the home screen that you can’t eliminate.
Genymotion
Platform: Windows, MacOS, Linux.
Cost: free/subscription.
Genymotion differs from other emulators in that it virtualizes rather than emulates Android. The presence of built-in hardware acceleration improves performance.
Unlike past variants, it supports more features for app developers: Android Studio integration, cloud service for testing, advanced tools for creating apps and games.
Pros:
- image creation;
- cloud support;
- many tools for developers;
- installation and configuration of any application;
- many settings to configure the virtual device.
Cons:
- system requirements;
- requires a paid subscription to access advanced functionality.
AndY
Platform: Windows, MacOS, Linux.
Cost: free/subscription.
It’s a simple game emulator. Stylized under Android Lollipop, I initialized all the necessary programs to ensure the emulator would download sponsor applications during use. You can install applications directly from Windows by clicking on the shortcut.
The emulator runs on Android 4.2.2, which may cause problems with the newest apps.
Pros:
- ability to set up remote access;
- performance.
Cons:
- built-in adware;
- installation and startup;
- outdated Android.
Android x86
Platform: proprietary.
Cost: free of charge.
Android x86 is an enthusiast-supported operating system for computers. It allows you to install Android versions 4 to 13. Hardware acceleration will enable you to work with chips from Intel and AMD. There are no pre-installed programs, only the essentials. The rest must be installed via Google Market or other app sources.
Compared to emulators, the platform provides better performance and is suitable for older PCs. It is also possible to configure dual boot for Linux or Windows.
Pros:
- “pure” Android;
- performance;
- choice of versions.
Cons:
- sensor problems;
- compatibility conflicts.
PrimeOS
Platform: Windows, proprietary.
Cost: free.
Another Android adaptation. This full-fledged system is installed on a computer via LiveCD or flash drive and runs through the installer file. It was developed based on Android 11. Critical Mapping support is implemented so gamers can assign keys to specific actions. All Google services are pre-installed, and you can get started right away.
Pros:
- the interface is adapted for Windows;
- root access is available;
- low system requirements.
Cons:
- There are bugs in some games, like Clash Royale.
Koplayer
Platform: Windows.
Cost: free.
Now a closed project, Koplayer runs on Android version 4.4.4. Built-in video recording and automatic screen scaling allow you to create content for different games. The emulator can work with sensors, simulate GPS, and clone—one click creates or deletes an entire copy of the device/system.
There is a function to change the screen orientation. Flexible settings include CPU limit, RAM limit and other parameters.
Pros:
- settings;
- screen capture;
- simplified interface.
Cons:
- Development is closed so that no updates will be forthcoming.
How to Install the Emulator
Most emulators require the following to install:
- Download the installation file from the website.
- Run it.
- Follow the instructions of the installation wizard.
Necessary programs and utilities are downloaded automatically. The installation process occurs in the background, so the installer may collapse into a tray and will not be visible.
It is recommended to disable antivirus before starting work – it may quarantine or delete files necessary for launching.
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How to Configure the Emulator for Comfortable Playing
Before you start working, you must make a few manipulations in the settings. Most emulators have the same settings, and the optimization will look identical. The LDPlayer settings will be used as an example. Need:
- Set the “Frame Rate” parameter to 120/60, depending on the components. It is recommended that you set it to 30 on weak machines.
- Set the resolution. Choose based on the computer’s capabilities. If you have more than 16 GB of RAM, you can set it to 1080p or higher. The resolution determines the dpi and gameplay comfort.
- Determine the number of CPU cores that will be used. If you experience slowdowns, 2 or 4 cores are enough for most games.
- Set the RAM. 2048 or 1024 M is enough for MMORPGs and non-demanding games. If the emulator runs for a long time, more demanding applications will require more than 4096 or 8192 M.
- In the virtual disk settings, set the high-speed mode.
Once the settings are set, there should be no lag, but a lot depends on the optimization of the game itself.
Conclusion
The selection includes all popular Android emulators for Windows PC, Linux, and MacOS devices. They are tested, work well, and can help PC gamers transition to mobile gaming.
