Hardware and software setup

Program for mobile games on pc. Best Android Emulators for Computer

Greetings, dear lovers of tablet computers. In today's article, I made a selection of the best, in my opinion, emulators of the Android operating system for Windows. Also, based on all the material received, I will try to highlight the best Android emulator.

The Android app store has several hundred thousand different software products, both paid and free. Such an abundance of applications makes this operating system, along with iOS, one of the most popular and sought-after mobile operating systems in the world.

It is quite logical that with such, I'm not afraid of the word, huge popularity, various emulators appear on the PC, allowing you to open applications developed for Android on a regular platform. Below you can find a list of the brightest and highest quality emulators for Android.

Genymotion

This emulator is perfect for testing your applications created for the Android operating system, all this is available thanks to the built-in OpenGL hardware acceleration. In the past, this project (emulator) was called Android VM, gradually it grew into a full-fledged, and in my opinion, one of the highest quality products of this kind available.

The Genymotoin software tool is a multi-platform emulator, which means that it is available for most operating systems such as: Windows, MacOS, Linux.

Of the large number of advantages and capabilities of this software tool, I would like to note the following:

  • Quite an impressive base of supported, for emulation, devices. At the same time, the database is constantly updated, which, of course, cannot but rejoice;
  • Allows you to emulate a connection over a Wi-Fi network;
  • Emulation of the rear and front video cameras on the device;
  • Ability to create screencasts.

This, of course, is not a complete list of all the advantages of this tool. I specifically did not touch on some of the possibilities. they are unlikely to be understood by the average PC user.

Despite all the features and advantages of this emulator, of course, there are also disadvantages, where without them.

  • Applications created with Adobe Air Mobile are not supported by this emulator.

If you do not know which tool to choose, then I recommend starting your search with this emulator.

Windroy

Emulator website - socketeq.com


The emulator is a creation of Chinese developers. Of course, this program does not reach the level of the previous one, but it can still be used as an alternative tool. There were no special features or benefits.

I would like to note the speed of this emulator, it is really somewhat higher than the speed of other tools. But, coupled with the number of “brakes” and “glitches”, this seemingly tangible plus fades. Perhaps by the time you are reading this article, the developers have eliminated the most obvious flaws and bugs. Suitable for Windows XP, 7, 8.

BlueStacks


Not exactly an emulator, in the usual sense of the word. This product is rather an environment for running Android games on a personal computer running the Windows operating system. If you are looking for an emulator only for running games, then you will not find a better tool than this one.

Of the advantages that this emulator has, I would like to note a pretty good application speed.

YouWave for Android


A small, simple program to emulate the Android operating system. If you compare it with other representatives of XP, 7,8) from this list, then YouWave is one of the most used tools. All the same, simplicity and an intuitive interface are the two most important qualities of a good emulator.


In fact, this tool is not an emulator - it is rather an Android application development environment that includes, which is completely understandable and natural, tools for testing and debugging created applications.

If you need an emulator for more complex purposes than “testing a toy”, then you can choose this tool. Available for most operating systems, including PC Windows (XP, 7.8).

If none failed to run

If you were unable to run any emulator, then you can use these. Because I haven't tested them myself so I can't say anything about them. Perhaps they will work fine for you:

Andy - a new emulator, according to some users, currently works without additional dances with a tambourine. I will test.

Nox APP Player is a good option.

IMPORTANT: If you have chosen the right option for yourself, then save time for the rest - vote for the working tool.

Of course, many people thought about how to open applications (Windows OS). Because everyone has a favorite games and programs on your pocket device, which can also be played on a larger display.

Description

An emulator will help you with this. BlueStacks, which is specifically designed for Windows. This program on the Internet is only in the alpha version, so it's hard to say that it's full-fledged. Most likely, we can say that this is a utility that creates an atmosphere inside the operating system of your PC that allows open apk files that are intended for Android.

Installing games on Android

Although the program does not have the capabilities of such strong modifications as the Android SDK, where it is very difficult for a beginner to understand this business, but BlueStacks has a very easy interface and easy to use. That is, in order to simply open apps, this utility will be enough for you.

This emulator Android for Windows, you can absolutely free download on our site, without making any costs and additional registrations. To date, the application has been developed only for Windows 7 for all kinds of existing versions. In the near future, it is also planned to develop for XP, Vista and, of course, OS X. Install BlueStacks every person can, there are also a lot of training videos on the network to use, which is very acceptable for inexperienced users.

UPDATE 12/14/2015 We have a popular application on our site.

It's no secret that all programs have their drawbacks. This utility also has them, but in truth, they are not very significant. The most basic problem is that there is no way to install random applications. It is worth mentioning that on low-power computers that give poor performance, the work will be somewhat difficult.

Despite the fact that now there is only a test version, the utility works decently. At the same time, it has high stability, the program freezes very rarely, and there are no malfunctions. That is, as you understand, BlueStacks should ideally suit you and your PC.

We will show you how to choose an Android emulator for your computer. Bluestacks, droid4x, Genymotion, MEmu and Remix OS Player. Download Android emulator for PC here!

Why install an Android emulator on a computer? Who needs emulation of a mobile OS on a desktop, who will benefit from this? We answer. First of all, mobile developers are interested in Android emulators. In addition, emulators are also used by gamers who need a keyboard from time to time or, at least, are interested in playing their favorite mobile games for Android on a computer.

We must immediately make a reservation that the process of installing and mastering emulators is not so simple. This is due to the rather complicated device of Android emulators. Therefore, it makes sense to take on the installation of an emulator only if you have minimal technical skills.

Bluestacks is a great Android emulator for PC for gamers

Price: Free / $2 per month

Bluestacks is considered one of the most famous Android emulators for PC. True, until recently, this emulator began to lose ground. Realizing this, the Bluestacks developers decided to significantly improve the functionality of the emulator, as a result of which the updated Bluestacks 4 was born. In general, this emulator began to work faster, more stable and went far ahead compared to its predecessor.

Let's note the main features of the android emulator. Bluestacks supports multitasking, plus it has unique emulation features such as screen shaking and location detection (recall that these features were previously not available in the early version of the emulator).

Be that as it may, the Bluestacks emulator will mainly be of interest to gamers, but now it will serve those who need high performance.

An updated version of the emulator, Bluestacks 4, is sold at the same price - a symbolic $ 2 for a subscription to services. Of course, most of the functions of this android emulator will be of little use to most of the audience, however, gamers will definitely like this emulator. We would advise them to install this Android emulator on their computer.

Genymotion is a versatile android emulator with great device support

Cost: Free, with paid options

Genymotion is an Android emulator aimed at mobile developers who want to test their apps or games on a variety of devices without the physical need to interact with real devices. In general, you can set up the Genymotion emulator for various devices with most current versions of the Android OS, and this more than meets the majority of requests not only from developers, but also from ordinary users.

Let's say with Genymotion you can run Nexus One on Android 5 or Nexus 6 with Android 6.0 overboard. The final choice is yours, and you can easily switch between "devices" on the fly as you see fit. In fact, working with applications is not so in demand on emulators in itself, however, Genymotion does offer its services for free for personal use, so this is a great option for a free Android emulator for PC.

System requirements for installing Genymotion:

  • Windows 7 and above (Linux and Mac OS are also supported)
  • Video card with OpenGL 2.0 support
  • 64-bit processor with support for VT-x or AMD-V technologies
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 100 MB hard disk space

MEmu is a fast android emulator with functional side toolbar

Cost: free

MEMU is a pretty good Android emulator app for PC. It is fully compatible with Intel and AMD chipsets, this feature was implemented for Android Lollipop 5. This emulator comes with full root access, there is also a mega-functional sidebar, hung with various useful features, productivity tools.

The MEMU distribution isn't as bloated as some of the others in its category. So, the MEMU emulator performs well in various tests. The homepage of the package has a performance comparison chart for ANdroid emulators, which shows that MEmu is 2x faster than Bluestacks.

System requirements for installing MEMU are quite humane: there is support for Intel and AMD, OS - Windows 7 and higher.

It's a good alternative to many Android emulators for PC, especially if you're going to use the emulation for both gaming and productivity purposes. The MEMU community continues to grow actively, and you can get qualified help on thematic forums, check out releases and get useful technical information on the official MEMU blog. Therefore, it can be argued that MEmu is, if not the best Android emulator, then at least a community-supported and developing project, and this is important.

Nox is a free android emulator for PC with gesture support

Cost: free

Next on the list is Nox, an Android emulator for Windows. Like Bluestacks, Nox is designed to please gamers. The emulator includes utilities and add-ons that will help players control the gameplay using the keyboard and mouse. The Nox toolkit includes features such as the ability to assign "swipe right" to an arrow button, to simulate real gesture movements directly on the keyboard or joystick.

NOX - mobile phone emulator

The Nox emulator is available for free download from the link below.

Remix OS Player - android emulator with flexible settings

Cost: free

Remix OS Player by the developers of Jide is one of the relatively new Android emulators for PC. Positions itself as one of the most functional (the most advanced) It remains the only emulator for a computer that runs on Android Marshmallow instead of Android Android Lollipop or Kit Kat.

The second point is that the Remix emulator will be useful for developers, as it has absorbed the capabilities of the Android Studio development environment. Thus, game developers can test their products on a PC, measuring performance.

The installation process of Remix OS Player is quite simple and its use will also not cause difficulties for a beginner (installation and launch are done in one click). It is designed primarily for games, so you will have various options on the sidebar to adjust the emulation to your taste and color.Because the emulator goes through some "break-in" it still works with some bugs.However, it is still one of the best than most android emulators.It is important to note that it works for free indefinitely .

The only caveat is that Remix OS Player, unfortunately, does not support AMD processors, while other PC emulators do not.

Here are the system requirements to run Remix OS Player:

  • Windows 7 (64-bit) and newer
  • Intel Core i3 processor (preferably Core i5 / Core i7
  • 4GB RAM
  • 8GB on disk (preferably 16GB)
  • Activated Virtualization Technology option in BIOS

Best Android Emulator - Genymotion

To install, you need to go to the Genymotion.com website and download the Android emulator to your computer. The ability to download the distribution will appear only after registration on the Genymotion application website. On the download page, you can select the version of the emulator Genymotion for your operating system, then create an account on the site and activate using the link.

To download the Genymotion emulator for free, you need to register

A virtual machine is installed on a personal computer - this is Genymotion, that is, an Android emulator on a PC. After installing the Genymotion emulator for Android, you will need to restart your computer and install the VirtualBox virtual machine. At the first start, a window will appear with a list of devices for which you can create an emulation. The user also has the opportunity to choose the version of Android to work with the emulator, Android versions from 2.3.7 to 4.4.2 are presented. Sorting occurs both by smartphone models and by operating systems. This Android emulator on PC allows you to run applications, games for testing and full operation.

Genymotion emulator start screen

Emulator Benefits Genymotion :

  1. The Genymotion Android emulator has the advantage of being able to choose which device you want to display on your computer.
  2. Convenient navigation, the control panel is hidden, freeing up space for work.

Minusesandroid emulator Genymotion :

  1. This emulator does not support Google Play services, that is, it cannot be downloaded from the Google store, free or paid. At the same time, there is a large list of applications in the Black Market that you can download and test.
  2. The fast operation of the emulator for Android requires a free supply of RAM on your mobile device, smartphone or tablet.

The Android emulator for PC, Genymotion, allows you to test applications that are already downloaded to your computer, their extension must be "APK". When launched, the application will create a folder to work on the virtual device, which does not need to be deleted for the duration of the work. After launching the application, the screen is positioned in a tablet landscape orientation. With a choice of mobile operating system versions, Genymotion is the best Android emulator on the market.

Android Emulator

Download emulator Android You can visit the developer's website andyroid.net. On a personal computer, it appears possible to use a full-fledged Android, connect a webcam, a microphone directly used on your smartphone or tablet.

Android emulator start screen

When you start working with the Andyroid emulator, user settings are set, and if the Andyroid settings are set to an old system version, Android can be updated to the most current OS version.

Emulator Disadvantages android:

  1. The version of the program is initially available only in English, Russian must be selected every time you start the Android emulator.
  2. There is no choice of operating systems, you can only change from outdated to the latest when updating, while only the emulator versions are updated.

Application advantages Android :

  1. In emulation mode, any applications and apk packages are launched.
  2. This emulator for Android works faster than analogues, games run stably the first time in most cases.

Using this Android emulator on PC is easy, as well as getting started in emulation mode. At the first start, you will need to enter your Google account login and password, make the usual settings similar to the parameters of an existing Android phone.

droid4x - an emulator with many interesting additions

Cost: free

The next emulator is called droid4x and it's an interesting choice for those who need an Android emulator on PC. It works in the same way as Andy or AMIDuOS, and it should be noted that the performance is roughly comparable on both emulators.

It is impossible not to say that in one or two years there have been improvements with the functionality of the droid4x application. What makes the emulator interesting are the additions. One of them is an application installed on a smartphone. Through it, you can manage games on your computer. For example, you can use the accelerometer to turn your car into Asphalt 8. It's definitely better than Andy or AMIDuOS for gaming, although we think both could be a little better in terms of stability and speed.

Andy

The program runs on all current versions of Windows, but for its operation you will need at least 8 gigabytes of free hard disk space, because Android is fully installed on a PC. The distinctive features and capabilities of the application include the following:

    the ability to install any convenient version of Android;

    full control - you get the system in its purest form, without any additional programs and interface settings;

    also, due to the "purity" of the system, such an Android can literally do everything that the original OS can do;

    since Android x86 is already adapted for computers, you can not be afraid that it will be inconvenient for you to control the interface without a touchscreen.

An Android emulator on a PC is a program that is designed to create an Android device on your personal computer with any other operating system. The principle of its work is to read the structural features of devices and translate game codes for smartphones into codes for computers. The list of codes includes both sound and graphic formats. The emulation process itself extends to memory, processor, and input and output devices. Please note that the same type of processors does not play any role in the operation of the emulator.

Top 10 Android Emulators for PC

Bluestacks

Bluestacks Emulator

So, the first emulator in our ranking will be the Bluestacks Android emulator. This program is absolutely free, while it has high performance. An emulator is a program that will allow you to synchronize your smartphone with a computer, as a result of which you can play mobile games on your PC. In addition, you will be able to make calls and send messages from certain applications that have this feature. That is, the computer reads the data from your phone, and will also use your mobile number.

The system requirements of the Bluestacks emulator are basic, it works on all versions of Windows and MacOSX. In the program settings, you can configure the language, including Russian. You can also download games and applications, while running them in full screen mode. The latter is ideal for those who have always wanted to play Android games and applications on their personal computer with a different operating system. In general, if you decide to download an emulator and do not know which one to choose, then Bluestacks is the best option for you, it is free and quite easy to use.

Droid4X

Droid4X emulator

This emulator will display for you a full-fledged Android device that will allow you to run games and applications on your personal computer. This idea is ideal for people who are running out of memory on their smartphones, or simply do not support a new desired game. Here you can download as many applications as you want, and you will be sure that the emulator will easily read them. If you have a PC or laptop with a touch screen, this will make your task much easier. Otherwise, in the settings of each game, you have to select control buttons.

The Droid4X Android emulator is based on Android 4.2.2, thanks to which you will be able to download any games and applications to your PC, even the newest and the required high performance. With this emulator you will get an Android device with 16GB internal memory and 32GB external (SD). Also this app is great for app developers. There is an application testing system and an excellent base for ordinary users. The technical characteristics that the application will require for full-fledged work and high performance are not high, which any standard computer can satisfy.

Andy

Andy emulator

One of the newest emulators that is able to emulate on your personal computer a full-fledged device with the Android operating system, version 4.2 Jelly Bean. Since the Andy emulator was released quite recently, it is designed to be used on Windows 7 or Windows 8, and this is its drawback. But the developers promise to soon launch a version on Mac OS. Among other things, the creators of the application actively release regular updates and work to constantly improve their service.

For those who plan to use the emulator both on a computer and on a smartphone, the application has a useful function with which you can control all processes from your mobile device. Often games and applications that require the use of a touch screen or an accelerometer need this feature. You can download the emulator application to your smartphone for free. The characteristics of Andy's emulator allow you to install it on any standard computer, and synchronize it with another device.

Genymotion


Genymotion emulator

The emulator, which is considered one of the highest quality and fastest in its field. This application has been increasingly focused on application testing, and it will be perfect for game and application developers. By and large, the Genymotion emulator is a continuation of the AndroidVM project. Despite the fact that the main focus of the emulator has become testing, it is also perfect for playing Android mobile applications on a personal computer with a different operating system. Genymotion download emulator will install without problems on such operating systems as Windows, Linux and Mac OS. To prevent errors, the developers suggest installing VirtualBox before downloading the emulator itself.

Unlike other emulators, you can download Genymotion in both paid and free versions. Of course, the first will have more extensive functionality than the second. Multi-touch has become one of the attractive features of the paid version, but it is increasingly aimed at use by large companies that are engaged in serious development. The free version has all the necessary features to fully use the emulator on your PC for basic needs. Please note that if you first create an Android image, then the download will be many times faster.

LeapDroid

Leapdroid emulator on PC

The Android emulator, which has become one of the latest developments in its field. A novelty, which, however, like other emulators, works on the basis of VirtualBox. That is, without installing the last mentioned program on your PC, you will not be able to use the emulator normally. After all the manipulations done, you will receive a full-fledged Android version 4.4.4. on your PC. One of the main features of the application has become high performance, which has a good effect on the speed of work and downloads. Also, the LeapDroid emulator actively supports OpenGL and adb, you can use it at any time.

In this emulator, there is a function to synchronize folders with your computer. Run multiple instances at the same time without worrying about losing speed. Copy and paste text using familiar combinations. Use your microphone to record videos of your screen. Also, the LeapDroid emulator has a high level of compatibility, which allows you to download almost any Android games and applications. The minimum requirements that the program requests are available on every ordinary computer, so you can be sure of the quality of its work.

Nox APP Player

An absolutely new product from Chinese programmers, which deserves high marks. As of today, the program works with Android version 4.4.2., which allows you to download and use all new games and applications from Google Play. The Nox APP Player emulator can be safely called one of the most stable and high-performance of all that exist today. It is so powerful that it can support any processor, even AMD. Another indisputable advantage of this application is that it is completely free and available for download for all users.

Having visited the official website of the developer, we found a comparison table, which shows that the Nox APP Player emulator wins in many respects in relation to other emulators. Its only drawback was the lack of a version for Mac OS, but this is only a matter of time, soon the developers will fix this error. In terms of appearance, you can find similarities with the Genymotion emulator, as evidenced by the right sidebar with a number of tools, and the control keyboard setting is similar to the keyboard in the Droid4X emulator, but in addition, here you will also find gyroscope settings. All in all. The developers have collected all the best from other emulators, improved a little, added new features and released Nox APP Player.

AMIDuOS


One of the few emulators developed by the American company American Megatrends. The hypervisor feature is what sets AMIDuOS apart from other emulators. With this emulator, you will install a device on your Android computer that will work conflict-free with Windows. Unfortunately, so far the program is available for download only on Windows 7/8/8.1. Thanks to the full screen mode, you can run downloaded games and applications in full screen. This emulator reads all the codes so well that you will not see any differences in the gameplay between a PC and a smartphone.

The AMIDuOS Android emulator defines shared folders for a variety of files (documents, videos, audio, etc.). In addition to the fact that the program does an excellent job with its direct duties, it will help you perform other additional settings. These include obtaining and configuring root rights (administrator rights), setting the screen resolution, sharing the RAM allocated for work, and installing Google applications on the computer.

YouWave


A simple emulator version of Android 4.0 ICS. The product is quite effective and works in its field as standard. YouWave differs in that it copies your Android device as accurately as possible, starting from the interface and ending with the touch keyboard. In addition to its main task, it also performs other functions, for example, it emulates SD cards on which it saves games and applications or multi-user modules. The menu is displayed here in a rather classic way, in the form of standard icons.

But there is a feature in this emulator that distinguishes it from other emulators, it supports active rotation of the device. This feature makes the gameplay more convenient. You can download games and applications both from Google Play and from archive files. The latter option is more practical, easy to use and easy to run. If you still chose the first download option, the application will ask for a personal Google ID. And only after that you will be able to use the YouWave emulator for its intended purpose.

Windroy


Not a bad achievement of Chinese developers. An emulator that does all the basic stuff and is great for those who don't require a wide range of features. This program qualitatively and as accurately as possible simulates the Android OS, version 4.4.2. Specifications will allow you to use your PC like a real smartphone. With it, you can play all kinds of Google products. If you want to bypass the Play Market side, you can always install programs from archive files, it will be both faster and better.

The application has a fairly high performance and speed, and also supports all versions of Windows without conflict. If you are the owner of a touch screen computer, laptop or tablet, then this program is a real find for you. It will qualitatively transfer all the codes that you will not even notice the difference.

MEmu App Player

Quite recently, a new and very nice Android emulator MEmu has appeared. And its first advantage was free installation for all users. This product was created by Chinese developers who promise high performance and speed when downloading Android games and apps on PC. The 4.2.2 version of OS is used, and in the program you automatically enter administrator rights (root). This emulator will provide you with a stylish desktop and a range of settings that you can play with for hours.

In order to make you feel more comfortable during the gameplay, the developers have provided a mapping of the keyboard and joystick. Install archive files quickly with APK drag and drop. Here you can create, delete or copy any Android system or run several at the same time in a matter of seconds. MEmu App Player is a great choice and will give you a quality emulator that does the job perfectly.

We ran all ten emulators and this is what happened

2. Bluestacks

One of the most convenient options for running Android games on a computer. If you want Android just to play games on its platform, then this is your choice. Very convenient emulation, which is just aimed only at running Android games and applications on a PC. But there is no Android OS environment itself, there is only its own GUI with shortcuts to the games that you have installed and from Android there is only the ability to play its games.

The Bluestacks emulator is easy to install and configure, so we won't explain anything further. If you run into any questions regarding the emulator, please visit its official website.

3.Android SDK

The Android SDK software is a game developer tool, which, of course, provides the ability to run any application for Android on Android. But there is one big BUT in the operation of this system. The Android SDK is an extremely slow system, which takes from 5 to 30 minutes to load, and the performance of the Android OS itself leaves much to be desired. It is for this reason that it is highly discouraged to use the system, but we have presented it here as a possible option.

If you still decide to use the Android SDK, then download it from the official page and start using it.

4.WindowsAndroid (Windroy)

The Android emulation environment WindowsAndroid is a pretty good job, combining the complete "inner world" of the Android OS, with all its settings and default programs. The emulator may work a little more unstable than BlueStacks, but it is a full-fledged emulation of the operating system. You can download the latest version of the emulator from the official website of the developer.

5. Android for PC + VirtualBox

And finally, the turn has come to the last popular way to run Android in your Windows OS. The whole point is to use a special Android for PC, which was discussed in the adjacent material and VirtualBox, which will allow any operating system to be seamlessly installed inside a running OS, in this case Android will need to be installed.

However, if you liked the use of Android for PC more than its emulation, then just do everything as described in the material about it.


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