The best Android emulators

If you're looking for the best Android emulator for your PC in 2024, your search ends here. Android emulators are programs that mimic the Android operating system on different platforms such as Windows, macOS, or Linux. They create a simulated Android device on a computer, such as a smartphone or a tablet. These emulators enable users and developers to run and test Android apps as if they were using an actual Android device.

There is no easy answer to which Android emulator is the best, as different tools have different features and drawbacks. On top of that, with so many options to choose from, finding the best Android emulator is a tedious task for many users.

In this guide, find the very best Android emulators to use in 2024.

What are the best Android emulators?

BlueStacks

BlueStacks 5 is one of the most popular and feature-rich Android emulators on the market. It supports both gaming and productivity apps and offers a smooth and seamless Android experience on your PC or Mac. This Android emulator also offers a cloud gaming service that lets you try games before installing them. You can also customize your controls, run multiple instances, and reduce resource consumption with Eco Mode.

BlueStacks 5 is compatible with Windows 7 and above, and Mac OS X 10.12 and above. It supports Android 9 and above, and has a large library of over 2 million apps and games. BlueStacks 5 is free to download and use, but you can upgrade to the premium version for more benefits.

Google Play Games on PC

Google Play Games on PC is a native option for Windows 11 and 10 users that allows you to access Google Play Games directly from your desktop. As a result, you can play Android games with your keyboard, mouse, or controller and sync your progress across devices. You can also enjoy exclusive titles and features from Google, such as Stadia, Play Pass, and Instant Play.

Google Play Games on PC is integrated with the Windows 11 and 10 operating systems and does not require any additional software or hardware. Unlike BlueStacks, Google Play Games on PC supports Android 11 and above, and has a huge collection of over 1 million games. It also has a social aspect, where you can chat with your friends, join clubs, and compete on leaderboards. Although Google Play Games on PC is free to use, you may need to pay for some games or subscriptions.

Nox Player

If you love Android gaming, Nox Player (or Nox App Player) is the emulator for you. It can handle other Android apps and give you a great Android experience, but its main strength is playing massive games like PUBG or Justice League.

Nox Player also gives you the flexibility to map the keys of Keyboard, Mouse, and Gamepad as you wish. You can even assign keyboard keys for gestures, for example, a shortcut for swiping right. You can also tweak the CPU and RAM usage in the settings to improve your gaming experience. And if you need to root Android, Nox Player can do it in under a minute.

GameLoop

GameLoop, formerly known as Tencent Gaming Buddy, is a gaming emulator that debuted in 2018 and has over 10 million active users per month. It was created specifically for gamers and allows them to install apps from APK files or choose from more than 1,000 mobile games. It is the official emulator for popular games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Arena of Valor.

Unlike other Android emulators, GameLoop is dedicated to Android gaming. It is one of the top choices for playing Android games on your PC. However, it has a limited selection of games and it does not support testing or other Android apps.

MEmu

Released in 2015, MEmu is one of the most popular Android emulators that can be used for various purposes. MEmu uses Android Lollipop and works well with productivity apps. It is ideal for playing games like Ingress or Pokémon Go.

This Android player is perfect for customization lovers as you have the option to modify performance (helpful if you have limited system resources), change the render mode, set custom keyboard shortcuts, map keys, fake your GPS location, record the screen, and a lot more.

Besides these features, it can run multiple instances natively if you like that. It has a keymap function that allows you to connect your mouse and keyboard to mobile games for better play. We also love the feature that lets you share files between MeMU Play and Windows through the shared download folder.

And that concludes our list. While you're here, take a look at our other guides revealing how to connect a PS5 controller to a Samsung TV and everything there is to know about the Samsung Galaxy Ring.