The best Android emulators for PC and Mac
BlueStacks
Price: Free
BlueStacks by now.gg is known for being the lightest, fastest, and most comprehensive Android app player and emulator on the market. It offers a range of features to enhance the gaming experience, such as the Keymapping Tool for customized control schemes and the Instance Manager for running multiple games simultaneously. With features like Eco Mode to reduce resource consumption and GDPR compliance for data security, BlueStacks is a safe and innovative choice for gamers. The platform has also introduced the BlueStacks Store, offering cashback on in-game purchases and other rewards for players. With plans to add more features in the future, BlueStacks continues to be a top choice for gamers and developers alike.
Android Studio
Price: Free
Android Studio is the go-to Android emulator for app developers, offering an Integrated Development Environment with an emulator via the Android Virtual Device function. While it may require some learning to set up initially, Android Studio is a solid product used by many developers for app development. It also supports gaming and other applications, although it lacks some gaming-specific features found in other emulators. With the ability to run the latest versions of Android and cross-platform compatibility, Android Studio is a versatile option for developers.
Bliss OS
Price: Free
Bliss OS has evolved into one of the best Android emulators available, offering multiple installation options and support for newer Android versions. While it may have some bugs, Bliss OS provides a versatile option for users looking to run Android on their PC. With the ability to run most recent games and apps, Bliss OS is a reliable choice for those willing to navigate through the installation process.
GameLoop
Price: Free
Formerly known as Tencent Gaming Buddy, GameLoop is a straightforward Android emulator for playing games on PC. While it may have some minor issues, GameLoop offers a simple installation process and support for popular games like PUBG: Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile. With additional features for officially supported games, GameLoop is a convenient option for gamers on Windows machines.
LDPlayer 9
Price: Free
LDPlayer 9 is a gaming-focused emulator with additional features for gamers, such as keyboard mapping and multi-instance support. With smooth performance and active updates, LDPlayer 9 is a reliable choice for running Android games on PC. While it may not support MacOS, LDPlayer 9 offers a user-friendly experience for gamers.
MeMU Play
Price: Free
MeMU Play is one of the oldest Android emulators, offering keymap functions and multiple instance support for users. With the ability to share files between MeMU Play and Windows, this emulator provides a seamless experience for running Android apps on PC. While it may not support MacOS, MeMU Play is a stable and versatile option for users.
MuMu Player
Price: Free
MuMu Player, developed by NetEase, offers a gaming-focused emulator with additional features for gamers. With good PC gamepad support and a user-friendly interface, MuMu Player is a reliable choice for running Android games on PC. While it may not support MacOS, MuMu Player provides a smooth experience for users.
NoxPlayer
Price: Free
NoxPlayer is a popular Android emulator with features like keyboard mapping and gamepad support. With a stable performance and support for Android 9 and Android 12, NoxPlayer is a versatile option for running Android apps on PC. With a version available for Mac users, NoxPlayer competes favorably with other Android emulators.
PrimeOS
Price: Free
PrimeOS, similar to Bliss OS, offers a full Android-powered desktop experience for users. With an installer EXE to assist with installation, PrimeOS provides a seamless experience for running Android on PC. While it may require some knowledge of partitions, PrimeOS is a reliable option for users looking for a desktop-like Android experience.
Windows 11
Price: Free
Windows 11 offers native support for running Android apps, making it a convenient option for users looking to access Android apps on their PC. With the ability to download the Amazon Appstore and run Android apps seamlessly, Windows 11 provides a user-friendly experience for accessing Android apps. While Google Play support is in beta and the feature is set to end in 2025, Windows 11 offers a simple solution for running Android apps on PC.
