Best Android Emulators For Windows PC

Emulators are computer hardware or software. They are designed to make one computer system behave like another.

Why Getting an Android Emulator For Windows PC?

An emulator can recreate the exact environment of the guest computer system. For the user, it's like the same experience. This is because the user can then access all the applications on the emulated system. This is without needing the original system

After that brief introduction to what emulators are, let's move on to android emulators. Android emulators are designed to run an Android OS on host desktops or laptops. With an android emulator, it is possible to mimic the guest (android) hardware.

There are several reasons why you might need to run your android device on your desktop. For example, you might want to test or debug a software designed for android. If you are a gamer, you might want to play your games on a larger screen. Emulating your android device on your PC will also enable you to open more apps. Data transfer is also way faster when it is done virtually. This is as opposed to when you connect the devices with a USB port.

There are several other reasons why people use Android emulators on their PC. Finding the best emulator can get tricky. This is because there are a lot of ineffective emulators on the internet.

List of Best Android Emulators For Windows PC

In this article, we would be outlining some of the best Android emulators for your Windows PC.

1. Nox Player - Emulator Link

The Nox Player android emulator works for both Windows and Mac devices. This emulator has some of the best features among other android emulators. It creates a virtual environment of your android. From there, you can install and run applications and games. Nox Player is one of the best choices for gamers. This is because it supports many third-party controller devices. It also supports direct download of your favourite applications and games. It also supports keyboard mapping. This gives you the ability to set the controls on your keyboard, mouse or gamepad. There is also a feature that allows you to record specific events on your screen and replay them later. It is called 'script record.' As if that is not enough, you also get to run many instances of the same application. You can also operate many gaming accounts using Nox Player.

All these make Nox Player one of the most feature-rich android emulators ever.

2. Remix OS Player - Emulator Link

You must note that this emulator requires 'Virtualisation Technology' enabled in your BIOS. This android emulator for Windows was created based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This is a newer version of Android.

The program has been optimized to give gamers the ultimate gaming experience. A plus point for gamers is that the software makes it possible for gamers to play many games at the same time. You can manage several games on the same screen at the same time and even open a chat box to troll your opponents!

As a developer, Remix OS Player is a great choice. This software tool uses Android Studio Technology. This makes it great for testing and debugging Android applications and games on PC. You can manually set location, battery, network type, signal strength and a lot of other things. This would help you in debugging your Android applications.

3. MEmu - Emulator Link

MEmu is another Android emulator that has been specially designed for video games. It is one of the fastest emulators for playing games on PC. In MEmu, the controls are already set up. This way, you can play your games immediately after installing them.

This emulator is built based on Android Lollipop. It is compatible with not only Windows PCs but also with Intel and AMD chipsets. One of its strong points is that it also supports keyboard mapping. With this, you can assign certain keys that would be able to simulate touch on the PC screen.

APK installation is also made seamless on this program since all you have to do is drag and drop. It also supports Google Playstore. This means that you can download and install as many games and applications as you would like.

With all these awesome features, MEmu is one of the most capable Android emulators around.

4. AMIDuOS - Emulator Link

Like Remix OS Player, the AMIDuOS requires that the 'Virtualisation Technology' be enabled in BIOS on your PC. This is to ensure that it functions properly.

You must also note that AMIDuOS does not come with Google Playstore. Instead, it comes with the Amazon App Store. Both of them offer almost the same volume of applications and games for download. After installing this emulator, you find out that the interface is designed to make it look like an actual Android device. This is complete with the notifications in the taskbar, the on-screen keyboard and the touch sensors. There is also the pinch-and-zoom, the home-screen wallpaper and many more.

It also has 3D acceleration that works to improve your gaming experience. It also makes file sharing between Windows and Android very easy.

The AMIDuOS is not a free app. Although you get a 30-day free trial period, you would need to pay $15 for the full version.

5. BlueStacks - Emulator Link

As one of the pioneers of the 'Android for PC' concept, BlueStacks has managed to remain a capable and efficient Android emulator for Windows.

It comes with a pre-installed Google Playstore that lets you install games and applications to your heart's content. Just like many of its competitors, installing APKs is easy and straight to the point.

BlueStacks also comes with a special feature; BlueStacks TV. This feature directly integrates Twitch to the BlueStacks App Player. This makes it possible for users to stream their gaming activities to Twitch easily. With this feature, you can also live steam to your Facebook page or the groups you belong to.

There is a free version for BlueStacks. But get ready to be constantly nagged to install sponsored apps. To be free from such tyranny, it is advisable to get the premium version to be free from such tyranny. Only costs about $3.33/a month.

6. LeapDroid - Emulator Link

As the name implies, LeapDroid processes your Android apps and APK files in leaps. It is one of the fastest emulators created to perform those functions.

Users can easily access and download applications on Google PlayStore. They can also install these applications into their Windows PC. Several features that set LeapDroid apart from other Android emulators.

One of those features is that the program supports Open Graphics Library for your Windows PC device. It also supports keyboard mapping that would improve your gaming experience. With this program, you can also set gesture details and also simulate pinch-to-zoom function on your PC.

One of the drawbacks of this software is that it comes with Android 4.4 KitKat which is not exactly the latest Android versions available.

7. Genymotion - Emulator Link

Genymotion is one of those Android emulators designed mainly for developers' use. It is also one of those emulators that requires you to have an installed VirtualBox. It also requires an enabled 'Virtualization Technology' in the BIOS. You'll also need to create an account on the program before you are granted access.

Unlike other Android emulators, Genymotion lets you emulate any Android of your choice. You even get to install any Android version. From Android 4.4 KitKat to Android 7.0 Nougat.

This emulator is not only compatible with Windows but also Linux and macOS. It also supports Android SDK and Android Studio.

Because this app is designed mainly for developers, it comes with an array of tools that would make testing and debugging easy. Some of those tools include; plugins for Android Studio, Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA. It also supports testing for features like battery level and GPS coordinates. There are the camera and capture, network and WiFi, Disk IO throttling and many others.

If you are a developer, then Genymotion is a dream come true.

8. KoPlayer - Emulator Link

This emulator is one of the most powerful Android emulators in the market. It gives users the ultimate playing experience on their Windows PC or Mac.

On KoPlayer, you can download, install and play any game from Google PlayStore. It also enables the drag and drop function which lets you manually install APK files. It also supports third-party controller devices. They are gamepads, mouse, microphone, keyboard and other peripheral devices. This also ensures that gamers get the best experience when playing games.

It has a very interactive interface that makes the program easy to use interface. It also has a built-in video recording feature. This allows the user to record their favourite videos and enjoy them at a convenient time.

Features of KoPlayer include a toolbar which enables volume change. You can also capture images and videos on the screen. It also gives room for the user to choose their desired resolution.

KoPlayer is one amazing emulator with high-quality features. Hence, it would be an awesome pick.

If you are a developer looking to test and debug your Android applications, then you will find the best emulator for your needs on this list. If all you want to do is to improve your gaming experience, then the perfect emulator is also on this list. Whatever your needs are, there is an emulator for you.