9 Best Android Emulator Applications Available on PCs, Mac and Online

July 21, 2022Ashley Mae

Android is the most widely used mobile operating system. According to recent research, there are over 2 million different apps available to Android users including a lot of popular games, streaming services, lifestyles, and more. Want to use these apps on your computer? You need an Android emulator, which enables you to run the Android system on Windows or Mac and use a keyboard and mouse to control everything. This post identifies and shares a top list below.

Part 1. Top 3 Android Emulators for PCs
Part 2. Top 3 Android Emulators for Mac
Part 3. Top 3 Android Emulators Online
Part 4. FAQs about Android Emulator

Part 1. Top 3 Android Emulators for PCs

Top 1: BlueStacks

BlueStacks is one of the best Android emulators for Windows and Mac. With the software, you do not need an Android device to run your favorite apps. The platform is free, but the app download requires you to pay $2 per month.

PROS

Come with an app store.
Allow you to install APK.
Lightweight and not use lots of RAM.
Easy to install and use.

CONS

It lacks the full Android interface.
You have to view annoying apps and pay for some apps.

Top 2: NoxPlayer

As an Android emulator for PCs, NoxPlayer provides an Android platform for running mobile games, social media apps, and many others on a computer. Unlike BlueStacks, NoxPlayer focuses on gameplay, so it is popular among players.

PROS

Free to use.
Control gameplay with a keyboard.
Offer custom options.
Come with Google Play Store.

CONS

Users report that it freezes from time to time.
It downloads other programs during installation.

Top 3: Remix OS Player

Remix OS Player is a standalone Android emulator for Windows 10 and earlier. It allows users to install and access Android apps as they would on their mobile devices, but use them on their PCs with a desktop environment.

PROS

Allow you to run multiple apps at once.
Set GPS and other settings manually.
Rotate the orientation of the interface.
Install apps easily.

CONS

The last update was in 2016.
You cannot install APK.

Part 2. Top 3 Android Emulators for Mac

Top 1: Android Studio

Android Studio is the official Android emulator for Mac and PCs, which was released by Google. Unlike other emulator platforms, the aim of the program is for building apps on every type of Android device.

PROS

Simulate the whole Android OS.
Support the latest Android systems.
Build Android apps on your own.
Available to Mac, Windows, and Linux.

CONS

It lacks a built-in app store.
It can be slow to start up.

Top 2: Genymotion

Genymotion is a free Android emulator for Mac. It uses the x86 architecture to run, so the performance is great. The virtualization platform is free to download, but some of the apps require a subscription.

PROS

Support a wide range of Android systems.
Emulate the entire Android OS.
Not use much RAM.
Build and run apps quickly.

CONS

It does not include Google Play.
It takes time to connect to a few virtual devices.

Top 3: KO Player

KO Player is one of the best Android emulators on Mac. The simple interface simulates a table and Android smartphone. Plus, the lightweight design makes the experience smooth and great.

PROS

Available to almost all Android apps.
Completely free to use.
Support hardware acceleration.
Equip a user-friendly interface.

CONS

Sometimes, it may freeze.
The uninstallation is complicated.

Part 3. Top 3 Android Emulators Online

Top 1: Android Online Emulator

As its name indicated, Android Online Emulator is an Android OS emulator online. It allows you to install Android apps from Google Play Store without installing any software on your hard disk.

PROS

Emulate Android phone rotation.
Control apps with virtual phone buttons
Support APK files.
Available to major web browsers.

CONS

It must work with an internet connection.
The apps are limited.

Top 2: ARChon

ARChon is a free online Android emulator without download. It enables you to open up unlimited Android APKs on Chrome OS. Everything available to the new versions of Android can be accessed on a Chromebook.

PROS

Totally free to use.
Work as an extension in Chrome.
Good for productivity apps.
Available to both 64bit and 32bit.

CONS

It requires an ARM-based Chromebook.

Top 3: AndY

As an online Android emulator, AndY makes accessing native mobile apps in browsers possible. You can run this Android app emulator with any supported browser without trouble.

PROS

Support a wide variety of devices.
Change controls and permissions of apps.
Get both apps and widgets.
Can remap keyboard keys.

CONS

It is large and takes resources.
It has not been updated since 2018.

Recommend: Best Android Mirror Tool

An Android emulator can build the Android environment for using mobile apps. If you just want to watch photos and movies on an Android device using a computer, Aiseesoft Phone Mirror is a nice option.

154,940 Downloads

Aiseesoft Phone Mirror

Mirror Android screen wirelessly or with a USB.
Play everything on the Android screen on your PC.
Keep the connection safe with a PIN or QR Code.
Work for almost all Android device models.

Free DownloadFor Windows

100% Secure. No Ads.

Part 4. FAQs about Android Emulator

What is the best PlayStation emulator for Android?

1. Ratchet & Clank
2. Need for Speed: Underground 2
3. The Simpsons: Hit & Run
4. EPSXe
5. EmuBox

Are there any good DOS emulators for Android?

1. DosBox Turbo
2. MAME
3. NeoRage
4. NDS4Droid
5. RetroArch

Is it safe to run an Android emulator on your PC?

Most emulators are legal and safe to download and use, but you should be cautious with games due to the abandonware.

Conclusion

This post has identified and reviewed the top 9 best Android emulators available to Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS X, and online. Some of them are completely free to use, like ARChon. Others may require some kind of payment. Aiseesoft Phone Mirror enables you to watch everything on the Android screen on a computer. Better recommendations? Please write them below.

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