What is Android Emulator?
Best Emulators for Laptop and PC: Top 5
Emulator is a hardware device or software program that enables an operating system to simulate functions of another operating system. Which means that emulator sits on one thing to make it similar to another.
In this context, Android Emulator (Android Emulator) is an Android Virtual Device (AVD) that enables another operating system to imitate Android functions. So you can use Android apps on the computer or on the PC.
As the name suggests, an Android emulator emulates the Android operating system on the desktop and configures the keyboard and mouse. Almost all the functions of an Android device can be performed via the emulator. It can also be used for playing Android games as it allows installation of various apps on the PC.
Android Emulator is a virtual mobile device that runs on your computer. It allows you to test and debug your Android applications without having to use a physical device.
List of Android Emulators:
1. Bluestacks
2. Nox App Player
3. Genymotion
4. Andy
5. Droid4x
6. Leapdroid
7. MEmu
8. Remix OS Player
9. KO Player
10. Xamarin
Best Emulators for Laptop and PC: Top 5
- BlueStacks
A robust and feature-intensive emulator, Bluestacks manages to be the lightest and fastest in the market. It is the go-to choice for users with both high-end PCs, as well as for those with weaker hardware, being able to provide an optimal gaming experience across a wide variety of specifications.
Among its most important features, users will find elements like the Keymapping Tool, which lets users create and customize their own keyboard and mouse control schemes for literally any game; the Instance Manager, through which they can create many instances of BlueStacks in order to play multiple games at the same time and have them all on screen simultaneously, and the Macro Recorder, which lets anyone automate the most repetitive parts of their favorite mobile games by recording and reproducing macros.
BlueStacks
And this is just barely scratching the surface in terms of what BlueStacks brings to the table. Luckily, all it takes to install it is just a few clicks and some minutes of your time, as the process is mostly automated. And if you’re thinking of updating to Windows 11, you’ll be pleased to know that BlueStacks is the only Android emulator, so far, that is fully compatible with the new OS, without the need for deactivating Hyper-V.
Why use BlueStacks emulator?
- Easy to set up
- Multiple Windows Support
- Optimized Apps Download Facility
Download Now BlueStacks
- LDPlayer
This emulator works for low-end PCs as it only requires 36GB storage and 2GB RAM. This means that you can avail the functionality of this emulator even if your desktop does not have a great processor or a lot of free disk space.
Minimum system requirements of using the LD Player include a Windows PC, Intel or AMD CPU, Open GL 2.0 GPU or DirectX 11 technology system among others. When compared to other emulators, LD Player promises high performance and doesn’t contain any advertisements or spyware.
LDPlayer
The benefits of LD Player include custom control via both keyboard and mouse, high speed despite the low configuration and compatibility with a wide range of games. It also allows opening and playing multiple games at a time. Get LDP layer on your desktop by downloading it from the website.
Why use LD Player emulator?
- Easy to set up
- Multiple Windows Support
- Optimized Apps Download Facility
Download Now LD Player
- MEmu
This emulator has also been designed for gaming activities on desktops with low-end specs. It encompasses specifications that facilitate a fast and hassle-free gaming experience such as keyboard mapping and customization. The minimum desktop specification requirements are similar to other apps such as 2GB RAM, Intel or AMD processor, etc.
MEmu
MEmu delivers high speed performance even in the case of productivity apps. It also allows assigning a virtual location on Maps. The best part about MEmu is that it is compatible with both AMD and Nvidia chips.
This relatively new app, however, lags behind in terms of graphics. Also, the Android version supported by it is quite old. It comes with Kitkat and can be upgraded to Lollipop5.1.1.Despite these drawbacks, MEmu works really well as an emulator, competing with the likes of Bluestacks and Nox. You can install MEmu emulator from the company’swebsite.
Why use MEmu emulator?
- Keyboard mapping supported
- You can set virtual locations on Google Maps
- Amd and Nvidia support both chipsets
Download Now MEmu
- Nox Player
Nox is an equally useful emulator that helps play heavy Android games such as PUBG on PC. It emulates an Android phone or tablet and allows you to run almost any app on the desktop. It also features a charm bar from where the services of the emulator can be accessed.
Nox Player
It is absolutely free and does not have any sponsored ads whatsoever. It is therefore, a true gaming app that is available for both Windows and Mac. Just like other emulators, users can assign shortcuts to the keyboard. Users can also record their gaming operations with the help of the default recorder.
The downside is that Nox is pretty heavy and might not be suitable for using a lot of other apps. It also does not support the latest Android operating system. Nevertheless, Nox is one of the best emulators for low end PC out there and can be downloaded from here.
Why use Nox Player?
- Keyboard mapping supported emulator
- Support Multiple Windows
- Rooted Android Emulator
Download Now Nox Player
- Ko Player
If you want to indulge in lag-free gaming, then Ko Player is the best emulator for you. Compatible with PCs not having sophisticated configurations, Ko Player is light and easy to use. Moreover, you can easily download any app of your choice since the Google Play Store comes with the emulator. You can also try out apps from Ko Player’s own store.
Ko Player
There are many reasons why it happens to be a really good emulator for low end PCs. Firstly, there is no need to be the owner of a device to enjoy the functions of Android. Secondly, you can conveniently record videos of your gameplay and share the same with anyone. Thirdly, it offers customized control of the keyboard and gamepad, along with access to multiple accounts.
Why use Ko Player?
- Easy User Interface
- Keyboard mapping supported
- Easy to install and navigate
Download Now Ko Player
However, there is a technical glitch in the emulator. There are chances that Ko Player randomly freezes while in use. But that doesn’t really affect the functionality of the emulator. To get access to Ko Player, visit the company’s website and download it on your PC from there.