There are several ways to run Android apps on Windows, from using an emulator to dual booting the OS. And in this article, WinPoin will focus on the most simple and uncomplicated method: using an emulator.
Why is using an emulator uncomplicated?
Because you don't need to prepare partitions, maintain PC compatibility, boot options, move boot, etc. Although using an emulator there is a price you have to pay, namely the problem of performance that it will not be as fast as when you run it through the dual boot option via Remix OS or the like.
There are quite a number of Android emulators to run Android apps on PC. Here are the 7 best Android emulators for you to choose from:
1. Andyroid
Whether you want to play Clash of Clans, communicate via snapchat, or run other favorite Android apps on Windows, Andyroid can be the Android emulator of choice.
Andyroid is free and offers a variety of integration features between Android and Windows, such as:
- Access from Android to local files
- Sync between desktop & mobile devices
- Integrated with push notification desktop
- Can run almost all Android apps on Windows
- use the smartphone as a joystick to enjoy games that use the gyro sensor
- Microphone and camera integration
- Support Xbox / PS controller
line application directly from the Desktop, as if it were a native application.
Compared to the majority of other Android emulators, Andyroid is quite light when running.
How to Download and Install Andyroid on PC
2. BlueStacks
BlueStacks is one of the most popular Android emulators. The users are very large with the number of application collections that are also abundant.
One of BlueStacks' excellent features is the streaming feature of the game you are currently playing to Twitch, as well as BlueStacks TV to view game streaming from other BlueStacks users.
How to Download and Install Bluestacks on PC
3. Droid4x
Droid4x is an Android emulator that focuses on performance, so don't be surprised if its performance when used to run Android on a PC is fairly smooth.
Similar to Andyroid, Droid4x also supports the game controller feature, so you can play games using your smartphone as a controller (best for playing racing games that use a gyro sensor), or you can also use an Xbox/PS controller.
How to Download and Install Droid4x on PC
4. Genymotion
Quite different from other Android emulators that focus on consumers/users, Genymotion focuses on developers.
So if you are an Android app developer, with Genymotion you can try your app virtually on more than 40 Android devices. In addition, you can run the application on all versions of Android.
How to Download and Install Genymotion on PC
5. Nox
For you gamers, Nox is an Android emulator that is focused on meeting the needs of Android gaming on PC.
One of its great features is Assistive Utilities where you can map keys on the keyboard for Android controllers, for example left directional key to swipe left, etc.
Oh yes.. if you want to play Pokemon GO on PC, Nox is an Android emulator that can be an option.
How to Download and Install NoxPlayer on PC
6. Xamarin Android Player
Not many know this, but Microsoft also has an Android emulator. Xamarin Android Player is an Android emulator for developers who want to test their Android apps on Windows.
Created by Xamarin, now Xamarin Android Player is fully owned by Microsoft after being acquired some time ago.
7. AMIDuOS
American Megatrends (AMI), which is a well-known company that makes the AMIBIOS BIOS firmware, is also involved in the manufacture of Android emulators.
AMIDuOS, that's their Android emulator which is one of the emulators with very good Windows integration.
You can pin Android apps in the Windows Taskbar to make them look like native apps, performance is also smooth with the use of 3D Acceleration and OpenGL drivers to make Android games run smoothly.
In addition you can easily do file sharing between OS. Plus there's an SD Card emulation feature that lets you easily configure the virtual SD card size in the Android emulator.
But unfortunately the Android version provided is a bit behind with only Lollipop and Jellybean options.
8. Memu Play
Besides being light and fast, this emulator is perfect for those of you who want to feel the thrill of playing Android games with a wider screen. MEmu Play is specially designed for gamers and comes with a keymapping feature that can be configured with a keyboard and mouse. In addition, MEmu Play also supports USB Joystick for a more exciting gaming experience.
How to Download and install Memu Play
How about you, what Android emulator is your top choice to run Android apps on PC?
Share your choice here.
If you are not satisfied with the performance of Android running through the emulator, WinPoin recommends you to choose a dual boot path like using Remix OS for example.