5 Best Android Emulators for Gaming

Updated: 17 Aug 2020 11:05 AM PDT
Posted: 13 Aug 2020 1:12 PM PDT

Do you use an Android Emulator for Gaming?

Alright, how many of you currently use, or have used an Android Emulator for gaming? I think the answer to that may surprise some of you. As it turns out, a lot of people are somewhat hesitant to use an emulator for gaming. For one thing, they can seem a bit complicated for the less savvy users. Also, there is some confusion as to exactly what the emulator does. And, honesty, some emulators are buggy and suffer from some unfortunate lag. When you add it all up, it's easy to see why some people avoid it altogether.

best android emulator

Indeed, things have come along way for the old Android Emulator. They're much easier to use these days, complete with a friendly user interface. There are plenty of free versions available, and most require minimal extra setup. Hopefully, after reading this article, you'll have some useful information to go on and feel more confident about trying a new Android Emulator for gaming.

So What is an Android Emulator Anyway?

Simply put, an Android Emulator is software that allows users to run Android apps on your Windows PC or Mac computer. You can install the Android app or game on the Android Virtual Device (AVD). You are then able to use all the features and functionality of the desired app.

Why Use an Android Emulator?

Of course, there are several reasons to use an emulator on your PC or Mac. The primary goal is for app development and testing. However, we're focusing on the gaming aspect here. So, some of the top reasons are as follows:

  • To play on a big screen. (After all, who doesn't want to play on the big screen, right?)
  • Use a controller or keyboard with your favorite Android game.
  • Some games are Android only, and not everyone has an Android device.
  • Also, some mobile versions of games are free, whereas the PC and Mac versions cost money.
  • Or perhaps you can't wait for the iOS version to hit the App Store.

BlueStacks

Bluestacks Android Emulator

Price:

  • Free - Ad-supported version
  • Paid - Premium subscription

Operating System Compatibility:

  • Windows PC
  • Mac OS

This free Android emulator was one of the first to be released with a specialty in gaming. You can experience a boost in performance with regards to an increase in speed and a decline in lag. It has a simple user interface with easy access to menus and emulator controls.

Bluestacks allows you to run multiple instances at once with synchronization. Each of the instances can run seamlessly with minor lag because of the software's light weight. However, the emulator's performance can vary according to your hardware. You can set up key mappings for each game that you play.

Get BlueStacks Here

Features

  • Custom key mapping
  • Multiple instances with synchronization
  • Free to use

NoxPlayer

Nox Player Android Emulator

Price:

  • Free Ad-supported version

Operating System Compatibility:

  • Windows PC
  • Mac OS

This is another free emulator for Android from BigNox, and it is based on Android 7. It has a simple user interface that allows for a smooth user experience on Windows and Mac machines. This emulator allows you to have smooth gameplay with stability and is compatible with 32-bit machines.

NoxPlayer lets you use macros to perform your gameplay. You can set up multiple instances of the emulator so that you can play multiple games simultaneously with synchronization. You can use either your keyboard and a mouse or a native gamepad to play mobile games through this emulator. Additionally, you can root your emulator so that you can unlock special permissions within it.

Get NoxPlayer Here

Features

  • Gamepad support
  • Rooting
  • Screen recording
  • Multiple instances

LDPlayer

LD Player Android Emulator

LDPlayer is a free Android emulator that has two versions, which are Version 3 and Version 4. The first is derived from Android 5.1, and the second is derived from Android 7.1. In addition to the two Android versions, the emulator is available as a 32-bit or 64-bit program. The version that you need depends on your operating system and hardware.

This emulator provides exceptional performance with nearly any game that would normally lag on a mobile device. It has high graphics and lets you optimize your frame rate. You can play games with controllers and install external games if you cannot find them in the emulator's app store.

Get LDPlayer Here

Features

  • Custom keyboard mapping
  • Free to use
  • Installation of external APKs
  • Macros
  • Multiple game instances

GameLoop

GameLoop Android Emulator

Price:

  • Free

Operating System Compatibility:

  • Windows PC

This Android emulator is another powerful tool that you can use for gaming. It also goes by the name of Tencent Gaming Buddy from the development team of Tencent, which also developed PUBG Mobile. GameLoop has performance specifications that are optimized for shooting games.

The emulator allows you to customize your key mappings for every game that you play. They can be specialized for each genre that you play in according to the context. You can use a gamepad to play Android games if you do not want to use your mouse and keyboard. You can run the emulator on a budget PC since it is accessible.

Get GameLoop Here

Features

  • Key mapping
  • Controller compatibility

MEmu Play

MEmu Play Android Emulator

Price:

  • Free Ad-supported version

Operating System Compatibility:

  • Windows PC

MEmu Play is a basic Android emulator that lets you play mobile games on your PC. It is a popular emulator that has extended functionality in addition to performance. The emulator is compatible with AMD and Intel processors. It provides seamless gameplay with a high frame rate. Many computers can run this emulator because of its extensive hardware compatibility.

This Android emulator allows you to customize key mappings for your games and run multiple game instances. You can share files between your PC and the emulator, which includes the installation of APK files. You have options for changing the Android device model, phone number and other items for testing purposes.

Get MEmu Play Here

Features

  • Multiple game instances
  • Key mapping
  • File sharing across Android and Windows
  • Macros

In Conclusion

While these Android Emulators do work, for the most part, performance mostly depends on your computer system. The best advice is to test the emulator on your system with the game you want to play. Start with the default settings and make small adjustments from there. You should find a sweet spot that balances game performance with user experience.

Already have a favorite Android Emulator? Let us know what's working for you.

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