BlueStacks
Includes a built-in app store.
Installing and opening apps is really easy.
Lets you install other APK files that arent in the store.
Advanced RAM and CPU allocation controls.
Earn points to trade in for gift cards or a paid subscription.
Unlike a whole-OS emulator, BlueStacks emulates just Android apps on Windows.
Amazon Appstore
Really easy to use.
Use multiple apps at the same time.
Limited to the apps in the store (can’t install APK files).
Sources Amazon Appstore, not Google Play Store.
Amazon Appstore is a free app available through the Windows 11 Microsoft Store.
It has a huge catalog of Android apps, and installing and opening them is intuitive enough for anyone.
You might notice there are loads of poor reviews for this program on the Microsoft Store.
GameLoop
Responsive program.
Includes lists for Popular, Top, and Hot lists.
Genres let you browse similar apps.
Can install local APK files.
Far fewer options than similar emulators.
As the name suggests, it was designed with gaming in mind.
MEmu
Super customizable.
Easily share files between Android and Windows.
Frequent updates to the emulator.
Install apps via APK files.
Make desktop shortcuts for easy access to games.
Feels buggy at times.
Must have a premium account for some things.
Menu tooltips run off the screen.
MEmu is an impressive program that deserves a list on any Android emulator list.
It calls itself “the most powerful Android emulator,” and I agree.
It’s ideal for inexperienced and adept emulator users alike.
You get the whole operating system as if you were running a tablet right there on the screen.
This is a beast of a program if you’re like me, and you’re interested in customizations.
Only paying users can remove ads, change the theme, and customize the dock.
NoxPlayer
A great emulator for gamers.
Nearly everything is accessible with a keyboard shortcut.
Lots of customizable options, like one to root Android in one click.
Built-in Google Play, but also supports APK installs.
Tries to install other programs during setup.
The NoxPlayer Android emulator is made with gaming in mind.
While using this program, it was clear early on that nearly everything about it makes playing games easier.
Android Studio
Emulates the entire Android OS, not just one app.
Always supports the newest Android operating system.
you might emulate old Android OSs, too.
Lets you build Android apps.
No built-in app store.
Setup can get confusing.
I’d call Android Studio the official Android emulator, since its from Google.
Andy
Supports both landscape and portrait mode.
Lets you spoof your GPS location.
Can remap keyboard keys.
Supports full screen mode.
Huge setup file, over 850 MB.
Cant install apps by their APK file.
Last updated in 2018.
The Andy emulator for Windows puts Android Nougat on your box.
you’re free to run games and other apps by installing them through the Google Play Store.
Something I like about this one is that it lets you change your GPS location.
It’s much easier than trying to do so on your phone.
Remix OS Player
Installing and using apps is really simple.
you could run multiple apps at once.
Can manually set GPS, phone coverage, and battery level controls.
The orientation of the emulator can be rotated.
Setup file is over 700 MB.
Unable to install downloaded APK files.
Last update was in 2016. ; everything is available through the Play Store.
Genymotion
Supports lots of Android versions.
Easier to use than Android Studio.
Emulates the whole OS.
Lets you set custom hardware configurations.
Play Store isn’t included.
GPS is unavailable for free users.
Another free Android emulator for Windows is Genymotion.
You install virtual devices by selecting the Android version and equipment model you want.
you’ve got the option to also make a custom phone or tablet by specifying thescreen resolution.
The processor, memory size, and connection mode are customizable as well.
Emulators and APK files are 100% legal to use.
That said, APK files may contain illegal or malicious content, so only download from trusted sources.
