Nox is a simple Android emulator to set up (download the installer, double-click it, drag the app icon into Applications and you're good to go), works fine on Mac, doesn't cost anything and has a. Best Android Emulators for Windows and Mac to play games #1 Bluestacks. Bluestacks is presumably the most mainstream Android emulator right now accessible in the market, and in light of current circumstances. This application has served Windows and Mac clients for a couple of years at this point, giving them a suitable method to utilize Android.
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Recently, we had covered some of the best ways to run Windows apps on macOS. The point was to overcome the lack of multi-platform software. This time, however, we have something different. We are going to talk about the ways to run Android apps on Mac. Yes, about using Instagram, playing Asphalt 8, or listening to Audible on Mac.
This time too, we have found multiple ways to run Android apps on macOS. Since different people have their different purposes, we’ve different methods too. In this article, you will find the best methods to run Android apps on Mac for normal users, gaming enthusiasts and developers. Shall we now check out the options?
Apr 21, 2021 Bluestacks Download on Mac. The latest version of Bluestacks is also available on Mac devices. It is a helpful service for users who love to connect. The Android emulator can run effectively on Mac devices. The Bluestacks application works with all popular Android apps. The Mac devices are very capable of running lightweight Android apps. Probably Bluestacks is the best Android Emulator for Mac as Nox App Player and Remix OS Player are not available for Mac. Bluestacks comes with Google Play Store pre-installed in it, right out of the box. You can easily download any Apps or Games for free, from the Google Play Store and install it on Bluestacks.
Run Android Apps on Mac
#1 BlueStacks — Best for Running Apps
BlueStacks (also called BlueStacks App Player) is the oldest and the most popular way of running Android apps for Mac. You will be able to run almost any Android app using this simple emulator. It’s the best choice if you want to run WhatsApp on your Mac or access your Instagram account. You will be able to run your Mac apps and Android apps side by side, which is great.
The BlueStacks interface is equally awesome as well. Apps are opened in individual tabs and you have access to Google Play Store. Depending on the specifications of your Mac, BlueStacks lets you handle multiple apps with ease. Despite the optimizations for running apps, BlueStacks offers a true Android feel as well. You can even make changes from the Settings section.
Installing and using BlueStacks is like a piece of cake! You have to download the free installer from the official site of BlueStacks and run it. If you have previously installed bluestack, do a clean uninstall, before you reinstall it. Once the installation is done, it may take a few seconds for starting up. Before you can install apps, however, you need to sign into a Google account. Altogether, we think it’s really easy to get started with BlueStacks.
As far as running apps is concerned, BlueStacks does the job very well. We were able to install and use apps like WhatsApp and Instagram without any hassle. We also tried playing some Alto’s Odyssey game.
Pros
- BlueStacks is really easy to set up
- It doesn’t involve long installation processes
- Performance is optimized for apps
Cons
- Not much suitable for games or development
Who Is It For
We think BlueStacks is the best option for those who need to use Android apps on Mac. It works fine when it comes to running apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. While the gaming performance is okay, we believe there are better options.
Check Out BlueStacks
#2 VirtualBox — Best for More Control
At the core, Android is also a Linux-based operating system. As it happens, you can install Android on Mac using a tool like VirtualBox. In order to do this, you have to create a virtual machine and install Android in it. Compared to the other options we’ve listed, this VirtualBox method offers better control over the Android device and the apps you install.
Once the installation is done, VirtualBox gives you a pure Android experience. This is because we’re installing the basic Android Operating System on the virtual machine. However, you should not expect an optimized environment for running apps or games. Chances are, there are some bugs too. On the bright side, you can deploy Android v8 Oreo in the virtual machine.
We would not say that Android on VirtualBox is easy to set up. There are some downsides that you will have to tolerate in the long run. In order to do this, you need to download Android x86, a project that ports the popular OS to PCs. Then, as we always do, you can create a virtual machine based on Linux, Android. Once the installation is done, you’ll have a full-screen Android experience.
While apps like WhatsApp and Instagram work fine, the performance isn’t the best. We would not suggest this method if you’re into gaming either.
Pros
Android Emulators For Mac Os
- Offers more control over the virtual Android device
- You can run the latest version of Android
- It offers a fully-fledged Android OS experience
Cons
- Installation is somewhat complex
- Lacks performance optimization or customization options
- Chances of bugs
Who Is It For
Running Android on Mac using VirtualBox is best when you need better control over the process. As a virtual machine, you can customize performance too. However, in the long run, you will have to compromise overall performance and gaming controls.
Check Out VirtualBox and Android x86
#3 Nox Player Mac — Best Optimized for Gaming
If you want to play some graphic-rich Android games on Mac, Nox Player Mac is the best option in town. It’s an Android emulator that prioritizes speed and performance. There are also some features such as screen capture, on-screen button mapping etc. Once set up, Nox Player Mac offers a standard Android experience as well.
Nox Player Mac manages to run apps as well. However, we found that things aren’t as smooth as BlueStacks when it comes to app downloads and installs. But, the reason you should install Nox Player Mac should be to play high-quality games like PUBG on Mac.
To install Android apps on your Nox Player, you can either login with your Google account and use the built-in Google Play Store or if you don’t want to go through that hassle, you can download the apk using the browser and install it directly.
Nox Player Mac is the easiest to install. It doesn’t even ask you any questions. Just run the installer and in a few seconds, you will find the fully-fledged Android virtual tablet. It runs Android v4 KitKat — which is a downside when compared to others.
Nox Player Mac is perfect when it comes to handling popular apps. So, if you want to bring some common apps and high-end Android games to Mac, choose this program.
Pros
- Easy to set up and get started
- Optimized performance for games and apps
- Advanced features like keyboard mapping and location manipulation
Cons
- Not suitable for development
- Runs on Android KitKat
- Ships with some bloatware
Who Is It For
Nox Player Mac is the best option if you’re into high-end Android games. Even if you have a mid-end MacBook Air, it should offer the best performance. Also, thanks to the macro and mapping features. We’d also recommend the tool for running WhatsApp and all.
#4 Genymotion — Most Suitable for Developers
Genymotion is an innovative way to run Android apps on Mac — and on Cloud, for that matter. However, it is offering a bunch of different options. If you’re a professional, you can create a virtual Android device on a Mac or in the cloud. Let’s come down to the Desktop version, which is great. You will be able to create a big variety of Android configurations for testing.
For instance, you can change the Android version, device hardware etc. Genymotion is the best option to make sure that your app runs perfectly on all Android devices out there. However, if you are getting started as a developer, you can find standard solutions as well. Genymotion also offers some additional features, for instance, embed your Android app on the website and let people try the app.
There is no necessity that you should install Genymotion on your Mac. As we said earlier, it can be used as a cloud service as well. However, Genymotion Desktop is really easy to install. We used the Personal version of Genymotion as well. It’s more convenient if you just want to try some apps. On the other hand, if you like the fully-fledged Android development experience, Genymotion Desktop is the way to go.
Running apps on Genymotion isn’t as smooth as the other platform. This is because the emulator has a major focus on features that help developers.
Pros
- Awesome features for developers
- Multiple Android configurations
- Better Control over Running Apps
Cons
- Performance Optimization could be better
Who Is It For
Genymotion is the best solution for Android developers who want to run their Android apps on a number of virtual devices. It syncs so well with your coding process and customization needs. Thanks to the plug-in, you can integrate this program with Android Studio as well.
Check Out Genymotion (free trial, $136/year)
#5 Andy — a Smoother Workflow
Last but not the least, Andy is another way to run Android apps on Mac. However, compared to all emulators we’ve listed above, Andy offers a smoother workflow. The best part is that you’re getting a 100% full Android experience when you start up. You get built-in apps like Gmail, ES File Explorer and a lot more. It’s running on Android v4.0 KitKat, though.
Because Andy comes with Play Store access, you can easily download and install apps. There are some other important features as well. For instance, you can run the Android emulator in vertical and landscape modes as well. Also, there’s Key Mapping and Location manipulation. These features are awesome when you want a more optimized way to run Android apps.
Andy has one of the easiest installers we’ve seen. It’s an online installer, which would download files over an Internet connection. It needs to be noted that Andy downloads around 500MB of files, the largest on the list. Once the installation is done, Andy will show you the standard Android interface. You can use the mouse and keyboard for managing the virtual Android tablet.
As we said, Andy is the best when it comes to running apps. However, it would not be our go-to choice when it comes to playing Android games.
Pros
- Easy to Install and Manage
- Best optimization for apps
- Offers a standard Android experience
Cons
- Runs on KitKat
- It’s lagging a bit when other apps are running
Who Is It For
Andy offers the perfect level of optimization and a standard Android experience. We’d recommend this tool if you need a real-like virtual Android device on your Mac. Of course, there are some performance lags but you can avoid it by avoiding multitasking.
Check Out Andy (Free)
The best way to Run Android Apps on Mac?
So, these are the five different ways to run Android apps on Mac. In a way, you’re creating an Android device within macOS environment as well. As we said earlier, not a single solution is suitable for everyone. We have recommended Nox Player for Mac if you want to play games. On the other hand, if you just want to use apps smoothly, BlueStacks and Andy are the best options. And, for those upcoming developers out there, we will recommend Genymotion, which has a ton of features packed inside.
Android emulators fill an assortment of needs: from developers testing apps to gamers playing on an enormous screen. Standard users likewise long to encounter Android OS on a Windows PC, commended with a mouse and console.
Perhaps you are changing from iPhone to Android, or you only need to try out a Custom ROM, the conceivable outcomes with Android Emulators on Windows 10 are perpetual. While BlueStacks has constantly beaten the rundown of phone emulators for PCs, hardly any others are making up for lost time madly quick.
In this way, here is the rundown of the top Android Emulators for PC. Further down the article, we’ll be talking about the advantages and disadvantages of these emulators in detail.
Best Android Emulators for your PC and Mac
GameLoop
Game Loop, recently known as Tencent Gaming Buddy, as of late made it to the top Android emulators for PC, on account of restrictive help for Call of Duty Mobile game on PC.
Flavours 2 for macbook air. Prior to the dispatch of COD, the emulator for Android just upheld PUBG and a lot of gaming titles from the Tencent Developer.
GameLoop is really committed to Android gaming, henceforth the absence of help for other Android apps. The silver covering is GameLoop is extraordinary compared to other Android emulators for Windows 10 PCs, offering tenacious gaming execution.
One thing you will see immediately is the absence of various great gaming titles, also the Android emulator can’t be used for testing and other Android apps.
Value: Free
Why use GameLoop?
- Brilliant console and mouse mix
- Obligation at hand authority accomplice
- Incredible execution
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BlueStacks
BlueStacks is presumably the most popular Android emulator among Android users. The emulator is favored for gaming and is incredibly simple to set up. Other than the Play Store, you have the choice to download BlueStacks enhanced apps from its own app store.
While BlueStacks bolsters console mapping, it turns out poorly with motions. A significant disadvantage of the BlueStacks emulator is that it gets languid in profitability apps. Other than that, the supported advertisements cause the emulator to lose behind other best free Android emulators for Windows.
With respect to gaming execution, Blustacks outperforms a few other Android emulators, nonetheless, you would even now see slacks, particularly on underpowered PC’s. BlueStacks Android emulator is now dependent on Android 7.1.2 (Nougat).
Value: Free/Premium $24
Why use BlueStacks?
- Simple to set up with no specialized knowledge required
- Numerous records support
- Best all-rounder Android Emulator
MEmu
MEmu is moderately another app player in contrast with the others. Propelled in 2015, the MeMu Play, once more, is focused on gaming. With respect to speed, this Android emulator gives comparable outcomes as Nox and BlueStacks.
One of the most significant highlights of the MeMu Android emulator is its help for both AMD and Nvidia chips. It likewise bolsters different Android renditions like Android Jelly Bean, Kit Kat, and Lollipop. While MeMu advocates for elite gaming, the execution of the illustrations is moderately poor. I saw surfaces and smoothness missing in contrast with other app players.
MEmu is at present dependent on Android Lollipop and works top of the class with efficiency apps. What’s more, if you are anticipating messing around like Ingress or Pokémon Go, this ought to be your decision.
Value: Free
- Why use MEmu?
- Key Mapping
- Set your virtual area on Google Maps
- Bolster both AMD and NVidia
KOPlayer
Like other Android gaming emulators out there, Ko Player focuses on conveying a slack free gaming involvement in lightweight programming.
As Ko Player is liberated from cost at this point you may see a couple of promotions to a great extent. The app player is anything but difficult to install and explore through the apps. It additionally underpins console mapping and gamepad imitating.
The drawback of this Android emulator is that it once in a while freezes suddenly. Additionally, the player is somewhat surrey and makes it difficult for the user to uninstall the Android emulator.
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Value: Free
Why use KOPlayer?
- Basic UI
- Set up any Android device
- Simple to set up
Genymotion
Genymotion isn’t your easygoing Android emulator; it is just focused at developers. The Android test system lets you test apps on an assortment of virtual devices with different forms of Android. The emulator is perfect with Android SDK and Android Studio. It even takes a shot at macOS and Linux.
Since Genymotion is slanted towards developers, it is furnished with bunches of developer-accommodating highlights. Also, it probably won’t be the correct decision for individuals searching for Android gaming experience.
Value: Trail/Premium $136 every year.
Why use Genymotion?
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- Supports Android Studio
- Runs on MacOs and Linux
- Run renditions from Android 4.1 to 8.0