Android is one of the most flexible, versatile, and developer-friendly operating systems. That is why a lot of different software is written for it, from simple gaming applications to serious programs for specialists.
To run android applications, you need any mobile device running this platform. But for some users, the capabilities provided by smartphones or tablets are few. Therefore, they are asked by a completely logical question: “How to run Android applications on a computer?”
The latter gives noticeably greater freedom of action, both for game lovers and software developers. To implement such tasks, there are special utilities - emulators. They create their own so-called microenvironment in the operating systems Windows, Mac, Linux, and others.
Similar programs for launching android applications on a computer by the principle of their work are not much different from conventional mobile platforms installed on smartphones or tablets. The only thing added to them is related functionality that is not available on the desktop PC: shaking, changing orientation, working with gestures, etc.
There are many such software on the Web, but not every utility can be called effective, stable and convenient. We will consider the best applications for launching android applications on a computer, which are very popular and have a large number of positive reviews from users. All the software described below can be found on the official websites of the developers, so there should be no problems with testing.
Bluestacks
This is one of the most popular and best programs that allows you to run android applications on your computer. It found its application in the hands of both avid gamers and professionals: programmers, developers and layout designers.
As for the entertainment part, BlueStacks is an ideal application for launching android games on a computer. Without exception, all benchmarks show better performance compared to competing counterparts.
It is also worth noting that this utility allows you to install the application on Android through a computer. Many programs of this kind have no such opportunity. At the moment, BlueStacks uses a stable version of the Android platform - Nougat.
Customization Features
After installing the utility, she will offer to authenticate to Google. If you don’t have an account, you can register directly in the program’s working window. This will allow you to fully take advantage of all the features of the Google Play service.
After logging into your account, you can fine-tune the client. The choice of parameters is quite large, that is, in terms of customization, the utility is quite flexible. Here you can adjust the screen resolution, the allocated amount of RAM, the processor cores used, alerts, etc.
The program is distributed free of charge and, as happens in the vast majority of cases, is burdened with advertising. You can disable the latter by paying a paid subscription or by purchasing an advanced Pro version. There is no significant difference for the average user between both Pro and Free, so many are ready to put up with advertising.
Nox app player
This is a direct competitor to the previous emulator, which is also in enviable demand by both gamers and developers. The utility also allows you to run Android applications on your computer without problems and has a large number of settings.
It is also worth noting that the program is perfectly adapted for all versions of Windows. If BlueStacks sometimes "picks" on the "seven" and "eight", as well as some other network solutions of this OS, then for Nox this was not noticed.
Customization Features
After installing the program, you will see the familiar desktop of the Android platform version 4.x. Authentication in Google services is not required here, but if you intend to actively use Google Play, then it obviously will not hurt.
All emulator controls are placed on a separate small panel. Here you can “shake” the platform, change the screen orientation, adjust the sound, screen size and more. The menu also indicates the operating pattern, the amount of allocated RAM memory and other characteristics. Android emulation itself can be configured using the usual platform settings.
The default setting is low client performance, which consumes system resources to a minimum. But even in this version, the emulator works quite quickly on weak PCs - without lags and brakes.
Among other tools, there are such useful functions as changing the user's location (GPS emulation), importing and exporting files, creating screenshots, as well as duplicating the client. The latter feature allows you to run as many copies of the emulator as you like, which is very convenient, especially for testing applications.
The utility is distributed free of charge, which means that it could not do without advertising. But you can’t call her aggressive. It does not close already running applications, offering on the main screen products for familiarization from Google Play.
Memu
This emulator also allows you to safely run android applications on your computer. MEmu is primarily aimed at gamers. Here we have advanced gamepad emulation and expanded keyboard support. It is also worth noting that the utility is perfectly adapted and optimized for working with applications from Google Play.
The client is not particularly demanding on system resources, so all ordinary tasks are completed without lags and brakes. Nevertheless, to run serious gaming applications, you need a personal computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and an i3 or Raisen 3 level processor. There are no excessive requirements for the video card. Some office option from the mid-price segment will fit in perfectly here.
Customization Features
Client installation takes place as usual for Windows. We select the folder, language and wait for the installation to complete. After installation, you will see the familiar desktop of the Android platform version 4.x in the tablet layout.
The developer uses his launcher to work with the OS. But it just teems with advertising lines and banners, so many users install third-party shells, which can be found on the same Google Play.
The interface curtain is somewhat similar to that of Nox: shaking, screenshots, orientation, volume control, etc. In the main menu, you can adjust the screen resolution, allocated RAM, used processor cores, etc.
The emulator is distributed for free, but, as mentioned above, is replete with advertising. So for comfortable work you will have to tinker with the settings and install additional software that removes banners and annoying lines.