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20 lightweight android emulators for pc & laptop 2021

The best emulators don't have many choices. Here are the recommendations for the best 2021 PC Android emulator to play mobile games on your laptop, free & lightweight!

The best Android PC emulator can certainly be an option, for those of you who might be more interested in playing Android games on a PC or laptop, gang.

Not only because of the larger screen, use device External devices such as a gaming keyboard or mouse on a laptop may also be considered more fun to play certain games such as PUBG Mobile.

Fortunately, this is no longer just a dream because you can make it happen with the help of the emulator application that ApkVenue will discuss this time.

Well, for those of you who want to play mobile games on PC, here are some recommendations: best lightweight android emulator in 2021 for PC or laptop.

What is an Android Emulator?

Before discussing further, do you know what it is? android emulator? An emulator is a program that allows computer users to use other operating systems on the computer.

easy, android emulator is a program that allows you to use the Android operating system on your laptop or PC.

Examples of some popular Android PC emulators include BlueStacks and Nox App Player.

Apart from the Android PC emulator, there are many other emulators that allow you to run programs from one operating system to another.

For example, you can play your favorite PS2 games on your Android phone using the best PS2 emulator, gang.

Well, if you can't wait to download the 2021 Android emulator, you can immediately see the application recommendations below!

1. AMIDuOS

AMIDuOS is the best Android PC emulator that can work well for all needs, from developer and games. You can download and enjoy it for free for 30 days.

Next, there will be 2 options, namely the Jelly Bean version of Android for US $ 10 (around Rp. 140 thousand) or Lollipop for US $ 15 (about Rp. 200 thousand).

AMIDuOS provides complete features and support for Android users and application developers. You can try this emulator for free for 30 days, you know.

Excess:

  • Works on Windows 7/8/10
  • Complete features and support
  • User and developer support

Deficiency:

  • Jellybean and Lollipop versions only available
  • Paid option with 30 day free trial
Minimum SpecificationAMIDuOS
OS64-bit Windows 7/8/10 or Linux / BSD
CPUA modern 64-bit capable processor


32-bit processors are not supported

GPUOpenGL 4.3 compatible or greater
RAM4GB of memory at minimum
Memory10GB

Download AMIDuOS via the link below:

Apps Productivity American Megatrends DOWNLOAD

2. Android Studio

Android Studio highly recommended for those of you who work as a developer. Get license directly from Google, this emulator is highly recommended for testing apps and games.

But remember, Android Studio is not the best choice for those of you who use it for social media or games only.

Because you need skills coding good programmer class to be able to run this emulator. It's a shame, right, if it's only used for gaming?

Excess:

  • Intended for developers
  • Freedom in managing programming
  • Full support from Google

Deficiency:

  • Need special coding skills
Minimum SpecificationAndroid Studio
OSMicrosoft Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
CPUA modern 64-bit capable processor


32-bit processors are not supported

GPU-
RAM4GB
Memory2GB

Download Android Studio via the link below:

Apps Productivity Google Inc. DOWNLOAD

3. Andy

Andy is one of the best Android PC emulators with features that you can enjoy completely free of charge.

This emulator will offer you the flexibility to explore various Android features on your PC, ranging from applications, games, launcher, even the installation of root access though.

Not only on the Windows operating system, gang. You can also use Andy on the MacOS operating system. Besides being free, this emulator is also very flexible.

Excess:

  • Windows and Mac Support
  • The user interface is like an Android display
  • Full-featured and completely free

Deficiency: -

Minimum SpecificationAndy
OSWindows 7/8.1 and above or Ubuntu 14.04+ or Mac OSX 10.8+
CPUIntel/AMD Dual core processor
GPUOpenGL 2.1 and above
RAM1GB RAM/3GB RAM (recommended)
Memory10GB

Download Andy via the link below:

Apps Productivity AndY DOWNLOAD

4. GameLoop

GameLoop is the latest update from Tencent Gaming Buddy which is very popular among PUBG Mobile gamers because of direct support from developers.

Not only for PUBG Mobile, GameLoop also supports other games such as Arena of Valor, Honkai Impact, and much more.

In appearance, this Android emulator is indeed devoted to playing games only. So, for those of you who want to play social media, it's better to just try another emulator, gang.

Excess:

  • Support many Android games
  • Support from developers
  • Strong performance

Deficiency:

  • Dedicated to playing games only
Minimum SpecificationGameLoop
OSWindows 7/8/8.1/10 (32-bit/64-bit)
CPUIntel/AMD Dual core processor
GPUOpenGL 3.0 and above
RAM3GB RAM/8GB RAM (recommended)
Memory6GB

Download GameLoop / Tencent Gaming Buddy via the link below:

Apps Utilities Gameloop DOWNLOAD

5. BlueStacks 4

Bluestacks has become the best 2021 Android emulator that is commonly used. To use Bluestacks smoothly, at least you need PC specifications with RAM minimum 2GB.

BlueStacks 4 itself gets full support from BlueStacks Gaming Platform which provides better and faster performance to support the gaming experience, you know.

The latest Bluestacks has a faster, more stable performance, and is equipped with several features such as location settings.

Excess:

  • Support various apps and games
  • Regular updates
  • Runs on limited spec computers

Deficiency:

  • A bit lag, especially on the VGA which is inadequate
Minimum SpecificationBlueStacks 4
OSWindows 7 and above
CPUIntel/AMD processor
GPUOpenGL 3.0 and above
RAM2GB RAM
Memory5GB

Download BlueStacks via the link below:

Apps Drivers & Smartphone Bluestacks DOWNLOAD

6. Genymotion

Genymotion provide convenience for developer Android to test apps or games with multiple devices at once.

Therefore, this emulator requires expertise coding special. If it's just for playing games or playing social media, it's a shame, gang.

So far, Genymotion can run smartphone emulators like Nexus One with Android 4.2 or Nexus 6 with Android 6.0.

Excess:

  • Intended for developers
  • Regular updates
  • Android 8.0 Oreo base is available

Deficiency:

  • Need special coding skills
  • Free trial service with paid option per year
Minimum SpecificationGenymotion
OSWindows 7/8/8.1/10 (32-bit/64-bit)
CPUIntel/AMD 64-bit processor
GPUOpenGL 2.0 and above
RAM2GB RAM
Memory2GB

Download Genymotion via the link below:

Genymotion Smartphone & Drivers Apps DOWNLOAD

7. KOPlayer

KOPlayer is one of the new players in the world of mobile application emulators for PC. For you Android gamers on PC, KOPlayer can be an option.

This emulator can certainly run Android applications on a PC and can change the keyboard to a keyboard controller for some Android games.

The process of installing and using it is very easy, although there are still some bugs. However, overall, this emulator is really good for playing games.

Excess:

  • Intended for gamers
  • Support for Intel and AMD-based processors
  • Complete mouse and keyboard setup for gaming

Deficiency:

  • There are still many bugs
Minimum SpecificationKOPlayer
OSWindows 7. Windows 8.1, Windows 10, OSX-10.8+
CPUDual-core AMD or Intel CPU
GPUOpenGL 2.1 and above
RAM2GB RAM/4GB RAM (recommended)
Memory10GB

Download KoPlayer via the link below:

KOPLAYER Inc. Drivers & Smartphone Apps. DOWNLOAD

8. Manymo

manymo could be an interesting option. Manymo does not require you to download because this emulator can be used directly online.

You don't need storage space to install this PC android emulator. You just open this emulator through a browser.

Unfortunately, Manymo offers quite expensive payment options for personal users.

Excess:

  • Used online via browser
  • Doesn't take up PC storage space

Deficiency:

  • Payment options are too expensive
Minimum Specificationmanymo
OSWindows 7. Windows 8.1, Windows 10, OSX-10.8+
CPUAMD-vt or Intel VT-x capable CPU
GPUOpenGL ES 2.0 Graphic Card
RAM1GB RAM
MemoryUp to 20GB Free Disk Space

Download Manymo via the link below:

Apps Productivity Manymo DOWNLOAD

Other Best Android Emulators...

9. MEmu

MEmu is a mobile application emulator that supports various versions of Android, starting from Jelly Bean, Kit Kat, and others.

One of its big features is support for chipset Intel and AMD. For normal use, MEmu is very smooth in running most Android apps on PC.

Not only flexible, MEmu emulator also doesn't require a PC with high specs, aka very light to use. Playing games using MEmu is guaranteed to be even more fun!

Excess:

  • Intel and AMD processor support
  • Android game play ability
  • Light and smooth

Deficiency: -

Minimum SpecificationMEmu
OSWindows 7/8/8.1/10 (32-bit/64-bit)
CPUIntel/AMD 64-bit processor
GPUOpenGL 2.0 and above
RAM2GB RAM
Memory2GB

Download MEmu via the link below:

MEmu Emulator Apps DOWNLOAD

10. Nox

Photo source: Source: bignox.com

Besides BlueStacks, one of the other Android PC emulators that is most popular among gamers is Nox. With Nox, you can play Mobile Legends games on PC, you know!

One of these lightweight Android emulators offers a myriad of features, especially those that are quite helpful in playing Android games on PC.

With Nox, you can play games using a keyboard and mouse, even joystick if you have. Must try, here!

Excess:

  • Smooth in playing the game
  • Compatibility for Windows and Mac
  • Gamepad control support

Deficiency: -

Minimum SpecificationNox
OSWindows 7/8/8.1/10 (32-bit/64-bit)
CPUIntel/AMD Dual core processor
GPUOpenGL 2.0 and above
RAM1.5GB RAM/4GB RAM (recommended)
Memory1.5GB

Download Nox via the link below:

BigNox Emulator Apps DOWNLOAD

11. XePlayer

Apart from NoxPlayer, you also have other options to play Android games on your PC or laptop with XePlayer.

If you like Nox Player, maybe you will also like XePlayer. The reason is, the two emulators have almost the same performance.

XePlayer supports up to millions of games to be played using keyboard and mouse mechanics. This emulator also supports Windows XP, 7, 8 to 10 operating systems.

Excess:

  • Windows XP operating system support up to 10
  • Nox Player-like performance
  • Compatible with almost all apps and games

Deficiency:

  • Need high specifications for best performance
Minimum SpecificationXePlayer
OSWindows Xp/Windows Vista/Windows 7 SP1/Windows 8.1/Windows 10
CPUIntel or AMD CPU (with Virtualization Technology support preferred)
GPUOpenGL 2.0+ support
RAM1GB
Memory2GB

Download XePlayer via the link below:

XePlayer Emulator Apps DOWNLOAD

12. Remix OS Player

Next is Remix OS Player which is a mobile application emulator developed by Jide. Remix is ​​a new player in the world of Android emulators for PC.

So far only Remix OS Player supports Android up to Marshmallow versions. The installation process is quite easy.

But unfortunately, Remix OS Player does not support AMD-based CPUs. If you use AMD, you can try another emulator, gang.

Excess:

  • Optimization for playing Android games
  • Mapping for keyboard and mouse buttons

Deficiency:

  • Still based on Android Marshmallow
  • Does not support AMD processors
Minimum SpecificationRemix OS Player
OSWindows 7 (64-bit) or newer
CPUCore i3 (Recommend Core i5 or Core i7) / No support for AMD Chipsets
GPU-
RAM4GB RAM
Memory8GB Storage (Recommended 16GB)

Download Remix OS Player via the link below:

Apps Productivity Jide DOWNLOAD

13. Windroye

As one of the lightest and oldest Android emulators, Windroye has a fairly simple appearance.

This best lightest emulator can be downloaded for free with a fairly easy installation process. Windroye is also very suitable for those of you who have limited PC specifications.

Windroye is perfect for those of you who don't like complicated. You don't need to set this emulator all kinds of things to be able to run the application you want.

Excess:

  • Easy to use on PC with limited specifications
  • Simple features

Deficiency:

  • It's too old
Minimum SpecificationWindroye
OSWindows Vista or later
CPUAMD or Intel Dual-Core CPU that supports Virtualization Technology (amd-vt or Intel VT-x)
GPUOpenGL ES 2.0 Capable Video Card
RAM512 MB RAM
Memory273 MB free space on disk

Download Windroye via the link below:

Apps Emulator Windroy DOWNLOAD

14. Genymotion Cloud

Genymotion Cloud is another variant of the app at number 6 on the list. You don't need to install to use this emulator.

With this program, you can use the emulator virtually. You can choose device that you want to simulate along with the operating system.

Genymotion Cloud's interface is very easy and pleasing to the eye. However, this program requires a PC with high specifications for the application to run smoothly.

Excess:

  • Intended for developers
  • Great for playing games and testing apps
  • Has an attractive and easy-to-use interface

Deficiency:

  • Need a PC with high specifications
Minimum SpecificationGenymotion Cloud
OSWindows 7/8/10 (64 bit)
CPUAMD or Intel Dual-Core CPU that supports Virtualization Technology (amd-vt or Intel VT-x)
GPUOpenGL 2.0
RAM8GB RAM
Memory120MB for Genymotion Desktop + 1GB for one virtual device

Download Genymotion Cloud via the link below:

Apps Utilities DOWNLOAD

15. Jar of Beans

The name is unique, isn't it, gang? Jar of Beans is an emulator that uses Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean Base and already supports Intel Hardware Accelerated Execution Manager (HAXM).

The best feature of Jar of Beans is this emulator portable format, so it doesn't require any installation process at all, you know!

Of course it will make it easier for those of you who only use Android applications on a PC from time to time, right? Very practical, okay!

Excess:

  • Portable support without need to install
  • Fast performance

Deficiency:

  • Only supports Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean
Minimum SpecificationJar of Beans
OSMost versions of Windows are supported
CPUVT-x or AMD-V capable CPU
GPUOpenGL 2.0
RAM2GB RAM
Memory400MB

Download Jar of Beans via the link below:

Apps Drivers & Smartphones DOWNLOAD

16. YouWave

Just like Windroye, YouWave It is also one of the oldest Android emulators. There are 2 versions of the application that you can use.

For the free version, you will only get the Ice Cream Sandwich version. Meanwhile for the Lollipop version you have to pay US $ 29.99 (around Rp. 400 thousand).

However, because it is a lightweight emulator, YouWave is suitable for those of you who are looking for an Android emulator for low spec PCs.

Excess:

  • Lightweight and compatible on multiple PCs
  • Support Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10

Deficiency:

  • Limited features
  • Support only up to Android Lollipop (paid)
  • Limited gaming capabilities
Minimum SpecificationYouWave
OSWindows XP, Vista, Windows 7/8/10 (64 bit)
CPUVT-x support in CPU
GPU-
RAM2GB RAM
Memory1.5GB

Download YouWave via the link below:

Apps Productivity YouWave DOWNLOAD

17. ARChon

ARChon unlike most other best emulators. This emulator only requires Google Chrome to run applications in it.

The advantage of ARChon is that this application does not take up a lot of memory on your PC. However, the ARChon installation process is quite complicated for beginners.

ARChon itself is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. You just have to install Google Chrome on the OS to be able to install ARChon.

Excess:

  • Can be used only on Google Chrome
  • Compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux

Deficiency:

  • Difficult installation process
Minimum SpecificationARChon
OSWindows 10/8/7/Vista/XP and Mac
CPU-
GPU-
RAM-
Memory-

Download ARChon via the link below:

Apps Productivity Vladikoff DOWNLOAD

18. Droid4X

Droid4X has its own advantages and disadvantages. This best Android emulator for PC offers a simple interface and can be used to play games.

In addition to Windows, Droid4X also supports the MacOS operating system.Unfortunately there are still many bugs on Droid4X compared to other emulators for PC.

No need to worry if you use Droid4X to play games. Even though there's still a lot bugs, but the performance of this application is quite capable for playing games.

Excess:

  • Light and smooth
  • Supports Windows and Mac
  • Simple game playability

Deficiency:

  • There are still many bugs
Minimum SpecificationARChon
OSWindows 7/8/8.1/10 (32-bit/64-bit)
CPUIntel/AMD Dual core processor
GPUOpenGL 2.0 and above
RAM1GB RAM/4GB RAM (recommended)
Memory4GB

Download Droid4X via the link below:

Apps Drivers & Smartphone Droid4X DOWNLOAD

19. LeapDroid

LeapDroid is one of the emulators that was acquired by Google. This emulator brings Android 4.4 KitKat with support keyboard mapping to play games.

When you first install, you will also get the option to download popular games such as Clash of Clans and Pokemon GO, you know!

Not just for playing games. You can also run social media applications such as Instagram or Facebook very freely.

Excess:

  • Support playing various game titles
  • Easy mapping keyboard

Deficiency:

  • Support only up to Android KitKat
Minimum SpecificationLeapDroid
OSWindows 7 up (32-bit/64-bit)
CPUIntel/AMD dual core processor
GPUOpenGL 2.0 and above
RAM2GB RAM
Memory2GB

Download LeapDroid via the link below:

Apps Productivity LeapDroid DOWNLOAD

20. VirtualBox

If you don't feel right with the emulators that ApkVenue recommends above, you can also create your own mobile application emulator.

You can create your own Android emulator application using VirtualBox and image from android-x86.org.

You can use this emulator by following the tutorials that are circulating on the internet. In addition, you also need good coding skills.

Excess:

  • Intended for developers
  • Flexibility to build emulators as needed

Deficiency:

  • Need coding skills
Minimum SpecificationVirtualBox
OSWindows Vista, Windows 7
CPUIntel VT-x or AMD-V processor
GPU-
RAM1GB RAM
Memory-

Download Virtual Box via the link below:

Apps Developer Tools Oracle DOWNLOAD

How to Install Nox App Player Emulator on PC

Well, of the many Android PC emulators that you can use, Jaka advises you to use Nox App Player, especially if you use it to play Android games on a PC.

But do you already know how how to install Nox App Player to play Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or PUBG Mobile? Here, Jaka has described it in full below!

  • Download and install the Nox App Player offline installer which is about 300MB in size. You can get it via the link below.
BigNox Emulator Apps DOWNLOAD
  • Open the installer and click the button Install. Don't forget to put a check mark in the column "I have read and accept the Nox License Agreement".
  • The process of installing Nox App Player will run automatically and will take approximately 10 minutes. When finished, click the button Start.
  • Before using Nox App Player, login and first register the Gmail account that is used to access the Google Play Store.
  • If you have entered your Gmail email address and password, then you can use Nox App Player on your PC or laptop. It's easy, right?

Apart from the steps above, you still need to make settings so that the emulator is more comfortable to use.

You can read more in Jaka's article below: How to Install Nox Player Emulator Android on PC/Laptop Complete.

Pros of Using an Android PC Emulator

photo source: techradar.com

The presence of an Android emulator on a PC or laptop is certainly not without purpose. Then what are the advantages and benefits of using a mobile application emulator compared to playing it directly on a smartphone?

Here are some benefits that you can feel if you use an Android PC or laptop emulator:

  1. No need to worry about running out of battery, because the desktop device will use the electricity supply continuously and there is no need to worry lowbatt.
  2. Fast and adjustable performance, especially if you use a PC or gaming laptop that has high performance in its class.
  3. Bigger screenCompared to smartphones or tablets that have limited screens, you can enjoy various content more freely on your PC or laptop screen.
  4. Easier control, if you use the keyboard or mouse to scroll screen, typing text, and playing games.
  5. Spacious storage space, without worrying about running out of limited internal memory to store large applications and games.

Well, that's the recommendation for the lightest and fastest best Android emulator for a PC or laptop in 2021. Whether or not the emulator runs smoothly depends on the application and PC specifications used.

Which is the best Android emulator in your opinion? If you have other recommendations, don't forget share in the comments column, yes!

Also read articles about Emulators or other interesting articles from Satria Aji Purwoko.

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